Riding a bike is like meditation for this Dubai resident

Me and My Bike
Michel Moaccad, 30, Marketing Manager 
I have had the 2010 Harley Davidson Sportster (IRON SPECIAL EDITION) for four years now. I modified the exhaust system and air intake system, the computer chip and engine pistons along with some aesthetic mods. I spent over 15k in modifications.
What inspired me to get the bike?
I have been riding bikes ever since I was 12 years old and it has always been a passion more than just a simple hobby.
Some people meditate, others do yoga. Me, I like to ride my bike to relieve stress and give myself some time to think. When the weather is great you kind of forget where you are and feel freedom for the time that you are on the bike. It is also a great way to explore a new city as when you are in a car you are experiencing it through the windshield, but on a bike you feel the wind and the sun on your face as well as smell nature around you (unless you are driving around a sewage plant... then, you are in trouble!)
The most challenging part about using the bike in Dubai...
People are inconsiderate of bikes and bikers. It is a bit dangerous to drive on the highways as you tend to be in the blind spots of cars and trucks at times. Another issue that I face is that people always want to race with you and keep asking you to do stunts. It can be dangerous as they chase you down the road and won't stop till you do something or run away.
Is Dubai a bike friendly city... Currently there are very little dedicated parking spots for motorcycles in Dubai so we sometimes have to park in normal car parking spots to avoid getting fined by the police. Other than that I believe that Dubai is a very bike friendly city and quite inviting to go on rides.
Where do bikers like to hang out in Dubai? We are normal people, we can hang out anywhere (just kidding)! Well, it really depends on the group and its dynamics. Sometimes we like to go out for a cruise and stop at random cafeterias in the middle of the desert. On other occasions we do education rallies to raise awareness for a certain cause (safety, cancer, HIV...) Some popular places would be Hard Rock Cafe, Biker's Cafe, Pier 7, JBR.
One of the best rides we went on was a couple of years back for an annual awareness campaign for children's safety. The ride started from Abu Dhabi and went all the way down to RAK. We were about 400 bikes! However, on the way back to Dubai, we got hit by a massive sandstorm and it was really difficult to see where you were going. But all in all it was amazing and once you get home and take a nice hot shower you realise that even though the sandstorm was tough, it is still one hell of an experience! I have driven around all the emirates and whenever I travel to another country on vacation I would rent a motorcycle and go out to explore.
One of my favourite places to ride is in Lebanon as the scenery is just unreal and the weather is fantastic!
My pet peeve when it comes to being a bike-rider... The heat in the summer is unbearable for riding and specially if you want to be safe and have all the gear on! One of the most annoying things is when cars turn on you even though they see you, they still think that it's OK, he is on a bike, so he will slow down or move because he does not want to die!
People who drive cars talk to themselves, apply makeup, eat food, talk on the phone. What do bikers do instead... One of the most enjoyable aspects of riding a bike is the fact that you have absolutely no distractions. It's our form of meditation! Through the day you are constantly under stress between your work life and personal life, however when riding you have a free chain of thought and it kinda allows you to think about the day and relax. You can easily tell what kind of a day the biker had by watching him ride! Sometimes I enjoy putting headphones on and listening to music while driving, but most of the time its the feeling of the wind, the sound of the en gine, and the aroma of the road.
As told to Ambica Sachin (ambica@khaleejtimes.com)