Mike Cascone has combined his passion for motorcycles with his interest in writing.
The Clarkston resident’s writings about his experience with motorcycles is being used as advertisement by Victory Motorcycles in multiple national magazines.
“I have always enjoyed writing,” Cascone said.
Cascone heard about the opportunity while surfing a website of the Victory Motorcycle Club. He submitted a short story and the next thing he knew he was on a plane to Minneapolis.
“I was blown away by the process. I had a ball,” Cascone said. “I was at a professional photo shoot from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. I met people from all over the country and I have the shirts and hats to prove it. I stopped in at a lot of dealer’s shops.”
The concept for the advertisements is “That is my Victory,” with each person explaining what their motorcycle means to them.
An excerpt from Cascone’s story reads: “The late 1960’s were a crazy time in America. Lives changed quickly. I joined the Army in 1967. But I was lucky. I never went to Vietnam. 58,000 American kids weren’t as fortunate. Despite the difficulties I’ve faced, I realize I’ve had the opportunity to live and feel every moment of joy and pain. They never did. I consider it my responsibility to celebrate my life and remember theirs. When I ride, they are my passengers.”
After raising a family with his wife Leslie and working in the insurance business, Cascone says it was his turn and he decided to get a motorcycle.
“I’ve always liked motorcycles but I was busy with a career, raising kids and paying a mortgage,” Cascone said. ” Since there is no cruise control you have to be focused on the bike and I love that. You see things you would not normally notice like wild life, people and the smell of the area because you are so focused on the direct environment. There is a sense of freedom. I have made a lot of friendships through motorcycles. I like having fun.”
Cascone moved up to Clarkston in 1982 after receiving a promotion and relocating from the east coast.
“We were looking for a place to live and we came up north here and just loved it. My wife didn’t like city life so this was perfect. It is a great area to live in,” Cascone said.
The couple have a son, Christopher, and a daughter, Jill.