* Anita Yusof is the first Malaysian to get into the Asia Book of Records for the longest solo bike ride
Famous Malaysian solo motorcycle rider Anita Yusof was in Qatar while exploring the Gulf on her Yamaha FZ 150. Described as the first Muslim woman to ride around the world solo, she visited Qatar during her Global Dream Ride.
Anita, the first Malaysian to get into the Asia Book of Records for the longest solo bike ride, told Gulf Times in a statement that she is looking to spread the message of empowering women.
“This is my second world ride and I want to tell the women, especially those from the remote places, to pursue education and break the barriers," said the 55-year-old former lecturer in the physical education department at IPG Campus Ipoh and mother of two sons.
Anita learned motorcycle riding in 2012 and started her first round the world ride in 2015. The ride, which started from Putrajaya in Malaysia, saw her covering 40 countries in four continents over a year. Anita covered a total distance of 65,369km before returning home.
Anita, the first Malaysian to get into the Asia Book of Records for the longest solo bike ride, told Gulf Times in a statement that she is looking to spread the message of empowering women.
“This is my second world ride and I want to tell the women, especially those from the remote places, to pursue education and break the barriers," said the 55-year-old former lecturer in the physical education department at IPG Campus Ipoh and mother of two sons.
Anita learned motorcycle riding in 2012 and started her first round the world ride in 2015. The ride, which started from Putrajaya in Malaysia, saw her covering 40 countries in four continents over a year. Anita covered a total distance of 65,369km before returning home.
Anita said she loves to travel and the passion for solo trips developed after she was inspired by bloggers. “I wanted to explore myself and I chose to travel on bike in order to explore remote places where transportation isn’t easy,” she said.
The solo rider has so far visited more than 60 countries on her motorbike. During the current ride, she aims to visit 70 countries while covering seven continents. In between she had to take a break after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. She stored her bike in Ethiopia and went home.
“I follow my heart. This time, I travel without any time frame since I have taken an early retirement from my job,” she said. Travelling and passion towards motorcycles have made Anita a technical expert capable of fixing her bike if required during the ride. “I am very well aware of the technical aspects and I am equipped with essential tools,” she said.
While visiting countries, Anita spends time learning about their culture and communities. “The most beautiful part of my journey is meeting local people. I stay with them while learning about their cultures and enjoy their cuisine,” she said.
Anita has no plans to quit after this ride. "I will always travel. I will choose other modes of travel if health does not allow me to ride,” she said.
The solo rider was given a reception by Malaysian ambassador Zamshari Shaharan. She also attended a Iftar programme by the collective of Malaysian bikers in Qatar.
After a tour of Qatar, she left for the UAE yesterday.
“The most beautiful part of my journey is meeting local people. I stay with them while learning about their cultures and enjoy their cuisine,”
The solo rider has so far visited more than 60 countries on her motorbike. During the current ride, she aims to visit 70 countries while covering seven continents. In between she had to take a break after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. She stored her bike in Ethiopia and went home.
“I follow my heart. This time, I travel without any time frame since I have taken an early retirement from my job,” she said. Travelling and passion towards motorcycles have made Anita a technical expert capable of fixing her bike if required during the ride. “I am very well aware of the technical aspects and I am equipped with essential tools,” she said.
While visiting countries, Anita spends time learning about their culture and communities. “The most beautiful part of my journey is meeting local people. I stay with them while learning about their cultures and enjoy their cuisine,” she said.
Anita has no plans to quit after this ride. "I will always travel. I will choose other modes of travel if health does not allow me to ride,” she said.
The solo rider was given a reception by Malaysian ambassador Zamshari Shaharan. She also attended a Iftar programme by the collective of Malaysian bikers in Qatar.
After a tour of Qatar, she left for the UAE yesterday.
“The most beautiful part of my journey is meeting local people. I stay with them while learning about their cultures and enjoy their cuisine,”
