But Geddy -
I've toured for twenty years -
Probably more than 100,000 miles on my current bike -
More than half of that from touring.
Don't you think it more than just "hippy philosophy" to have 60,000 miles of experience?
The original poster said camping - not protecting a bike in Seattle or Chicago.
There ARE choices a person cam make -
Of route, of camping options, of value of bicycle -
So that one does not have to worry constantly about theft.
It has taken me half a lifetime to realize that I can either change my surroundings -
Or change my thinking. The latter is far easier and more pleasant.
Such a way of doing things may not be your choice -
But it remains a choice for those who wish to do so.