How do you stay safe..alone?

[Aggie_Ama]

Hey Jenn, get a mirror! I have one on my helmet.

There simply isn't enough room in my head to worry about all this stuff. The idea of riding down a road where there is NO BODY is a little frightening, because if i crashed (not likely) no one would come to rescue me.. (especially if there's no cell signal)

Mimi- This is why I have decided against riding alone. We did a ride last weekend where in 20 miles I saw 3 houses and 5 cars. Can you imagine? Even if it wasn't sinister, something could happen and NO ONE would know. I mean how many times do you hear about people wrecking with wildlife? The part of the county where I live it is safer to only ride with DH or an organized ride.

[mimitabby]

either mace or pepperspray would not be something i want in my face.
Here's the deal, you spray mean man in face. He grabs your spray and sprays you back!
Maybe he wasn't going to hurt you. maybe he just wanted to ask you directions, who knows. but now he's mad and bigger than you.

[Trekhawk]

Isn't it interesting how different we all are. I never worry about riding deserted areas on my road bike. I figure if I crash well sooner or later someone will find me and yes I do ride on roads with little traffic and sometimes not a single house for miles. Now mountain biking is a different story for me. I will not mountain bike out here unless I have someone with me. Between Cougars, drug makers and the fact that I crash nearly every ride it just doesn't seem wise.

[li10up]

A few years ago the mid-sized town I live in had the highest murder rate per capita in the country. I too am very aware of my surroundings when I am alone...either on my bike or out shopping, etc. But sometimes I think we are scaring ourselves too much; seeing crime and criminals in every shadow. Case in point: The other day DH goes to Wal-Mart to pick something up. He was in there about 15 minutes. He starts walking back to the car and is fishing for his keys and can't find them. He then thinks, "Damn, I locked them in the car." He gets to the car...the car is running with the door unlocked. He must have been distracted (seriously!) and just got out and walked into the store. Even in a town with it's share of crime nobody took off in the car.

I agree - know how to protect yourself. So, be aware but don't live in fear.