While many women give up on their dreams as they embark on the journey of motherhood, Dr. Maral Yazarloo is an inspiration. Dr. Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick is an Irani-born motor-biking world record holder, fashion designer, artist, marketing professional, motivational speaker, and campaigner for women’s rights. But, she is most famously known as a woman who rode across the 7 continents with a bump!
Dr. Maral Yazarloo Inspiring Story
Maral Yazarloo’s inspiring story is a reminder that we don’t have to give up our dreams of motherhood. Sharing her inspiring story with HOB, Maral Yazarloo mentioned:“I was born into a liberal family in a very conservative Iran. And so, while girls around me weren’t allowed to do many things, I grew up excelling in sports. And then at 20, I moved to India to pursue my Masters.”
“Riding a two-wheeler made me feel free”: Dr. Maral Yazarloo
“It was here in India that she saw women riding bikes. And, Maral, instantly, knew she had to learn it. “I asked my friend to teach me. Riding a two-wheeler made me feel free! The wind playing with my hair…I fell in love with that feeling! And so, I saved up and a year later, bought my own bike!”, she told the social media account.
“At 32, I had a new dream–to ride across the 7 continents”: Dr. Maral Yazarloo
While sharing her journey of realizing her dream, Dr. Maral mentioned, “I realized that there was no female bikers community in India. Back then, social media had just started to bloom so I took advantage of it and built a community! I met some strong women, went on multiple trips across the country, and learnt so much about India! For the next decade, I juggled between my Ph.D. and biking! And then at 32, I had a new dream–to ride across the 7 continents!”
Finding Soulmate to Ticking off Places: Dr. Maral’s Adventurous Life
“But I had met Alex around the same time and I knew if I went on this adventure, our relationship would suffer. And so, I said goodbye to him, not knowing where things would go… But since when did love understand practicality…he followed me! He’d visit me each month in the country I was in. I knew he was the one! Within a year, we tied the knot. As happy as I was to be alongside my soulmate, I had to continue my journey! And so, I set off again the day after our wedding. Alex continued visiting me while I kept ticking places off my list.”
“I was onto my 6th continent, Africa, I realized I was pregnant”: Dr. Maral Yazarloo
Sharing details of finding her pregnancy and strength to continue she mentioned, “I even traveled to Antarctica! And just as I was onto my 6th continent, Africa, I realized I was pregnant! As happy as I was about the news, I found myself at a crossroads – I had come this far, and I didn’t want to give up on my dream. But when I saw the women in the villages of Africa juggling kids, work, and travel so effortlessly, I drew inspiration and rubbed my belly and said, ‘We can do it too!’”
“When I saw the women in African villages juggling kids & work, I drew inspiration”: Dr. Maral Yazarloo
Sharing the details of the journey, she mentioned: “And so, after consulting a gynecologist, I decided to go ahead with my trip. I changed my diet, shortened my routes, and slowed my speed, but I kept going! Alex continued visiting me, he’d book my sonography appointments in whichever city I was and would bring me my extra vitamins every month! The nausea did make me feel a little uncomfortable but the drive in me was so strong that I spent 6 months of my pregnancy on the trip!”
Maral’s Powerful message for her 3-year-old daughter
“When I finally came back to Delhi, I felt ready for my baby! And then on 6th November 2018, Alex and I welcomed Nafas into the world. Holding her made me emotional – we’d already been on an adventure together, I was excited for more! Nafas is 3 and she already loves bikes! We continue to go on adventures together and she is growing up seeing her Mom never settle. And I hope if and when she finds herself at crossroads – she also puts her happiness over everything else!”
At IFORHER, we are in awe of Maral’s courage and determination. We hope every woman receives a similar kind of support from her life partner and family as Maral did. Because embarking on the journey of motherhood shouldn’t come at the expense of one’s dreams or goals!
