First Scare

Grits

I'm returning to cycling after several years hiatus. I live in a rural area and originally made the transition here in good spirits from an urban area. Then I started getting spooked by my husband's reaction to riding alone in the area, to the point where I stopped riding at all. I've begun riding again, usually meeting with a club on the weekends. But I still want to ride during the week in between the club rides. Today I set off on a 15 mile out and back. It is totally a beautiful ride! Conditions are excellent with a nice wide shoulder and low traffic. However, it is very isolated. I really didn't give it much thought, however, since the scenery is very beautiful. This is one of our club rides, and happens to be where I live also. At one point, midway through the ride, I became aware of a car traveling on MY side (right side) of the shoulder at a high rate of speed. I was immediately totally riveted on this for several seconds and considering my options...jump and abandon bike into marsh on the right or cross the highway lanes to my left? I was unsure as to why the car was coming toward me in this manner. It was apparent that I would have to make a decision SOON ..just seconds really...I was ready to abandon the bike and take my chances in the marsh. This was apparently the best decision because the car gained the correct lane ( I would have been in his path had I chosen this 2nd option) just yards in front of me and blew by at a high rate of speed with horn blowing and some yelling. I stopped with my heart pounding out of my chest, ripping the zipper of my pack for cell phone, terrified to look back and see them coming back. I just stopped, feeling like a target and dreading to see them coming back. But they didn't. This was at 7AM in the morning. I continued my ride, although it was difficult. I have never experienced this before..I was terrified and also sad. I didn't tell my husband, preferring to think this is an isolated incident and avoiding the fallout from telling this..which may never happen again. I want my time on the road..I feel entitled to it..how do you protect yourselves?

__________________
GRITS
(Girl Raised In The South)

Endorphins - the natural high! Gotta luv em!

Hooben

It's always dangerous to ride alone, especially in rural areas. I was followed by a car and they cut me off. I don't know if they were after the bike, or what. Anyways I quickly dismounted and headed for a house like it was mine. They stopped, got in their car and drove away. Always ride in a group and be aware of your sorroundings. Areas outside of the city can be even more dangerous. I'm glad that nothing happened to you!

ckrech

Girlfriend, I am soooo with you. I live in South Carolina and commuted to work (against my husband's wishes because of safety concerns) and was fine for couple of years until I got hit - hit and run - by some driver and I was wearing one of those vests construction workers wear, really bright, and I was scared to ride again. The South has really no biker friendly road stuff like shoulders and bike lanes - so frustrating! You just have to get on and go, really. I often think, is it really worth it? I could be doing the same thing in the safety of the gym or my own living room and not pissing off some driver who's simply trying to get to work on time. But, ya know, we only take up a little bit of room (plenty of room for a bicycle and two cars, but hopefully, infrequently, we have to experience that!) and actually most people are friendly and patient. For every driver that gets upset with you, there are 100 that wish they were in your pedals, out there in the fresh air, moving around, seeing the things they can't see from their car - well, maybe that's exaggerating.... Really, I got back on and I'm so thankful I did. Just be really visible and pay attention.

The very best of luck - you can do it with bright clothes and your attitude!

ckrech

Hi, again! Addressing the danger of being alone, I really don't know what to say except there are grouches out there, but there are even more level-headed people. Even if the traffic is heavier, I avoid really, really "back" roads. I tone down the feminine parts of my dress and my bike and carry Halt and one of those air horns my husband uses for his boat.

kf5nd

So sorry to hear about your experience. I have some comments:

1. A helmet or eyeglass mounted mirror will allow you to see the vehicle way, way, way before you can hear it, and make a decision to dive off the roadway way before you need to, making the chance of successful evasion greater

2. I don't want to turn this into a gun vs no-gun thread, but since you live in Louisiana you probably know that you are allowed to earn a concealed handgun permit and carry a weapon. It's a big responsibility, but out in the middle of nowhere, what's the alternative if a bunch of guys piled out of that car?

Grits

I like the idea of the Halt and the Air Horn. I'm also going to keep the cell phone strapped to a more accessible area. When my husband doesn't feel like actually riding I'm going to ask him to spot me while I ride. Thanks for the suggestions.

__________________
GRITS
(Girl Raised In The South)

Endorphins - the natural high! Gotta luv em!

SpearSlinger1

Sorry to hear about your scare. The people that do these kinds of things are actually easy to recognize for the cowards that they are. Some suggestions I can think of are ride with a buddy, it doesn't have to be a group ride, but maybe someone from your club is free when you are. OC pepper spray might be a good idea, not sure about the airhorn if you're out where nobody else can hear it. Around town a long blast would work well, though. Putting 911 on the first number of your cell's speed dial might be good. In these situations getting a vehicle description and plate number if you can and calling it in can help. Sometimes the people that do these things are stupid enough to be wanted for something else. Don't bother with a firearm unless you're trained in how to use one and thoroughly understand the consequences if you do or don't use it. The most dangerous, to you, way to use one is to pull it with the intent to intimidate or threaten. The safest way is to keep it put away until it's use is necessary, as in right now.

If you're interested just do a 'net search for "firearms training". There's lots of sites. I suggest one criteria is that the school be NRA Certified.