I'm like the OP. I'm almost 58, have just started riding after 20yrs+ and am almost always focused on having a plan. Not because I'm afraid of getting lost, but because I want to know what to expect. I need to know the weather sure, but also approximate distances, routes and thinking through likely traffic situations. It's not a bad thing to be prepared, and I also let my family know where I'm going and when I might be expected back. It's just being considerate of others.