I ride through a couple of pretty bad areas. I try not to go through there at the same time every day. I do try to vary my route some days. Be unpredictable. You cant outrun someone who closes at an angle or is walking by the street and jumps you. Always have an escape plan. I am a male old Marine and I dont have a real pleasant disposition, and I dont think fighting is a viable plan or at the point it is I have already screwed up. Be smart, make poking someone's eye out the last resort. Eyes, nads, throat all at the same time probably really hurts and everything is a weapon. Really, ride and have fun, just pay attention.
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Good Night Chesty, Wherever You Are