A good man on a good bike
Man attempting to complete the longest motorcycle ride in the world
September 29, 2006
DHAKA, Bangladesh After traveling solo on a motorbike almost half way across southern Asia, part of a round-the-world trip to convey a message of peace, Indonesian biker Jeffrey "JJ" Polnaja was a bit daunted by the horrendous traffic in the Bangladeshi capital.
"The people here are very nice, only the traffic...," Polnaja told reporters in Dhaka, Bangladesh's crowded capital where traffic jams and erratic driving are the norm.
"I hope my visit can inflame a spirit of brotherhood and peace in the heart of Bangladeshi people," Polnaja said Thursday at the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka. "My mission to ride around the world is dedicated to world peace, to strengthen people-to-people ties. We all need peace, like food. Peace for everybody - rich or poor."
Polnaja's journey is expected to last five years and cover about 100 countries on five continents. On the first leg, he hopes to travel through 45 countries in Asia, North Africa and Europe in 750 days. The second stage is to take him across America and Australia.
Polnaja, who began his "peace ride" on April 23 from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, showed off his German-made BMW adventure bike specially designed for long journeys.
The motorcycle is equipped with a global positioning system, a video camera, and extra containers for tools and supplies.
He has already covered Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos,Vietnam and China. From Bangladesh, he plans to go on to India, Bhutan,Nepal and then through Central Asia to the Middle East, before crossing over to northern Africa and Europe.
For the 44-year-old biker, riding is "a source of spirit and adventure, independence and freedom," which he hopes to share by "touching the hearts and minds" of people in different societies.
Polnaja's peace trip is sponsored by an Indonesian engine oil firm, an adventure gear company and a tobacco business. He sold his rubber company before embarking on the journey.
One of the downsides of his adventure is the time away from his wife and two teenage sons. "I miss them most. I am all alone on the road - with only my second wife," Polnaja said, referring to his bike.
For further details and updates tracking JJ's adventure, please visit his website, www.rideforpeace.net.
Thanks and Peace to All!
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