Pepper spray in pocket in rural areas, sounds like an excellent thing.

It does help to know one's own personal cycling speed/stamina..if you have cycle far /out of danger. If you suspect a wierdo human being along a route might show up again, might be worthwhile cycling with DH same route/area at random times. Just to send a little message also, that there are other people in your life.

Would it be worth reporting to the police if it happens again?