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The Original Dakar – racing the Africa Eco Race

The Original Dakar – racing the Africa Eco Race

Follow my journey as I take on one of the most difficult and prestigious off-road races in the history of Motorsports. The original and real Dakar Rally; The Africa Eco Race. This multi episode series is an incredibly real and honest look at what it takes to battle through the toughest, most extreme and historically renowned endurance rally races ever.

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I will take you through the whole two-week journey; from the preparations to the start line wobbles, to traversing giant sand dunes, to crying alone in the middle of the desert all the way to standing proud on the podium in Dakar, Senegal holding the 1st place trophy.

This is one series you don’t want to miss!!!

Terrified! Ready to watch the brutal desert rally adventure racing to Dakar Senegal?

This first episode I will introduce you to my support crew, show you around my support vehicle and trailer, and take you through some of the key components of preparing for this brutally challenging race. Including a day in the mud with Bowler in the Land Rover beasts.

For 13 days I race over 6,000kms of some of the most remote, rugged and punishing terrain in the world. Facing extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains, this is one series you do not want to miss.

Part 2 – Too Scared to Fall Asleep – Race to Dakar

This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions! From the nerves of the sign on and the last-minute bike adjustments in scrutineering, to the thrill and excitement of the opening ceremony, followed quickly by the intense realization that this is it… The official start of the Africa Eco Race is now… Emotions are high as I say my teary goodbyes and question myself, why am I here and what have I gotten myself into?

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The girl on a bike Africa race (4)
The girl on a bike Africa Eco Race (7)

Am I ready to face the extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains?

This prestigious race follows the original and historical route of “The Dakar” rally through the African continent, beginning in France and continuing through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal traversing across the unforgiving Sahara Desert with one goal – make it to the finish line; Dakar…

Part 3 – Close Call: Heart-pounding Escape From Car Crash In Race To Dakar Senegal

Equipped with nothing but an odometer, compass and a paper scroll road book I must navigate my way over thousand of kms of punishing terrain. It is no easy task enduring extreme desert temperatures of up to 50°C during the day and -5°C during the nights while navigating through difficult and punishing terrain, staying focused all while fighting exhaustion and energy depletion after racing for days on end.

Part 4 – Appalling day – crashed and totally lost in the desert racing to Dakar Senegal

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The girl on a bike Africa Eco Race (1)
The girl on a bike Africa race (6)

This episode is a thrilling journey of stage two racing to Dakar Senegal on my KTM desert rally bike where I totally forget how to ride and have a nasty crash. Facing the infamous Merzouga sand dunes, enough jaw rattling rock to make Morocco proud. Oh and of course, my first off, causing my Alpinestars Tech Air off road airvest to deploy. Did I mention I also get lost? Very… Very lost!

I’ve entered the full rally class, so I am racing against the elite, with names like Joan Pedrero and Pol Tarres. This Rally is a true test of endurance for both the drivers/riders and their support vehicles, and it’s not for the faint of heart

Part 5 – Painful day racing – stuck in the pitch black fighting to get to Dakar Senegal

This episode marks part 5 of my 13-day journey across the Sahara on a KTM450RR, tackling what’s known as the world’s most challenging off-road race. Despite the hardships faced, including exhaustive 13-hour rides and the complexities of navigating in the dark, the adventure remains exhilarating. Each day brings a mix of physical and mental challenges, but with determination and a newfound partnership, the path forward, even in the harshest conditions, seems a bit more navigable…

https://youtu.be/LcvKcp7iZ4g

Part 6 – Cruel but epic Dakar motorbike adventure – If this was a one day race, no one would enter

The massive challenge in Part 6 was not just the length and the brutal rocky terrain of Africa, but the navigation was tough too. Navigating over several hundred kilometers of relatively flat but open plain and barren desert with nothing in sight other than a horizon and rock after rock that looks the same is a lot more challenging that one may think in extreme desert racing. There is no GPS technology. It is like being lost at sea, left looks the same as right and vice versa, it is no wonder so many people got lost on this day and didn’t make it back until well after dark!

