Do you mountain bike alone?

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I don't have a road ID though, I took one of my expired Driver's licenses and put post its on the back with phone numbers for my dad (who is 400 miles away), for my friend (who is in the area) and for the soon to be ex husband (who can't be far enough away at 3000 miles). I stuff it in my camelbak incase I get hurt and at least they know who I am.

If I go on a really long ride, I leave a map in my car with where I'm going. Although here in Mass, I really don't know where I'm going on the trail so I try to sketch something out if I know ahead of time and leave it with someone. I usually msg a friend of mine before I take off and then when I get back to my car.

[Becky]

I don't have a road ID though, I took one of my expired Driver's licenses and put post its on the back with phone numbers for my dad (who is 400 miles away), for my friend (who is in the area) and for the soon to be ex husband (who can't be far enough away at 3000 miles). I stuff it in my camelbak incase I get hurt and at least they know who I am.

If I go on a really long ride, I leave a map in my car with where I'm going. Although here in Mass, I really don't know where I'm going on the trail so I try to sketch something out if I know ahead of time and leave it with someone. I usually msg a friend of mine before I take off and then when I get back to my car.

May I suggest wearing a Road ID or something similar? An ID on a wrist or dog tag is more likely to be found than something stuffed away in a pocket or bag, especially if you're not conscious or can't be moved. A driver's license or insurance card is great back-up though, and I do keep a copy of each in my seat bag.

I love the map idea- I may need to start using that one!

[Lake Desire]

If I can't find friends to ride with, I usually head to the mountain because I find mountain biking really fun and therapeutic when I'm by myself. Also empowering. Even with creepers, in I feel pretty safe and confident as long as I'm on my bike. It sucks that as women we have the extra fear of violence... as if there aren't enough hinderances to keep us from cycling as much as the men!

As far as injury and mechanicals, I carry my cell-phone and the trails I ride are pretty well-ridden and not too remote (Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham, WA), so usually other riders come along quickly if I were to have a problem.

[han-grrl]

i tend to ride alone, because of scheduling, and my own training plans...

i try to not do too technical, or i leave a note on my dash board that i am on the trails and will be back at a certain time...

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I will have to find a road ID, you are right, it's better than rifling through my bag to find out what happened, and as in the case of my friend who dirt bikes, he was launched off of his bike and knocked out. Some kids took off with his backpack. He woke up and do you think they called help? A very extreme example but you're right. I should have something on me.

I keep forgetting to put a copy of my insurance card in there too.

The map thing is something I learned in a wilderness guide class a while ago. Always leave a map in your car (not where people can read it walking by but folded on the seat) so if something happens someone can find you. A couple of years ago a guy was mtn biking in Tahoe and it was in Oct. He either fell and hit his head or just wrecked and lost his bearings. He wasn't that far from the trailhead but he died from exposure and couldn't be found until spring. I just don't want that to happen to me.

Yesterday when I was riding I realized how far out I go and what kind of creepy people could be lurking behind the trees. I don't know how to explain it but I always feel like someone is looking out for me. Not something you want to rely on, but yes, it's sad that women have to be doubly concerned being by themselves. I guess I'm too hardheaded to let that stop me. I have to agree with some of the other posters tho, I ride most of the time alone and I love it because it's so therapeutic!

[sundial]

Having it is very empowering.

[Becky]

Having it is very empowering.

Y'know, I've actually considered this....but I wonder what I would do if put in a situation that called for that level of force. I don't know if I could actually draw a weapon....