Zenith Irfan: on a motorbike in Pakistan to realize her father’s dream
04/06/2023
Lisa Di Blas
Zenith Irfan was the first Pakistani motorcyclist to cross Pakistan solo. Her father dreamed of travelling the world by motorbike, but when he died at the age of 34, Zenith decided to realise his dream. In this exclusive interview, Zenith tells us about her emotions, her travels and her way of living the motorbike.
When did you first realize you wanted to ride a motorbike? And how did you learn to ride?
I first realized I wanted to ride a motorbike when I was 12 years old. I came across a picture of my father in the mountains, with a look of pure excitement on his face. I had never seen him so happy before. That’s when I learned that he had a dream to ride all across the world on his motorcycle. But unfortunately, he passed away at the young age of 34, leaving his dream unfulfilled.
I realized that dreams don’t die and I wanted to carry on my father’s legacy by pursuing his passion. Riding a motorbike would be my way of connecting with him and honoring his memory. It was as if he had left his dream for me to fulfill.
Ever since that moment, I have been fascinated by motorbikes. I love the thrill and excitement of feeling the wind in my hair and the freedom of the open road. Every time I see a bike, I think of my father and the dream he left behind.
When I was in college, my brother gave me weekly lessons on how to ride a motorbike. He was patient and encouraging throughout the process, always pushing me to do my best and helping me overcome my fears. With his guidance and support, I was able to develop the skills I needed to ride further into traffic and tackle more complex riding scenarios.
My brother was an excellent teacher, always emphasizing the importance of safety and giving me valuable tips and advice to help me improve my technique. He showed me how to handle the bike properly, how to brake and accelerate, and how to navigate different types of roads and terrain.
You are the first Pakistani woman to travel solo across your country on a motorbike. What inspired you to embark on this amazing but also dangerous journey? And how did you find the psychological strength to overcome social barriers?
I was only 20 when I decided to take this trip, and I had no prior experience with motorcycles or the mountains. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming, and it was challenging to find the psychological strength to overcome the social barriers that existed as a woman in Pakistan. However, I knew that I had to face this fear head-on and not let it control my life. I had to talk myself out of it, embrace the challenge, and find the inner strength that I didn’t know existed.
My father’s death taught me a valuable lesson that life is too short to have regrets. I didn’t want to look back on my life and wish that I had taken the risk to follow my dreams. So, I took the leap and embarked on my journey, determined to fulfill my father’s dream and overcome the social barriers that stood in my way.
The journey was tough, and I faced many challenges along the way. However, with every obstacle that I overcame, my confidence grew. I learned to trust my instincts and developed a sense of resilience that I never knew I had. I met many incredible people along the way who offered me support and encouragement, which helped me to keep going.
In the end, my journey across Pakistan on a motorbike taught me that anything is possible if you have the courage to pursue your dreams. I hope that my story inspires other women in Pakistan to break down the social barriers that hold them back and follow their own dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.
In your first journey you were just 21. Did you feel prepared to face the unknown and travel through places you had never been before? How did you handle your fears?
When I decided to embark on my journey across Pakistan on a motorbike, I had never traveled to many of the places that I planned to visit. The unknown was both thrilling and scary at the same time. I had some fear and uncertainty about what I might face along the way. However, I tried to prepare myself mentally and emotionally as much as possible before setting out.
To handle my fears, I broke down the journey into smaller milestones and set achievable goals for each day. I researched the areas I would be visiting, talked to locals, and gathered information to ensure I was as prepared as I could be.
Despite my preparations, there were times when my fears got the best of me. During some of the more challenging sections of the journey, I would talk to myself and encourage myself to keep going. I reminded myself that I was doing this for a purpose, and I couldn’t give up now. I also focused on the incredible experiences that I was having, the people I was meeting, and the beautiful landscapes that I was passing through.
I also learned to use fear as a friend. I acknowledged that fear was a natural response to the unknown and that it was there to protect me. Instead of trying to suppress or ignore my fear, I embraced it and used it as a tool to help me stay alert and focused.
