Speakers on backpacks. Good or bad? - The Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers

devmegsmum · Veteran Member

Speakers on backpacks. Good or bad?

JulieK · Senior Member

LOVE speakers on backpacks. I carried some last year just to get me through hills (didn't play them all the time), but have been known to pace myself with other people who are carrying speakers.

Ashley Costa · Senior Member

I don't mind them... and it's true, it keeps you (and the people around you) going (as long as the songs are appropriate).

I do think that the office tells us no headphones, no cells etc. so I don't know if it's 'frowned' upon.

But it's good motivation (if it isn't blasting in your ear) and if you can stand to carry the extra weight.

Noreen · Senior Member

I love to hear music while I'm walking too! I know last year we walked by someone with music playing. It helped to give me that little push. :) I'm sure there are some people that my not like it, but I would think most people enjoy it!

devmegsmum · Veteran Member

Thanks for the feedback ladies! I bought two little speakers, not bad sound and they aren't too heavy so I think I will bring them along. If they bother anyone they can either tell me or walk faster than me :o)

Megan Ashley · Moderator

Music on the route is great fun and uplifting for everyone around! I did the Ride to Conquer Cancer and while you're not allowed to use headphones for safety precautions, I simply played music on my iPhone speakers and put my phone in my back shirt pouch. About 10 mins later I checked behind me and had gained a huge group of Riders who were just cruising along, lovin' the music!

Definitely feel free to bring speakers and music...just bring a variety for all to have fun with. You'll definitely be the "fun one" of the group!

SaraP · Member

We can't bring cell phones????

I really really (REALLY) wanted to call my mom as I was nearing the finish line. She is in Alberta and can't be here to cheer me on, but wanted me to call her because she's so proud of me for beating cancer and being part of the walk.

Now what do I do... that is actually what I was looking forward to the most was calling my mom near the end. :'(

chubbles · Member

lots and lots of people bring cell phones just for that reason! I think they just prefer you do not "walk and talk" along the sidewalks, to disturb other people. When we call our friends and family to let them know how long we will be to the finish line, we simply "pull off" to the side, to let the other walkers pass, or, call them at the last pit stop, or call them once you are inside the princess Gates. I think they also do not want people texting while walking for safety reasons, ie you might not be paying attention to traffic if you are texting. The first year I went, I lost my cellphone at closing ceremonies, and it was turned in, along with many others, and nothing was said to me that we were not supposed to have phones.

Denise · Veteran Member

Hi,

Yes of course you can bring your cell phone, however you can not walk and talk at the same time for saftey reasons. When it's time to call your Mum simply step off the route/sidewalk to call or call from the last Grab n Go That way there is no worry about you tripping and falling or walking into trees, poles, other walkers etc.

See you on route,
Denise -- Sweep Cure at the End of the Rainbow

Megan Ashley · Moderator

No of course you can bring cell phones! The Weekend just doesn't want you distracted by anything to cause injury or risk your safety.

Noreen · Senior Member

I always bring mine. I did however get "told" last year when they saw me talking on it while walking (I was paying attention to where I was going, and wasn't distracted). I'm not a cell phone person, and don't chat on it all day, but was answering a call from my parents (who come down every year and cheer us on for the full two days) that wanted to know where we were so they could find us. We were walking in a spot that I couldn't move off to the side, and I didn't have their cell number to call them back! (as it was a new phone).

SaraP · Member

Thanks for clarifying that everyone :) I feel much better now.

I think I just worry too much.

It's getting so close now, and the fact that the second day of the walk is my birthday has me very excited! What a present to give to myself biggrin

-- Edited by SaraP on Thursday 26th of August 2010 03:26:44 PM

Doreen H · Veteran Member

Don't worry! Just let your feet do the walking, your mouth do the talking and all the rest of you enjoy the experience! The crew and staff take excellent care of all the walkers, the people are friendly and fun, and some of the neighbourhoods we walk through are sooo supportive it brings tears to your eyes. If you ever need help, just ask.
As has been said already, if you need, note I said need, to use your cellphone, step to the side.

All we need now is for Mother Nature to cooperate and we are all set for an amazing experience!!

Doreen from Ajax
6th WTEWC
4th time walker

Doreen H · Veteran Member

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Doreen from Ajax smile

motorcyclemohawk · Member

Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch while you are on the weekend - and its important to have the support of your family and friends :) now ... that said we (as crew) are instructed to encourage ppl to step off the route or to the side when talking - i have seen ppl walk into poles and other walkers and even out in front of cars crossing on a red light because they were talking and walking and its our job to ensure that doesnt happen
- i know ppl can pay attention while walking and talking but its just much easier for everyone if you just take a moment and step off and finish your call

if your friends wont wait for you then thats just mean of them - we often hear well my friend wont wait - maybe you should let her go and find someone new to walk with then - a new experience :)

so if a crew asks you to step off the route to finish your call please remember we dont do it to be mean or power trip its just for safety and safety is our number one concern always - we have never lost a walker and dont intend to let 2010 be the first time!!!

and yes we all carry our cell phones too but dont use them while at our posts - before and after the walkers go by but not when we are crossing them

motorcyclemohawk · Member

speakers are great tho - as long as you can still hear whats going on around you - thats the issue with earphones - us crew like to hear the music too :)

i often have my ipod going with the earphones just hanging down so that i can still hear the tunes - or in just one ear while riding but it really is important that you can hear whats going on for safety reasons - and so we only have to blow our whistles for fun !!!!

devmegsmum · Veteran Member

I agree completely, safety is number one. I think the crew does an excellent job of enforcing the safety rules, they use humour and try to get people to see why it's important to pay attention. I like the idea of one earphone, that will work as well. See you in a few days!

dforgeard · Veteran Member

Don't forget the sweeps vans usually all have music going to help keep things DANCING along. Also this year there will be cheer teams in those hard to walk areas.