I live in a very rural area so the minute I go out my door I'm in the boonies. I can't say that I worry about too much during my rides. I feel fortunate that I don't have to contend with traffic and stop lights and all the other city stuff. People spend good money to have the views (fields, cows, barns, etc) I have just going out the door of my home. Drivers are actually courteous for the most part and a group of young teens goofing off in one of the fields earlier this week just smiled and said "hello" as I went by.

That said, my biggest fear is having a deer jump out in front of me when I'm really flying on a descent. That would ruin a ride and actually has the potential to be fatal. The odds I suppose are not great but it always crosses my mind--especially in the many places where trees grow right up to the pavement and you would have no advanced warning. I've had squirrels, cats, and groundhogs dart out in front of me with some close calls but so far we all have come off unscathed. We do have bears in the area but not to the extent you have them in Canada. They do cross my mind a bit on unpaved trails because their populations have been increasing here but I wouldn't categorize it as a genuine fear.

Also, I found a tick after last evenings ride so now I'll be watching the spot for any signs of rash and such. Lyme Disease is quite prevalent here in PA.

If my wife is riding with me, I will ride back to her if I get too far ahead. Probably an unfounded concern but something I do anyway. Half the time I'm solo. I would never ride on the road at night unless I got caught there. I've solo camped in the woods on many occasions and its a great experience. But you don't have the visibility issues you do on a bike.

Regarding the carry issue you wish to avoid, its an option like it or not and many exercise it. Here in ****erville USA every home has guns and many good ole boys have what they call their "truck gun". In most cases, its not there for protection so much as recreation. If I felt I needed to carry for safety reasons I would. I don't so I don't. As a legal matter, the old saying is "Its better to be judged by twelve than carried by six."

Have a safe ride. Sounds like fun.