Part 7 – Riding so fast his pants fell down! Averaging 85km/h in the Africa Eco Race to Dakar

Faced with endless feeling terrain, Part 7 saw me racing fearless at full throttle for many hours. It was a mentally and physically draining day, with endless horizons, no major landmarks or features and nothing but vast empty spaced desert meaning navigation was to take center stage. Thankfully with my strong navigational skills and some tweaks to my bike yesterday it meant for a faster and shorter day today… only 9.5 hours riding my KTM rally replica bike.

Part 8 – Rest Day Shenanigans – Africa Eco Race

In the 13 day race all riders, drivers, competitors, service crew, support crews and organisers are given 1 rest day to be able to recharge and refuel their bodies, review equipment, service and maintain their vehicles and have a stretch, this rest day occurs on the 6th day of racing; the last day in Morocco before heading across the border into Mauritania.

Part 9 – What’s it like racing to Dakar? It’s time for Mauritanian sand

Riding over the border into Mauritania saw a transition in such an emotional and moving way; from the level of rubbish to the quality of living in the communities, and also the colossal amount of sand and to think this is just a teaser of what the adventure in Mauritania will be like over the second week of the race.

https://youtu.be/qttZqg-VhQg?si=24TyDl449onbcCpz

No wonder this is one of the hardest off road races in the world, I have made it just over halfway of this 13-day race, and tackling some of the gnarliest terrain Africa can offer. I have ridden over 3,800km so far and still have over 2,100km to go. This race is not designed for the weak, the mental toughness is just as hard if not harder than the physical endurance it takes on your body.

Everyone put the fear of God into me about Mauritania and how horrifically soft and brutal the sand was, which of course meant I have been terrified for days, weeks, months even years! Dreading the day I was to face this punishing terrain that the original Dakar route was to provide. Watch the next episode below to see the riding footage of me vs the Mauritanian sand dunes as I continue the race to Dakar.

Part 10 – Another day alone in the desert – fighting for Dakar in the Africa Eco Race

Part 11 – Africa is trying to break me….will I actually be able to make it Dakar?

The toughest day of the Africa Eco race so far. Extreme endurance racing from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal covering 6,000km following the original Dakar route is a grueling test… From the moment I woke I could tell it was going to be a hard day. The fatigue has really started to settle in. With another 478km to get through, I face not only the physical battle but the mental battle of the burning question – can I make it another day, and will I actually be able to make it Dakar? Watch below

Part 12 – Seeing such a huge crash in monster size dunes really shook me up

Consisting of 70% sand and at least 125 km of giant soft sand dunes and some very poor quality rocky tracks, day 10 (Part 12) was really hard going. In this extra warm part of Mauritania I had to be vigilant with my bike and body temperatures throughout the largest and most magnificent dunes in the country, reaching heights of up to 400meters!

Part 13 – Worst injury so far but I’m fighting on

After racing over 4,000km so far my body is fatigued, my energy levels are low and I need to dig deep. I can understand why being able to say you finished the original Dakar is such a huge achievement.

Another intense day in Africa racing to Dakar in the Africa Eco Race on my KTM. The toll on my body from day after day racing across the desert is really kicking my butt! Thankfully my incredible support crew are helping me keep going. As always I’m sharing the real honest reality of extreme rally racing with you, injuries and all. Watch below!

Part 14 – How do you race when your body is shutting down… This is killing me

The penultimate day! Dakar seems to be in sight but my body seems to be shutting down. The pain in my arms, pure exhaustion and mentally drained is a combination that sounds ready to quit. But with 837km left to Dakar the end feels so close! I really hope this Dakar series racing the original Dakar route in the Africa Eco Race gives you some behind the scenes understanding of what it takes to compete in such a grueling infamous race!

Part 15: – Massive crash 12km from Dakar

It’s finally time for the last day of the Africa Eco Race. The 6000+ km gruelling 13 day extreme desert rally all the way from Monaco France down to Dakar in Senegal has been the most monumental challenge on my body and mental resilience I have needed to just keep fighting on each day.

My mission has always been to share the real honest behind the scenes reality of what it takes to finish in Dakar. In the final episode things go dramatically wrong just 12 km from the 6000+ km finish line. On the famous beach race into Lac Rose I didn’t see shipwreck debris in the sand, throwing me over the handlebars and landing hard.

