This is SO bizarre! Normally I ride with my DH - but he's been hurting the last two days so I've been riding by myself. I am also out in the boonies.

I was just thinking before I left today about such awful things happening while I am out by myself. I almost didn't go - but convinced myself that I couldn't sit in my house and be afraid.

All are very good suggestions - thanks for sharing! I keep a cell phone with me as well. I also make sure that my DH knows what route I'm taking and when I'm leaving so he knows when to expect me back.