Haven't ridden for 3 days because of a very scary man

[Shara]

Kenyon, your advice as a police officer re: civilian use of guns is appreciated.

Ditto.

And I really think you need to file a report with the police. Go down there and talk to them. Just because you've called before doesn't mean you shouldn't call now. You need to have a record of what is going on with him. What if, (worst case scenario, knock on wood it doesn't happen) you actually do have an encounter with him? I think having previous incidences on record would show that he has been harassing you and you were taking action to stop him. Even if there wasn't anything police could do you did what you could.

We do a lot of things to keep ourselves safe while we are out there, like considering road conditions and weather conditions, putting on protective gear, etc. Try to not feel too bad about having to change your route. Just think of it as something extra you can do to protect yourself. This isn't your fault and it's not something you have in your control but you should be able to avoid him and continue peacefully.

BTW I really liked the air horn idea. A good loud one that would attract the attention of your neighbours. I'd also talk to your neighbours about what is happening and make sure they are reporting any incidences regarding him.

Lots of (((hugs))). I hope this passes for you soon. Has he lived there long? Or (wishful thinking) does he happen to rent?

[arielmoon]

I have been thinking about your situation all morning. It just stinks!

Some great advice here though... as always!

((((TE members))))

[lunacycles]

Tuckerville said:

She LIVES down the street from this guy. Having a (safe distance) conversation with him and learning his NAME is not outside the realm of reasonable possibilities. "what if what if what if" What if simply speaking to him was like sticking a pin in his little scary balloon and he never bothered her again? That is JUST as likely (in fact more likely, since the incident of attack is far less common than simple every day interactions between strangers) as any of the scenarios that are being imagined, because no one HERE knows enough to make the judgment.

Again and again in my life I have befriended or at least neutralized difficult people; come to terms with their craziness or unpredictability or eccentricities or just creepiness; just by acknowledging their humanity, and TRUSTING MY INSTINCTS.

I'm just saying that she has not done everything I would do before I took drastic, final action. My instincts have spoken.

Karen
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insidious ungovernable cardboard

I heartily agree with Tuckerville, though this does not appear to be a popular position on this board.

Speaking of martial arts, I once heard a great story told by Ram Dass about a tiny little old man, an Aikido master, who calmed down a very scary and aggressive man who was threatening people on an inner-city subway by simply connecting with him and not treating him like he was a very scary and aggressive man. The big, scary man just wanted to be seen. I am not saying this is the same scenario at all, and if I were the OP, I would definitely be feeling some fear and taking precautions, but I do think living as a captive in your own neighborhood is not a great option, living in fear of someone only generates more fear in the world (and makes you a victim), and there may be an alternative that might be more healing and liberating for both parties than arming yourself to the teeth and/or completely avoiding any possibility of ever coming into contact with him.

Really, though, good luck. It certainly sounds like a challenging situation.

[Trek420]

.... but I do think living as a captive in your own neighborhood is not a great option, living in fear of someone only generates more fear in the world (and makes you a victim), and there may be an alternative that might be more healing and liberating for both parties than arming yourself to the teeth and/or completely avoiding any possibility of ever coming into contact with him.

Agreed! Staying huddled inside your house unless out with the gattling gun is not acceptable.