Do you feel this is safe?

[Trek420]

Ride as if you own the road. Anything else, you can't control it.

I agree, best to be alert (the world needs more 'lerts ), aware, trust your gut instincts. I don't recommend carrying weapons of any sort nor is it possible to cover every situation that could occur.

I just try to live the best I can in a spirit of non-violence, protecting others (even potential opponents/attackers), diffusing confrontation. It's a difficult goal in a violent world but one worth striving for.

But I gotta go, I'm off to train with this gal, my teacher of these 25 years

[KnottedYet]

I've seen Trek flinging folks around in a protective, respectful, and non-violent manner.

I want her with me on rides!

[Trek420]

I've seen Trek flinging folks around in a protective, respectful, and non-violent manner.

I want her with me on rides!

Thanks dear

And as you can see from the image above, Aikido also helps you cycling, I know how to fall off the bike (in theory) I want Knott to put me back together if I take a high-fall like that

But seriously I have no desire to ever "use it". I've had two such occaisions and both times I was ok, bad guy not hurt but verbatim both said "I'm sorry , I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry ...." one while running the other way.

I have no desire for a 3rd.

Trust your gut. If the situation feels odd...it probably is. Don't be ashamed to stop and just head another direction ...... and get out and ride!

[Harley]

...no, not a buzzard, I wasn't dead yet, it was a golden eagle

On cell phones... in mountainous areas I haven't found a service yet that is consistent. Analog is no longer available in Northern Washington, I had to switch. But it's still a comfort carrying one, I know where I have to crawl to to get service.

Used to carry a pistol on my Harley, never had to use it... but if I lived in a city, like some of you, I may have a change of heart and start packin' again.

[RoadRaven]

Well... just adding my voice to those others saying ride where you want with sense...

I live in the country, my commute to work takes me to the edge of a town - so almost all my training rides and commuting trips are on country roads. I mostly ride on my own also.

My precautions - always carry a cell phone which is always on and ready to use. I always tell someone where I am going and when I expect to get there - and then ring them once I arrive...