After three years of planning, mathematics teacher Parvaz Sharif is leaving the classroom and embarking on a 26,000-kilometre ride from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia. Although the two countries are actually neighbouring, Parvaz has christened his trip 'The Long Road to Mecca' and for good reason - rather than riding 1,000 kilometres west across Saudi Arabia to Mecca, he is instead going east and will be spending around 70 days in the saddle in order to reach his destination.

His journey on a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure will see him ride through Kuwait, Iran, Pakistan, China, Alaska, Canada, USA, UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt before arriving at Mecca - the holiest meeting site of the Islamic religion.

This is the second attempt at such an ambitious journey, as Parvaz - who originally hails from Derby in the United Kingdom - originally set out on his 'Long Road to Mecca' journey from London 10 years ago with a friend, but only got as far as Lebanon. He has been living in Kuwait for the past four years and teaches maths at the Gulf English School. And since he is due back to work at the beginning of the next academic year in September, his itinerary and route plan have been carefully selected, as has his choice of a motorcycle to transport him around the world. As Parvaz explains, just getting to the point of departure has been a 'long road' in itself.

"I'm now really looking forward to just starting my journey. After three years of planning, two years of doing extra tuition to save up for the trip, applying for sponsorship and spending the last three months chasing visas, writing exams and marking pupil's work, I am just looking forward to the open road! The purpose of this trip is to retrace the footsteps of the companions of Prophet Mohammed who took the message of Islam as far as China, and onto places such as Alaska. On completing the world's first monotheistic place of worship, Prophet Abraham asked who would ever make a trip to such a barren and desolate location? Allah then replied, saying that generations of people will come and pay homage to this shrine that you have built, and they will come from all corners of the world and on all types of transport."

In choosing his mode of transport, Parvaz received help and encouragement from Kuwait-based BMW dealership TriStar Motorcycles, which is supporting this exciting journey and has helped equip the R 1200 GS Adventure with various accessories and parts needed for Parvaz's voyage. These include luggage racks fitted to the top box and panniers; an extended windscreen lip; a 139-decibel horn to warn against the crazy drivers he meets on the road; LED running lights to the front; rear tail and brake LRD lights; engine guards; a fire extinguisher and an extra fuel bottle stored on the rear of the bike; water bottles located on the front and rear of the bike; and also a tripod bracket support so he can film as he travels.

"I wanted a capable bike, with lockable luggage, shaft drive and a large fuel capacity," said Parvaz. "The fact that it is such a stunning looking bike also helped persuade me to opt for the R 1200 GS Adventure. I was not used to sitting up so high on a motorcycle though and after riding the 17 kilometres home from the TriStar showroom, I left the bike parked up for three days, nervous of the different style of riding. However, by the end of the week I had relaxed into this style of riding and am now looking forwards to covering many thousands of kilometres on the GS Adventure. With the daily events unfolding in places such as Iran and Pakistan, I must admit I am feeling a little apprehensive about the trip, but I am counting down my last few days and hours while completing my last-minute checking and packing."

In order to keep in contact with loved ones while on the road, Parvaz has purchased a Find Me Spot GPS tracking device so that family and friends can keep updated as to his whereabouts. He is also in the process of setting up a website, which will soon be online at www.longroadtomecca.com.