Hello everyone.

I was very excited to find this women's site as I was researching saddles. But that's a story for another time and another board! Since I'm new here, I hope I'm not dredging up something that's been beat to death.

I've been cycling for over 30 yrs. and have had my fair share of crazy drivers and angry dogs. But last month a situation developed that really frightened me. Since I'm a lone female cyclist, I am wondering if any of you have had a similar experience and how you protect yourself from criminal intent.

Since I live in a rural area and bike around 30 miles each outing, I sometimes find myself on lightly traveled, deserted roads. This particular time, a man in a Broncho pulled over on the opposite side of the road and watched me go by. I checked my mirror and saw he had turned around and was approaching me very slowly. He pulled up right beside me, said nothing and began pacing me. I gave him no eye contact, just kept riding. When another car came up behind him, he sped up. I made note of his license plate and kept riding. He then turned around and came toward me again. With absolute clarity I knew a situation was developing and that I was in big trouble. As blessings would have it, across the road, up a long expanse of grass and a small hill there were houses. I jumped off my bike and started pushing it up the hill toward them. The man then turned onto the dirt road beside where I was. It was then I knew I would never have enough time to make it to the houses, so I stopped, and with hands shaking like they've never shook before, looked back at his truck as he was creeping up the dirt road, and pulled out my cell phone, which I promptly forgot how to use!! (I always hate those women in the scary movies who can't get their key in the car, or fall...now, I understand!!) Anyway, he left when he saw me using the cell phone. I don't ride very fast, but believe me, I booked those last 6 miles home!

I now carry 2 police-grade canisters of pepper spray and a water bottle full of amonia for good measure.

Would you share your experiences and how you handled them? Thanks so much.

Blanche