Ali Mansur Boriawala

“A Lone Ride in UAE that turned into a tale of Solo Triumph”

As a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for exploring the world on two wheels, my journey began long before the solitary ride that would become one of my greatest triumphs.

From navigating the bustling streets of India during my formative years in the 90’s to having embarked on countless adventures across the UAE and Europe since 2001, my love affair with motorcycles knows no bounds. I’ve explored highways and byways at every chance, seeking out new horizons while embracing the thrill and peace of the open road.

On January 27th, 2024, I set out on what would become my most ambitious solo ride yet: a 2,515-kilometer endurance journey across the width and heart of the United Arab Emirates.

My first LDR endurance ride was a group ride in 2022 with my friends from the Blu Oryx MC, where we managed the FULL THROTTLE 1650km in little above 22 hours. This was due to the encouragement and guidance of biker Vivek Mehta, LDR’s Ambassador to the Middle East.

Ever since that day, I was itching and looking forward to the next big ride: The KING OF THE ROAD. Suffering from a terrible back injury in early 2023, it took me several months to recover and to be able to ride even for a few minutes. Once a few months passed and I started my recovery, the desire to plan the bigger LDR KING OF THE ROAD was even more, but it was always at the back of my mind if it could be done by me in my state. Having discussed the ride several times with my biker brothers, somehow it never worked out. In mid – January, I made up my mind that I would set a date in the coming weeks and give it my all with my attempt – solo or group. The date was set – 26th to 27th January 2024!

Already facing a lot of self-doubt and lack of confidence in myself because of my medical condition, I also had a lot of dissuading conversations from the people who were aware of my present health condition. Some called me crazy, and I replied confirming that I am!

Finally the date arrived and I was nervous and still in a lot of self-doubt. My motorcycle had been sent for a checkup and still wasn’t with me until the evening. When the bike was finally ready, I realized that the electronics and my auxiliary lights had an issue and I had to rush back to an expert to get it working.

Somehow, I organized myself and the time to start was near. I started close to midnight on the 26th. As the hours passed and the kilometers ticked by, I encountered moments of doubt and fatigue. Yet, fueled by a relentless desire to push my limits, I pressed on, drawing strength from within and refusing to let obstacles deter me from my goal.

The route had been carefully planned, starting from Dubai crossing Abu Dhabi and to the western and southern tips of the UAE bordering Saudi Arabia using the Ghweifat International Highway and all the three roads from north to south of the UAE towards the Liwa area. By the time I was done with the above, I was approaching approximately 1650 km in about 15 hours well ahead of my time. I had to modify my route to the northern emirates considering the traffic at that time and instead rerouted towards Alain and Al Quaa. Once at Al Quaa, I had to relook at the traffic and thought my best bet was towards Hatta via Abu Dhabi which would help me complete my ride while avoiding traffic as much as possible.

For the first time in the 43 years I lived in the UAE, I traversed the length and breadth of the country, exploring and embracing the diverse landscapes that make the UAE so unique. Some of the roads I used were new to me, allowing me to appreciate the stunning landscape of the country in a whole new light.

Despite the physical toll of the journey and the persistent pain of a nagging back issue, I remained focused and determined. Along the way, I paused to take in the breathtaking scenery, from the rugged mountains of Hatta to the shimmering sands of Liwa.

What’s more, as the journey neared its conclusion, I achieved a remarkable feat: completing the 2,515-kilometer ride in just 24 hours. This accomplishment surpassed the expected time limit of 36 hours, cementing my place among the ranks of solo riders who dare to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

As I reflect on this solitary odyssey, I’m reminded of the power of determination, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the lone rider. The 27th of January 2024 will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a testament to the thrill of adventure and the boundless potential of the open road. At this point I would like to thank a close friend who was constantly in touch with me, inquiring on how i was feeling and egging me on even though I was in a lot of pain from about half way through. Without the motivating and encouraging words, I don’t think I would have the courage, strength and confidence to complete this epic adventure.

With the completion of this epic journey, my mind is already turning to the next adventure that lies ahead. Armed with newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment, I know that whatever challenges may come my way, I have the courage and determination to face them head-on, even if I have to tackle them alone.

Ali Mansur Boriawala

Member of Blu Oryx MC

Member of The Knights MC

Dubai UAE

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