As seen in The Smidsy: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have a way of turning life upside down in an instant. For me, it was a day that started out as ordinary but ended up defining my future in ways I could never have imagined.

While the physical scars from my accident are visible, the emotional and mental journey to recovery has been equally transformative, and one I would say is far more challenging. The mental health side is the part I wish we would all talk about more!

My story began in 2014 when a car running a red light hit me while I was cycling. The accident left me with life-altering injuries, including chronic pain and a long road of seven surgeries and years of rehabilitation. While the journey was incredibly difficult, it also brought new opportunities and achievements. From discovering a passion for motorcycling—a pursuit that would become a cornerstone of my recovery—to competing in the gruelling Africa Eco Race, my life transformed in unexpected ways. These milestones remind me that even in the face of adversity, growth and resilience are possible.

Acknowledging the Challenges

In the weeks and months following my accident, I was overwhelmed by a rollercoaster of emotions: fear, anger, sadness, and even disbelief. Adjusting to my “new normal” was incredibly hard. I faced challenges that ranged from managing chronic pain and surgeries to grieving the life I once knew.

In those early days, it was easy to feel isolated, like no one truly understood what I was going through. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it’s okay to feel this way. Recovery—both physical and emotional—takes time, and allowing yourself space to grieve and process is part of the healing process.

Turning Pain into Purpose

As time went on, I began to shift my focus. I realised that while I couldn’t change what had happened, I could change how I responded to it. Setting small, achievable goals became a cornerstone of my journey. Whether it was completing physiotherapy exercises or simply getting out of bed on tough days, each accomplishment built my resilience.

A big turning point came when I discovered a new passion for adventure, which became a transformative part of my life after the accident. I discovered motorcycles for the first time, finding that riding them not only brought joy but also became a vital part of my mental health journey. Getting on the bike wasn’t just about reclaiming a hobby—it was about proving to myself that I could overcome fear and rebuild my confidence.

The Power of Support

I couldn’t have done this alone. My support system—my family, friends, and even the biking community—played a pivotal role in my recovery. Whether it was a listening ear, words of encouragement, or practical help, these acts of kindness reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Seeking professional help, such as counselling, also provided me with tools to process my emotions and build mental strength.

Practical Steps for Staying Hopeful

During the darkest times, I leaned on a few strategies to keep moving forward:

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is now a big part of my life. When my hip is hurting particularly badly, most of the time I can cope with it, but there are moments when I get angry and can quickly spiral down into a toxic, negative mental state. Through mindfulness, I’ve learned to be conscious of my thought processes and recognise early triggers, allowing me to take control of both my conscious and subconscious thoughts.
2. Focusing on Small Wins: Celebrating even the tiniest victories kept me motivated. Goal setting became an essential part of my recovery. From small achievements like putting on my own socks or making it downstairs to sit at the table for dinner, to bigger milestones like walking around the garden on crutches, every goal gave me something to focus on and work towards. These small wins built my confidence and reminded me that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
3. Connecting with Others: Talking to people who had experienced similar challenges made me feel understood and inspired. I’ve also learned the importance of asking for help and being okay with vulnerability. You can’t do it alone, and it’s important to let loved ones in. Whether it’s a family member helping with daily tasks or a friend offering a listening ear, accepting support can make a world of difference. Your loved ones will want to help you—let them.
4. Finding Joy in the Present: Simple pleasures—like a sunny day or a good cup of coffee—reminded me of life’s beauty. Gratitude also became an essential practice. While I couldn’t have or do everything I wanted, I learned to focus on the things I still had to be grateful for. Whether it was a kind word from a loved one, the sight of flowers blooming in the garden, or even the small victory of completing a daily goal, these moments lifted my day. Actively seeking out these little joys gave me a sense of uplift and perspective, even during the hardest times.
5. Coping with Pain: Living with chronic pain is an ongoing battle, but I’ve developed strategies to manage it. For me, it’s about breaking the pain cycle by staying active within my limits, using mindfulness techniques to shift focus from the pain, and setting achievable goals that help me stay motivated. Accepting that some days will be harder than others has also been key, as has learning to ask for help when needed.

