Riding Solo advice

[Catrin]

These are good thoughts, and the group I mentioned is indeed on Meetup. I don't think there are any real beginners on the group - or at least not at my level. I've suggested a ride in two weeks so we shall see.

I neglected to mention an important part of the equation, the trails aren't local. They aren't that far, about an 80-90 minute drive. To me this complicates things. If something should happen, especially something like a head or back injury, I don't want to lie there for hours before someone finds me. Such things do happen, after the lasting consequences of my neck injury last fall I have to think about this, it is only wise. I don't know anyone local to the trails well enough to have them as my contact.

There was a case in this same park earlier this summer when someone fell, broke his back, and lay there for 3 hours THIS was on my favorite trail - but of course there is risk that is inherent to mountain biking.

One solution is to only ride solo on days the trails are busy - that would increase the chance of someone being in screaming distance, or would come along relatively soon after an injuring fall. I like this idea, so perhaps I need to stop avoiding busy weekends

The Delorme InReach is quite attractive but that's not in my budget this year. This would be great for next year. I will put my thinking cap on about who I could text before/after who knows the area and would know who to contact to send help if needed. Texts don't need responses...I don't use Twitter and I actually don't know anyone who does.

Thanks for the ideas, it is appreciated.