americans are generally spoiled, and lazy
when i was young and seriously racing motorcycles my family owned smallish dodge vans, with 6 cylinder engines and a three speed manual trans. we covered all of the west coast and every year made trips to daytona, talledega in alabama and loudon new hampshire, all from northern california. it was not totally comfortable but was an adventure and part of the fun!
now i race some vintage motocross (in the +50 class) and when i go out to the OHV park about 35 miles away i see families with a 30' 'toy hauler' towed behind a double cab 1 ton four wheel drive truck, or a giant suburban or expedition. hauling two bikes and gear? and everyone is complaining about races they can't afford to go to because of gas cost?
i haul my CZ and husky on a lightweight open 2 rail trailer behind my... saab
not as comfortable as carrying your whole house with you. and i eat sandwiches and fruit instead of cooking a meal. and have to change into and out of my riding gear outside(!!!!!). and i get 30mgp wherever i go
these people have better gear and more 'stuff' than the world and national champions did in the 70's, just to go playride...
dumb