I can emphasise with you Andrew, and I agree with you pretty much in everyway..
Before my first major trip I was obsessed with being prepared for every eventuality. I didnt have a route planned or even any maps but i did have pretty much everything I could need wherever I went... My bike was really heavy and a bitch to pack. I think most of us start out that way if were not seasoned travellers.
Did I over prepare, overpack and worry too much ?? DEFINATELY...
I used maybe 20% of what I took. As a mechanic, I took tools and spares(and i used them after crashing in the remote pampas).. Without them I would of been stranded, and without water and food ... ???? Who knows.
Did I need my GPS ?? NO, I didnt but it sure helped after 12 hours riding in 70mph winds and entered a chaotic city at night with no idea of where the campsite was and finding the way through places with no signs and people to ask...
When I travel now, im very much a light weight traveller. Impriovising and using inititive instead of having the "special kit". Being prepared for an emergency isnt selling out, its just making sure your dream doesnt turn into a nightmare.. Being underprepared for a dangrous situation just makes me think your an idiot, not a traveller.
I love your ethos of travelling and I try to be like that but obsessing with being "the real deal" just makes you sound like your trying to hard to prove something to yourself or others... Who knows though, I cant judge you off a post on a forum and I wont try to.
I really cringe at the people who have everything planned to a T as well ... It doesnt seem like an adventure to me at all (actually its just like a boring checklist), but its what makes them happy. Its not for us to say they're right or wrong.. its just their way.
Of course, there are always going to be the types who have "all the gear and no idea"... I think many of these people love the idea of travel and adventure, they just dont have the balls or the oppurtunity to actually do it for whatever reason , so just buy all the kit instead... Touratech and BMW basically exist off these people and market themselves accordingly.
Looking at your own way of travelling, some may say that your reliant on people helping you, so cant look after yourself if things go wrong.. Some people really love being totally self sufficient...
Everyone has their own way to do things and no one has the right to tell anyone else how it should be done.... Theres your way, theres my way and theres their way !
Ride safe buddy and enjoy !
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