Bigger Isn't Always Better, Little Folding Bike Road Trip

Some photos from our seven day, three thousand miles road trip with the 98 Dahon Mariner.  I had considered selling that bike but glad I kept it when we observed how the trunk bike carrier from Saris caused the trunk lid of our little Nissan Versa to flex to much.  Plan B was fold the Dahon and shove it in the trunk.    We had a lot of fun with opportunity to visit The Bicycle Nomad Cafe and visit with owner Erick Cedeno (scroll down for photo) who rode the the little old Dahon and afterwards said "it rides better than it looks".  Another quote from his site is perfectly suited for this blog post title.  "It makes you feel big when you are small and small when you are big".
Visit the Bike Tourings' Blog regarding this Bike at "A Folding Bike that Fits"

After landing at Madrid, New Mexico I was looking forward to figuring out how I would pack my kit onto the Dahon Mariner.  Turned out to be easier than I thought with use of a medium size hydration pack for mountain biking. 

Juxtaposed  : )

Cruising on pavement was pure fun, trails were a bit challenging and limited some of the riding options but was still fun, yep I was smiling. 

Bicycle Nomad Cafe owner Erick Cedeno after riding the old Dahon Mariner five speed, "it rides better than it looks".  

I try to make it a tradition to get at least one good pic on my way home through Texas Hill Country

I did figure out a good method of packing my tent, poles, air mattress, sleeping bag and pillow, camera, tripod, spare batteries, power pack, basic flat repair kit and enough food and water for an overnighter.  

Madrid, New Mexico is so beautiful at night.  This was at four am after the clouds had cleared out.