Happy Belated New Year!

Isn't it funny how a short rest can turn into a sabbatical (smile). Nevertheless, I'm back for rides in 2008. Much has happened between the end of 2007 and the King Holiday 2008. My biking from the Jester's Creek Trail head has been limited, due to the drop in temperature; however, the good news is that with the passing of each day, we are getting closer and closer to SPRING!

Turning to a more serious note, as the rides leader for Clayton County and a woman, I wish to stress safety while traveling on our bike trail. With the murders of Jennifer Wilbanks (while biking on the Silver Comet Trail) and Meredith Emerson (abducted & murdered while hiking on Blood Mountain,Ga.), bikers/walkers can never be too careful.

If you are traveling Jester's Creek Trail head alone, I would suggest the following safety precautions:
1) Bike with a partner. I am available with appropriate notice and identification.

2) Bike at inconsistent times before dusk. (This will make it difficult for others to track your routine.) If you MUST bike alone do so when the library is open and let someone at the desk know that you are on the trail. (Remember to check out when you return.) Your check in could involve the simple act of leaving your library card and retrieve it when you get off the trail head.

3) Make sure that you have a charged cell phone and that it is easy to reach/use. You may wish to preprogram "911" into your phone and take safety precautions OFF before beginning your ride.

4) Be mindful of your surroundings. If you must wear headphone, keep the volume down, so that you can hear noises in your immediate area.

5) Be cautious of strangers. Unfortunately, unless they are personal friends, EVERYONE is a stranger. (I have been known to record the license plates of the cars in the parking lot, on my cell phone, and send it to a friend...just in case.)

On one of my last treks of 2007, I was approached by a man who asked to use my cell phone. As I rode past, I quickly acknowledged that I didn't have one. (That was a lie!) That day, I had chosen to bike alone, so I was extremely nervous about the return trip to the library. I made it safely back to my car and vowed NEVER to ride alone again. Fortunately for me, I had a second chance.

If you notice any suspicious activity while on the bike trail, do not hesitate to call 911 to inform the Clayton County Police Department. Our wonderful police officers are EXTREMELY understanding! Most phones are equipped with GPS devices, in the worst case scenario. In the Meredith Emerson case, there was someone who stated that he had a "funny feeling about the guy he saw in the woods". What if he had called the police at that time and told him about his uneasiness? Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.