In 2008, Mike Rinowski went to Vietnam for his first time—to build golf courses, and then met a guy who could import a Harley Davidson without taxes. Mike had a three year contract and splurged to ride on his days off. He didn’t expect the rides he would make, nor could he have planned them. In hindsight, the logistics of his journey are more complex than the rules of golf.
It began in January 2009 with joy rides out of Hanoi. Between jobs it turned into a quest; to honor those who fought and died there, and the many who remained. But he found that a ride simply in memory of them wasn’t enough, on the land they saw last there had to be more he should do. But what?
The depth of Mike’s obligation consumed his work, and his career. He returned to the trails with faith as his guide. The solitude of battlegrounds and jungle beside the Ho Chi Minh Road was a powerful sensation. His emotions were mixed; anger for the joys they didn’t get, along with humility, compassion, and helplessness. At times they overwhelmed him. He crossed a threshold and bonded with the spirits of his generation with the desire to live vicariously for them. He didn’t want his ride to be a hateful of somber affair, he wanted to celebrate for them in the spirit of freedom, so, he rode with a playful vengeance.
After 41,000 miles in Vietnam, Mike crossed America with his Harley and a veteran he met at the Texas Barbeque in Nha Trang. His journey ended with a joy ride through Canada after four and a half years. Not bad for an unexpected road trip!
Harley Tracks keeps our fallen veterans—not forgotten—in a unique story with their spirits on a wild ride across the land they saw last, and unites them at their memorial in Washington, D.C.
Please visit: www.harleytracks.com
In 2008, Mike Rinowski went to Vietnam for his first time—to build golf courses, and then met a guy who could import a Harley Davidson without taxes. Mike had a three year contract and splurged to ride on his days off. He didn’t expect the rides he would make, nor could he have planned them. In hindsight, the logistics of his journey are more complex than the rules of golf.
It began in January 2009 with joy rides out of Hanoi. Between jobs it turned into a quest; to honor those who fought and died there, and the many who remained. But he found that a ride simply in memory of them wasn’t enough, on the land they saw last there had to be more he should do. But what?
The depth of Mike’s obligation consumed his work, and his career. He returned to the trails with faith as his guide. The solitude of battlegrounds and jungle beside the Ho Chi Minh Road was a powerful sensation. His emotions were mixed; anger for the joys they didn’t get, along with humility, compassion, and helplessness. At times they overwhelmed him. He crossed a threshold and bonded with the spirits of his generation with the desire to live vicariously for them. He didn’t want his ride to be a hateful of somber affair, he wanted to celebrate for them in the spirit of freedom, so, he rode with a playful vengeance.
After 41,000 miles in Vietnam, Mike crossed America with his Harley and a veteran he met at the Texas Barbeque in Nha Trang. His journey ended with a joy ride through Canada after four and a half years. Not bad for an unexpected road trip!
Harley Tracks keeps our fallen veterans—not forgotten—in a unique story with their spirits on a wild ride across the land they saw last, and unites them at their memorial in Washington, D.C.
Please visit: www.harleytracks.com
Harley Tracks: Across Vietnam to The Wall
324
Harley Tracks: Across Vietnam to The Wall
324Related collections and offers
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780988283862 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Tracks Press |
| Publication date: | 06/13/2015 |
| Pages: | 324 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d) |