Yes, I agree about that feeling free sentiment with highways and such not having any real memorable part in this movie. All the focus seems to be on outlaw business, more material level of it, glossing over some essential philosophical aspects and benefits of being a biker.
I have to say though, I think the filmmaker had been making all those decisions, comparing the provisional content during the development stage to other movies that deal with the motorcycle clubs and biker lifestyle; making sure his movie has got what others don't. Or at least it seemed to may have happened that way to me anyhow.