Whenever I felt fear creeping in, I would take a moment to assess the situation and evaluate the risk. This helped me to make better decisions and to be more mindful of my surroundings. I also used fear as a motivator to keep pushing myself and to never become complacent or overconfident.
Overall, I learned that fear doesn’t have to be a hindrance to success. Instead, it can be a powerful ally if we learn to use it wisely. By embracing my fear and using it as a friend, I was able to complete my journey and achieve my goals.
After all your journeys, would you say that motorcycling is a physical, spiritual, or emotional experience for you?
YES! It was all of it. It changed my life!
The physical aspect of it is obvious – I was pushing myself to my limits, riding long distances, and navigating challenging terrain. It was a true test of my physical strength and endurance.
But beyond the physical aspects, motorcycling became a spiritual journey for me. As I rode through the mountains and the countryside, I felt a deep sense of connection to God and to my father, who had inspired my journey. I found myself contemplating the beauty and the wonder of the world around me, and feeling a sense of awe and reverence for the majesty of nature.
Finally, motorcycling was also an emotional experience for me. It was a chance to remember my father’s legacy, honor his memory, and carry on his dream of traveling across Pakistan on a motorbike. It was also emotional to see the impact that my journey was having on young girls across the country, who were inspired by my example and who were starting to see the possibilities that lay before them.
Riding a bike and solo journeys are often opportunities for self-discovery. What is the biggest lesson motorcycling has taught you about yourself?
Through my journeys on a motorbike, I’ve learned a lot about myself, but the biggest lesson has been about my own strength and resilience. Before embarking on my solo journey across Pakistan, I was filled with self-doubt and uncertainty. I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to make the journey, both physically and emotionally.
But as I started riding, I discovered that I was stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. I was able to navigate challenging terrain, push through physical exhaustion, and overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. It was a revelation to discover just how powerful and determined I could be.
Perhaps even more importantly, through my journey, I was able to inspire thousands of women across Pakistan to ride and believe in themselves. I realized that my journey wasn’t just about my own self-discovery, but about empowering others to take risks, pursue their dreams, and find their own inner strength.
In the end, the lesson that motorcycling has taught me is that courage and determination can take you further than you ever thought possible. I surprised myself with my own resilience and discovered a deep well of inner strength that I never knew I had.
Seeing a woman on a motorcycle is still something unusual in your country and you traveled to extremely conservative and isolated places. How did people respond when they saw a solo woman riding?
They loved it! I was overwhelmed by the positive response I received from people. People were often curious and wanted to know more about me and my journey, but they were also incredibly friendly and hospitable. They would invite me into their homes, offer me food and drink, and share stories with me about their own lives and experiences.
In some ways, the fact that I was a solo woman on a motorcycle made my journey even more meaningful. I was able to challenge stereotypes and expectations about what women can and can’t do and to leave a message of empowerment and possibility in my wake. It was incredibly satisfying to know that I was inspiring other women to push past their own boundaries and show that anything is possible with determination and courage.
Overall, I found that people’s response to me as a solo woman on a motorcycle was overwhelmingly positive. It was a reminder that, even in a conservative and male-dominated society, there is always the potential for change and progress.
What is the most emotional experience you have had on the road?
One of the most emotional experiences I had on the road was during my ride to Deosai. The beauty of the landscape was so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but break down and cry.
As I rode through the mountains and valleys, I was struck by the sheer majesty of the scenery around me. The vastness of the landscape, the rugged peaks and valleys, and the endless expanse of the sky all came together in a way that was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
At the same time, I was also feeling incredibly vulnerable and raw. It was an intense experience but at that moment, as I gazed out at the stunning vista before me, I also felt a deep sense of connection to the world around me.
It was a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of life, and of the importance of being open to new experiences and new ways of seeing the world. And even though I was tired and emotionally drained, I felt grateful for the opportunity to be there at that moment, soaking up the majesty of the world around me.
Your incredible story inspired the film “Motorcycle Girl”, in which you are representing your beautiful country and changing its image to the eyes of a wider public. What has been the reaction of people in Pakistan and across the world who have learned of your journey?
The reaction to my journey has been overwhelming and incredibly positive, both in Pakistan and around the world. It’s been amazing to see the impact that my ride has had, not just on me personally, but on other women in my country and beyond.
