Lilly's Unsafe Encounter on her Long-Distance Tour

Lilly’s Ride: A Scare on the Mississippi River Route

Quick Take: Even the most confident cyclists can face danger on the road. Lilly’s story reminds us why instincts, awareness, and action matter when safety is on the line.

Lilly loved cycling — the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, the hum of tires on open road. The bike was her freedom, her reset button, her way to test herself against the miles.

But even freedom has its risks, especially for women riding alone.

One afternoon, while pedaling along the Mississippi River route, she noticed a car staying just a little too close behind her. When she glanced back, the driver — a man — was staring at her. The kind of stare that makes your stomach tighten.

Her pulse jumped. She shifted up and rode harder, but the car didn’t back off. The road stretched empty ahead, nowhere to turn, and every instinct screamed that something was wrong.

Lilly eased to the shoulder, pulled out her phone, and called 911. The dispatcher kept her on the line, steady and calm, until help arrived. Within minutes, a police cruiser appeared. The officer spoke with the driver, who claimed he’d just been “driving slow.” He was warned for following too closely. Then the officer offered to escort Lilly to the next town.

She accepted. When she reached the next stop, her husband arrived with the support car, and only then did she let herself breathe.

That day reminded her that no matter how experienced you are, the road can still turn unpredictable.

What Cyclists Can Learn from Lilly’s Experience

• Be alert. Always know what’s happening around you — the traffic, the people, the patterns.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Don’t hesitate to act. Pull over, call for help, take a different route.
• Let someone know your plans. A simple check-in can make a big difference.
• Make yourself visible. Wear bright colors, use lights, and stay in clear view.
• Don’t stay silent. If you’re harassed or followed, make noise. Attract attention.

Lilly shared her story so others could learn from it — to remind every cyclist, especially women, that awareness and action can make all the difference.

Because courage isn’t about never being afraid. It’s about pedaling forward anyway.

Gear That Keeps You Safer on the Road:

• Pepper Spray with Cycle Strap – No reason to take a chance.
• High-Visibility Reflective Cycling Vest – Stay seen, day or night.
• Compact Handlebar Mirror – Always know who’s behind you.

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Last updated: October 28, 2025