There’s a distinct difference between driving a car and riding a motorcycle. When I’m on the bike, I project an identity that carries more ruggedness, more confidence, and an undeniable masculinity in the way others perceive me. The perspectives between being in a car and on a bike sit in complete juxtaposition. When I’m riding, everything shifts. It’s just me, the bike, nature, and the open road beneath me. Imagine the wind rushing against your face, the sound of it whistling past, blending with the chirping of nature and the tearing roar of the exhaust. It feels like therapy, a release from the knots and troubles we carry.

The East Coast Breeze

Recently, we rode to Terengganu, along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, chasing the sea breeze and an escape from the concrete jungle. It’s a 450-kilometre ride from Kuala Lumpur, cutting through the East Coast Expressway, a stretch of road that feels endless in the best way. Terengganu is where you find the best malay traditional east coast original dish, Nasi Dagang and the unmistakable crunch of freshly fried Keropok Lekor, the most famous street snack made from fish. Just a simple comfort after hours on the road. I was on the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift, with my another three masculine comrades rode on their bike.

Four bikes, one horizon, chasing coastal roads and the comfort of Terengganu’s flavours.

Photo : The Pictualist

Something unique about Ducati’s tuning; the bike truly comes alive when ridden aggressively. When there’s a corner ahead, you can’t simply grab the brakes and crawl through it; the bike wheezes like it’s starving for fuel, restless and restrained. You have to pull the clutch, drop a gear, and crack the throttle wide as you lean in, sneaking through the corner with controlled aggression. Let’s just say it’s far more enjoyable to push the pace than to cruise at a relaxing speed.

The Ducati’s L-twin engine produces a harmonious roar, especially when paired with the Termignoni exhaust. The power delivery is smooth, and the torque responds instantly the moment I twist the throttle. But it was along the stretch of state road from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman where the real magic happened. That’s when the flow experience kicks in. In those moments, there’s no space for daily routines or life’s worries, just pure focus, deep immersion, and the kind of mental clarity that silences anxiety, fear, and overthinking. 

We stopped by Kedai Kopi Klasik Kemaman to savour a cup of creamy Kopi Butter and soak in the nostalgic aesthetic. The walls, aged with time, were lined with old-school signs, photographs, vintage stuff, and the quiet hum of ceiling fans turning above. It’s one of those must-visit spots in Kemaman, where classic charm, food, culture, and the easy rhythm of local life all converge the moment you sit down.

Kedai Kopi Klasik Kemaman. Photo The Pictualist

Riding Through The Storm

But the ride home wasn’t as forgiving. We left Kuala Terengganu in the evening, around 6 PM, under a gloomy sky. Somewhere along the highway, the rain began to fall, and soon it poured relentlessly. We had just passed a resting stop when it felt like the weather decided to challenge our ride. The sky turned pitch dark, thunder rumbled, and lightning sliced across the horizon. Stopping wasn’t an option; the highway was far too dark and dangerous. The next resting area was still 20 kilometres away. We had no choice but to ride head-on through the storm, pushing against the cruel weather. Even the cars around us crawled forward, their headlights barely piercing the downpour. Visibility dropped to two metres – just darkness, rain, the roar of thunder, and our motorcycles. It was only us, our fighting spirit, and the will to reach shelter. That ride through the storm became one of those unforgettable moments, the kind that lingers, where each flash of lightning had us silently praying it wouldn’t strike us down.

Ducati NightShift Scrambler built to go through storm and safety

These moments and feelings can be truly addictive. Anyone who embraces this reward will always find time to get on the bike and ride until the urge to stop naturally takes over. It’s therapy in motion, a way to escape the demands of a challenging world.  It becomes a coping mechanism that offers what many riders often seek: a genuine sense of freedom.

"This isn’t just about bikes. It’s about freedom. Emotional clarity. The kind of healing no man talks about but every rider knows.
So no – riding isn’t just a hobby. It’s a ritual."

Chase And Taste Freedom

That’s why riding isn’t simply a way to get from one place to another, and it’s never just a hobby. It’s an invitation to chase the horizon, to lean into the unknown, and to feel fully alive in the space between throttle and road. It’s a form of emotional regulation and self-expression. On the bike, solitude and adrenaline blend seamlessly. You’re exposed to a 270-degree view that demands focus and sharpens your sensory awareness. Those unspoken feelings finally have a way out, replaced by emotional euphoria and deep satisfaction. Whether it’s the joy of speed, the rhythm of the ride, or the simplicity of motion, many men discover healing in the hum of the engine.

There's something about life on two wheels that words can never fully capture. But once you've tasted that freedom, that raw connection with the road, you'll always crave more. And trust me, this isn’t the last story worth telling.

By Fuad R.