A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Harley Tracks
Hello, my name is Mike Rinowski, and I wrote Harley Tracks: Across Vietnam to The Wall.
I never though I’d write a book, but I never expected the ride I made, either. There are many aspects to my story, and it’s been called many things. To sum it up, it’s about the evolution of an obligation. It’s a spiritual journey with a handful of throttle.
For twelve years I’d moved around in seven countries on jobs in the golf course business, and to get a Harley Davidson into Hanoi, in 2008, was as much of a surprise as the job. Importing the bike was as easy as ordering a pizza. All I wanted to do was make a living and ride on my day off, but an obligation to honor our fallen veterans consumed my work, and then my life. I found that ride across Vietnam, simply in memory of them, wasn’t enough. On the land they saw last, there was more I should do, but what?
With faith as my guide, I put my work aside and returned to the trails more focused on my purpose.
Solitude of jungle on the Ho Chi Minh Road was a powerful sensation. Alone on the land they fought and died, and many remained, I imagined their tasks and turmoil more easily, and vividly, than I ever had. I crossed a threshold, and bonded with the spirits of my generation.
I began to live vicariously for them, but I didn’t want my ride across that land of beauty and welcome to be a hateful or somber affair, (although, there were overwhelming moments), but I rode with a playful vengeance. And I returned to the trails, again, and again, to carry the spirit of freedom where battles probably raged, our missing in action likely lied, and no Harley Davidson had ever been.
I crossed Vietnam seven times. Those 41,000 miles were not without dents, bends, and breaks, or bruises, sprains, and a fracture, but they were all part of the adventure. I was the luckiest rider in Vietnam. I laid tracks like never before, I felt freedom like never before, and in moments of solitude, and during wild times with a handful of throttle, I felt the presence of those I rode for. I thought my quest was complete.
The ride brought me a higher level of gratitude and recognition for combat veterans and their families. I have a greater recognition to not only my free-spirited nature, but to a changing nature among the Vietnamese. However, my quest wasn’t over—coincidence and opportunity had more cards to play. Four and a half years after my bike arrived in Hanoi, my quest rolled full circle across America, and my journey ended with a joy ride through Canada.
Not bad for an unexpected road trip!
For more on my epic ride, please browse my web site: www.harleytracks.com
Thank you & Never Forget
Excerpts from readers’ comments:
I appreciated the deep respect you had for my fellow soldiers, sailors, and airmen. -- Tom Campbell – Vietnam Veteran, SEAL Team One
One can see that all we fought for was not in vain. -- Dave Barr - Vietnam Veteran, Author: Riding the Edge & Riding the Ice
I mostly avoid the Vietnam stuff, however, a very good friend sent me your book—I read all of it on Sunday. -- John A. Shaver, Jr. – Vietnam Veteran
I’m 74 and have no experience with motorcycles. My first thoughts were; What a brave guy & What the heck, is this guy Crazy! I truly loved the ending of your book. -- Carol Slater – W. St. Paul MN
The poetic, lyrical, and colorful descriptions of the people and landscapes really came alive. You kept the focus on honoring our veterans. I laughed, cried, studied, and wondered in awe as I read your book. -- Paul Ittner – Mpls MN
Story Themes: Book, Harley Davidson, Mike Rinowski, Motorcylce, Music and Books, Paying Tribute, Read