Arabian travels on the back of a Harley-Davidson

 

Arabian travels on the back of a Harley-Davidson

Kenyan author Elizabeth 'Bizzie' Frost presents a unique insight into the people, culture and landscape of the Middle East in her travel memoir Travels with Maridadi: Harley-Davidson Adventures in Saudi Arabia. In 1999, Bizzi's life was turned upside down after botched spinal surgery in Saudi Arabia left her partially paralyzed at age 45, requiring a cane and wheelchair to get around. Frost and her family moved to the city of Jeddah in 1984 when her husband Richard 'Frosty', a Boeing captain for Kenya Airways, got a job with Saudia Airlines.

After a disastrous operation, Frost's life changed dramatically. She was forced to give up surfing, sailing, trekking holidays and long walks and could no longer wear sandals or stylish high heels. Yoga, swimming, walking in a wheelchair and other lonely sports have become the limits of a once vibrant lifestyle.

Read: Emezia's Take on Romance and Loss Pushes the Boundaries "I was craving adventure and it felt like it had been ripped out of my life," she writes. In 2005, her husband suggested they buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, even though he had little cycling experience. She was initially unenthusiastic, worried about the impact on her body and general safety as "equestrian standards in the Kingdom were terrible". However, with Frosty's urging and encouragement, she cautiously returned to cycling after 21 years.

Frost, 69, grew up in the western Kenyan town of Kericho and first rode a motorbike on their tea farm when she was 14. While a nursing student in London in 1973, she bought her first motorbike and started cycling with her brother at a time when few women in England had motorbikes. Frost and her husband got back into cycling and bought their own Harley-Davidson in Saudi Arabia, modified it with practical features and stylish trim and named it Maridadi. Riding a motorcycle became a permanent part of her life and helped her to strengthen her damaged self-esteem.

With a new way to get around, Frost continued to write travel stories for local newspapers and international magazines. Riding in the passenger seat, Frost was often the only woman in the eclectic mix of Saudi and expatriate Harley-Davidson riders, as few brought their wives with them. The Frosts joined a group of friends on a 2,500km journey to Muscat, Oman, one of many long journeys they would undertake over the next 10 years. “If it wasn't for Maridadi, I don't know how I would have survived them. 

Maridadi travelogues take us through the cities, highways and countryside of Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. We drive into areas few outsiders have seen, through refreshing mountain air, barren rolling hills and shimmering hot plains, along hairpin bends with panoramic views, passing villages, historic sites, dessert oases, Bedouin settlements and herds of camels. The thrill of driving and the feeling of freedom far outweighed the discomfort of police checkpoints, breakdowns or harsh desert weather.

Read: Half a century on the road through African art culture The Marzas lived in Saudi Arabia before the relatively recent introduction of social reforms, when Wahhabi Islam and a suffocating patriarchy dominated all aspects of life.

Tourism was practically non-existent except for religious pilgrims. Alcohol, public music and entertainment were prohibited. Women were not allowed to drive, travel without a male escort, work in public places, or leave the country without their husband's permission. Expatriate families lived in closed walls, and even foreign women had to wear black abaya robes and head coverings outside the home.

A horrific collision with a Lamborghini sent Frost back to the hospital, followed by many weeks of painful recovery. The incident also left her terrified of riding a motorcycle. Beach barbecues with friends, visits to the Old Town and photography in the Kingdom were enjoyable, but nothing could replace the thrill of riding a bike. Eventually, with the encouragement of her friend Harley, she regained her confidence and wanderlust and began riding her motorcycle again. By the time they finally left Saudi Arabia, she and her husband had traveled over 6,400 km.

Travels with Maridadi is a fun and easy read. Frost endured tremendous struggles, but a brave and fearless spirit enlivened her life with fairytale journeys and unforgettable biker stories. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.

Arabia, with its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has long been a dream destination for adventurers looking for a path less traveled. Imagine setting off on a thrilling journey through the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, the wind in your hair and the roar of a Harley-Davidson below you. This article explores the exciting world of Arabian travel on the back of a Harley-Davidson, combining the freedom of the open road with the allure of the Middle East.

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