The American Motorcyclist Podcast | Episode 2: Arctic Trek, A Forgotten Legend, and the Fight for Bat Nest Road

Some stories stop you mid-scroll. Some make you reach for your keys. And some remind you exactly why the AMA exists in the first place.In this episode of The American Motorcyclist Podcast, we sat down with AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm to dig into the April 2026 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine — and it's one for the books.We started with the cover story, “Arctic Trek” — the final chapter in Aaron Stevenson's extraordinary father-son two-up series. This time, Aaron and his son Micah tackled the legendary Dempster Highway, pushing all the way to the Arctic Ocean, through 500 miles of dirt, 40-knot crosswinds, three flat tires, beluga whale blubber, and encounters with indigenous communities, governors, and fellow riders from the Carolinas in the most unlikely corners of the world. It's one of the most human, most unforgettable adventure stories we've ever published.Then we turned to “The Story Behind ‘The Late Ken Pressgrove’” — Mitch's deep dive into the man whose name Bruce Brown spoke in On Any Sunday and then moved on from, leaving generations of riders wondering: who was he?The answer is a story about a natural-born talent from Topeka, Kansas, who was on the verge of greatness before his life was cut short at 24. It's the kind of piece that reminds you why motorcycle history matters — and why the people who lived it deserve to be remembered.We also talked about "The Battle for Bat Nest Road" — a one-mile dirt road in Knox County, Ohio, that became a flashpoint for the AMA's ongoing government relations work. When a private landowner threatened closure of this beloved riding road, Laura McCartney, the AMA and Backcountry Discovery Routes rallied riders from across the country to fight back — and won. This story is a blueprint for how everyday riders can make a real difference when access is on the line.And if you've ever wondered what it actually means to be an AMA member — we talk about that, too. The magazine is just the beginning.Not a member yet? Learn how to get American Motorcyclist magazine delivered to your door: https://americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine/get-the-magazine/   🎙️ Host: Joy Burgess, AMA Director of Marketing & Communications🎙️ Guest: Mitch Boehm, AMA Editorial DirectorIn this episode:"Arctic Trek" — Aaron and Micah Stevenson's epic father-son journey to the top of the continent on the Dempster Highway"The Late Ken Pressgrove" — uncovering the story of a rising dirt track star immortalized by a single line in On Any Sunday"The Battle for Bat Nest Road" — how the AMA and everyday riders fought to keep a beloved Ohio riding road open for public useHow to join the AMA and start receiving American Motorcyclist magazineSubscribe so you never miss an episode of The American Motorcyclist Podcast — where the stories are as good as the ride.🏍️ Join the AMA: https://americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine/get-the-magazine/