Never heard of Google Latitude and looked it up. Neat idea, however DH doesn't have a smart phone and neither do my kids. Is there a way they could follow me online via my home computer? That would make me feel TONS safer knowing I was being followed by my kids.

Probably not since I'm guessing it needs a GPS unit to track. Still would be awesome if someone could figure that out for a home computer.

I have a love/hate relationship with riding alone. I love the freedom but there's always the "what if" factor even on well traveled roads. Like the OP, I ride rural roads. While they are traveled, something could happen and no one would see it. It's not so much as being assaulted but having an accident that ends with me in a ditch and not being seen.

The bike trail I use occasionally has no side roads so if you are stuck, it's a long walk back to the car. I had two deer jump out just in front of me that gave me a scare as I could have fallen into the river 10 feet below if they'd come much closer. There is a railing of sorts, but it's not that sturdy.

As for being safe, letting the people in your life know where you are is key. Staying aware of your surroundings and having plans for the possible things that could happen while out is another. A road trip is different than a trail trip.

If I'm out on the bike trail, I have food/water in my pack. I added a lightweight cycling jacket the other day. I wear loud visible clothing every time I ride. I need to buy a whistle and plan to throw in a small flashlight. I don't ride the trail in the evenings, but it's a just in case thing. I'm now used to the deer and get amazed at their grace.

Road trip is knowing where the rough parts are so I don't skid out. I don't bomb down the hills and I don't let the semis scare me when they go blowing past. I've actually learned to draft when they come by. Gravel roads means staying out of the center as that's where the cars are.

I don't ride at the same time every day either or have a set schedule of what days I ride the roads or trail.

Not sure where'd you put a gun and my worry would be that it would accidentally go off while on the bike. You'd need a holster of some kind. Maybe a hunting store would have more options.

And like someone else posted, if something seems off..it is. Go home. Call someone to get picked up. Go to a lighted area with lots of people. Know where the police station is. I keep track of where houses are on the roads so if something seems off I can go to a house and ask for help.