Quote Originally Posted by Blanche
I now wear what I call my "commando belt." It's a fanny pack with 2 canisters of pepper spray in holsters on each side. I always have my cell phone on, clipped to the belt, not inside the pack where I would have to fumble with it...and I have my husband's phone number up so all I have to do is push one button. The water bottle full of amonia as a back up. I call my husband before I leave and again when I return. I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion.

Also, always before I go out, I think about where everything is and if I have to, I practice getting to it, so I won't forget. I will NEVER forget how to use a cell again, or be casual about my safety.
If you have 911 in your area, it might be a good idea to program them in if you have one button memory dial on your phone. And don't some phones even let you call 911 when the keypad is are locked? That way you're getting to help faster than if you have to call your husband who may have to call help while getting out to you.

Like Trek420, I too am a single parent of a dog, so I often go on rides with no one knowing where I'm going or my route. I mix up the route every now and then, because I have this idea that if I consistently ride solo on the same route some weirdo could learn my route and lay in wait! My imagination is too good. Plus I like variety.

For long solo mtb rides, the dog comes with me, and for road rides, I stick to busier roads, or ones frequented by other road riders. I always carry my drivers license, medical card, a bit of cash, and my cell phone. I've taken a basic what-parts-to-hit self defence course, and after living in a bad area for a little while, I have no problem with being REALLY rude and offputting to get creepy people away from me. Being loud is important if you feel you're in danger - draw attention to yourself and learn to let out that inner b*tch.

I've been thinking of getting one of those cage rocket thingies that go in your water bottle holder, although that would mean figuring out where to put another bottle holder. Still, everything would be right there and easy to get at.