Vanessa Ruck is a TEDx & award winning motivational speaker, motorcycle racer and adventurer, rally driver, content creator and presenter – 460k+ followers
Born and raised in England. I’m a go-getter, a chase-your-dreams kind of girl. I grew up in the great outdoors, getting muddy and messing around keeping fit with horses and quad-bikes and always up to mischief.
At 18 I flew the nest to find my place in the world, university, masters degree, first job. Life took a turn in 2014 when I was hit by a red light jumping car, and since that day I’ve made it my goal to make the most out of life, and to also help others do the same.
My escapism has always been through sports, whether that’s kite surfing, snowboarding or mountain biking, it’s always been about getting physical, but the accident changed that and motorbikes came into my world. They’ve swiftly become my favourite form of adventure; the open road, the power, the ability to simply disappear into the unknown and travel the world.
I started @TheGirlOnABike when bed bound after my 3rd surgery following the accident, the first on my hip, and decided that I needed something positive to channel my energy into. Since this day I have continued to share my journey with you, but not just the happy days you expect on social media. I’ve also tried hard to be real, showing the down days, the days you have to find all your inner strength to even just get out of bed.
What’s my mission? To make the most of each day and help others do the same.
Join the ride!
Much love, Vanessa Ruck
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
CTEK smart battery maintenance Everything you need to know about motorcycle battery maintenance Flat batteries are a motorcyclist's worst nightmare, ...
The Ultimate International Travel Checklist Ultimate international travel checklist Many countries are finally opening up their borders and allowing travel ...
With the amount of overseas travel I do and being on the road a lot, sim cards are one thing that has always been challenging. But not anymore. easySim is such a breeze, they provide a single cost-effective eSIM that covers most countries worldwide and can be connected in just a few minutes.
Compatible with all eSIM smartphones, it’s a time and money-saver, removing the need to buy a local sim upon arrival. Meaning you do not have to worry about misplacing your main sim.
I have used EasySim in the following countries:
Andorra
Austria
Belize
Bolivia
Bosnia
Colombia
Croatia
England
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Italy
Liechtenstein
Mauritania
Monaco
Morocco
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Sardinia
Senegal
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
The Gambia
Tunisia
Ukraine
USA
Wales
Western Sahara
From my own personal use, I recommend easySim for your international data needs, I can happily say that using easySim is hassle free and makes staying connected while travelling abroad that little bit easier.
Simply choose your destination, select your data bundle, use my code, and you’re good to go.
With the long list of proven health benefits I am a daily taker of active collagen and did extensive research before going with U Perform. As a subscribed taker I am able to share a U Perform discount code for 10% with all my friends.
Or use the U Perform discount code when you shop “UPVRUC10”
I have been taking active collagen every day and in just two weeks I could feel the benefits
U Perform discount code
More on U Perform and why you should use the U Perform discount
U Perform’s protein rich formula contains two science-led, evidence backed Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, in a convenient 30ml dose at the lowest online price.
Using our vast experience in human physiology and sports performance, we wanted to create the best collagen product available at the lowest price, ensuring that you get visible results, which meant using bovine Bioactive Collagen Peptides® in a great tasting gel for optimum absorption.
Our unique blend of two Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, vitamins and minerals, contribute to the maintenance of ligaments & tendons, soft tissue repair, and protein synthesis. Recovery after exercise is essential for muscle and tissue repair and strength building, make Active Collagen part of your daily routine.
Not only does our collagen gel have a great tasting citrus flavour, we are also currently the most competitively priced from just £1.82 per day for 8000mg of Bioactive Collagen Peptides® per sachet/day.
U Perform’s advanced Bioactive Collagen Peptides® formula also contributes to the normal function of skin, hair, nails and bones. So not only will you feel great, you’ll look great.
You can also see this U Perform code over on WeThrift.
I recommend this product especially if you are a dual ride (street and dirt). There isn’t any movement from the mount moving in the videos and it even picks up your voice easy being located at the chin. I do find that the clip is not fully trust-able when off road riding and so I always add an extra cable tie to hold it on.
With action cameras there is so often too much helmet visor, too much sky, too much handlebar. The Dango mount gets rid of these choices when it comes to setting up a POV camera for your ride. And no matter which route you choose, the footage almost never looks as interesting or as fast as you remember it. Well, say hello to the Gripper Mount from Dango Designs. Unfortunately, it won’t actually make you faster, but it’ll make your footage look far more compelling than any of those other options allow.
