“George Hanson: Ya know, this used to be a helluva good country. Can’t understand what’s gone wrong with it.
Billy: Man, everybody got chicken, that’s what happened. Hey, we can’t even get into like, a second-rate hotel, I mean, a second-rate motel, you dig? They think we’re gonna cut their throat or somethin’. They’re scared, man.
George Hanson: They’re not scared of you. They’re scared of what you represent to ‘em.
Billy: Hey, man. All we represent to them, man, is somebody who needs a haircut.
George Hanson: Oh, no. What you represent to them is freedom.
Billy: What the hell is wrong with freedom? That’s what it’s all about.
George Hanson: Oh, yeah, that’s right. That’s what’s it’s all about, all right. But talkin’ about it and bein’ it, that’s two different things. I mean, it’s real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. Of course, don’t ever tell anybody that they’re not free, ‘cause then they’re gonna get real busy killin’ and maimin’ to prove to you that they are. Oh, yeah, they’re gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it’s gonna scare ‘em.”
Just heading out for 5 days or so, but packed for a month+ trip to see if I was going to be able to pack everything without the need of side bags. I've got still & video gear including GoPro Hero 3. iPad & Bluetooth keyboard for travel blogging. Minimal tools, slime compressor & tire repair kit, tent, hammock, all the clothes I need even if the temps dip down to 32F. Book to read, shower stuff, potable solar panel, water heating coil & 22oz collapsible cap with lid & plenty of instant starbucks pouches, 5 days worth of food and even a liter bag of red wine!
The vino is in a refillable 1L Platypus beverage bag. I'm sure it'll be easy to fine more to refill it with I'm using the platypus because its lighter & packs easier than a bottle. Plus, it holds an extra 250ML and can be used to carry water as well.
On top is an Alps ultralight tent, water sandals & a yoga Matt to sleep on. I likely will just sleep in my hammock but packed the tent in case the temps drop or I get a lot of rain.
Since I'm in Texas so I don't really need the warm clothes. Where I'm going it'll be 80F in the say and low 50's at night. But in the next couple of weeks or so I'll head out for a longer trip that may take me to higher altitude & lower nighttime temps in New Mexico & Colorado. Just wanted to pack for a longer trip to make sure everything would fit, see how the bike handles with more weight & how much the gas mileage is effected.
The front compartment on this bike is very useful. In the front storage I've got rain gear, map, compact camera, tablepod/monopod, slime compressor, map, wallet, first aid kit, sunscreen & repellent, chain lube & basic tools, and shower cap seat cover for the sheepskin pad in case it rains.