Hey febikes,
I would say you are at higher risk of injury from an animal while riding compared to sleeping. They aren’t preying on ya, but you may startle them. As TheArtist was saying, make noise when at speed or when visibility is limited.
As for how to approach the “risks associated with road side camping”. The scarcest animals are humans… but as for bears, etc, just minimize your food smells at camp. When you cook/eat at night, just do so before you pass out and then ride a few more miles so smells are behind you. Carry less smelly food, food trash, etc.
Find your spot to sleep for the night, then piss about 5-6’ (downhill or all over vegetation) from where you rest your head. (This is only really viable if you are a male due to more testosterone) Place your food near your head between you and your piss and proceed to pass out. Make sure your food is in the open (not in my bivy, pack, frame bag, etc), this is so mice don’t eat holes in your gear.
A lot of people will tell you not to sleep with your food. But while out hiking when carries are hundreds of miles, I cannot take the chance of losing my food. I literally have over 2yrs wroth of nights in bivys with my food always nearby, no problem besides mice.
If you are up north or playing with Grizzlies for long periods, you might wish to carry spray. I choose not to carry any when I hiked the CDT, but each their own. Never carry a gun for critters. Spray, bear bangers, and rape alarm grenades all work better.
If you are finding yourself still worrying while on your ride, get some ear plugs and just sleep. You are at a much greater danger if you are not well rested while riding compared to things that go bump in the night.
More info:
http://www.joshspice.com/2012/01/staying-safe-in-bear-country-part-1.htmlhttp://www.joshspice.com/2011/10/bear-spray-or-firearms-you-decide.html
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