So sorry that happened to you
I agree with others that in the future you should bring your bike in. Living in San Francisco I'm very uncomfortable locking my bike up anywhere and I'll ask to bring my bike in to stores and appointments. I've never been refused.
As far as the drunk vagrant, that sucks! Since this isn't the first experience you've had with aggressive unwanted sexual advances it is no wonder you were uncomfortable. I would suggest that you sign up for a women's self defense class. I'm not suggesting that you beat anyone up but it will boost your confidence which overall will make you a less easy target. Again though, I'm so sorry that happened to you and I hope you feel better soon. Seems to be a common occurrence here in the Bay Area... :mad:
Erin
We are all feeling bad for your awful experience....
:o Oh, Mel, poor kid!
I certainly understand your fear, the bad vibes and terrible memories from the past.... all the advice you got was dynamite stuff...
I also heard about one self defense instructor who advised women to carry a long hat pin, tucked in a safe place,....and pull it out and stab the guy's hand if he makes a move towards you, then yell "Fire!" at the top of your lungs and RUN!!! ("fire" draws people but "help" or "rape" actually repels them away.)
There was a nurse at the ER near where I worked that got raped.... :mad: and the deviant came back for seconds.... well, she was in high heels ready for a night out after work.. She'd had these very self defense lessons and so when he tried to jump her, she whipped out her hat pin, stabbed him in the face, and while he was writhing in pain, she took off her high heels and proceeded to gouge his eyes out, while yelling "Fire!" People came running!
The hospital security came, apprehended him, called for police & medical help and she didn't stop...while they were strapping him on the gurney to take him inside for treatment of her wounds to him, she hopped up on the gurney and started beating him again with her high heels!! :eek:
The paper got photos of her ... how mad she was, how empowered she felt and all....and that guy told police he'd never dream of attacking a woman again after that hideous and scarring experience!!!
Further thoughts from the dita'nator ;-)
What Bikerz sed. There are similar classes all around. A good source of info is your local police department for reccomendations in your area.
Feel free to PM me also if looking into how to choose one or tell if a school is good.
Martial arts themselves are not about self defense. As well as fitness, body/mind awareness, there's a spiritual aspect and those "ah HAH" moments "oh THAT'S how that works, about time I figured it out".
It's a lifetime thang, no short term about it.
I don't want to be the biggest baddest mofo, at 5'1" that's a good thing. And I never ever want to "use it"...again.
In a good school it will take years of basics to get to anything that could be "used".
So find a good short term 1-2 day class if you want something right away.
Meanwhile I feel that anything and everything we do to make us strong, aware, confident and comfortable in our body whether it's your first Ironman or first time clipless may make you less likely to be "picked" by bad guys. (I say bad guys but it's not always guys).
On the other hand, some days it just doesn't pay to get outa bed :o
But it's not the fight that happens, it's the ones that don't, or do but don't go so far etc. As you become stronger everyday there may be someone who decides "naaah, not that one, not today I won't mess with her".
That's the best self defense there is, the fight that never happens.
So trust your instincts, listen to your gutt and ride on TE gals. My rule of thumb is if situation feels iffy..it is. Better to risk embarasement by leaving than worse.