Episode 136, in which Melissa Pierson talks writing AND riding

Welcome to Season 6 of Chasing the Horizon!

With 135 episodes behind us, we’re all excited to move forward after a long break, starting with the first of two new episodes.

Episode 136 features author Melissa Holbrook Pierson, who has written a number of books, including two specifically about motorcycles and the people who ride them. Her other books explore a variety of topics, such as learning kindness from dogs, how progress affects us and our communities, and the connection between women and horses. Of her non-motorcycle books, I had to get a copy of “The Place You Love Is Gone: Progress Hits Home,” because not only is it of particular interest to me, I’ve also discovered in my travels the past couple of years the stunning homogeneity of communities across the country. It seems as if the entire American landscape – especially within a couple miles of any interstate highway – is becoming one giant, seething mass of chain fast food and big-box retail. Anyway, click on Melissa’s name to be taken to her website, where you can learn more about her books.

The news is brief – I’m going to make a concerted effort to rein in my chattiness in discussion episodes and may occasionally release news-only episodes this season – and involves a recent law taking effect that legalizes lane splitting in Arizona and Ducati celebrating a milestone with their Scrambler. In EV news, a consortium started last year by just four motorcycle manufacturers has expanded to 21 members, some of whom are not well-known in two-wheel circles.

Thanks to webBikeWorld for funneling news our way, and be sure to check out their website for the latest motorcycle news and in-depth product reviews.

Since we don’t have a Patreon page for you to visit, the easiest way to support Chasing the Horizon is by joining the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. Digital memberships are $39 a year and traditional memberships are $49 a year; each come with a wide range of member benefits, including access (digital or in your mailbox) to BMW Owners News, the MOA’s monthly magazine. You also get access to one of the best roadside assistance programs for motorcycles available (sorry, only applies to the US), become eligible for a $250 motorcycle training scholarship every year, up to $500 off a new BMW motorcycle, discount tickets to great events and much, much more!