More information on this series:

  • EasySim www.easysim.global use discount code TGOAB15 for 15% off all data bundles
  • Guardian Bell tracking system www.guardianbell.co.uk

I’m riding Big Buddy a KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:

  • KTech Suspension set for my weight
  • Michelin desert bib mousse and tyres to ensure zero punctures
  • Caulfield custom made seat for a happy Vanessa bottom
  • Cross Country ADV mega rally pegs
  • And my own personalized graphics designed by me
  • Custom tool kit hidden under the seat with Teng Tools and my emergency flare

My riding kit:

  • Mosko moto Woodsman Enduro pants and Backpack
  • Custom Owayo jersey
  • Alpinestars TechAir off road air vest [more information – link https://youtu.be/b7rRSbrQMrg]
  • Alpinestars Tech 7 boots
  • Scott goggles with scratch proof lens films by Infinite Optics
  • Hebo helmet with mouth water pipe

My support vehicle:

  • Land Rover Bowler Defender 90 on BF Goodrich tyres with Lazer lamp

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on InstagramFacebookTikTokLinkedInYouTube, Whatsapp and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Visit Monaco: An Epic Journey From Monaco to Dakar!

As seen in The Visit Monaco: Embark on a 6500-km odyssey from Monaco to Dakar in the 15th Africa Eco Race. Join Jean-Louis Schlesser and godmother Adriana Karembeu in this epic motorsport adventure!

On 30 December 2023, Jean-Louis Schlesser, the well-known French driver and mastermind behind the event, officially got the 15th Africa Eco Race under way at Monaco’s Port Hercule, alongside Adriana Karembeu, patron of this year’s race.

The African rally has been based in the Principality for some years now, creating a worthy combination of an environmentally-friendly race and a Principality always looking to the future, with a century-old love affair with motor racing into the bargain.

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The African Eco Race is committed to protecting the environment in more ways than one.  In addition to the everyday actions recommended by the organisers and the sustainable events inspired by the rally, especially in Mauritania, many competitors use the race to raise awareness for ambitious projects.
This year, for example, saw Arnaud Jacquart riding an all-electric motorcycle, while Team Latvia went with an electric car, Willy Jobard opted for a hybrid water-powered motorcycle, and André Lenoble raced through the desert on a motorbike fitted with photovoltaic cells. All of these solutions encourage a keen interest in the future and give another facet to the Africa Eco Race.

This 15th edition of the race itself was won by motorcycle rider Aprilia Jacopo Cerutti, ahead of Alessandro Botturi and Pol Torres, both riding Yamahas. The top-placed woman was Vanessa Ruck, who finished 27th in the motorcycle category

One of the biggest feats of the fortnight came from famous rider Joan Pedrero, who successfully brought home a Harley-Davidson 1250 Pan America, confirming that the iconic big bikes aren’t just made for Route 66. The motorcyclists were on top form this year, with 34 of the 47 riders making it across the finish line.
The Africa Eco Race 2024 ended with a 15 km special stage around the majestic Lake Retba, a route that every year features incredible landscapes and unforgettable encounters with the local population.

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For the rest of The Visit Monaco 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Times Local News: ‘Girl On A Bike’ makes history in gruelling Sahara Desert race

As seen in The Times Local News: LANGTON Green bike racer Vanessa Ruck made history in Dakar, Senegal on Sunday January 14 when she became the first British woman to finish the Africa Eco Race.

The race, which follows the route of the old Dakar Rally, is infamous for its difficulty and is widely considered one of the world’s toughest endurance races due to the 6,000km course. It passes through some of the harshest terrain in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, including Sahara Desert dunes of up to 400 metres high.

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Nicknamed ‘The Girl On A Bike’, Vanessa Ruck is renowned within the global motorsport community for her incredible courage, resilience and off-road motorbike-racing talent since recovering from a severe injury caused by being struck by a car while out cycling in 2014.

Nearly 10 years on from her accident, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive!”

Vanessa revealed to the Times that the toughest part of the race was the psychological side of the monumental challenge and the motivation to keep going after the third day when ‘your body is aching’ and there are still thousands of miles left to go. “You have to focus on one day at a time,” she said.

