A noise maker....that's what you're missing, and I get that you pack heat, I'm talking a pre emptive noise maker. I ride in bear country, also moose and mountain lion, a lot (just yesterday) and after hearing about the most recent grizzly attack in the exact part of the Gravelly Range I want to ride http://bozemanmagazine.com/news/1/posts/2017/09/05/2704_archery_hunter_attacked_by_grizzly_in_gravelly?mobile_redirect=false (might be too late this year, snow.....) I just upgraded my noise maker. Both my trail rides have had "bear bells", smaller tinklers that can velcro on your belt loops or the handle bars, they work on hikers also, unless they have their earbuds in. They also have another velcro thing that keeps it quiet. BUT, for some of the places and at this time of year (pre-hibernation....) I decided to upgrade a bit and just got a small cowbell, yesterday was my first ride with it. Not objectionably loud or annoying, but better then the little bell, which I still use.
Plus I also just got a mini version of the canned marine air horns, just as loud but only a couple inches dia., small enough to fit in my coat pocket or frame bag. Unlike bear spray wind won't matter, or aim. Noise makers have a good history of moving bears away from you, and they can be handy in a rescue situation also, like after you get attacked by a bear, ha ha. I don't want the weight of a gun, but the noise they make could be helpful for sure. I leave mine at home in the bedstand (no kids around), not sure of my aim in a panic situation also. Search youtube for bikes/bears, no one had a noise maker, you HAVE TO make a bit of noise and odds are they will get out of your way, unless they are hard of hearing or real hungry and then you're just screwed!
I always get a little antsy when further away then I can reasonably hike back, so early as possible in the morning is when I make my big rides. If I can't fix what's broke I'll stuff it in the bush and geo cache it and start walking and come back with my ATV. Never had to do that yet though. I check my chain and keep it lubed, plus carry chain tools and links, multipurpose type tool, a roll of electrical tape, spare thumb throttle, my plane's sat based personal locator beacon, 2 or 3 BIC lighters, a bit of aircraft stainless safety wire, spare tube and patch kit, pump, a Life Sttaw water filter PLUS a large ziploc bag for it so you don't have to lean into a creek, and that's about it. Almost, I also never leave home without a couple index cards and a pen or two, for leaving a note for rescuers or would be thief's. "Hey Rocky (or some other bad ass sounding name) , I'm out sighting in the rifle, when you and the other guys get here with the whiskey, we'll see who's the better shot, a former Seal or a former Green Beret!" A variation of this note I leave on my plane when tied down in a remote area, and so far so good. With the plane, I'm concerned about someone THINKING I need rescuing, and I want to dissuade them calling the authorities, while also keeping any bad thoughts out of their head, same with if I ever have to leave my ebike in view somewhere. Most times I just be honest, leave a note like "All is well, out mountain biking, back soon", with that days date on it.