I guess if you want ultimate security you could put your bike on a
trainer and ride it behind locked doors. Seriously, though, I've
toured thousands of miles and usually don't bother to lock my bike if
I can sort of keep an eye on it. When I do, I use a wimpy ¼" cable
with a tiny luggage lock. Keeps honest people honest but won't deter
anyone with a tool bigger than a nail clipper. Serious locks are
seriously heavy.

I admit that I get more concerned in larger cities than in rural areas
but still, I think the risk of theft isn't enough to cancel what
sounds like a great tour. Check your homeowner/rental insurance. You
should be covered but, depending upon your deductible, you could still
face a big loss. It might be worth paying for a lower deductible if it
buys you peace of mind.

Dave
On Mar 5, 2009, at 7:00 AM, j.a. tackett wrote:

> In two months I am leaving for a 7-9 day cycling trip around
> south florida.
> I will probably do the 100mile+ keys route there and back, then
> putter about the
> coast line. I anticipate about 7 days of road cycle touring avg
> 50-80+ miles per
> day. I own a Specialized Tarmac Elite $1800+, full carbon fiber
> bike. I want to
> tent camp in national/state parks most of the time. I will probably
> bring an
> ultra light weight stove and a couple backpaking meals but mostly
> will buy cheap
> food on the road (pizza).
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1) Is my bike too expensive to cycletour with? As in will it get
> stolen even if
> i lock it up with a GOOD lock, while i shop for groceries/eat food,
> walk around,
> or sleep. I plan on putting a tyvek cover over it and have it
> partially in my
> vestibule while i sleep.