“We are puppets of that device…” One of the most honest moments from our recent conversation with Robin Hartfiel from Dealernews and the Motorcycle Industry Council during American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) 2026, notes Dirtbag Brands founder Josh Salazar. He decided to flip the script and put Dealernews in the hot seat for a change.
“We started discussing powersports advocacy, rider culture and the role organizations like the MIC play behind the scenes,” says Salazar. However, the conversation eventually shifted into something much bigger:
Why riding still matters.
In a world dominated by screens, algorithms and constant notifications, powersports still gives people something real: adventure, freedom, relationships and experiences that cannot be replicated digitally.
“There’s not an app to go ride.”
Full interview now live on the Dirtbag Brands YouTube channel and https://dirtbagbrands.com/motorcycle-industry-council-interview/
