Originally Posted by pedalMonger
Carrying pepper spray probably wouldn't be a bad idea, make sure you know how to use it tho, maybe get two and discharge one to make sure you know how it works, how far it sprays, etc. And don't spray it against the wind of course.
If you get pepper spray, you should have someone spray you at a typical distance so you know what it feels like. You'd be surprised how functional you really are even with watery eyes. This is what you're doing to someone else. Don't stick around.
I mainly keep the spray for dogs. A quick burst of atomized spray will deter the dog and get him away from you. Having the spray for humans is an added bonus.