Do you mountain bike alone?

[bike4ever]

I do ride alone. Mainly because my schedule gets screwy and it's hard to find riding partners when I'm free. I also only go my limit - I won't try aggressive stuff without someone else along.

[Aggie_Ama]

DH goes alone sometimes. While he wouldn't have the problem with creepy people he is a risk taker and sometimes comes home covered in dirt or blood. I second a first aid kit.

What about getting a SPOT or Find a Spot? Whatever those satellite GPS are? We are thinking about getting one because we enjoy hiking and our cell phones can get a little dicey if we get off the beaten path.

[sundial]

I ride alone but then the trails aren't too technical. If it was, I'd probably have a riding partner.

[Tabby]

Even though your area may not get cell reception ... it doesn't hurt to have one just in case ... sometimes reception can be intermittent. Great tip from recent women's clinic is get a good whistle to attach to the shoulder of your camelback. If you are hurt to the point you can't get the camelback off your back, the whistle is right close to blow for signaling other riders/hikers in the area.

Just a thought ... do I have my whistle yet? No, but it's on my list.

PJ

[bluebug32]

I really like to mountain bike alone, but will only do it at a couple of the smaller places that I ride and know really well. One is right across from where I work so I feel very safe there if anything should happen. I'm also weary of my ability to fix something if I get a mechanical. Is there a local mtb club or a shop where you could inquire about people to ride with?

[Tabby]

Limewave,

Are you in SE Michigan? I'll be in Rochester Hills visiting friends August 8-10 and should have time for a ride on 9 or 10 if you're close by. I'm a newbie ... but love to ride and learn from many different riders.

PJ

[Irulan]

I ride solo. I've never felt unsafe in our area ( smallish western city). I don't do crazy technical stuff, but I will ride to my satisfaction. I carry a cell phone, but didn't used to.

[Skierchickie]

I ride alone (almost always), and actually prefer it. I'm not so confident in my mtb skills that I want to go all out over my head to keep up on singletrack - alone, I can do what I'm comfortable with at a pace where I don't feel like I'm going to slam into a tree at any second. Safety-wise, I don't really think about it. Like Irulan, I don't do crazy stuff (although I have had crashes where I lay there wondering if I was going to be able to get out under my own power). If you already feel unsafe due to creepies, definitely listen to your gut (I like the bear spray idea). Lots of good tips here - I should use some of them.

I don't usually even think about a cell phone when I ride. I have one - rarely use it since I don't have service at home, barely at work - more of an Ineedtopickupapizzaonmywayhome phone, or a We'regettinghomebeforekennelpickuptimemaybethey'llletusspringherearly phone. So I don't even think to ride with it. Especially mountain biking. It really would be a good idea, though.

[SadieKate]

Even though your area may not get cell reception ... it doesn't hurt to have one just in case ... sometimes reception can be intermittent. Great tip from recent women's clinic is get a good whistle to attach to the shoulder of your camelback. If you are hurt to the point you can't get the camelback off your back, the whistle is right close to blow for signaling other riders/hikers in the area.

Just a thought ... do I have my whistle yet? No, but it's on my list.

PJ

That's why a SPOT is a good thing. I've even used it when driving by myself through remote areas in potentially bad weather.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ight=satellite

[ikkin]

i consider myself lucky to have an awesome group of friends (including the hubby) who collectively have an awesome group of bikes. we head out together a couple times a week, so i'm rarely riding alone.

and on the rare occassions none of my playmates can come, i ride with Maya the Dog.

[wavedancer]

That's why a SPOT is a good thing. I've even used it when driving by myself through remote areas in potentially bad weather.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ight=satellite

What is a SPOT?

[SadieKate]

Um, clicking on links is your friend???