Exploring Postindustrial America by Motorcycle

Most things with wheels interest me, so it’s probably no surprise to learn that I am a motorcycle enthusiast. My first motorcycle was a tiny, yellow 1979 Suzuki 50 cc, giving me my first taste of absolute freedom at 11 years old!

That bike is long gone - one day, I’ll get another. But for now, I’m always eager to hop on the back (or in the sidecar) of a motorcycle and never miss an opportunity to work on projects involving them.

In May of 2021, I field produced an open-road adventure that followed two longtime friends, journalists, and fellow moto enthusiasts through the heart of the Rust Belt and Appalachia, a region Postindustrial Media refers to as “Postindustrial America.”

This project was particularly appealing to me because it traversed the region where I was born and raised. It’s also a part of the country that has endured its share of hardships in recent years, with the loss of steel, coal, and manufacturing jobs.

However, many people in Postindustrial America have found ways to reinvent themselves and are thriving. New industries like medicine, technology, and others are slowly replacing the old. Meanwhile, regional artists have gained a global audience, as cities like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh draw international attention, praise, and visitors.

Photos by Justin Merriman, Lindsay Plaskett, Carmen Gentile, Matt Cipollone