Lilly's Unsafe Encounter on her Long-Distance Tour

Lilly loves cycling. She loves the feeling of the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, and the road beneath her wheels. She loves the challenge of pushing herself to her limits and the sense of accomplishment she feels when she reaches her destination.

But Lilly knew that cycling could also be dangerous, especially for women cycling alone. One day, she was riding down the route of the Mississippi River when she felt a car following her. She looked over her shoulder and saw a man leering at her.

Lilly's heart started to race. She pedaled faster, but the car stayed behind her. She started to panic. What if he tried to pull her over? What if he tried to hurt her?

Lilly knew she had to do something. She pulled over to the side of the road and called 911. She told the dispatcher that she was being followed by a car and that she was scared.

The dispatcher stayed on the phone with Lilly while they waited for the police to arrive. A few minutes later, a police car pulled up behind Lilly. The police officer got out of his car and approached the car that was following Lilly.

The police officer spoke to the driver of the car and then returned to Lilly. He told her that the driver of the car had been given a warning for following too closely. He also told Lilly that he would escort her to her destination if she would like.

Lilly accepted the police officer's offer and had him follow her to the next town, a few miles away. Her husband was her support person and would usually let her ride for a few hours before he brought the support car and would follow her for the last few miles of her day's cycling. She called him and waited for him to arrive before starting again.

Lilly's story is a reminder that even the most experienced cyclists can feel unsafe on the road. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to have a plan in place in case something happens. If you feel unsafe, don't hesitate to call 911.

Lilly decided to share her story with other female cyclists, hoping to raise awareness of the dangers of cycling alone and to encourage them to take steps to stay safe. She also started a blog to document her cycling adventures and to share her tips for staying safe on the road.

Lilly's story is a reminder that even the most experienced cyclists can feel unsafe on the road. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to have a plan in place in case something happens.

Here are a few tips for staying safe while cycling:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the traffic around you and be prepared to react to unexpected situations.
• Trust your gut. If you feel unsafe, don't be afraid to pull over or take a detour.
• Ride with a friend or group whenever possible. This is a great way to deter crime and have someone to help you if you need it.
• Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. This way, if something happens, someone will know where to look for you.
• Carry a cell phone and a roadside assistance kit. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you can call for help if you need it.

In addition to these general safety tips, here are some specific tips for women cyclists:

• Wear bright clothing and reflective gear. This will make you more visible to drivers and other cyclists.
• Be aware of your body language. Avoid looking vulnerable or afraid.
• If you're being harassed, don't be afraid to shout or make a scene.

Lilly is an inspiration to other female cyclists. She is a reminder that even in the face of danger, we can persevere and continue to pursue our passions.

Here is my next blog post: Flip Bikes for Profit