Hi Bob –
I also took the NC CCH class in Western NC. It was all women. I was oldest (62). We all ride. We also live quite close to where the older couple were recently killed in the Pisgah National Forest. (And another woman, and we’re not so far from GA ….)
Of course, since it seems I can only carry in my car, and between the LR and the bathroom 
I am not sure how much help it will be.
I took the class so I would basically be comfortable with handling a weapon, and so I could carry one when I am out. A federal law enforcement person told me several years ago if I was riding alone to carry a weapon. Of course that’s illegal unless it’s an openly carried .22 or I am in a camp site … (The laws don’t seem especially clear to me.) But then, the Bryants are dead, so there you go.
About half of our class of 6 had no experience or little recent experience, but we all got the hang ot if pretty quickly. I have gone back several times since to work on my skills.
It is a huge responsibility, and for someone growing up without any guns in our home, a significant lifestyle change.
