Riding alone questions

[sundial]

Do you think it would be unreasonable of me to check in at the ranger station before I ride and leave a note telling them if I'm not out by a certain time to send someone to look for me?

Not at all! I think you are being a good mom for leaving your info with the ranger station. I ride in our parks too and have come to know the staff that works there. I like knowing they will come looking for me should I not be gone by nightfall.

Perhaps, too, the ranger will want to partake in a bike ride once he sees the fun you are having.

[gingerale]

Thank you! I was afraid they would think I was a real idiot leaving my info with them. I used to do a lot of hiking and in one state park, they require the hikers to check in and what date they think they'll be climbing back out. If they don't check in by that date, they send someone to look for them. I'm a big worrier and just need to make sure someone would care for my kids and/or get a message to the red cross if something, God forbid, did happen.

[sundial]

I ride solo often and one thing that brought me and my husband peace of mind was the Spot. You can add friends or family to the account and it will automatically send I'm Ok messages periodically or you can push the button for 911 assistance. They can track your ride on Google Earth.

[gingerale]

Wow! That is amazing. Going to have to look at getting one of those, too. I knew you ladies here could help me with my comfort zone on doing this. Thank you.

[newfsmith]

It is a standard outdoor safety feature to file a "flight plan" with someone. Even if you invest in Spot, having someone that is expecting you to check in by a certain time is wise. If you are away from family, I'm assuming you are near your husband's stateside base. Maybe another mother from his unit could be your contact person.

[gingerale]

Actually, he's a reservist so we're not near a base. I do have friends here and have spoken to them about it, as well. I'll let them know I'm going and when to call someone in case they haven't heard from me. Thank you.

[sundial]

I also carry a cell phone with me but you might not get a signal in the park. That's where the Spot is handy since it uses satellite signals to send and receive info. It's good to let someone know when and where you are riding, regardless. With an increase of violent crimes occurring in the parks, one can never be too cautious.