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 in the jungle.
Somewhere north of Khe Sanh.
Uncle Ho's War Trail.
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.
Recess on the Trail.
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!
My farewell to Mr. Nhon.
Old Glory on Highway 1.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Minneapolis, MN
Story Subject: Military Service
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