Riding alone questions

[gingerale]

I'm fairly new to riding. I've ridden alone all around my neighborhood and local park, but haven't yet ventured out onto the main roads alone. I have decided to start riding once or twice a week in a local state park nearby. But, here's my issue. Hubby is currently deployed and I have 2 kids in elementary school. I also don't have any family here. Do you think it would be unreasonable of me to check in at the ranger station before I ride and leave a note telling them if I'm not out by a certain time to send someone to look for me? I'm getting one of the wrist id bracelets to wear, but this park is rather quiet during the week. Very few cars down there. Just worried if something did happen to me that no one would know to get my kids, etc. I'm being such a chicken about it all, I know. Sort of scared of riding like that completely alone.

[sundial]

Do you think it would be unreasonable of me to check in at the ranger station before I ride and leave a note telling them if I'm not out by a certain time to send someone to look for me?

Not at all! I think you are being a good mom for leaving your info with the ranger station. I ride in our parks too and have come to know the staff that works there. I like knowing they will come looking for me should I not be gone by nightfall.

Perhaps, too, the ranger will want to partake in a bike ride once he sees the fun you are having.

[gingerale]

Thank you! I was afraid they would think I was a real idiot leaving my info with them. I used to do a lot of hiking and in one state park, they require the hikers to check in and what date they think they'll be climbing back out. If they don't check in by that date, they send someone to look for them. I'm a big worrier and just need to make sure someone would care for my kids and/or get a message to the red cross if something, God forbid, did happen.

[sundial]

I ride solo often and one thing that brought me and my husband peace of mind was the Spot. You can add friends or family to the account and it will automatically send I'm Ok messages periodically or you can push the button for 911 assistance. They can track your ride on Google Earth.

[gingerale]

Wow! That is amazing. Going to have to look at getting one of those, too. I knew you ladies here could help me with my comfort zone on doing this. Thank you.

[newfsmith]

It is a standard outdoor safety feature to file a "flight plan" with someone. Even if you invest in Spot, having someone that is expecting you to check in by a certain time is wise. If you are away from family, I'm assuming you are near your husband's stateside base. Maybe another mother from his unit could be your contact person.

[gingerale]

Actually, he's a reservist so we're not near a base. I do have friends here and have spoken to them about it, as well. I'll let them know I'm going and when to call someone in case they haven't heard from me. Thank you.

[sundial]

I also carry a cell phone with me but you might not get a signal in the park. That's where the Spot is handy since it uses satellite signals to send and receive info. It's good to let someone know when and where you are riding, regardless. With an increase of violent crimes occurring in the parks, one can never be too cautious.

[gingerale]

Yes, we have the same problem in this park. It's down in a canyon and so no signals down there. I'm very interested in the Spot tracker. That's a great idea. Even after hubby gets back, it would be a great thing for me to have.

[gingerale]

Do any of ya'll carry any other items with you? Pepper spray? Anything else?? Just curious.

[sundial]

I have my concealed weapon permit which allows me to carry peace of mind.

[gingerale]

I like that kind of peace of mind, too.

[IGGY]

I don't think it's stupid, I think it's fabulous! I know that I ALWAYS want people watching my back. Especially a Ranger! To know that someone would be waiting for me if I didn't check out after I checked in would be a comfort.
I don't carry any pepper spray or anything like that.
I do wear the road i.d.
You need sanity time to be a good mom while hubby is away. To do that, you need to relax during your ride. This sounds like a good idea. I'm gonna research the SPOT now.
If you want to publicly announce where you are, there are a bunch of us who have deployed husbands, maybe we have a connection for you to ride with?
You can e mail me privately if you'd like.

[pardes]

Good for you Gingerale. An excellent Mom taking care of her kids. With your husband deployed your kids are more in need of your security and by letting them know that you have alerts out for your safety....well that can only be very reassuring to them even if they don't admit it.

I always ride alone and what I'm concerned about are my furbabies if something happens to me. I may invest in SPOT or something like it. With no family left and friends too far away, it's a problem for the solitary rider.

[gingerale]

Well, I'm pumped (no pun intended) and ready to ride tomorrow. All I have to do is conquer this little fear and I know it'll get easier.

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice. I truly appreciate it.