I to carry pepperspray on my rides. Especially since most of my riding is very remote(one or two cars may pass me) and I never really know where I am going until I get on my bike. I always call a friend or my husband along the way and let them know where I'm at.
The guys I ride with frown upon me when I ride alone in such remote areas, but it is the only place I like to ride.
I to live in North San Diego and know the trail Nicolezoie is talking about. I had a flat on that trail, while riding alone, and I never had changed a tire so fast. I decided I will not ride that one alone.
One time I decided I wanted to climb the back side of Polamar Mountain on my mountain bike, but I didn't want to do it alone. (The only cars we saw were ones that were stolen and dumped).So my husband volunteered to follow me in his truck. (Since he doesn't ride). My kids in tow-
They had fun feeding me M&M's and water along the way.