When I lived in the States I would ride alone 90 percent of the time and because of where we lived it was pretty isolated riding a lot of the time. As one of the other girls mentioned it was dogs more than humans that worried me. Now we are back in Aust I pretty much do all my rides on my own and again after about 10 mins riding I can be out in the boonies (dogs again are my main concern).

Could I be attacked? Well I guess so but I could I be attacked in my own home ? Well apparently that happens a lot more than I would like to think on.

So I prepare as much as I can.
I have a road id with all my info and contact numbers on it including my folks as my husband is away a lot.
I always let someone know where I am going. This might mean ringing family or friends if DH is away.
I carry a mobile phone but I must say the reception can be hit and miss.

I think trusting your gut is good if a situation looks dicey get out of there.