Preparation is just as much fun!
No doubt about it, all that rummaging around on the Internet: making a list, chekcing it twice; making modifications to your bike; handling the logistics of getting everything (or nearly) done before departure is a great buzz.
As good as the trip? Well, that's hard to say, as you're comparing very different activities. But I find both very, very enjoyable.
There are those who think preparation and planning goes against the whole spirit of adventure and overlanding, of going out there and letting the trip 'happen' and unfold itself, but I prefer to do the work in advance. There's more than enough things that will come about on the trip to keep things interesting.
A good friend and travelling companion once sent me this quote of Amundsen:
"Victory awaits those who have everything in order - people call that luck.
Defeat is certain for those who have forgotten to take the necessary precautions in time - that is called bad luck."
Granted, it's more applicable to a trip into a barren, inhospitable, remote part of the world, than a weekend's trip up the motorway, but there is much wisdom in that quote. It's up to the individual to decide how diligently they wish to practice its philosophy.
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