Safety Tips for Solo Women Gravel Cyclists
Gravel riding can lead us to beautiful places that can also be quite remote. While there is something to be said about safety in numbers and riding in groups when you can, many women cyclists may find themselves riding alone at one point or another. Perhaps your riding buddies are busy, or it’s a last minute ride, or maybe you just enjoy the solitude. Here are some tips and considerations to think about when riding solo.
Have a plan.
Know your route. If needed, have routes loaded on your GPS tracking devices and make sure those devices are fully charged before your wheels go down. Less stopping on route to study your map means less opportunity for strangers to approach you. Also, part of having a plan is telling someone your plan. Whether you share your live tracking with your significant other, or you tell your riding friend where you’re going and when you anticipate being back - having someone who knows your whereabouts may relieve some of your solo riding anxiety. A satellite tracking/communication device may also be a great option for those routes with little to no cell service.
Be prepared.
Take plenty of nutrition and hydration, ideally more than enough needed for the ride. On remote rides with no store stops, consider taking a small water filter so you can replenish your hydration bottles via natural water sources, such as springs or creeks.
Be prepared to handle small mechanical bike issues. Carry a spare chain link, a flat repair kit (tube, tire levers, air pump or CO2), and a small multitool. Be able to use these tools if needed ! Practice simple repairs at home so when things go wrong trailside you have the confidence to handle it.
Know the area and know the wildlife. If the area you will be riding in has bears, snakes, cougars, or wild hogs, arm yourself with the knowledge on what to do if you come across them. Also, know the hunting dates and any related closures. You can find a lot of this information online, specific to your area.
Trust your gut.
If you feel unsafe, or just have a weird feeling, listen to that! It’s okay to bail on your planned route and turn around. Your instincts can tell you a lot if you are tuned into them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t ride with headphones in. Be alert to your surroundings, which could include listening for wildlife, cars, and paying attention to the weather. If you do run into other people, be polite and remember that most people are out enjoying nature just like you are. Being vigilant doesn’t mean assuming the worst in people, it just means being prepared for many possible scenarios.
Protect yourself.
Some personal protection options include carrying mace or pepper spray (including bear spray), air horns, or an emergency whistle. These can be used in the event of coming across aggressive wildlife, dogs, or humans. When carrying these protective measures, be sure you know how to safely use them.
Embarking on gravel rides solo can oftentimes be a serene, profound, and ultimately empowering experience. Be prepared with the tools and knowledge to confidently handle the varying situations that you can experience on the roads less traveled, and be sure to enjoy the peaceful solitude you will find along the way.
Come and continue the conversation over on our Women’s Gravel Cyclists Facebook group.