Ohhhh, y'all are sooooo great! It's wonderful to hear those tips! Actually, I've had to experience much of what you mention already, but because of that, I don't want to experience it anymore...... unless I have to. We had several excursions that got us back home after dark last summer. Luckily, the deer aren't moving AS MUCH during that time of year. I also had to be aware of cattle that were out of the pasture on the right-of-way. They can dart out in front of you in fear so quickly. We just hope we can limit our riding to daytime. As for rain..... well, that is a funny story. I will make it short and say that my husband wouldn't pull over so we could get the rain gear on. By the time we got home, my boots were filled with water!
All that being said, I know that getting into foreign territory will pose hazards. I am as prepared for that as I can be I think.
Dr. Doolittle, I appreciate your last response. I certainly wasn't removing the jacket to be "cool," but to be COOL. Still, I rode with it during high temps last year and survived. I can do it now too. Hugs to you guys!