Megan Margeson has had a passion for motorcycles since the beginning on account of her moto-loving family. Her enthusiasm for two wheels and a challenge drew her to the famous Cross Country Chase. This cross-country journey tests a rider’s skill, navigation, endurance and knowledge. With that, a rider can only saddle an engine built between 1930-1960. The California native rode a 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead on the historic Route 66 from Illinois to California. With a few mechanical mishaps, she managed to make it to the finish line of the big ride. Megan shares her wisdom to be successful in the chase and more details about all her moto adventures.
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: How did you get your start in the motorcycle world?
Megan Margeson: I guess it starts from a pretty young age. I grew up in a motorcycle family, so both of my parents have been riding for all of my life. And I grew up riding on the back of their choppers and helping my dad out in the garage, building bikes and things. We joke that I was brainwashed from a really young age and I really didn’t have a choice to turn into anything other than what I am today. My love for motorcycles started out pretty young. I grew up on dirt bikes and as soon as I turned 18, I went and got my M1 so that I could ride on the street.
Caption: Megan with her Mom and Dad at the Cross Country Chase finish line (Photo: Owned by Megan Margeson)
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Back in September, you took part in the Cross Country Chase, tell us about your experience with that and what made you sign up for this challenge
Megan Margeson: When someone told me about this program, it’s [called] the Love of Motorcycles program and what they’re trying to do is get younger individuals involved in the world of vintage motorcycles. And so they sponsored four of us by providing us with a bike that qualifies because mine actually doesn’t qualify, it’s too new — it had to be a pre-1960 motorcycle. They provide you with the bike and then they pay for a majority of the fees associated with participating. As soon as I was told about this opportunity, that day, I sat down and filled out the application. Then to my surprise, a couple of months later, I got the call that the judges selected me to be one of the lucky four and that I would be riding a 1948 Panhead.
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: For this cross-country ride, were you wrenching on your own bike or have any help?
Megan Margeson: We had a few staff members, their job is basically, if they see you on the side of the road, they pull over and see if there’s anything they can do to help you. I got to know the staff members very well on this trip. They were amazing. I’m very grateful for them and everyone else on the chase that helped me.
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: What was something you learned from the whole experience that will stick with you for life?
Megan Margeson: What this trip provided me and really what I was hoping it would provide me with was the motivation to really make sure that I’m learning as much as I can so that when I’m on the side of the road, I can just rely on myself. You can’t ride these old bikes and not know how to work on them.
Caption: Megan at the Cross Country Chase finish line in California (Photo: Owned by Megan Margeson)
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Do you have any helpful recommendations for someone’s success in the chase who wants to complete it?
Megan Margeson: I think, of course, having knowledge on the bike is what’s gonna help you get to the finish line, for sure. The people there are going to help you, but it’s also not their job to help you. You should be able to get where you’re going without relying on everyone else there. Then the second thing I would say is attitude. Riding these old bikes has taught me patience beyond understanding. So, having a good attitude and staying patient and continuing to learn are the big things.
Caption: Megan saddled on a 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead (Photo: Owned by Megan Margeson)
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: From all your motorcycle adventures and journeys, where is one place you would instantly recommend?
Megan Margeson: The one place that my family continues to return to is a place called Toad Rock Motorcycle Campground. It’s in British Columbia, Canada.
Caption: Megan on an old Route 66 gas station (Photo: Owned by Megan Margeson)
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Do you have any fun moto adventures planned or exciting news you want to share?
Megan Margeson: Something exciting for me is next month I’ll be going to Japan for Mooneyes, which I’m really, really excited about. I’ve heard that Mooneyes is gonna blow my mind.
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Have you been into a motorcycle accident? If yes, what did you learn from it?
Megan Margeson: The only time I’ve actually gone down — I was riding on the back of my Mom’s bike. I was probably 17 or 18.
If you notice any pictures, or videos you ever see of me, it doesn’t matter if it’s 120 degrees outside, I am in my full gear. I have my leather jacket. Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I would rather be a little extra toasty and be safe!
Caption: Megan beaming at the finish line (Photo: Owned by Megan Margeson)
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Lastly, what are some goals and ambitions you have for yourself and how are you going about achieving them?
Megan Margeson: I guess on a personal and professional note — I started my own marketing company about a year and a half ago. And so just continuing to grow and learn and be successful in that realm. That’ll provide me with more opportunities to do fun things. It’s given me flexibility. I pack my laptop into my motorcycle sissy bar bag and I can go on all these adventures and work on the road. That’s priceless for me.
If you are interested in following Megan on all her moto adventures, follow her on Instagram. Ride safe, and thanks for reading!
