Riding Solo - staying safe

[OakLeaf]

Y'know, I've stayed out of this one (honestly, I mistook it for last month's thread where the SPOT device was mentioned in the first few replies - didn't even realize a new thread had started until just yesterday).

But purely from an amateur sociology point of view, I really wonder WHY the topic of firearms engenders such strong emotions.

If anyone in the world can explore that subject rationally, I'd put my money on the fine gals of TE.

So from that point of view, I'd welcome a meta-thread, ask for people's thoughtful contributions and introspection on why the topic gets them so jacked up - and get my popcorn ready.

[lph]

My take on why some topics are so hot - insert earbuds (no, not literally ), helmets, religion, gun carrying or what have you: we're really good at discussing things that are obviously personal choices. Some topics are hot because people hold opposite opinions not only on what is best for them, but on what is best for others, or for society in general. Sounds obvious, but when somebody holds a strong opinion they truly believe they are right, just as right as you are. If you truly believe that x, y or z is the best thing for everyone, it's pretty hard to phrase it in terms of "hey, this is just my opinion", and it often comes out brash and sounding like "this is obvious" or "you should be doing this instead" or "how can you possibly believe anything else". And that's what people react to - being treated as if their opinion isn't worth even listening to.

And believe me - this is not meant to target anyone, but is purely a general observation. I've both held strong views "on behalf of society", and been offended by others doing the same. Just not guns, which is pretty much a non-subject over here. I'm not sure I've ever seen a handgun.

[hebe]

For the OP. I ride often on my own, and often this is when my OH is on the other side of the pond. I do the following:

• make sure I'm in distinctive clothes so as many people as possible notice me
• say hello to everyone I pass who's on foot or bike, and acknowlege every driver who passes me. If anything were to happen, I want to know that there would be as many people as possible who were sure that they'd seen me
• I did a basic maintenance course and carry a spare tube/tools with me.
• I do a basic check before every ride (tyres and brakes)
• Carry a fully charged mobile, number of a taxi company, water and snacks
• I'm also considering checking in/out of every ride on FB, including outfit & bike details for those rides when my OH

is abroad.

[Susan Otcenas]

...checking in/out of every ride on FB...

I do this for all of my randonneuring rides. Jeff and several friends always know my route, and then I post my progress at every controle. Sure, sometimes it's hours between each check in, but I think it gives them some comfort when they see a post from me at 3am that I'm still alive and moving forward.

Something else I've just done this week is to enable the "where is my iphone" app. It should allow Jeff to log in and see where my phone is. It was designed to help you find a lost or stolen phone, but I imagine it will be useful if he wants to see where I am at any given moment, assuming I have cell service (which I often don't on the more rural legs of my ride.)

[PamNY]

For the OP. I ride often on my own, and often this is when my OH is on the other side of the pond. I do the following:

• make sure I'm in distinctive clothes so as many people as possible notice me
• say hello to everyone I pass who's on foot or bike, and acknowlege every driver who passes me. If anything were to happen, I want to know that there would be as many people as possible who were sure that they'd seen me
• I did a basic maintenance course and carry a spare tube/tools with me.
• I do a basic check before every ride (tyres and brakes)
• Carry a fully charged mobile, number of a taxi company, water and snacks
• I'm also considering checking in/out of every ride on FB, including outfit & bike details for those rides when my OH

is abroad.

The tube/tools and ability to do some maintenance are very important points that I don't recall seeing in this thread. Phone number of a taxi company is good too, in some situations.

[velo]

The tube/tools and ability to do some maintenance are very important points that I don't recall seeing in this thread. Phone number of a taxi company is good too, in some situations.

In my original OP, I said that I am equipped for minor repairs. I think that is a *minimum* for riding alone in rural areas. This may be a rather strong stance, but if you can't change a flat and do some very minor repairs, you have no business riding solo in the country. I'd almost say it's a given.

Also, I mentioned in my OP that I have Better World. I don't know if this has really been talked about much here on these forums, as I'm still relatively new here, but this is basically an insurance company like AAA... except unlike AAA in most of the US, it has a road-side plan for cyclists where you pay about $40/year and you can call them for road-side assistance (usually just a pick up, but I think they'll also help with a repair if you have the equipment). They are the only insurance company doing this for cyclists throughout the US, as opposed to AAA, who is doing so in just a few states. My plan if I need to call someone for a pick-up in order of preference is: hubby, good friend next door, good friends at work, then Better World as a last resort. In the past, I was a 10-month/year rider - in that case the fees turn out to be $4/month or about 13 cents/day for the assurance that SOMEONE will pick me up if I need to. I am lucky that cell towers are everywhere and I'm never without a signal. Among all the coin we shell out for this expensive sport, $40/year seems like a steal for a little more peace of mind. I'd encourage all to look into Better World Club if you haven't already.

[PamNY]

In my original OP, I said that I am equipped for minor repairs. I think that is a *minimum* for riding alone in rural areas. This may be a rather strong stance, but if you can't change a flat and do some very minor repairs, you have no business riding solo in the country. I'd almost say it's a given..

This thread has moved along so much I'd forgotten the original post. I agree that what you describe is a minimum for rural riding. Even in the city, I'm amazed at how often I loan out my tiny tool kit.

Better World is something I should look into. I live in Manhattan and offhand can't think of one close-ish friend who has a car.

[goldfinch]

In my original OP, I said that I am equipped for minor repairs. I think that is a *minimum* for riding alone in rural areas. This may be a rather strong stance, but if you can't change a flat and do some very minor repairs, you have no business riding solo in the country. I'd almost say it's a given.

Also, I mentioned in my OP that I have Better World. I don't know if this has really been talked about much here on these forums, as I'm still relatively new here, but this is basically an insurance company like AAA... except unlike AAA in most of the US, it has a road-side plan for cyclists where you pay about $40/year and you can call them for road-side assistance (usually just a pick up, but I think they'll also help with a repair if you have the equipment). They are the only insurance company doing this for cyclists throughout the US, as opposed to AAA, who is doing so in just a few states. My plan if I need to call someone for a pick-up in order of preference is: hubby, good friend next door, good friends at work, then Better World as a last resort. In the past, I was a 10-month/year rider - in that case the fees turn out to be $4/month or about 13 cents/day for the assurance that SOMEONE will pick me up if I need to. I am lucky that cell towers are everywhere and I'm never without a signal. Among all the coin we shell out for this expensive sport, $40/year seems like a steal for a little more peace of mind. I'd encourage all to look into Better World Club if you haven't already.

I also am a member of Better World. I often travel alone in unfamiliar areas. If I have a breakdown that I can't deal with on my own I need somewhere to call for reliable help. The only issue is having a cell phone signal, which I don't always have.