Month: December 2019

I, Samer Hassouneh, am an international instructor of motorbike riding.

When I started, I believed that motorbike riding should take riders to the next level. I decided to launch an annual endurance ride to encourage and promote the youth of Jordan regardless of whichever province to which they belonged.

I figured endurance rides truly provide new opportunities for the riders to tour around Jordan, mesmerizing the beauty of our homeland, as well as challenge their skill of endurance.
This endurance ride consisted of 22 members, 21 male and 1 female member, and covered many different categories, as well as different brands of motorcycles.

This last endurance ride that took place was such a miraculous experience, as the weather was just perfect to ride along Jordan, enjoying our autumn climate and beautiful greenery along the way.

The gas stations we passed on our way also helped and supported us as soon as they knew our plan of reaching 1,000 km.

We gladly had everything fully planned and organized; a specialized nutritionist also instructed us as to what meals should be eaten for the endurance ride to prevent the possibility of feeling both lazy and fatigued. Our trailer was also supported and fully equipped with all the handy first aid kits that may help in case of the presence of different emergencies. What was also quite impressive were the mechanical preparations that we covered a week before the ride.

We had decided to raise awareness to the members to let them know of the challenges, hardships, and obstacles that may come their way during the ride. They were also recommended to abide by a certain sleep routine; where they were told to sleep earlier and wake up earlier in return, as well to sleep an approximate 8 hours daily, making sure they protect themselves from possible fatigue.

Our endurance ride takes place annually, during the month of November, as this is the month of suitable weather here in Jordan. Gladly, I have been planning annual endurance rides for the past 7 years, as we had reached a maximum target of 1,170 km, during this year’s group riding, whereas most other years lie between (1,000-1,100 km).

I continue to believe that motor bike riding in general – and endurance rides in specific – are true goals. I aim to get the opportunity to continue planning more rides that will help in achieving many goals.

My name is Amani Ammoura; I am 38 years old, and I have been riding motorbikes as my daily transportation for the past 3 years. For my love of riding motorbikes, I am always looking for new opportunities and adventures that not only add to my experiences, but also my personality.

After 3 years of riding motor bikes, I figured participating in an endurance ride sounded like a splendid idea; one that could take me to the next step of motor riding. Although this was such a great idea as it was a new experience to be done, many were bewildered and shocked of the fact that I was to break the norm of the Middle-Eastern and Arabian culture; being the only woman to participate in such an intense challenge along with 20 other males, in a community that believes that women are “the weaklings” and do not have what it takes to break borders and live the dream. I decided to challenge myself and those around me, to prove to everyone that we, as women, do have what it takes. I took this as an opportunity to make those who supported me and cheered me on, become even prouder of who I have become, as I was able to reached the finish line of the ride.

The moment I had reached the finish line, I decided to take a few minutes to salute myself, for the endurance I had to conquer such a challenge. For the will I continue to have to continuously achieve my goals. For my ability to continue dreaming, to continue accomplishing, to continue proving to all those who claim to say otherwise. To remind myself that regardless of the people who insist on putting you down, focus on those who choose to support you, and continuously pull you up to see you soring amongst the stars.

I would like to thank Coach Samer Hassouneh for believing in me and supporting me to live the experience and finish the endurance ride challenge until the end.