While tackling the long, gruelling days in the desert alone, Vanessa was supported by a team of three. Mechanically such a race requires considerable assistance which came in the form of Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing. She also had two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley to take care of her nutrition, welfare, filming for her social channels, and general psychological support.

As one of only 25 of the 46 riders in the motorbike category in the 2024 event managing to complete the whole course, Vanessa spent over 103 hours in total on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike.

Vanessa finished the 13-day Sahara Desert race in 27th place overall but claimed first place in the women’s category.

She said that being the first British woman to complete the race is ‘an incredible feeling’.

She added: “It’s not often in life we get to break new territories in such a huge way. I feel proud and feel I’ve achieved something for the UK, but I also really hope I won’t be the only one for long.

“I hope my story inspires other women to tackle new challenges and realise it’s possible with hard work.”

Most racers would have likely had time off to rest following such a tough race, however, Vanessa travelled to Gambia for a week’s work supporting the charity, Two Wheels for Life.

She hopes to use her social media following to help share the story of the work they do within mobilising healthcare in Africa through the use of motorcycles.

For the rest of The Times Local 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth graduate first British woman to finish African race

As seen in The Bournemouth Echo: Vanessa Ruck, a Bournemouth graduate, breaks barriers as the first British woman to conquer the grueling African Eco Race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica. Join her journey and support Two Wheels for Life’s mission in Gambia.

A Bournemouth graduate has become the first British woman to complete one of the world’s toughest motor races.

Vanessa Ruck, 37,  has completed a 6,000 km race that took her from the casinos of Monaco to the Dunes of Dakar, Senegal, in 13 days.

Competing in the Africa Eco Race, which sees competitors race the old Dakar route, she was one of the few to successfully complete the race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike. 

Vanessa said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.

“I feel really proud to have to be the first British woman to have done this. I’m not the first to try but to be successful is mind blowing.”

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Nicknamed ‘the girl on a bike’, Vanessa’s result is even more incredible considering her near incident in 2014.

While riding her motorbike in the UK, a car pulled in front of her which she hit head-on. She was rushed to A&E with injuries to her head, shoulder, knee, and hip.

Starting bike racing after the incident, Vanessa’s achievements have come on an incredible road to recovery.

On her recent success in the race, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”

One of only 25 out of 46 in her category to complete the full race, she spent 103 hours on her bike and finished 27th overall.

Vanessa followed the race with a visit to Gambia with charity Two Wheels for Life.

The charity aims to fund motorbike transport for healthcare services in Africa.

A brand ambassador for the charity, Vanessa said: “The infrastructure in Gambia is very limited, it’s lot of dirt roads and it’s a long time to get anywhere.

“Motorcycles are ideal due to able to 410km a tank and their agility. Two Wheels For Life brings in 66,000 litres of fuel for their 440 vehicles which they then distribute to make sure people can get help.”

For the rest of The Bournemouth Echo 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ground News: Bournemouth graduate first British woman to finish 6,000km race

As seen in The Ground News: Vanessa Ruck, 37,  has completed a 6,000 km race that took her from the casinos of Monaco to the Dunes of Dakar, Senegal, in 13 days.

Competing in the Africa Eco Race, which sees competitors race the old Dakar route, she was one of the few to successfully complete the race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike. 

Vanessa said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.

“I feel really proud to have to be the first British woman to have done this. I’m not the first to try but to be successful is mind blowing.”

Nicknamed ‘the girl on a bike’, Vanessa’s result is even more incredible considering her near incident in 2014.

AER 24 Finish line 3.jpg.gallery

While riding her motorbike in the UK, a car pulled in front of her which she hit head-on. She was rushed to A&E with injuries to her head, shoulder, knee, and hip.

Starting bike racing after the incident, Vanessa’s achievements have come on an incredible road to recovery.

On her recent success in the race, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”

One of only 25 out of 46 in her category to complete the full race, she spent 103 hours on her bike and finished 27th overall.

Vanessa followed the race with a visit to Gambia with charity Two Wheels for Life.

The charity aims to fund motorbike transport for healthcare services in Africa. 

A brand ambassador for the charity, Vanessa said: “The infrastructure in Gambia is very limited, it’s lot of dirt roads and it’s a long time to get anywhere.

