'Is that safe?'

[Arch]

I was telling a friend on Monday about my Sunday ride, 85 miles to Otley and beyond, and she said "On your own? Is that safe?"

I don't know quite what she meant, but I'm assuming it was along the lines of "is it safe to be out on your own like that, being a woman". Even assuming she wasn't thinking of my sex, it simply had never occurred to me that it's anymore dangerous to ride 50 or 60 or 80 miles out into the country on my own than it is to ride to work through town. The main hazards are other road users (more of them in town) and mechanical failures (blow outs, brakes failing - more of an issue at speed, wherever you are). I suppose if I fell off into a ditch and wasn't found, I might die of exposure, whereas in town someone would probably spot me. But in the last few months 'working' from home, there have been weeks were I could be dead in my bed for 5 or 6 days before anyone noticed I wasn't around.

It just struck me as odd - esp as my friend is a fairly self reliant sort. It's the sort of thing I'd expect my Mum not try not to say, but to be thinking. Am I being naive?

 

[I am Spartacus]

But in the last few months 'working' from home, there have been weeks were I could be dead in my bed for 5 or 6 days before anyone noticed I wasn't around.

Are you being serious..?
If you havent posted for 4 minutes, then an alarm bell rings in CC Central...

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Perhaps it was the common misconception that as a woman you'd faint dead away with horror at the advent of a puncture and not know what to do?

My female friends get similarly worried, even when I'm on things like the FNRttC and not alone or when I'm cycling 10 miles to their house in broad daylight. In contrast, when I asked the cycle network bods at work for advice before my first night ride my male cyclist friends assumed I was going alone and just said I should take a phone, maps kit and make sure someone knew where I was.

 

[marinyork]

I would say that it is a lot safer than York city centre on a bike or as a pedestrian .

 

[Arch]

Are you being serious..?
If you havent posted for 4 minutes, then an alarm bell rings in CC Central...

I suppose, actually, when I have been away I sometimes get PM's from people asking if I'm ok.

But in 'real-life' terms, I was sometimes going for a few days without any scheduled contact with the outside world...

Actually, considering how I like to have stuff arranged, heading off for the day is quite relaxed for me - although I always have a map, and usually have a route planned in advance.

I've done two tours in this country, alone, and it's never struck me as brave or anything - I do like to have my accommodation all booked in advance, but that's it really.

 

[Kirstie]

I've had the same from female friends, especially when MTBing alone. But also when touring alone. People think either I'm about to die, or seriously doubt my ability to 'cope', whatever that means

Even when I was cycle touring with my husband in the summer (camping etc) people were texting me to see if I was OK.

Maybe I'm a lot more vulnerable than I give myself credit for.

Or maybe I just have very caring and loving friends and family.
I prefer the latter explanation.

 

[Arch]

Or maybe I just have very caring and loving friends and family.
I prefer the latter explanation.

Well yes, up to a point, but texting you to see if you are ok, on holiday, with your husband? That's overdoing it.

When I'm touring alone, my Mum likes me to ring her each evening, which I guess is sensible. If only she could get to grips with texting I could just text her quickly.

Of course she has no way of knowing when I go out for a day ride, so she can't worry. I expect she still does though, all the time, in case.

 

[Kirstie]

Well yes, up to a point, but texting you to see if you are ok, on holiday, with your husband? That's overdoing it.

Yes I was a little surprised but I suppose they meant well. The husband, on the other hand, was miffed that nobody texted him to see how he was...! I managed to convince him that he was implicitly included in the texts that I received!!

 

[wafflycat]

I was telling a friend on Monday about my Sunday ride, 85 miles to Otley and beyond, and she said "On your own? Is that safe?"

I've had the same said to me. It was followed by a standard "I couldn't do that as it's far too dangerous out there."

My response was a withering look and, "This is Norfolk, not Afghanistan."

 

[theclaud]

My response was a withering look and, "This is Norfolk, not Afghanistan."

I like that. Do you mind if I use it? Without the Norfolk bit, of course, or people will just dismiss me as insane. And I'll have to work on the withering look.

 

[Chuffy]

I've had the same said to me. It was followed by a standard "I couldn't do that as it's far too dangerous out there."

My response was a withering look and, "This is Norfolk, not Afghanistan."

Well it's so hard to operate a Kalashnikov with three thumbs and eleven fingers.

Baggy and I get the 'oooh, isn't that dangerous?' line time after time regarding our commute.

 

[wafflycat]

I like that. Do you mind if I use it? Without the Norfolk bit, of course, or people will just dismiss me as insane. And I'll have to work on the withering look.

Feel free

 

[Crackle]

I like that. Do you mind if I use it? Without the Norfolk bit, of course, or people will just dismiss me as insane. And I'll have to work on the withering look.

It shouldn't be so hard to perfect, you've got the withering post down to a tee.

 

[theclaud]

It shouldn't be so hard to perfect, you've got the withering post down to a tee.

I'm marginally less objectionable in person. Withering looks are easier in prose, if you see what I mean.

 

[Crackle]

I'm marginally less objectionable in person. Withering looks are easier in prose, if you see what I mean.

I believe you, thousands wouldn't.

Anyway, I'd say withering prose is far harder, look at how many do it badly here or just resort to plain old insults.