A Message of Hope

If you’ve recently been involved in an RTA, I want you to know this:

Recovery

When people say ‘recovery’, you typically think of returning to how you were before the accident. But there is no going back. You do not merely recover; you reinvent yourself. You learn so much as you fight through; it’s an irreversible journey. While my journey over the past years has been brutal, I feel somehow lucky. I have friends now I would never have met, I have discovered a passion for motorcycling that I would never have explored, I have realised the importance of a work-life balance, I’ve become even closer to my husband and soulmate, and I have a fire in my soul only this type of recovery could light.

You’re not alone, and things can get better. The road to recovery may be long and winding, but each step forward is a testament to your strength. Allow yourself to grieve, reach out for support, and take one day at a time.

Your journey won’t look exactly like mine, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving forward—even if some days, that simply means holding on. Remember, you are more resilient than you think. But every day, do something towards that irreversible journey to a new you.

For the rest of The Smidsy article see here.

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

As seen in The Injection Mag: Discover Vanessa Ruck’s inspiring journey during UK Disability History Month. Embrace uniqueness and positivity with her story of resilience and joy.

Embracing my vitiligo has brought its own joy. I’ve come to appreciate the unique patterns on my skin, even finding humour and positivity in them.

My name is Vanessa Ruck, widely recognized as The Girl On A Bike. I’m a motivational speaker, adventure enthusiast, and content creator dedicated to sharing stories of resilience, extreme sports, and life after trauma. Following a life-altering accident in 2014, I embarked on a journey of recovery from chronic pain and multiple surgeries. Today, I compete in motorcycle endurance events, advocate for mental and physical health, and collaborate with brands that align with my passions. Additionally, I openly share my experiences living with vitiligo to raise awareness and empower others to embrace their uniqueness.

My journey with vitiligo began at the age of 13 when I noticed a small white patch on my chest. Over time, these depigmented areas spread to various parts of my body, including my face, hands, chest, back, and legs. Each new patch presented an emotional challenge, requiring me to continually adapt and find acceptance. Living with vitiligo has taught me to redefine beauty and focus on inner strength. By sharing my experiences, I aim to inspire others to embrace their unique appearances and live confidently.

Living with chronic pain and physical limitations from my injuries is an ongoing challenge. My accident left me with long-term physical restrictions, meaning activities that once seemed simple now require careful planning and adaptation. This has required me to become resourceful and resilient, finding ways to participate in sports and activities I love despite the hurdles.

Vitiligo brings its own challenges. The condition leaves my skin depigmented and vulnerable to sunburn, requiring constant sun protection and skincare attention. Emotionally, living with a visible difference can be tough. Society often emphasizes uniformity in appearance and vitiligo forces you to stand out. When it first spread to my face, I struggled with confidence, finding it difficult to navigate stares and questions from others. Even today, each new patch still requires a cycle of acceptance, but over time I’ve learned to embrace my vitiligo as part of who I am. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and resilience, and while it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve found strength in my ability to adapt and grow.

[Although I have found access to the same opportunities as able-bodied people], they haven’t come without effort. My accident forced me to reevaluate how I approach challenges, and I’ve had to be persistent in seeking out opportunities. In motorsports, for instance, I’ve had to adapt my riding style and gear to accommodate my physical limitations. Despite the challenges, I’ve proven that grit and determination often outweigh physical ability.

With vitiligo, it’s been a journey of self-advocacy. There have been moments of discomfort when societal biases around appearance became apparent, but I’ve learned to use my differences as a platform for positive change. Developing a camouflage process for my face— using sunscreen, fake tan, and makeup—helped me feel more confident in professional settings. Over time, though, I’ve embraced my vitiligo as part of my identity.

