Sure, things can happen and sometimes problems occur during a tour, but it's easy to compensate for many of the potential risks.

• Bad traffic — A little planning can usually put me onto a safer route. The traffic problems, with few exceptions, are in urban areas and there are always alternate routes there.

• Mechanical breakdowns — Most breakdowns are annoyances, nothing more serious than flat tires or the occasional broken spoke or broken chain. All are easily fixed. The most serious mechanical failures I've encountered have been brakes which failed in an urban area and a crank malfunction. The brakes were fixed with a minor adjustment. I managed to cobble the crank together until I reached the nearest bike shop, where I had it fixed quickly.

• Wildlife — Bears are the most dangerous wildlife I can expect to encounter when I'm touring and yes, I have encountered a few black bears along the way. Common sense is important here.

• Dehydration — Yes, it's a risk on a hot summer day, but it's also possible to carry a bit of extra water. No problem.

• Weather-related problems — I can't control the weather, but I can ensure I've got the clothing and camping equipment I need.

• Thieves and vandals — When I'm on a tour, I spend almost all my time on the bike or close to it, with the bike in sight and locked.