>>814405fellow Femanon here.
I have had one or two awkward run ins, but nothing I couldn't handle. I always tell people I'm meeting another group or on my way out(whether true or not). 9 times out of 10 they are there for the same reasons you are, enjoy nature and be alone in it for a while. The other 1 are up to some sketchy shit and usually not interested in you, or if they are it's easy to pick up on. Only one time did I ever feel uncomfortable with the group and snuck away just to get away from them. I have to this day never had to draw a knife on someone.
I was riding my bike along the road on a trip from Milwaukee to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. I had stayed at a college friend's house just outside of Green Bay for the night and was heading out early morning. I was taking backroads and in the middle of farm country when a ford pick up pulled over asking if I wanted a lift to as far as Shawano which would shave a fuck ton of traveling. In the back of the truck were 3 others, all about high school aged. Just country boys. We made small talk but as we drove around we went about half way before they started going more south than north(thank you GPS) I tried making excuses to get out of the truck but the driver started to blow stop signs and speeding. At a red light in this small town I jumped off with my bike at a stop sign and waved goodbye. They fallowed me making cat calls until I went into a gas station. I asked the person behind the counter to phone the police and gave a detailed description of the truck and what they guys looked like.
That was so far the sketchiest situation I ever found myself and I blame myself for putting myself into that situation because I did accept the ride.
Best advice is always have situational awareness. Or go in a group you trust.
I always have a hatchet on my pack, then a knife on my belt, and another smaller one in my pocket.
