Inspire or Scare the Begeebees?

[staehpj1]

I agree. Cycling cross country is safe enough to do without undue concern.

I'll add that in many ways it is likely to actually be safer than staying home depending on your lifestyle and where you live and work.  I find it amusing when someone who lives in downtown Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, or where ever is worried about running into problems with bears or bad guys.

Also while relatively safe, where there are risks, the greater risks of touring are much more likely to be truck or automobile related.  Still, folks worry more about critters and bad guys.

[Westinghouse]

Do not focus on fears of what might happen. Focus on the fact that thousands of people have cycled and camped cross country without incident. If, by some offhand chance, you are a woman and are aproached by a stranger at a truck stop or gas station, just stay around where people are, get away from the stranger, and do not encourage him in any way. Women have cycled the perimeter of the US alone in safety and security. Get your bike. Get your gear. Plan, practice, and go. The most likely scenario is that you will have the experience and adventure of a lifetime.

[e46rick]

Bears and rednecks are the least of my concerns.
Drivers texting and 80+y/o's driving motorhomes or pulling fifth wheeled trailers are the far bigger risks IMO.