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Cordon Bleu Chef Ru’a Suleiman joined Bahrain Bikers on an epic journey in India - making her the first Jordanian female biker to drive through one of the highest motorable passes in the world, proving to herself and others to keep trying new things, as you never know where it will take you.
The 31-year-old had recently made it in the press alongside Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s former chairman Mehdi Honar with their Pink Panther VW rolling around the island to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The chef and businesswoman who moved to the kingdom seven years ago is back in the news again, but this time with a passion that stemmed from the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, I decided to try different things like free diving and bike riding,” said Suleiman, who graduated in culinary and hospitality management from The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts affiliates of Les Roches Switzerland and received her advanced culinary techniques from Le Cordon Bleu Paris. “I liked riding a lot and contacted Bahrain Bikers on their social media account. They were so hospitable and welcoming of me as a beginner lady biker. They gave me their full support, training and special rides. We are around 130 active members, with only two women in the group.”
Suleiman soon became a driving force to be reckoned with, hopping on her 750cc Harley Davidson, no matter the weather to gain on road experience.
She even assisted Honar on previous Think Pink Bahrain’s bike rides. All that biking paid off as she put the pedal to the metal with her 1700cc Heritage Harley Davidson in India for the ride of her life.
“I went on a Ladakh, Kashmir tour with 17 members of Bahrain bikers, going through Nubra Valley, Lamayuru, Kargil, Sonamarg and Srinagar until Phelgam for about more than 1,000km,” said Suleiman. “It means a lot to me that I’m the first Jordanian female to reach Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable passes and four more motorable passes.”
Famously known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Khardung La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world at a height of 18,380 feet.
“The journey was comprehensive with rides through cities, mountains, valleys and extremely dangerous passes,” she said. “The majority of bikers said ascending and descending to/from Zojila Pass was the most difficult and dangerous experience.”
The pass links Leh and Srinagar and provides an important link between Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir. Zoji la is known as the Mountain Pass of Blizzards.
Suleiman aims to continue riding in Bahrain and also plans to make her rounds with her team in different parts of the world.
She also thanks her riding captain for taking her under his wing during the journey.
“I had full trust in my road captain in applying the right speeds and techniques at the right time,” she said. “I believe that without his support I would not have been able to make it myself. I definitely encourage bikers from all around the world to experience the ride in Ladakh, Kashmir and face new challenges and explore new destinations.”
For details, follow @ruasuleiman on Instagram.
