Originally Posted by
indyfabz
While it's rarer, that can happen in small town America. Take, for example, the teacher who was murdered in eastern MT (Shelby), near the ND border, during her morning jog.
OP: I hope you know to steer clear of the Williston, ND area. Crime, drinking, and drugs are now serious problems as is truck traffic. Both are the result of oil extraction. ACA actually changed its main Northern Tier route to avoid the area.
I'm told sheep in that area are pretty nervous too.
ON a more serious note. My daughters bike was stolen off of the GAP last month after she was lulled into a false sense of security by business owners constantly telling them bikes never get stolen off of the trail. Of course she listened to them and not DAD! Who handed her a bike lock and mace before sending her and her friends on their way. BTW, it was the same mace canister that I carry with me when I ride. Having had a couple of incidents with intoxicated fellows on my morning ride to work, both times were after big sporting events, I considered carrying something heavier but felt I would likely end up regretting it so I decided mace would be a somewhat comforting compromise.
If I were traveling across country alone I would definitely carry pepper spray.