“Motorcycles are ideal due to able to 410km a tank and their agility. Two Wings for Life brings in 66,000 litres of fuel for their 440 vehicles which they then distribute to make sure people can get help.”

For the rest of The Ground 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race Motorsports Media The Girl on a Bike in the Media

EasySim.global: The Girl on a Bike Completes the Africa Eco Race, in partnership with easySim.global

As seen in The EasySim.global: Vanessa Ruck, also known as ‘The Girl on a Bike’, made history by becoming the first British woman to finish the gruelling 6,000km Africa Eco Race. The challenging 13-day motorcycle endurance race, which follows the original Pari-Dakar route, proved to be a formidable test of skill and resilience.

Vanessa’s courageous journey

TheGirlOnABike AER deseer pose

Facing terrain with an attrition rate so high that only 54 percent of the motorcycle category riders successfully completed it, Vanessa tackled sand dunes and blistering temperatures on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike. She not only finished the race, making her the first British woman to do so, but finished 27th overall, an incredible achievement.

“I still can’t quite believe I actually made it the finish,” says Vanessa. “I trained hard and knew I would have to fight with all I have but to finish was my ultimate goal – and I did it! I can now truly understand why finishing the Dakar is such a respected achievement. It was brutal, but epic in so many ways.”

” I can now truly understand why finishing the Dakar is such a respected achievement. It was brutal, but epic in so many ways. “

Battling the odds

TheGirlOnABike AER steep hill

Recovering from a severe injury after a dramatic accident in 2014, Vanessa transitioned to off-road motorbike endurance racing. Her progression through tough events resulted in her groundbreaking achievement at the Africa Eco Race.

“Up until now, the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident,” she says. “But now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”

A triumph over chronic pain

TheGirlOnABike AER Live Dream Believe

Beyond participating in races, Vanessa now visits schools to inspire children and young people to engage in various sports. As a TEDx and award-winning speaker, she empowers others to realise that anything is possible with determination.

Speaking from Dakar post-race, she shared, “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.” Over 104 hours in the saddle riding, Vanessa emphasises the need for unwavering focus in such races. “You have to be so focused,” she says. “A second of lapse on your focus can mean you get lost, or the rock you don’t see can take you off your bike.”

easySim sponsorship

TheGirlOnABike AER reporter

Navigating challenging terrains across two continents, Vanessa relied on eSIMs from easySim for communication, navigation, and safety. As well as helping Vanessa and her team to provide real-time updates to those following the race, the eSIMs also provided a lifeline in the vast and demanding landscape.

“My focus for the race was racing,” she says. “I didn’t have time to worry about phone connectivity and so easySim was the ideal choice. Effortless set up, plenty of data bundles, and seamless coverage across borders.”

A team effort

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Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing provided crucial support for Vanessa’s race. Having backed her in previous rallies, Joe brought extensive experience from assisting riders in over 65 rally-raid events.

Vanessa also benefitted from the support of two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley, who assisted with nutrition, welfare, and filming for her social channels, as well as providing general psychological support.

Female Power Prevails

Despite skepticism about a woman’s capability to complete the race, Vanessa showed no intention of surrendering despite the physical strain on her body and the hurdles of the competition. Numerous riders experienced crashes on most days, resulting in injuries. By the end, only 25 riders out of 46 completed all stages of the race.

It’s also worth noting that, unlike many sports, the women’s category in this race lacks any differences compared to the men’s. Vanessa faced the identical distance, rode the same-sized bike, and carried the same amount of gear as the male participants – many of whom were at least double her size.

Racing for a purpose

Vanessa also had personal reasons for choosing the Africa Eco Race. Besides the rally’s reputation as one of the toughest races out there, Vanessa was drawn to its ecological and social initiatives. The race supports local communities with programs like Energy of Hope, which provides solar lamps to rural school children. “Over 2,500 lamps have been handed out so far,” Vanessa says. “The rally has funded the planting of over 2,000 trees in the capital of Mauritania as well.”

Vanessa also has a philanthropic angle to her racing pursuits. She is a brand ambassador for Two Wheels for Life, a charity providing healthcare mobility solutions in Africa. “I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing,” she says.

