Welcome to TE. I tend to lurk here, but I learn a lot. I have asked questions and the women here are great! One thing I carry is a whistle. You know a Fox 40 type. Maybe I am just a little paranoid as well. Some one my family knew when I was a teen raped and murdered a couple of women in our town. A third woman escaped alive and he was caught. My sister had gotten a ride home from him one day and so it really freaked us both out when we were teens. Things like that seem to stick. I ride alone on some pretty remote rail trails (I wonder if the cows would come if I use my whistle??). I have gotten used to it and I just stay aware of my surroundings at all times. I love to ride and I hope you get to enjoy it as much as I have!