Why the UAE is the perfect place for a petrolhead like Samir Ranavaya

It's nearly 25 years since he first got on a bike. But 36-year-old Samir Ranavaya's passion for riding hasn't dimmed a bit.
Originally from the UK, Samir has been in Dubai for the past 10 years. He started riding "when my feet would reach the ground," at the age of 12! Founder and co-owner of luxury kitchen manufacturer Hacker Kitchens, Samir who is the proud owner of three bikes (Superbikes, Ducati 899 Panigale, BMW S1000RR and Roadster: BMW RnineT), wants to promote riding in the UAE and change people's perception that it is a reckless, dangerous activity.
"On the contrary, the UAE is a very safe place to ride if you ride with the correct training, within your limits, within the law. We have some of the most amazing roads in the world here and fantastic race tracks on our doorstep, Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit. The UAE is an amazing place to ride sports bikes and meet some amazing people."
Samir who describes himself as an entrepreneur, family man and motorcycling petrolhead yogi says "motorcycling gives me the perfect way to start the weekend, meet great people, de-clutter my head and relax!"
You first rode a bike when you were 12! How did it come about? Your boys are 4 and 8 - how do you share your passion with them? At what age would you encourage them to get on a bike?
My first memories of riding motorcycles are on holiday in India; it was on my uncle's 100cc Hero Honda. I was off as soon as I could grab the handlebars and my feet could reach the ground! My kids are really getting into bicycle riding and I know it won't be long before they want to ride something a little faster! I'll get them on a motorbike as soon as they feel they're ready!
Do you believe the UAE encourages a motorcycle riding culture?
Yes I do. We have two amazing race tracks, the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit which I really enjoy riding on to push my limits. It's also easy enough for very young kids to jump on a motorcross bike and go off-road without the need for a license.
What are your pet peeves when it comes to riding here?
It takes a lot to annoy me on the road. Like most riders I have learnt to expect the worst from other road users. Having said that nothing puzzles me more than seeing other riders without proper safety gear.
If you could change one thing about the place/people when it comes to driving etiquette, what would it be.
Tail gating and dangerous over taking, it's just unnecessary and puts so many road users at risk.
What's the best ride you've been on recently? What's your idea of a dream bike ride?
I recently did a motorcycle ride around Rajasthan in India with a couple of friends on Royal Enfields. It was an incredible trip. My dream bike ride is on a sports motorcycle, changing scenery with forests, hills, valleys, twists, turns and warm sunny weather.
There is a general perception that riding a bike is a dangerous activity. Many parents/partners discourage their children/partners from taking to it for this same reason. How would you combat this attitude?
Difficult question! Speaking for myself. it is pretty annoying but you do have to respect the concerns of loved ones. I would try and involve them somehow, take them on a ride, bring them to the track, explain a little bit about what you do to avoid risks and reassure them that you as a rider share the same concerns, which is why you keep investing in safety and training.  
At the same time I explain why I do it, why I have to do it. Once I have explained the Flow State they are normally intrigued and have a better understanding about the experience.
What do you mean by the Flow State?
In a nutshell it's a state of mind that humans reach where they are completely immersed in an activity normally requiring a lot of skill, unrelated thoughts are gone, time and space becomes warped! You're intrigued now, aren't you?! Sometimes people say "I was in the zone", this is Flow State!
What kind of music do you like listening to while riding?
Usually a screaming inline-4 engine from my BMW S1000RR working its way up the gears!
Compared to, say, driving a car, is riding a bike, a lonely experience?
Far from it! I'm lucky enough to ride with a great bunch of riders on the road and the track. It is a very sociable hobby.
 You currently have three bikes, do you have plans to add on to it?
You can never have enough bikes!
What's your idea of a perfect day in Dubai?
My perfect day would certainly start on my bike with either a ride out to Kalba on the East Coast or a Track Day at the Dubai Autodrome. As for the rest of the day, I'm pretty easy, I just go with the flow!
ambica@khaleejtimes.com