Keeping memories of their Himalayan Ride at world’s highest motorable pass at Khardung La.
It is often said that time seems to stand still when you are with your soulmate. For Datin Noraliza Abd Rahman and Datuk Taha Ahmad, both 56, this sentiment holds true as they look back on a lifetime of exploring the open road together on two wheels.
From a mere mode of transportation, motorcycles have become the couple’s preferred way to travel for holidays and tours, starting with short rides around the country alongside their small biking community.
The proud parents of two daughters and grandparents of two grandsons embarked on their first cross-border adventure in the mid-90s, just a couple of years after tying the knot.
“We rode to Golok, Thailand, on a Kawasaki Vulcan 800,” Taha recalls with a smile. The couple, who were schoolmates at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Hulu Kelang in Ampang, Selangor, have been married for 33 years.
That first ride marked the start of a lifelong passion, one that has taken them across countries, through mountain passes, and along winding roads.
Over the years, they transitioned from easy riders to touring bikes, currently riding a Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.
“The easy riders were great, but the touring bikes give us the speed, power and comfort we need for longer rides,” says Taha.
The adventurous couple is also into mountain climbing, and Mount Fuji in Japan was one of the peaks they sumitted.
On the open road
United by their shared love for motorbikes, the couple ensures they embark on at least one long-distance, multi-day ride every year.
“Together with our close-knit biking friends, we’ve been making annual trips to Thailand, exploring different parts of the kingdom,” shares Noraliza, adding that Thailand remains her favourite destination.
Taha agrees: “I’d say almost 90 percent of the big bike community would agree with her. The food, safety, road conditions, and affordable hotels make Thailand unbeatable.”
When asked what they enjoy most about travelling by motorcycle, the couple responds in unison: “The freedom and the flexibility.”
“You’re not tied to a rigid itinerary. We can stop anywhere to enjoy the view and take a break for as long as we want,” Noraliza explains.
The couple prefers to travel in small groups and often rides with a trusted gang of 10 bikes, with whom they’ve travelled for over four years.
“Regardless of how you travel, it’s important to have like-minded companions who share the same values of trust and teamwork,” Taha says.
The owner of a thriving chicken and frozen meat supply business, which he started at just 18, believes in the principle of sticking together.
“We start the journey together, ride together, and return together,” he says. “It’s not just camaraderie – it’s also for safety.”
Thailand is the couple’s favourite riding destination.
Their adventures have taken them across ASEAN countries, India, and Pakistan, either on their own bikes or rental units.
Among their most memorable rides are the Himalaya expedition from Delhi to Leh, India, navigating the world’s highest motorable pass at Khardung La, and the Pakistan Autumn ride to the Pakistan-China border.
“Both expeditions were special. They offered the thrill of riding high-altitude roads and the chance to experience stunning scenery and vibrant cultures,” Noraliza says.
Another cherished experience was their 14-day Borneo Ride, which spanned from Kuching in Sarawak to Brunei and ended in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
“We have covered and saw more of Sarawak than anyone we know,” she adds.
While Taha often joins association or NGO-organised rides for official events – such as a 21-day ride from Medan to Bali to promote Visit Malaysia Year – he and his friends also arrange independent charity rides across Malaysia and Thailand.
With their daughters gradually taking over the family business, the couple now has more time to pursue their travel bucket list.
Next year’s plans include a Balkan ride in April and a hiking expedition to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal in October.
“Of course, there will be impromptu rides and travels in between,” Taha says, adding that semi-retirement gives them the flexibility to embrace new adventures.
While Noraliza dreams of riding through Africa with Cape Town as both the starting and ending point, Taha aspires to ride to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah – a dream he admits is still a work in progress due to its cost and time commitment
Taha and wife, Noraliza in Cambodia.
Planning the perfect ride
Like any other travel experience, preparation is key to their adventures. Taha handles the technical side, ensuring the motorcycles are in top condition while Noraliza meticulously plans their packing and itinerary.
“We pack for functionality – just five sets of clothes each, a small stove, three-in-one coffee, retort-packed meals, and instant noodles for emergencies,” she says.
Their itineraries often include extended stays at popular destinations, allowing for on-foot explorations and practical needs like laundry.
“A certain level of fitness is also helpful, though it’s not as crucial as mountain climbing,” says Taha, who stays active with regular runs.
While Taha has always been sporty, Noraliza only began exercising in her 30s, starting with gym workouts before transitioning to cycling, hiking, and now Pilates.
Mental preparedness is equally essential. Taha recalls a challenging ride in Laos when a punctured tyre delayed their convoy, forcing them to navigate dark, forested roads at night.
“Resilience and adaptability are crucial for overcoming such obstacles,” he emphasises.
For those considering motorcycling as a hobby, Taha advises starting small.
“Riding isn’t something you take up on a whim. Start small, get comfortable on two wheels, and gradually work up to longer rides,” he says.
Safety is another priority for the couple.
“We never ride without full gear, including proper jackets, and smart riding systems for navigation and communication,” Taha says.
As they gear up for their annual year-end ride to Thailand, the couple hopes their daughters will prosper in life and one day explore the world just as they have.