“These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”

Vanessa’s next chapter

Emerging from this monumental challenge, Vanessa now extends her presence to speaking engagements and aims to empower others through her narrative.

“I’ve broken down in tears on stage, I’ve stuttered and had to process the emotions,” she says. “But in my heart, I know it’s worth it. If I can turn my trauma and fight into powerful advice to assist others in their life battles, then it makes what I went through worthwhile – or at least in my head, it helps me process why it had to happen to me.”

For the rest of The EasySim.global 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Offroad Cracks: Africa Eco Race 2024 The Real Dakar. Stage 12 Final Report

As seen in The Offroad Cracks: Experience the thrilling conclusion of AFRICA ECO RACE 2024. Champions crowned, tributes paid, and extraordinary moments on the legendary Dakar route.

This Sunday, the 14th. January 2024, as the tradition since the founding of the AFRICA ECO RACE, ended the 15th. Edition at Lac Rose in Dakar. A real celebration: This parade of winners and finishers on the podium was organized by the Senegalese Auto Moto Federation, the host organization of this event. The ceremony was preceded by the traditional special test on Lac Rose, a 22 km route from Niokob Beach to the mythical lake, where motorcycles are still in the race, Cars and trucks completed the route.

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A last honorable fight, but it surprises every year. In the motorcycle category, all drivers of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 decided to honor one of them, the disabled driver Nicola DUTTO. To this end, the bikers followed the Italian and his two guardian angels, who accompanied him throughout the rally so that he could open and win this last sector shown.

A tribute to this extraordinary athlete, who has traveled almost 6,000 km of the route, strapped onto his KTM, equipped with a roll cage that protects his legs in the event of a fall. After the race, the three best drivers of the overall standings, the Italian Jacopo CERRUTI on APRILA, also first in the multi-cylinder race -1000 CC, his compatriot Alessandro BOTTURI, also first veteran, and the Andorran Pol TARRES on Yamaha, magnificent bronze trophies.

Afterwards, winners were rewarded in various categories, including the Swiss Alexandre VAUDAN first in the class under 450 CC, also first in the Acerbis Rookie Rider Challenge on KTM, Patrice CARILLON first in the Motul Xtreme Rider Challenge on KTM and the Italian Giovanni STIGLIANO first in the class over 450 CC CC on HUSQVARNA, the Spaniard Juan PEDRERO 1. in the multi-cylinder over 1000 CC on HARLEY DAVIDSON, not to mention the British Vanessa RUCK, the first female driver on KTM. Finally, all drivers who reached the goal received a bronze medal that symbolized performance to remain in the ranking.

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The French Gautier PAULIN and Remi BOULANGER, overall winners, were logically the first to place their SSV APACHE on the podium on four wheels, to receive the two bronze trophies and the two trophies in the category SSV T3 U.

Next followed were the Belgians Pascal FERYN and Kurt KEYSERS, second in the rally and first in the 4 × 4 petrol category on their Toyota, while the Spaniards Carlos VENTO and Carlos RUIZ MORENO also led the CAN AM to victory in T4 in third place. The Czech Tomas TOMECEK was rewarded with his TATRA for his fifth victory in the truck category.

The French Frédéric HENRICY and Eric BERSEY emerged as winners from the SSV EXTREME RACE Challenge on POLARIS, the Dutch Teun STAM and Rene BARGEMAN won in 4 × 4 Diesel on TOYOTA, Moroccan Souad MOUTKADIRI was the first African driver to finish the race with her CAN AM, while the Italians Giulio VERZELETTI and Giuseppe FORTUNA won the category Truck -10000 CC on his MERCEDES.

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Finally, the Italians Stefano ROSSI and Jacopo CASINI received the Experimental Vehicle Trophy on a hydrogen-powered NISSAN, while Eric and Grégoire COQUIDE won the OPEN category, also on a NISSAN. Not to forget the honor of racing veteran Yoshimasa SUGAWARA,a legend in the discipline and finisher at the age of 83 driving a vehicle that he built himself. In the classic race, the Belgians Tom and Eric CLAEYS received the winner’s cup in front of their compatriots René DECLERCQ and John DEMEESTER, while the Austrian Peter BRABECK-LEMATHE and the Frenchman Jean Michel GAYTE completed the podium.

