Originally Posted by
Rowan
And your "feeling" about a place, reinforced by the positive comments of locals, may be quite deceptive. Case in point is the theft of Machka's favourite bicycle from three foot away from the door of our tent, in a very pleasant country campground. "Nothing like that ever happens here", was the response from the campground managers.
I may at some point lose my bike and gear to a thief,
but I figure that to me the risks I take are acceptable. I understand that the risk is there and choose my bike and gear with the notion that it could be stolen in mind. I trust that my instincts will help to minimize the risk, but accept that risk is there. The fact that I don't have a very expensive bike or very many expensive gear items makes it easier to be caviler
about bike and gear loss. When/if I lose my bike or gear I'll try to take it in stride and remember that I have received a lot more kindness and hospitality on tour than negative treatment or theft.