The Gripper works in such a simple, straightforward manner that it’s almost insulting to put the steps down in writing. Just mount your camera to the clip, clip the mount to your chin bar, and you’re done. In our experience, the Gripper works on almost every moto helmet out there, and it has never once slipped off or shifted out of place. We have noticed that it doesn’t work as well for streetbike helmets, with their rounded chin bars and obtrusive chin skirts, but if you’re just planning to use it on your dirt lid, then you shouldn’t have any issues.
As far as cameras are concerned, the standard Gripper is compatible with the ubiquitous GoPro mounting system so compatible with DJI Osmo Action cameras too.
The Cardo Systems discount code Packtalk Bold and Edge is my must have helmet accessory of choice
If you’re wondering about if intercoms are for you then this video will help answer that question – then use my Cardo Systems Discount code link. In my review I talk through why I choose to use intercoms from the safety, social and practical reasons, and then also discuss why the Cardo Systems Packtalk Bold is my helmet accessory of choice.
Full Cardo Systems discount code on Packtalk Bold review for road, adv, off road, trials and hard enduro riding! You can also see the new Packtalk Black edition model here.
COMPEX SP 8.0 MUSCLE STIMULATOR TO EMPOWER YOUR TRAINING
Optimizes your strength and endurance, helps you recover faster, while helping to avoid injury and treating pain.
Compex is something I have used a lot in my physio recover from hip surgery and highly recommend, hence offering a Compex discount code. Designed for athletes, SP 8.0 is the TOP of the range in terms of wireless muscle stim. Connectable and modular, SP 8.0 includes the brand new mi-Autorange feature that continually brings you better results. You can upgrade to the SP 8.0 WOD Edition, which comes with tonnes of additional extras.
Compex S.P 8
When to use it
Most commonly used to warm up muscles before exercise, the Compex SP Wireless 8.0 can also be used to warm down after exercise and to treat pain when recovering from injury. So regardless of whether you are training to run around the world or are still suffering from a recurring shoulder complaint, the Compex SP Wireless 8.0 is an ideal tool in your fitness arsenal that will aid recovery and enhance performance.
Use it for
Massage and oxygenation
Body building and increase strength
Treat muscle strain and provide pain relief
Targeted muscle stimulation
Resistance
Toning, firming and shaping
30% off Compex Fixx 2.0
Compex discount code VRCOMPEX 30% off
You can also see this Praep code over on WeThrift.
I choose to camouflage my face, and that’s okay. Finding a process that works took time. It’s a combination of reducing the vitiligo contrast by having no tan, and then a colour base to bring my natural skin tone back. I like a no make-up feel for this colour so use Zanderm wide applicator. It means I can put it on and not be wearing anything, no stains on sheets, fake tans or waking up conscious of no make-up. I then add normal foundation or stay natural, depending on the look I’m after. Here’s a full how to on my vitiligo face camouflage process.
Zanderm discount code will give you 10% off all purchases from zanderm.com – the ideal vitiligo camouflage make up. I use it daily and swear by it.
You can also see this Praep code over on WeThrift.
The Zanderm Vitiligo Concealer helps you instantly cover vitiligo spots with just a few easy strokes. It’s mess-free and smudge resistant. It dries quickly, resulting in long-lasting coverage you can rely on. This natural, dermatologist-tested makeup for vitiligo is hypoallergenic and gentle, making it a great way to manage vitiligo symptoms.
The Custom Fit Guards discount code hearing protection is a must have accessory for motorcycle riding
As a rider our ears are often neglected in our protection. We use chainsaws with hearing protection etc, but on the bike many neglect their hearing. I’ve been riding with custom molded ear protection for years now. It’s comfortable, fits under my helmets and with inbuilt filters, I can hear everything I need. The filters work to protect your hearing from the damaging sounds, such as wind noise which can seriously fatigue the hearing. I’m a big fan or custom Fit Guards, hence offering a Custom Fit Guards discount code to others looking to save their hearing for the future.
CUSTOM FIT GUARDS are one of the leaders in development and manufacturing of custom fitted hearing protection, ear plugs and in ear monitors. The company prides itself on manufacturing unique products and aiming to please every customer with great service and adaptable items. Time to join TeamCFG.
Mini review
One of the really cool features that is unique to the CF Auto V2, is that it gives the rider the option to choose whether they want the noise lessened or blocked out completely. The design team at CFG have craftily combined 2 of their most popular plugs, the CF Auto (lets in minimal sound in by utilising a filter) and the CF Block (blocks around 30db as CFGs most protective plug) into one product, giving the rider choice with their protection level. Having the filter uncovered is perfect for road riding so you can still be aware of traffic sounds and having the filter covered is ideal for track since you’re usually sitting at eye watering RPM whilst giving it the berries.
