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I got a cell phone when I started studying in 1996 (LOL, a 'mature' student), so that when I was driving to/from home I could ring my partner if I got stuck or broke down...
Then I started work after graduating, and biking and its just piece of mind for me and for my family.
My boys have cell phones too now, and my DH... and its such a relief.
DH has had several rides where he has 2-3 flats and he can just ring up and get a lift.
I wear the Road ID ( the neck chain), carry a cell, and also the basics for fixing a flat (or two)... and extra food, gel, etc.
The cell towers work pretty well in my area, so that's not an issue. I try to cover the bases as far as unpredictable outcomes.
first: I have no land line...I use only a cell phone because it is cost efficient when calling family & friends out of state. I have learned that I am not captive to thing!!! I have programmed certain ring tones for certain people so I can answer selectivly (I always answer my Mom's call :p ) It seems hard for many people to comprehend that I reserve the right to answer when I am available...ie: out to dinner=don't answer; at work and busy=don't answer; sitting around enjoying a summer beverage=answer...it really is that simple :D
second: I have the GPS thingy to so I have peace of mind if I do not show up and a crew needs to search...they have a lead!!!
third: I can call to get myself out of a jam...if need be!
I do not think of it as a crutch or a jail sentence...just a convenient tool to increase my own safety (especially in the world we live in, unfortunately)
I ride a combination of trails, streets and country roads, often by myself. I always carry my cell phone, turned on, as women have been attacked on the trails and I have been harrassed on the road. Nothing stops a harrasser quicker than pulling out your cell phone and dialing a number. I can make simple bike repairs and I hope I can defend myself as I have studied martial arts for several years. However, having a cell phone on board gives me a second option in case Plan A doesn't work out.
My son is currently living with me after graduating from college but for the past two years I had no one waiting at home to make sure I arrived back safely. If a car struck me (car/bike hit and runs have happened here too) and I was laying in the ditch, hopefully I could reach my cell phone and call for help. To me that's being self-sufficient and smart!
One thing for sure is that I am not an auto mechanic, nor do I want to be one. I have AAA for those times when my car breaks down. I've used my cell phone at least once a year to call them for things like a dead car battery, removing too tight lug nuts off of a flat tire, etc. Thank goodness I had with me and charged up to boot.
P.S. Just purchased a digital camera. Can't wait to carry that along on the next big bike club event ride. :p