Do you mountain bike alone?

[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....

[Irulan]

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....

well, if you are licensed to carry you've been through all the training which would imply the confidence to know what to do....

[Becky]

well, if you are licensed to carry you've been through all the training which would imply the confidence to know what to do....

I've been target shooting since I was little, but I don't have a CWP, and I'm not sure I'd want to face the issue of taking a life. It's more the moral issue than the practical ones....

So hard to know what you'd do until you're actually in a situation.

[Miranda]

Having it is very empowering.

well, if you are licensed to carry you've been through all the training which would imply the confidence to know what to do....

In lieu of things I've encounter this summer (road too besides trail), I've seriously considered this. One of my friends said well, the weapon could potentially be used against you. I assume this is a common question while you are trained, and what to do. From what I know, it's a means of last resort. I think some people assume that if you are a person that carries a weapon, you are some risky fighting person. To me, tactic #1 would be use head, and get out if possible. People I know who are responsible weapon owners are those that really never want to have to use them. Options can be a really good thing. I think being in the situation first hand, one might be surprised at what you are capable of doing. If someone were going to take the life of my children, well, protecting them would be at any cost. The rest I would have to settle up when I met my maker.

[ima_bleeder]

Some of the coolest things I've seen out riding, I only got to see because I was alone. And usually at dusk or at night. A lot of deer, a coyote, more recently a bobcat. So I love riding alone!

But I always try to be prepared, and I ride very cautiously when I'm alone. There are no maps of the trails, so I always ride areas I'm very familiar with, and in a pinch I've got the GPS. I save the technical stuff for rides with friends (and I try to get out with friends whenever I can). I've always got a lot of water and some food, a multi-tool, tube, and pump. As the days start getting shorter, and I'm pushing daylight, I'll start riding with lights. (I should always keep a small emergency light in my pack, but haven't gotten around to replacing the old one). I should also carry some sort of first aid kit ... I'll have to get on that.

I try to be prepared, but I don't spend time worrying about what might happen. I'm most likely to encounter wildlife, and the wildlife doesn't let me get very close, so these encounters are always at a distance. And when I do run across other people they're typically bikers, and there's a decent chance now (after mountain biking in these woods for a few years) that I'll recognize somebody in the group. It's a small town.

And, I'm just not much of a worrier. I try to be prepared, but I'm not happy when I'm worrying. And I like to be a happy person.

[dirtygirl1]

I also ride alone most of the time but follow a lot of the simple rules that have already been posted

1. I never ride alone at night or at dusk. All of the dangers mentioned in this thread are more prevalent at night

2. I ride in familiar areas. If I am new to an area I'll ride there first with my DH or a group of girls ... after that, I am ok riding it alone

3. I always carry tools and know how to fix my bike

4. I ride in places that have traffic (other people ride/hike there). I like riding alone but i also like to know that civiliation is close by when i am alone. I used to ride at a spot where i'd ride for 6 hours without seeing another soul. This started to freak me out after a while -- it was one of the few mtb spots around in that area. We've moved since then and my new haunts are all popular - I prefer seeing a few like-minded souls out on their bikes in the woods!!!

5. I always tell my DH where I am going and when I will be home

6. I carry a cell phone, extra food, extra water, and a few essential First Aide supplies

7. If the spot i am riding in is isolated I will carry bear spray

I think that's it!

All the best - enjoy summer on the trails!!!

[han-grrl]

I always carry tools and know how to fix my bike

OMG i can't tell you how often i found women on trails with flats who have no pump, and no idea how to fix it. I find that frightening, because a walk out would take HOURS from where they were.

[limewave]

I'm bumping this up from years ago. It wasn't too long after I posted this question that I got pg which put a halt to my mountain biking.

I'm finally back! And have some big goals for myself on the trail this year. And if I have any hope at all in accomplishing them, I HAVE TO RIDE ALONE.

So, alone it must be. There's some great advice in here.

This Friday I will venture out for my first solo mntn bike ride. I'm nervous, but excited. I'll be able to go my own pace without stopping every 1/2 mile to a mile. I'm planning to ride the 12 mile loop, but I know a short-cut at 6 miles in case I'm feeling like I need to bail early for any reason.

Will be bringing:
Map
Bike tools (&pump)
ID
Whistle
Pepper Spray
Emergency Blanket
Extra food
Extra lightweight jacket
First Aid kit
Compass
GPS computer

I've done a lot of adventure racing and backpacking, I'm feeling more prepared now than I did a few years ago. I have a lot of packable gear and more experience being out alone in the woods.

Happy Trails!