Do you carry your cell phone?

[Adventure Girl]

In the "seat bag content" thread, a few people posted that they carry their cell phones. Those who don't, why don't you? Some people say they ride to get away from phones and interruptions, but I think it's a good idea to carry it. I've used my phone 3 times while riding:

First time: Our riding group split into two smaller groups. I flatted. I was able to call a friend in "group 2" to say everything was ok, but we'd be delayed in getting to our rendezvous point. (I change my own tubes, but I'm not too quick doing it.)

Second time: I came across a group of about 6 guys on the trail. One of them had fallen. They were concerned he had neck injuries. None of the guys had their phones. None of them knew where a ranger could be found. I called 911 on my cell phone and directed the rescue team to where we were.

Third time (most important to me): Many times while I am biking, my husband is out riding his motorcycle. One day, 10 miles into a 20 mile ride (exactly at the point of no return), my phone rang. It was my husband's riding buddy. My husband had been in a serious accident. Long story, short, he fully recovered. But if I didn't have my phone with me, I wouldn't have know about the accident for several hours.

When I ride, I usually leave my phone turned off and I check my voice mail when I'm through. But when my husband is on his motorcycle, I leave it turned on.

[kpc]

I always take my phone. In fact, riding was the reason I got the phone, I had never owned one before. I rarely use it, but I like to know I have it.

[Irulan]

riding, especially alone is about the only time I would LIKE to hve one, but I don't.

Irulan

wooie... now they have me on really strong drugs. I hate this.

[cathy]

I also take my phone with me. I keep it turned off in my back jersey pocket. I haven't used my phone much while riding, but when I needed it it sure was nice to have.

[snapdragen]

I usually have my cell phone with me - in the little handlebar bag I use. It has come in handy -- like when I locked my keys in my car! I just love how AAA asks - "do you feel safe where you are waiting for the truck?" Ah, yeah, it's the people around me that look concerned - this sweaty chick in spandex cussin' up a storm.......

[spokes]

i haven't been riding over the winter, and before the 'spring thaw' i want to get a new cellphone. my last one had a suicidal battery, and i took it back to the store like a month after the warranty was up. erg!!!
i dislike riding without a cell so much that despite poor-budgeting brokeness, i'm buying a new one. both of my accidents (minor) were much less difficult because i had a cellphone. it's the small but significant just-in-case factor.

[podium junkie]

I too, bought a cell phone specifically for the purpose of when I go biking by myself. On my long rides I feel reassured that if something goes wrong, I can just call my husband to come and get me. Or if I'm ever running late, I can call him to tell him that it's going to take me a bit longer to get home so that he doesn't worry about me.

[annie]

Taking the cellphone, I feel better about exploring new routes, going longer distances. I generally leave it turned off and only have it for the extra security. It has definitely come in handy! Unfortunately, I've had a couple accidents on the bike and the cellphone was how I got the help I needed to get to the ER. So, I feel safer having it along than not. It also allows me to check in on the kids at home if I am out for a long time. Overall, I think cellphones are a great convenience. one of those things that, once you get accustomed to having, you wonder how you ever did without it.

[pedalfaster]

I carry a cell-phone both for personal safety reasons and to stay in touch with my daughter.

I refer to my daughter's phone as the "teen tracking device". She loves that !

[TwoTiredGal]

I too ended up getting a cell phone because my partner wanted to feel like I was safer while riding since I was usually alone. So at first I placated her but then I started feeling more comfortable having it. When I moved to another state temporarily I let the phone go and didn't get a new one since it would only be a few months. Riding without during that time felt much riskier. It's a weird dependence but I think a necessary one. So now I'm back and I just got my new phone and have it set up so that when I leave again I can change numbers to the new area code and change it back when I return. I keep it in the phone/walkie-talkie holster made by Camelbak for the shoulder strap. Easy access and I can use my earpiece if I really need to talk while riding. I NEVER plan to do that! UGH! It's always off unless I need to call out.... which I haven't yet. ::knock on wood::

[newfsmith]

The only time I have had to call 911 on my cellphone while riding was not for an emergency, but to report finding evidence from a crime (I couldn't think of too many other ways a cash drawer was going to be alongside the highway). The state police had no problems switching me to the right town's police department, and the police were quite appreciative of the call, as the robbery had only been a couple miles from where I found the drawer, they were still at the scene. When they found out I was on a bike and it was 5F out there they had someone up to me in 7 minutes. I was only starting to get cold. The thing about cellphones is you don't know who will benefit from your having one, and you really hope it will be someone else. It's a good insurance policy. Zip-lock sandwich bags help keep them dry.

[spokes]

The thing about cellphones is you don't know who will benefit from your having one, and you really hope it will be someone else. It's a good insurance policy.

very true. i called the police from the highway once, because a van in front of us was veering all over the lanes. some friends were in the car ahead of us, and my god, i thought they were gonna die. i really hope that guy got nailed for whatever substance he was on. on highways it's too easy for one mistake to cause a ten pile-up. cell phones may be a curse sometimes, but when you need them, you really need them.

[kpc]

plastic baggie over the cell, what a great idea. I keep mine in a cotton fanny pack and when it rains I make sure the pack is under my jacket. But it still gets wet, thanks for the idea!