KUANTAN: Sanira Abdul Hamid's passion for riding her motorcycle led the mother-of-five to endure a 700km journey from Arau, Perlis, to Cherating to participate in the Malaysia RXZ female riders' gathering today.
The 35-year-old said the thrill of spending long hours riding on the open road, a hobby often seen as male-dominated, inspired her to take on the ride through winding roads and hilly terrain.
"I left Arau about 6am on Thursday(Nov 21) and rode alone to Jitra (Kedah) where I joined several other club members.
"It was raining during the journey and we had to be extra careful while navigating the sharp bends along Jalan Batang Kali near Genting Highlands.
"After a brief stopover and some rest, we reached Cherating at 1pm yesterday(Nov 22). It was tiring and I suffered some back pain due to the long hours sitting on the bike but nothing beats the joy of riding my Yamaha RXZ with friends," said the single-mother when met at the gathering here today.
Sanira said she had always been interested in bikes and going on long rides but only managed to purchase a second hand RXZ less some three years ago.
"Why did I choose RXZ?.....as for me the bike is legendary, stylish and classy but sadly it is no longer in production.
"I believe that I am embracing my passion when joining RXZ bike convoys and gathering with riders from other parts of the country," she said.
When asked if the hobby of owning and maintain the RXZ bike is costly, Sanira replied it depends on the respective owners but if someone is really keen on the machines they will put in effort and time to pursue their interest.
Meanwhile, mechanic Siti Syakirah Sofan Sofian, 19, who rode her RXZ to the gathering with her 39-year-old mother Siti Azirawati Kosim on separate bikes from Manjung, Perak said her interest in bikes began after assisting her step-father at his workshop.
Eldest of four siblings, Siti Syakirah said her mother used to be actively involved in the RXZ gatherings and this is her time joining the event here.
"I am thrilled with the opportunity to ride on my own and it was an unforgettable experience to travel alongside my mother.
"She always gives me tips on how to handle the bike," said Siti Syakirah, who plans to open her own motorcycle workshop in Manjung.
The trio were among 350 female RXZ riders aged between 19 and 42 years old from Peninsular Malaysia who gathered at a resort here in conjunction with Malaysia women RXZ Club's third anniversary this year.