Riding alone questions

[pardes]

Good for you Gingerale. An excellent Mom taking care of her kids. With your husband deployed your kids are more in need of your security and by letting them know that you have alerts out for your safety....well that can only be very reassuring to them even if they don't admit it.

I always ride alone and what I'm concerned about are my furbabies if something happens to me. I may invest in SPOT or something like it. With no family left and friends too far away, it's a problem for the solitary rider.

[gingerale]

Well, I'm pumped (no pun intended) and ready to ride tomorrow. All I have to do is conquer this little fear and I know it'll get easier.

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice. I truly appreciate it.

[TrekTheKaty]

I leave myself a message on the home phone when my husband is out of town. That way if I don't turn up, someone might eventually know where I headed last. Not the best solution, but cheap. I also keep the ranger number in my cell--hunters are allowed in the wildlife area I used to run at. Occasionally, I ran into a bow hunter that creeped me out. Also, if I get hurt--I figure they are closer than the ambulance. I'm sure they won't mind you checking in--they may even have suggestions on routes!

[gingerale]

I did find out today that while I cannot call out from there in the park, I can send a text message. That was nice to know.

All in all, though, my ride went off without a hitch. I did 20 miles and felt great. I do plan on doing it again and again since it's a good, safe long ride. I was still nervous, but my confidence level got a boost after completing it today with no problems.

[sundial]

That's great! Keep up the good work.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I'm in a similar situation to yours. My next of kin is 6 hours away and I have a friend here that I either text or call before I take off and then when I get back to the parking lot. Yesterday, I went on a ride that I would consider sketchy at best as it's densely wooded and limited cellphone reception. I am in the market for a SPOT but I haven't seen any yet, not sure where to pick one up? Either case, the phoen works well, as does the flight plan that someone talked about. I always leave one on the front seat of my jeep, flipped over or folded up so no one knows where I went just by looking in my car. I also carry a gps that is meant for the 'rode' (garmin nuvi) and you wouldn't believe how helpful it is here in the East to know which way is toward the parking lot. Helped me from getting very lost last night. Always pack something to eat and a light in case you get really lost and will be riding in the dark. Just a cheapy $25 light for your handlebars is good enough if you aren't intending to be out riding at night. Remember, the days are getting shorter so plan accordingly.

I don't have a road ID but in my camelbak I have my old driver's license that expired with a sticky note with all my emergency numbers. I also have my new address with the phrase "I have a dog" on it, in case something happens.

I really need to get a spot. The best thing about that is family far away can keep an eye on you, not just when you are riding but in general.

[Cha Cha]

A related topic but a good reminder I hope! I always keep a cell phone with me, along with id and emergency contact information. The roads I ride on have good cell coverage and are heavily traveled by cyclists, but my main concern is getting injured and being unable to communicate.

Drugdigest.com has a great free emergency information card form, you can personalize it and it's credit card size. (I got mine off of webmd, but this one is similar.)

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/SeniorC...373,IT,00.html

I keep one in my seat pack at all times (and my wallet too). I keep my DBF's phone numbers, my doctor's number, my blood type, date of last tetanus shot, and meds taken on it. Basically, the info I would want someone to have if they found me lying at the side of the road.

Hope this is helpful!