Every. Day. Ride #44 with Guliafshan

Tell us a little about yourself?
I am Guliafshan Tariq, also known as Gul Tariq. By profession, I am a computer engineer. I completed my master’s degree in digital marketing and currently work as a Marketing Manager. I am the first woman from Pakistan to break three national records and travel solo across Pakistan on a motorcycle. I also started a solo motorcycle world tour. In the first leg of my journey, I rode from the UK to Pakistan.

I am working for my cause, Wheels for Freedom, focused on breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women and travellers.

How and when did you get into riding? 

I have been a cyclist since childhood. After graduating and starting my professional career in 2015, I completed my first long-distance cycling venture. Later, when I moved to Lahore, Pakistan for work, I explored the city with a tour guide by sitting behind him on his motorcycle. That inspired me to start riding motorcycles myself. I taught myself how to ride by asking people for basic instructions and learned even more through real experience on the road.

What are the best and worst things about riding?
The best thing about riding is the feeling of freedom. I can make my own decisions while riding and experience life in the open air.

The hardest part now is that I have a daughter, and I miss her while traveling alone on long journeys.

Tell us about your most memorable ride to date?
My most memorable ride was to Swat, Pakistan, a region that was once under Taliban control. During that journey, I met my husband, Haider, who was a young rebel with the same mindset and passion for freedom. We fell in love, and he later learned motorcycle riding because of me. Eventually, we moved forward together and got married.

What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve ever been given?
Never ride when you are tired, and always stay fully focused when you are close to your destination.

How do you keep your bikes secure at home and on the go?
I use Litelok to keep my motorcycles safe. I carried it throughout the first leg of my world tour, and it has been a reliable part of my journeys.

Share your best tips to help others keep their bikes safe?
Invest in a high-quality lock like Litelok. Strong security locks are extremely difficult to cut and can waste a thief’s time, making your bike much safer. I personally trust them during my travels.

When someone asks what kit you recommend, you say?
For long-distance travel, I recommend carrying lightweight and high-quality camping gear, cooking equipment, a puncture repair kit, and a strong safety lock for your motorcycle.

What’s on your riding bucket list?
I want to travel through Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine one day as part of my riding journey and mission.