I've cleaned the bike, re-adjusted brake-cables, shifter-cables, put on a new saddle and stripped some of the decals off.

I bought some handlebar tape, I haven't installed it yet as I'm missing 2 brake hoods.
I do have a question about these though... they're old dia-compe non-aero brake levers... there were no hoods when I got the bike and the levers were wrapped in tape (presumably to prevent the aluminium from oxidizing?).
From what I can find on the internet I should be ordering crane creek brake hoods, nearly all of these I find on eBay are to be shipped from the US and shipping costs are 20$ in most cases.
Can I safely ride without brake hoods? I know it won't be as comfortable as riding with brake hoods but are there any other downsides/dangers I should know of?