How many of you go solo?

[hmaddox]

Thanks, Ty.

Were your human encounters while touring or just walking around town? It seems like everyone here sees people as a bigger danger than wildlife but I usually don't encounter many other people in my outdoor activities.

[benajah]

Ive been backpacking and mountain biking and bikepacking solo since I was a teenager pretty regular. I generally find that the nature of my trips are much different when I am alone versus with others. With others, there is a lot of goofing off, risk taking, etc. When I am solo, I am very careful. I do most of my hiking and backpacking in the winter when there arent that many other people in the woods, so you have to be very careful not to get hurt and stranded.
Most of my bikepacking tends to be in areas that are populated enough that if something does happen, 1- you are on an established trail, and 2- most likely someone will come along within a day at least and find you.
But it does seem that most people seem to be more wary of wildlife issues than others when they look at the risks of outdoor travel solo. Wildlife can be an issue, but its a pretty rare one.
The real risks are getting hurt from having an accident or something while out alone, running into crazy people or, like here in Northern California, stumbling on a meth lab or a pot grow (thats a very real risk here, especially in Mendocino NF, Trinity NF).
Bears and Mt Lions are there, but really aren't that much of a danger. Rattlesnakes are. Lyme disease is.

[texasjake]

Thanks, Ty.

Were your human encounters while touring or just walking around town? It seems like everyone here sees people as a bigger danger than wildlife but I usually don't encounter many other people in my outdoor activities.

hmaddox,

          i'm a newb at all this too man. however being down in Tejas - i fear snake, sun and man most - bear spray will cover the latter. Not too many mountain lion occurrences in my neck of the woods but plenty of drunk "varmint hunters" and backwood badasses. For sure the best approach for me has been to play nice and keep moving if my gut tells me to - our first instinct is usually the right one. on a different note - Arkansas is amazing... i would love to see some pics and see your report after your safe return!! ride on.