"I mean it's easier to be in a demonstration if it's a trip that's one of the reasons why the whole thing fell apart in 1971, because it wasn't a trip any longer"

This quote by Lester Bangs is describing the decrease of the counterculture motion in the early 1970s. He is suggesting that the motion was more effective when it was a "journey" or an adventure, rather than a serious political presentation. Bangs is indicating that the counterculture movement was more appealing to individuals when it was an enjoyable and amazing experience, rather than a serious political motion. He is suggesting that when the motion ended up being more major and focused on political problems, it lost its appeal and people stopped taking part. This is why the movement broke down in 1971. Bangs is recommending that the counterculture motion was more successful when it was a fun and interesting experience, instead of a severe political demonstration.