bikepacking: what's holding me back? fear?

Noted bikepacker Ryan Van Duzer, yes thats his name, and no, he's American suggests fear may be holding me back. 

I don't think its the principal reason because I was waiting to get my eye surgery done and dusted, and to get gear together and then do some testing. 

One of RVDs suggested fears may be 'wild animals", particularly bears. Well no bears in Australia, but I did just buy a bear bell. It only cost a few bucks and when I heard one on the Camino walk, it was effective in gently alerting walkers to the approach of a bike and sounded quite nice. In Australia it wouldn't help for snakes but would help with people and other critters.  

RVDs other fears included mechanical or equipment failure, and weather exposure. Basically his position was that I should prepare well, without getting bogged down on the detail, and accept that occasionally things will fail, but will be overcome. 

I just want to get out for a 24hr run to get the wheels turning, and take it from there.