IPOH, Sept 18 — Anita Yusof, 49, has achieved what many can only dream of — to ride solo around the globe.

Her trusty machine was a 150cc motorcycle that helped her travel 65,000km over 40 nations in 370 days.

The Institute of Teacher Education lecturer returned on Friday with the possibility of being the first Asian woman to travel around the world in a solo motorcycle expedition.

Anita deliberately chose to return on Malaysia Day as she wanted her ride to be a memorable one and at the same time bring glory for the country.

She was accompanied by a group of motorcyclists from the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam at about 11am to her mother’s house in Taman Lapangan Terbang, Ipoh, where she was greeted by her mother Khadijah Shah Baba, 67, and family members with tears of joy.

"I feel blessed and thankful to the Almighty for bringing me home safely after going through so many challenges.

"There was a time that I thought I might not be able to come home because of the challenges,” said Anita.

Mother to Rudy Iskandar Ramli, 27, and Emiershah Iskandar, 22, said she missed her family during the journey and would contact them where there was Internet access.

Anita, who is a travel enthusiast, said one of the objectives for her trip was to convey a message to those who look down on Islam and Muslim women. 

"During my past travels, I encountered people who have a bad impression of Islam. They believed every negative thing highlighted about the religion in the media.

"I wanted this journey to be meaningful and I wanted to contribute something for my country, religion and race. 

"Therefore, by going on this ride, I wanted to correct the perspective of non-Muslims about Islam.”

Anita, who only learnt how to ride a motorcycle four years ago, said riding gave her "freedom”.

"I always wanted to travel around the world. It has been my dream. But travelling by car and other vehicles could cost me more money. The cheapest and easiest way to travel is by riding a motorcycle.

"I fell in love with motorcycles the moment I started to learn how to ride one. I can decide where and when I want to go. On top of that, I have all the freedom,” she said.

Anita, who rode a Yamaha FZ150i for the expedition, said her biggest challenges were strong winds and communicating with the locals, especially in South American countries where very few spoke English.

The highlights of her trip was passing through US Route 40, the famed San Francisco-Atlantic City east west highway, and encountering a bear and tiger in Alaska and Vladivostok, Russia respectively, which were spine-chilling.

Anita took unpaid leave for a year and spent more than RM100,000. She lost about 10kg, having to spend wisely on food. She sometimes camped in the wild. 

But Anita was grateful she met many good people who helped her in various ways. She was also highlighted by several international media agencies.

She said her next plan is to write a book about her journey and give motivational talks to students in order to inspire them to take greater challenges in life. 

Anita’s advice: "Believe in yourself and your dreams. Work hard and strive to achieve them.

"And always tell yourself that you must break the limits that restrict you by challenging yourself.”