Originally Posted by Northwestrider

Carrying flares on bike tour? Hmmm it seems to me that most of the trees along the forest service roads are taller than the altitude most flares would reach. If you make it to a clearing, if the weather was ok, then you should be able to reorient yourself. If the weather is typically, well, Washington State, then a flare won't be seen in any case. I'd suggest leaving the flares at home, use the space saved by carrying a bit of food.