By sharing my story openly, I hope to encourage others to fight for their place in the world, regardless of the challenges they face. I want people to know that your differences can become your strengths if you let them.

Riding motorcycles, pushing my limits in extreme sports, and connecting with nature bring me immense joy. There’s a freedom that comes with being on two wheels, challenging yourself to tackle tough terrain, and relying on your resilience to get through it. Sharing my story with others and knowing that I’ve inspired someone to face their own struggles with courage is also deeply fulfilling.

Embracing my vitiligo has brought its own joy. I’ve come to appreciate the unique patterns on my skin, even finding humour and positivity in them. For example, I have a patch on my chest that looks like a dinosaur, and it always makes me smile. Accepting my vitiligo as part of what makes me unique has been an empowering experience.

Time with my family and the excitement of watching it grow also brings unparalleled happiness. Life is full of imperfections, but it’s those very imperfections that make it beautiful.

[In the future,]I want to continue breaking down barriers and proving that physical limitations or visible differences don’t define your potential. My hope is to inspire others through motivational speaking and content creation, sharing my journey to show that it’s possible to thrive even in the face of adversity.

Vitiligo is a key part of my mission. I wish to foster greater understanding and acceptance of visible differences in society, challenging beauty standards and empowering others to embrace their uniqueness. My plan is to publish a book, grow my presence as a speaker, and continue building my platform to amplify my message.

On a personal level, I want to live a life full of purpose, empowering others through my journey and showing that resilience, determination, and self-acceptance are the keys to a fulfilled life. I am a touch nervous about whether my baby will develop vitiligo but I hope that for them, having my skin confidence as a role model will help them love their skin.

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

As seen in The VisorDown: Adventure bike riders were in large attendance at last month’s ABR festival, with £34,400 raised for British charity, Two Wheels for Life.

Best known for its fundraising auctions and activities that have been present at the British MotoGP event in recent years, Two Wheels for Life was in attendance during last month’s ABR (Adventure Bike Rider) festival at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, which saw £34,000 raised in support of the lifesaving charity.

Two Wheels for Life provides health care support to the poorest and most remote communities in Africa and received its overwhelming support by members of the public through donations and an auction that was hosted by Vanessa Ruck, better known as The Girl on a Bike, and The Nod Pod host, Ben Bowers.

As is standard with Two Wheels for Life auctions, the lots were a mix of exclusive experiences, while motorcycling gear and memorabilia was donated by the biggest names in the industry.

Some of the highlights included a weeklong trip touring southern India with popular motorcycle adventurer Candida Louis (priced at £3,500), a three-night all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco with the Yamaha Racing Tenere World Raid Rally Team for two people (£3,100), as well as a ⁠⁠VIP MotoGP Experience for two (£2,800), and a spot on the ⁠⁠Triumph Adventure Experience which includes all the necessary kit needed (£2,800).

During the same weekend, Two Wheels for Life was also present as the official charity of MotoGP at the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen. With the weekend being Assen’s historic 100th anniversary, Two Wheels for Life gave 1,000 fans exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the MotoGP paddock and a chance to join the pit-lane walk.

The total raised for Two Wheels for Life at Assen was £54,000, taking the tally between the two events up to £88,400. That’s the equivalent of 63 new Riders for Health motorcycles which will support vital Riders for Health programmes in rural Africa, and help provide reliable transport solutions for health workers in some of the most remote parts of Africa.

Two Wheels for Life CEO & Co-Founder Andrea Coleman said: “It’s wonderful to see such strong support from the adventure bike riding community at our very first auction at the ABR Festival. We are very thankful to the organisers for the opportunity to bring what we do to their adventure rider audience, and we are so pleased to see such an enthusiastic response.”

For the rest of The VisorDown article see here.

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

As seen in The Superbike News: The Adventure motorcycling community comes together in a show of strength and solidarity at the recent ABR Festival by raising £34,400 to provide health care to the poorest and most remote communities in Africa.

