Creepy People

[Bruno28]

But as a single woman who rides by herself all the time

I was sorry to hear about your bad experience.

as usual TE women have come up with good advice - I carry my mobile phone but never thought of using it to take pictures in a dodgy situation (doh!)

I also cycle alone, and I spend time on cycle paths through woodland areas. I felt quite safe until recently when two shifty looking guys emerged from the undergrowth (carrying a rolled up rug for some reason!???) Suddenly I became aware of the potential dangers.

Anyway, I refuse to have my freedom limited and reckon, statistically I'm more likely to get knocked down on the road (that would be highway to you folks) than be attacked in the woods.

Having said that - anyone got any safety tips for cycling alone in a non-urban setting?

[CycleChic06]

I didn't mean to make it seem like it was the same person both times. I had an experience several days earlier where I was being chased by a guy who definitely wasn't all there mentally.

I'm just getting a little frustrated and scared by these seperate incidents. And also reading about women dispearing off bike paths.

You all gave really good advice. I could have turned off the road in so many instances, but I really kept believing that he was going to leave me alone at any second. I just kept chanting that to myself "leave me alone" like he could hear me or something. But I know what the guy looks like and I remember his car (he paced me for a good 10 min.). I'm not going to take that route again during that time of day. Usually I only take it on weekends, early in the morning. It's just really sad that I have to change my life because of people like this. Men never have to deal with crap like this.

[esther231]

It's so stupid, isn't it? It scares me and then it makes me angry.

You brought up a great point just now. The advantage of a bike is that you can stop and turn around anywhere you want. It's not a car. If you get spooked, you don't have to have a reason, - turn around and ride against traffic till you ditch 'em.

Same deal on a bike path. If two guys climb out from the under bush - turn around.

It's okay to look silly or be wrong. Trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, that's a good enough reason to get yourself out of there.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I also cycle alone, and I spend time on cycle paths through woodland areas. I felt quite safe until recently when two shifty looking guys emerged from the undergrowth (carrying a rolled up rug for some reason!???)

A rolled up rug?!?! Um- isn't that what people in the movies always use to haul away a body in their car trunk and dispose of it somewhere?? Gee, if that rug was big enough to roll around a body, I would just mention it with the date and location to the police, in case someone is missing around there. Maybe a missing person is being searched for...
On the other hand, if it was a small rug, maybe the two guys had simply had a "prayer meeting" in the woods or something...

[Bruno28]

Nope - I could see there weren't no body in the rug from the way it sagged in the middle and the way the two guys were loping along. But thanks for spooking me anyway....

Now the prayer mat idea - that did make me laugh!

[chickwhorips]

Having said that - anyone got any safety tips for cycling alone in a non-urban setting?

there was a huge thread going a bit back about advice and what to do. i can't find it for the life of me right now, but i'll keep searching for you.

[chickwhorips]

bruno i actually found a couple of them once i really started searching.

here is one:http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8558

[Bruno28]

Thanks cwr - Lots of good tips and and support in that thread. I guess I shouldn't really worry, what with having the gun and all

Seriously, the tip about leaving the details of where you are going and how long you'll be - and carrying id are pretty good ideas.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I realize that not everyone goes for this sort of thing, but I ordered a small cannister of pepper spray today that I will keep handy. Actually, I got it because of some nasty snarling dogs (a boxer and a rottie) tied out on chains that I have to pass on my very FAVORITE bike ride, and I live in fear that either their collars or chains will snap one day as they are leaping against them while I pass by. One day the owner will be in the yard when I pass and I plan to stop and try to have a civil conversation with them about the danger. Meanwhile, having some pepper spray may bring me some limited mental comfort- perhaps with creepy people too...

[Artisan]

The sad thing is I've come to expect harassment as a woman on every solo ride I do. Like Regina mentioned, I believe it's best to try to dress androgynous when you are by yourself. Unfortunately it's really hard to hide a ponytail and the HOT weather makes it hard to cover up. I bought a cell phone with a camera specifically for my solo rides, I also carry mace for protection that I hang from my handlebars.

It can be so scary out there when you are confronted with a situation. I've often thought of what my defenses would be if something were to ever happen, I know I'd fight like crazy. One reason I really love my riding shoes...they may be hard to walk in but they'd hurt like hell if I were to kick someone with them!