I have crossed the country a couple times and done some other long tours. In my younger days I hitch hiked across the country. I met a lot of nice people and was shown a great deal of hospitality. I figure that touring is safer than riding around home. I show warmth, openness, and a smile to 99% of the folks along the way and they almost always return the same. For the other 1%...I just avoid contact with those that set off my radar.