I just got back from 21 miles alone on rural roads. On many rides, I meet or get passed by less than one car per mile or two.

I have a route that I love and I can ride this distance without ever being more than 6 or 7 miles' walk from home in case of a flat, mechanical problem, etc. I take a cell phone and pepper spray.

I'm much more afraid of crashing because I'm a klutz than anything else. Every once in a while I fall off but have never had to call DH to come pick me up.

Every once in a while some dumb redneck yells something at me.

Once when out running on these old backroads, a man stopped, got out of his car and walked around it *at* me.

I made ready to dismember him with my cell phone, which was the only thing I had with me at the time. Fortunately, I didn't have to defend myself.

I now remember to take my pepper spray.