+1 on a bell, I am going to get a different one today. They are also helpful if you see an animal (dog, deer, squirrel) ahead so you don't startle them. I feel bad "belling" the animals but I have seen a few people who wrecked after startling a poor animal. They also felt terrible for hurting the creature.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan