Ultralight or a Race against Time to Honor a Friend...?

Today I received news that may alter my bike trip plans for the summer.
My good friend Jason who went to be with the Lord in August, 2011 will have his ashes spread out this coming August, early August. https://www.facebook.com/events/1434083296901743/ It is only scheduled for a half-hour, but this means a lot for me to attend...and my proposed bike trip would end towards the end of the month....which would be about 2700 miles, give or take. So, you can see my dilemma here.

Do I stay close to home and just do some short-term trips/adventures? That way, I may regret doing a large scale adventure.

Do I modify my trip and make it shorter? That way, I may miss out on some important places.

Do I stick with my proposed trip but go ultralight or race against time to be home by August 7th?

Do I go with another trip all together?

Dilemma, dilemma, dilemma...

I have been researching some ultralight options, but don't feel the need or feel comfortable going all out ultralight touring. There are some key things I can do to lighten my load though. I have been researching light tents for a long time and hopefully will choose one soon. Clothes are another big one...I can do without much of them.

The other thing is my itinerary. I plan, but the plans always change and get thrown out the window. However, I still deem it valuable to have some sort of plan or idea where I am heading...That being said, I have struggled to even complete a rough itinerary. Therefore, in light of the recent news, I am tempted to throw out the itinerary, and just hop on my bike and go come June 21st with only the rough route in my pocket. This will put it up in the air of where and when I sleep. I would have to do at least 60 miles a day with little or no rest days and I am not sure if I am up for that. The last thing I want is to inure myself again or kill myself or have no fun.

So, alas, I have not come up with a solution that writing usually brings about. All I am left with is a big fat dilemma...what to do? I have about 3 months to decide...