Who Is Watching You?

Gravel riding in rural areas is calming, relatively safe, and obviously, it also must be a lot of fun, because so many people are engaged in the activity now. There are a few things one should know when riding in rural areas, and many of those things are obvious. Dogs? yep, we've been aware of that. How about how to read roads? Yes, you've seen articles on that. Finding routes? You betcha! 

But have you considered the rural residents, their attitudes about strangers, and how that intersects with a rise in distrust generally amongst the populace? Connect the dots and you might be surprised to find out that this has resulted in a rise of security measures on the part of rural residents. In other words- you are being watched. 

Security cameras are nothing new. They used to be big, metallic covered, clunky, and easily spotted devices, but that is no longer the case. Today's cameras are often camouflaged, wireless, and can "see" in a wide range, and even in the dark. Basically, you never know when someone might be sitting at a computer desk, or lounging with a laptop, just, you know, 'checking the cameras', and see you on their property, or 'just passing by". 

The most obvious places to find this technology is around homes and outbuildings, but you should also be aware that 'game cameras' often are mounted along roads, and especially low maintenance roads, where hunters like to find game. So, just because you are out of eyesight of a house, are you really? 

Modern security cameras have wide fields of view and can see in the dark

 And maybe you think its 'no big deal', right? I mean, who cares if you ride a Level B road, or poach that Level C road, (which is illegal, by the way) Well, if that's how you think, you have no clue as to how the residents of rural areas see you. 

Rural Iowans, (and I suspect many rural residents across the USA), are very suspicious of strangers, and oddballs on bicycles don't typically help that feeling along. Sure, most folks are kind, and even very helpful to us as cyclists. Heck, I had a young man in a pick-up truck stop to ask if I was okay as I was resting on a bridge just last week, But typically suspicion is their first emotion, and if it is an odd time of day, or at night, you can bet that the suspicions will run higher. And also- You never know who you are dealing with. 

I've run across the more suspicious types, and with a bit of conversation, the atmosphere gets cleared. However; if you are poking around an outbuilding looking for a good place to take your "nature break", you are going to have to accept that there may be some unpleasant consequences. And that may be chalked up to security cameras on the scene. 

I'm not trying to brow-beat, or talk anyone out of riding rural areas. To the contrary! I happen to enjoy the rides out of town immensely, and I highly recommend that you do it as well, if you can. However; it pays to be aware that times have changed, and technology is creeping all over the world. The 'eyes' of someone who is invisible to you just may be on you and your activities anywhere, literally, these days. And you know, this surveillance is only going to increase.

Always be aware and ask, "Who is watching me now?", before you do something off the bike, or before you ride a non-public road or area. The answer to that question might very well be, "Someone is watching!", and you should act accordingly. Remember- "Choices come with Consequences" - Are you willing to accept that? 

Choose carefully.