Accosted by a drunk :(

[Running Mommy]

Oh Mel, I'm so sorry. Yes, I know how it feels. It is an awful feeling. I don't really have much to add except that I'm sorry it happened to you. And unfortunately that near rape 10 years ago is probably the biggest reason why you reacted the way you did. It brought back those feelings.

[KSH]

Wow. Sorry to hear it! It sounds very upsetting.

A lady I ride with said she was in a situation once where she felt uncomfortable (out riding alone, was in a neighborhood asking for directions) and after that, she decided to get some MACE. That way, next time, she would feel like she could flee the situation if need be.

Get some mace. Protect yourself.

I hope you feel better.

[Pedal Wench]

I had a similar thing - I was in Vegas and my BF was sick, so I just started driving trying to find a drugstore to get him meds and fluids. When I pulled in, a guy approached me, but I was able to avoid him on the way in. As I was leaving, I saw he was still out there. Without a second thought, I went back in the store and asked if someone would walk me out to my car. Their security guy said that they've been having problems with this guy, and he said that I did the right thing and I should NEVER hesitate to ask for something like that. Listen to the little voices - it never hurts.

Thinking back, instead of that incident making me feel bad, I feel empowered by taking charge and listening to that voice.

[Nanci]

Pedal Wench reminded me- I had the same thing happen at a big grocery store, in the middle of the afternoon. There was a creepy guy by where I parked when I went in, and when I went out, he was still there, so I went in and asked a bag boy to walk me out. But the guy was gone.

I had an incident of "too polite for my own good." I was on a paved trail, late afternoon, after all the cyclists had gone home. Still light. I came up to a crossroad, and there were two teenagers there who wanted to ask me about the mile markers or something, so I stopped on the opposite side of the road I was crossing. I answered a couple questions, but they were making me nervous, and suddenly one of them ran at me! I was ready to take off, luckily, and I did. Then on the way back to my car I rode out on the road not on the trail. And didn't go back for a long time, and when I did, didn't park at that trailhead or ride that direction, instead driving an additional 15 miles to the next trailhead. Still gives me the creeps.

I keep saying I want to carry pepper spray, for people _and_ dogs, but haven't bought any yet. I think it would make me feel safer, though.

And to cure my fear of being home alone after people attempted to break in last fall, I now have a shotgun in my bedroom and know how to use it.

Nanci

[miffy'sFuji]

Melody, I think everyone has offered some great suggestions. We're here to listen and commisurate with you. I try to project a tough exterior, but when confronted I sometimes can't keep it up.

Always remember, your bike is not worth your life or safety. If you're in a similar situation again, even when there are just a couple people looking at your bike that you feel uncomfortable about, I would go back to the store. Either ask someone inside if they would please escort you to your bike or call the police. You can always get home via a friend or cab if necessary.

[slinkedog]

Oh Mel! I'm so sorry this happened to you. I have nothing to add to everyone else's great suggestions, but please know I'm thinking of you and hoping you feel safe. We are here for you. You are not alone.