With my grandmother's mindset of imminent danger in the foreground, I've been planning--what a surprise. Even before Gram expressed her displeasure for my decision others in the family showed concern. "Are you going to have a pistol?" was what my little brother asked. "Will you be staying in hotels?" "What are you going to bring for protection? You know there're a lot of weirdos out there!" "You're going ALONE?!" All of these questions are valid, through & through. There are real dangers when doing a solo trip, bicycle or not. With my bike, however, there are even more dangers, oddly enough.
The first that comes to mind: MOTORISTS. I can't tell you how many times I've only been left 6" on either side (parked cars on one side and/or quickly moving traffic on both). It can be really scary, but I find myself looking farther ahead down the road when that happens so that I don't go sideways and I can prepare for the upcoming (possible) obstructions or gap in the cars--it's a good thing, I think. I've been developing a pretty good sense of how to maneuver in sticky situations... more often than not the safest thing to do is just keep trucking on and have the cars get pissy and go around, then get over when you have a chance; the more predictable you are the better. I normally ride on the skirt of the road and try to avoid having assholes ride my bum, beep, and then curse at me. Sometimes, though, a jag-off bus driver will pull off the curb without looking and push me into traffic--no biggy, just wait til the red light (or if no one is behind me or the bus) and get over, then flick 'em the bird :)
To help prevent any "I didn't see you!" comments, I'm DEFINITELY getting some neon and/or reflective gear. I think one vest and one long-sleeved jacket will be sufficient. My helmet is white, I have reflectors on both sides of the bike, and I have (to replace--dammit!) blinkies for the front and one to clip on my back/backpack. I've also looked at the reflective bracelets for ankles and/or wrists--they're like the ones we had when we were kids that bend when you slap them against your body--and they just don't seem like they'd be comfortable. I'm pretty sure there are Velcro versions too, so I'm going to look into that. There's no point in being cool looking when cycling for amount of distance--safety should be the first thing in your mind.
Next, dogs. They love to chase us, it's inevitable. I've normally been able to deter them with verbal commands, such as, "No!" "Naughty!" "Stay Down!" "Get back in the yard!" etc. I've been reading on a continual community blog, crazyguyonabike.com, about other tactics too. Talking sweetly to them too, so that they remember that you're human/dominant and not prey is an alternative that works well. I also have two whistles that I carry--a regular, old nasty one that was probably my gym teacher's in grade school, and I bought one with a compass, thermometer and little magnifying glass in it. Not to mention, I have a REALLY LOUD whistle when I jam my fingers in my mouth and blow--it even hurts my ears sometimes.
Then, I've got the creepy people with which to deal (hopefully not any more so than usual). I'm going to get bear/pepper spray for that (not to mention it'll help if there's a really aggressive dog). Also, for camping purposes, I'll always have my buck knife on me; this'll help if I get in a bind. All I hope is that I have the smarts to use it to protect myself rather than having it being turned against me in the worst case scenario. I'll also be texting my family every hour or so when I have to stop to rehydrate/snack so they'll know EXACTLY where I am/was. My cell phone will always be charged and on me.
As far as getting bit by a rattle snake or preventing hypothermia in the case of bad weather--let's just hope I get bit somewhere that I can reach to cut & suck, and I have a metallic safety blanket in my first aid kit :)
So, reflective gear, helmet, blinkies, pepper spray, whistles, cell phone, and a knife. I think I'm set.
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