Comfort wise, as a custom molded option, they fit my ear lugs perfectly. The material they are made of is surprisingly soft adding to comfort. After initially putting my lid on, you’ll find you quickly forget their there in after a few minutes of riding as they don’t dig in anywhere.
The manufacturing processes uses soft medical grade silicone enabling the ear plugs to be very comfortable and be a perfect match of your ear impressions. Each earpiece is individually moulded to your ear which gives a much more comfortable fit compared to off the shelf products you can pick up on a budget.
If you are looking to invest in yourself and save some money in the process, you can use my Custom fit Guards discount code: “GIRLONABIKE” in the discount box!
You can also see this Custom fit Guards discount code over on WeThrift.
If you’re super high quality beautiful products and health supplements then I highly recommend Proto-col and here is a Proto-col discount code for 10% off all purchases – VR10
Proto-col are a British brand delivering results-driven skincare and wellness innovation. Science guides their research and development and in turn, informs their use of collagen and its proven ability to support the natural ageing process. This inside-out approach delivers results you can see, feel and trust.
I take the Colostrum Powder for immune systems support – specifically to see how it helps my vitiligo. Vitiligo is a autoimmune disorder so I thought it was worth at try.
Proto-col discount code
Proto-col discount code for 10% off all purchases – VR10
Founded in 2003 by elite athlete James Greenwell The Proto-col range was born out of personal experience. Competing in international modern pentathlon, James tore an Achilles tendon late in his career. Collagen was instrumental to his recovery. After retiring from elite sport, he launched the Proto-col brand with a collagen supplement and a wealth of ideas.
You can also see this Proto-col code over on WeThrift.
Touch Note discount – £10 off cards with “VANETSKZ”
With digitalisation taking over most of our communications I still love the feeling of having something in the post! I regularly write letters and cards but sometimes I want some personal photos, and with no printer at home, I use Touch Note and have a Touch Note discount for you. This is also amazing when away on a trip and wanting to send a postcard to someone.
You can easily share memories, special moments, and keep in contact with friends and family. It’s great! If you use my friend code you can get £10 off your first year with Touch Note if you use my code VANETSKZ.
You can check the Touch Note discount out here: http://app.touchnote.com/login?0=VANETSKZ
About Touch Note
They are reinventing personal communication for the digital era.
Touch Note is a creative platform for personal communication. Their award-winning apps lets their members send custom-made, real cards straight from their phone, so that they can share moments with the ones they care about, anywhere in the world. Their customers have sent over 15 million TouchNote cards and they were awarded the Good Web Guide’s App of the Year 2018, Financial Times Tech 100 Europe and numerous accolades on the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore.
We’d love it if you’d keep in touch with us, too! Send a postcard to the Touchnote team, 17 – 18 Clere Street, London, EC2A 4LJ, United Kingdom.
Design the cards of your dreams, lovingly personalised with photos and custom-features. Create custom cards easily on your phone or online & they’ll deliver them for free! Order Online or In-App. 5* Reviews. Free Delivery On Cards. Quick & Easy Ordering.
As seen in Pick Me Up!: Clipping my helmet into place as I left the office, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I’d had a busy day, but I was ready to hit the road.
Jumping on my pedal bike, as the wind hit my face all my stress melted away.
I’d always been active and exercise was a huge part of my life. My weekends were filled with road trips, kite surfing, mountain biking and climbing. I cycled the 16-mile round trip to work every day, hit the gym at lunchtime, then liked to get out onto the water in the evening when I could, too.
And that day, a glorious spring evening in March 2014, I left work and headed off on the eight-mile ride to a lake just outside of central Oxford for a spot of wakeboarding. Coming out of the city, I headed a mile down the road – and as the traffic light ahead of me turned green, I pedalled hard to keep momentum. But as I sailed through, a car came out of nowhere, cutting across my path. It must have skipped a red light. And before I knew what was happening, I felt my body crumple as I smashed into the rear passenger door at 15mph. It felt like hitting a wall.
Screaming as I fell to the ground, one of my feet was stuck on the pedal thanks to my cycling cleats, while my other foot had come out of the shoe and my leg splayed out under the bike.
‘Help!’ I shouted out.
‘Are you OK?’ a stranger asked, rushing over to me.
In a daze, I tried to take in my surroundings. Trapped under the bike, I realised I couldn’t move as pain shot through me.
The traffic noises around me started to fade as people helped lift my bike off me, and passers-by who’d stopped to help shuffled me to the kerb.
Thankfully once the initial shock had subsided, I seemed to be mostly OK, apart from a few scrapes and bruises – although my right arm was in a lot of pain.