For the rest of The Offroad Cracks 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Dirthub: British “Girl On A Bike” Finishes Gruelling 6,000km Sahara Race!

As seen in The Dirthub: Vanessa Ruck makes history as the first British woman to conquer the gruelling 6,000 KM Sahara Race on her KTM 450 Rally. Witness her triumph!

  • Vanessa Ruck fought to the end finishing 27th overall, showing the male dominated industry that women can do it too
  • First British female ever to finish one of the world’s toughest endurance races
  • Facing over 6,000km of brutal African terrain with an attrition rate so high that only 54% of the motorcycle category riders successfully completed
  • The gruelling Africa Eco Race follows the original Pari-Dakar route in an extreme 13-day motorcycle race over sand dunes in blistering temperatures
  • Over 104 hours in the saddle riding
  • 46 motorcycles started and only 25 riders completed 100% of all stages
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Words & Images: The Girl On A Bike

Vanessa Ruck, a UK based and British motorcycle enthusiast, stepped up to a formidable new challenge for January 2024: the 13-day, 6000 km gruelling Africa Eco Race from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal in Africa following the route of the original Dakar Rally. She successfully completed the extreme endurance event on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike, claiming first place in the women’s motorcycle category, and in doing so became the first British Woman to successfully complete the historical event.

Nicknamed The Girl On A Bike, Vanessa Ruck is renowned within the global motorsport community. Vanessa has shown incredible courage and resilience by recovering from severe injury after a dramatic accident and taking up off-road, motorbike endurance racing. In just a few years, she has progressed through some of the toughest events in the calendar, as her skills and strength has improved, culminating in her successful attempt at this years Africa Eco Race!

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Infamous for its difficulty, the intimidating Africa Eco Race was set in Vanessa’s mind as a pinnacle event to attempt to complete on a motorcycle. Completing the event is a huge accomplishment in itself, but to do so in such a male dominated environment, makes this achievement even more remarkable. The Africa Eco Race features some of the harshest terrain in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Making completing this task even more notable, she achieved this while fighting through chronic pain, pain that she lives with and manages every day, since her accident back in 2014.

As one of only 25 of the 46 riders in the Moto category in the 2024 event managing to complete the whole course, Vanessa spent over 103 hours in total on her bike.

Nearly ten years on from her accident Vanessa says “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose! It makes me feel so ALIVE!!”

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Now, as well as taking part in races, she visits schools to inspire young girls and boys alike to take part in different sports. As a TEDx and award-winning speaker she is inspiring others to realise that absolutely anything is possible if you put your mind to it, even with a slightly reconstructed body.

Speaking from Dakar following the race, she said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.”

She said: “You have to be so focussed. A second of lapse on your focus can mean you get lost, or the rock you don’t see can take you off your bike.”

While tacking the long gruelling days in the desert alone, Vanessa was supported by a team of three. Mechanically such a race requires considerable support which came in the form of Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing. Joe has supported Vanessa in all her previous desert rallies in addition to bring experiences from supporting riders in over 65 rally raid events.

She also had two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley to support on nutrition, welfare, filming for her social channels, and general psychological support. Logistically they utilised Vanessa’s Land Rover Bowler Defender to tow the support trailer loaded with tools, spares, 10 spare Michelin tyres and over 35kgs of racing nutrition.

Other competitors described the team with three girls as a breath of energy in the desert, always smiling and happy but with fierce focus to make the finish.

Female power
While many doubted a female’s ability to finish, Vanessa showed no signs of giving in, despite her bodies pain and the challenges of the race. Most days saw multiple riders crashing out causing both injuries. Also worth noting that unlike in many sports, the women’s category has no variation to the men’s. Vanessa was tackling the exact same distance, on the same size bike and with the same amount of kit as the guys who are often more than twice her size.

Racing for more than just the thrill
Vanessa had personal reasons for choosing the Africa Eco race. Besides the rally’s reputation as one of the toughest races out there, Vanessa was drawn to its ecological and social initiatives. The race supports local communities with programs like Energy of Hope, which provides solar lamps to rural school children. “Over 2 and a half thousand lamps have been handed out so far,” Vanessa stated. The rally has also funded the planting of over 2,000 trees in the capital of Mauritania.