Two Wheels for Life is better known for its fundraising auctions and activities as the official charity of MotoGP™ and the FIM, but last weekend the British based charity hosted an auction at the ABR Festival at Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall in front of over 17,000 adventure bike fans, raising an amazing £34,400 to help its lifesaving charity work.

The money raised at the ABR Festival was a combination of donations and the exciting auction expertly hosted by Vanessa Ruck, better known as The Girl on a Bike and The Nod Pod host, Ben Bowers. As always with Two Wheels for Life auctions, the lots were an incredible mix of exclusive and exciting money-can’t-buy experiences and motorcycling gear and memorabilia donated by the biggest names in the industry.

Highlights included a weeklong trip touring southern India with popular motorcycle adventurer Candida Louis (£3,500), a three-night all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco with Yamaha Racing Ténéré World Raid Rally Team for two people (£3,100), ⁠⁠VIP MotoGP™ Experience for two (£2,800), and a spot on the ⁠⁠Triumph Adventure Experience plus all the kit you need (£2,800).

During the same weekend, Two Wheels for Life was also busy in its capacity as the official charity of MotoGP™ at the Motul Grand Prix of the Netherlands held at the iconic TT Circuit Assen.

To celebrate Assen’s historic 100th anniversary, Two Wheels for Life made it possible for up to 1,000 fans to enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the MotoGP™ paddock and a chance to join the pit-lane walk. In addition, two charity auctions, featuring MotoGP™’s biggest stars and offering unique memorabilia, signed kit, and exclusive racing experiences featured on the Thursday and Saturday nights.

The total raised for Two Wheels for Life at Assen was an incredible £54,000. The most popular auction lots were a course car ride (€1,400), MotoGP™ grid passes (€1,300), Marc Marquez boots signed by the eight-time world champion and current championship leader (€900), signed Pecco Bagnaia boots (€800), and a Deniz Öncü visor (€800).

All £88,400 raised from Two Wheels for Life’s activity at both the ABR Festival and the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix – the equivalent of 63 new Riders for Health motorcycles – will support vital Riders for Health programmes in rural Africa, helping provide reliable transport solutions for health workers in some of the most remote parts of Africa.

From delivering vaccines via motorcycles to the hardest-to-reach communities, to providing vital maternal care, the programmes Two Wheels for Life support work to ensure lifesaving care reaches those who need it most.

Two Wheels for Life CEO & Co-Founder Andrea Coleman said:

“It’s wonderful to see such strong support from the adventure bike riding community at our very first auction at the ABR Festival. We are very thankful to the organisers for the opportunity to bring what we do to their adventure rider audience, and we are so pleased to see such an enthusiastic response.

“The Motul Grand Prix of the Netherlands was another fantastic result. The Paddock Experience and pit lane walk were huge successes, and the auctions offered fans the chance to bid for ‘money can’t buy’ experiences and memorabilia. We are grateful to Dorna, TT Circuit Assen, the teams and riders who bring these incredible items, as well as their energy and enthusiasm that makes the auctions such special occasions.”

The charity’s summer activities don’t end there. Two Wheels for Life will return to Prosecco DOC UK Round of WorldSBK at Donington Park on 11th-13th July, with another auction, this time hosted by long-time charity ambassador Michael Hill who will also present a “WorldSBK’s Got Talent” concert, featuring stars of the sport signing their hearts out to raise money for Two Wheels for Life.

Next the charity will be at the Malle Mile at Grimsthorpe Castle,  Lincolnshire 18th – 20th July, bringing motorcycle themed fairground fun, plus an auction to this great, and very stylish motorcycle festival.

August 16th will then see Two Wheels for Life’s “The Big Ride” take place at Mallory Park Circuit Festival Motorcycling – a fun filled ride out with challenges to complete along the route, track action and much more. Full details and tickets can be found here: www.twowheelsforlife.org/news-listing/new-big-ride

For the rest of The Superbike News article see here.

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.