One of the people who’d stopped to help called an ambulance, while I called my husband Alex, 37, as the police showed up, too.
‘I’ve been in an accident,’ I told him, my voice trembling.
Alex met me at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford half an hour later, where the extent of my injuries became clear. My finger was dislocated, my right shoulder had doubled in size and my hip was damaged, too.
‘Get some rest, you should be fine,’ doctors said, discharging me after a few hours.
Back at home I was completely exhausted but in good spirits.
‘I was lucky,’ I said to Alex – I was confident that with a bit of rest I’d be fine and back out cycling, wakeboarding and climbing again in no time.
The thought of cycling on a road again was scary after what I’d been through, but I refused to let that stop me.
But as the weeks passed, if anything the pain got worse.
I assumed it was just the bruising and swelling.
These things take time, I told myself. But I couldn’t help thinking that something bigger was wrong.
And after two months of steroid injections to help the pain, I was referred to a specialist who discovered that my shoulder was dislocated.
I underwent full reconstructive surgery in April 2015 and I knew I faced a daunting recovery – but I was prepared to do whatever it took to get back on my feet.
I couldn’t help thinking something was wrong And a few months post-op, I decided to buy a motorbike to commute to work as I was still unable to cycle.
I was terrified, but I knew I had to overcome my fear of being on the roads.
‘I don’t think I can do this,’ I said to Alex as I straddled the bike on our driveway.
But as I gently revved the engine and eased off the drive, I felt a rush of adrenaline. The motorbike gave me the adventure I craved, without pushing my physical limitations too far.
I spent the next year slowly trying to build my strength up and get my life back, and for Alex and me, motorbiking became our new hobby.
But in April 2016, I was devastated to discover I needed hip surgery. It had been causing me a lot of pain, and doctors discovered it was more badly damaged than they’d first realised.
I underwent a seven-hour operation at Cambridge Spire Hospital to fix my joint, ligament and cartilage.
Life as I knew it came to a halt – again. I became dependent on Alex for basic tasks, and I had to learn how to walk all over again.
For someone who’d always been so fit and active, I really struggled. It had been over two years since the accident, and at times it felt like I was going backwards – but I was determined to get back to my old self again.
‘Please can I have a dirt bike?’ I spontaneously said to Alex one morning.
‘If that’s what you want,’ he replied, grinning excitedly. I’d never ridden a dirt bike, but I loved to ride motorcycles, so I was excited to give it a go.
Of course, I had to wait to be mobile enough post-surgery, but we started the hunt and found a great beginner’s bike.
And I was over the moon to see it sat on our driveway a few days later.
Five months later, in September 2016, I was able to steadily ride my dirt bike near to home.
It was completely blissful. I was only going slowly, but it was enough to give me a glimpse of my old life.
But there was a niggling feeling in my hip, and eventually I couldn’t ignore it any longer.
After a private scan, I was devastated to discover that my previous surgery had broken down and I had shrapnel in my hip.
My whole world fell apart when doctors broke the news that I needed yet another operation.
Over the next four years, I underwent four more surgeries to fix my hip and it felt like I was constantly doing physio.
I was craving off-road racing, but I couldn’t take the risk with the damage to my hip.
I spent countless nights in my garage just practising and strengthening my core by doing squats and lunges.
Eventually, I mastered a lot of balancing techniques on my dirt bike, and Alex and I were both so proud of how far I had come. I even started riding again tentatively, too.
‘I’m starting to feel like me again,’ I whispered to myself happily.
And the more I rode my dirt bike and the more I got my confidence back, the more I realised how much I loved it – and how good I was at it.
So in 2020, I took the plunge and competed in my first off-road race.
It was exhilarating – zooming around on off-road courses like gravel, mud or grassy roads. Over the next few years, I entered more competitions and I fell more and more in love with the sport.
In a twisted way, I’m grateful for the accident And in February 2024, I completed my most challenging race yet – an extreme 13-day race from Nador in Morocco to Dakar in Senegal, nearly 3,500km.
Afterwards I was absolutely shattered and every muscle in my body was tired.
But it was definitely my biggest accomplishment outside of my recovery.
I’m the first British female to ever finish this event, and I’m proof that a bad accident doesn’t define you.
The past 10 years have been a rollercoaster ride for me, but without the accident I wouldn’t have found my new favourite sport or achieved any of the amazing things I have.
So in a strange, almost twisted way, I’m grateful for it.
It was hands-down the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, but it’s taught me strength and resilience.
If I can overcome that, I can overcome anything.
Now, with a collection of nine bikes, I’m on a mission to inspire other women to join me on the track.
You can do anything you put your mind to – don’t let fear hold you back.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.