In many ways, my journey was a catalyst for a new movement in Pakistan, one that prioritizes mobility for women and encourages them to be more independent and self-reliant. Through my travels, I was able to inspire other women to take up motorcycling and see the world in a new way. It’s been incredible to see the confidence that so many women have gained as a result of my journey and to know that I’ve played a small part in empowering them to pursue their dreams.
One of the most exciting developments to come out of my journey was the Women on Wheels campaign, which was launched in 2015 by the Punjab government. The campaign aims to provide women with access to motorcycles and to encourage them to ride and has been incredibly successful in helping to break down some of the social barriers that have traditionally kept women from pursuing their passions.
More recently, I was honored to lead a rally of women riders in Karachi as part of a campaign by Pepsi Pakistan to encourage more women to take up motorcycling. It was an amazing experience to be able to share my story and to inspire others to follow in my footsteps.
Solo journey: name three things to bring and three things to leave behind (you can also name emotions).
Things to bring:
1. Curiosity – being open to new experiences, people, and cultures can make your solo journey much more fulfilling
2. Courage – taking a solo journey can be daunting, but summoning the courage to step outside your comfort zone and explore the world on your own can be incredibly rewarding
3. A journal or notebook: This will allow you to record your thoughts and experiences along the way, and reflect on your journey
Things to leave behind:
1. Fear: Traveling alone can be scary, but it’s important to trust yourself and your abilities, and not let fear hold you back
2. Expectations: It’s easy to have preconceived notions about what your trip will be like, but leaving these expectations behind will allow you to be more open to new experiences
3. Negative self-talk: Being alone with your thoughts can lead to negative self-talk, but it’s important to focus on positive self-affirmations and remind yourself of your strength and resilience
What’s the most valuable help to rely on during a solo trip?
Belief in myself. Traveling alone can be daunting, and it’s easy to second-guess your decisions or feel overwhelmed by the unknown. However, if I trust in my own abilities and have confidence in my choices, I can navigate any situation that comes my way.
Through social media you are sharing your experience to encourage other women to live their passions and promote female empowerment. How do women react to your stories from the road?
Women seem to be motivated, inspired, and encouraged by my stories from the road. Many have reached out to me to express how my experiences have helped them look deep within themselves and identify their core strengths and passions. They have shared how they feel empowered and motivated.
It’s amazing to see how sharing my journey has encouraged others to believe in themselves and their own unique abilities. I truly believe that every woman is a unique embodiment of courage and beauty and that all she has to do is know her potential.
How would you describe the current situation of the women’s motorcycle community in Pakistan? What more do you think could be done to encourage more women into motorcycling?
From what I have observed, the current situation of the women’s motorcycle community in Pakistan is slowly changing for the better. While it is still a male-dominated activity, I have seen more and more women taking up motorcycling as a hobby or profession. This change is not happening overnight, but it is gradually gaining momentum.
I believe that more can be done to encourage more women into motorcycling. Workshops that cater specifically to women riders can be organized to provide them with a supportive and inclusive environment where they can learn and improve their skills. Media campaigns that focus on mobility for women can help raise awareness and inspire more women to take up motorcycling. Seminars and educational lessons on safety and road knowledge can be organized to help women riders navigate the challenges of riding on the road.
What are your future plans?
Do you plan to ride across the world? Any specific country you would like to ride through?
Yes, I do plan to ride across the world. My father’s dream has still not been fully accomplished. I would love to ride across South America and Asia. I have a firm belief that I will one day spread my wings and be able to inspire not just Pakistani women but every woman in the world!
Lastly, for all the women still undecided about their first solo trip, and for all the women of the MissBiker community who dream about being a free spirit on their motorcycle, what advice do you have for them?
To every woman who is reading this, remember to be true to yourself, Don’t bend to follow the crowd but rather have the belief that if you stay true to your own definition, you will be the one leading the crowd. Forgive yourself, leave your past behind, and dig deeper into your soul. If times are tough, always remember that even a diamond is created under intense pressure. YOU ARE THE DIAMOND!
Follow Zenith Irfan on Facebook and Instagram
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