well it sounds like most people are saying that I won't have any issue if I end up traveling alone (for at least a portion). Could some of you tell me how hostels work and tell me about your experience using them? Thank you for all of your input, as well. Also, this will be my first tour, as well as my first time out of the country (U.S.). I also view this trip as a sort of pilgrimage to the roots of my blood (of mostly Irish descent).

EDIT: Also, Is there any way that I can estimate how much money I should allocate for the trip? I will have about $4,000 total. I will need to spend about $900 on a touring bike, so that leaves about $3,100. If I went for a month and a half (60 days), that would be about $50 a day. Will this be enough? I know there are all of those hidden costs.