Riding without a cell phone?

[bouncybouncy]

first: I have no land line...I use only a cell phone because it is cost efficient when calling family & friends out of state. I have learned that I am not captive to thing!!! I have programmed certain ring tones for certain people so I can answer selectivly (I always answer my Mom's call ) It seems hard for many people to comprehend that I reserve the right to answer when I am available...ie: out to dinner=don't answer; at work and busy=don't answer; sitting around enjoying a summer beverage=answer...it really is that simple

second: I have the GPS thingy to so I have peace of mind if I do not show up and a crew needs to search...they have a lead!!!

third: I can call to get myself out of a jam...if need be!

I do not think of it as a crutch or a jail sentence...just a convenient tool to increase my own safety (especially in the world we live in, unfortunately)

[Carm]

I ride a combination of trails, streets and country roads, often by myself. I always carry my cell phone, turned on, as women have been attacked on the trails and I have been harrassed on the road. Nothing stops a harrasser quicker than pulling out your cell phone and dialing a number. I can make simple bike repairs and I hope I can defend myself as I have studied martial arts for several years. However, having a cell phone on board gives me a second option in case Plan A doesn't work out.

My son is currently living with me after graduating from college but for the past two years I had no one waiting at home to make sure I arrived back safely. If a car struck me (car/bike hit and runs have happened here too) and I was laying in the ditch, hopefully I could reach my cell phone and call for help. To me that's being self-sufficient and smart!

One thing for sure is that I am not an auto mechanic, nor do I want to be one. I have AAA for those times when my car breaks down. I've used my cell phone at least once a year to call them for things like a dead car battery, removing too tight lug nuts off of a flat tire, etc. Thank goodness I had with me and charged up to boot.

P.S. Just purchased a digital camera. Can't wait to carry that along on the next big bike club event ride.