Vanessa also has a philanthropic angle to her racing pursuits. She is a brand ambassador for Two Wheels for Life, a charity providing healthcare mobility solutions in Africa.

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“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”

While most would be signing off for a few weeks rest after such a race, Vanessa is already on route to The Gambia for a weeks charity work supporting Two Wheels for Life. She’ll be utilising her presenting skills and social media reach to help share the story of the work they do within mobilising healthcare in Africa through the use of motorcycles.

Vanessa is an inspiration to many and we congratulate her on her incredible achievement finishing the Africa Eco Race.

For the rest of The Dirthub 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Bandw: Closing Moment of the Africa Eco Race 2024

As seen in The Bandw: Experience the thrilling conclusion of Africa Eco Race 2024 at Lac Rose, Dakar, honoring exceptional athletes and celebrating victories across categories.

Sunday, January 14, 2024, as tradition dictates since the creation of the AFRICA ECO RACE, the 15th edition concluded at Lac Rose in Dakar.

A true celebration, this parade of winners and finishers on the podium was organized by the Senegalese Auto Moto Federation, the host organization for this event.
The ceremony was preceded by the traditional special stage at Lac Rose, a 22 km stretch from Niokob Beach to the mythical lake, where motorcycles, cars, and trucks still in the race completed the circuit. A final honorable battle that, however, surprises every year.

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In the Motorcycle category, all the riders of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 decided to honor one of their own, the handicapped rider Nicola DUTTO. To do this, the bikers followed the Italian and his two guardian angels who accompanied him throughout the rally, allowing him to open and win this final timed sector.
A way to pay tribute to this extraordinary athlete who covered almost 6000 km of the course strapped to his KTM equipped with a roll cage protecting his legs in case of a fall.


After the race, the top three overall riders, Italian Jacopo CERRUTI on APRILA also 1st in Multicylinders -1000 CC, his compatriot Alessandro BOTTURI also 1st Veteran, and Andorran Pol TARRES on YAMAHA, received magnificent bronze trophies. Subsequently, winners in different categories were also rewarded, including Swiss Alexandre VAUDAN 1st in under 450 CC, also 1st in the Acerbis Rookie Rider Challenge on KTM, Patrice CARILLON 1st in the Motul Xtreme Rider Challenge on KTM, Italian Giovanni STIGLIANO 1st in over 450 CC on HUSQVARNA, Spaniard Juan PEDRERO 1st in Multicylinders over 1000 CC on HARLEY DAVIDSON, not forgetting the British Vanessa RUCK, the first female rider on KTM.

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Finally, all finishing riders received a bronze medal symbolizing the feat of staying in the rankings.
On four wheels, Frenchmen Gautier PAULIN and Remi BOULANGER, overall winners, logically were the first to place their SSV APACHE on the podium to receive the two bronze trophies and the two trophies in the SSV T3 U category.


Next were the Belgians Pascal FERYN and Kurt KEYSERS, 2nd in the Rally and 1st in the 4×4 Petrol category on their TOYOTA, while in 3rd position, Spaniards Carlos VENTO and Carlos RUIZ MORENO also led the CAN AM to victory in T4. Czech Tomas TOMECEK was rewarded for his 5th victory in the truck category driving his TATRA.

Frenchmen Frédéric HENRICY and Eric BERSEY emerged victorious in the SSV EXTREME RACE challenge on POLARIS, Dutchmen Teun STAM and Rene BARGEMAN won in 4×4 Diesel on TOYOTA, Moroccan Souad MOUTKADIRI finished as the first African female rider with her CAN AM, while Italians Giulio VERZELETTI and Giuseppe FORTUNA clinched victory in the Truck -10000 CC category on their MERCEDES.


Finally, Italians Stefano ROSSI and Jacopo CASINI received the Experimental Vehicle trophy on a NISSAN powered by Hydrogen, while Eric and Grégoire COQUIDE won the OPEN category, also on NISSAN.
Also, not to forget to honor the race veteran Yoshimasa SUGAWARA, a legend in the discipline and finisher at 83, driving a vehicle he built with his own hands.

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In the Classic race, Belgians Tom and Eric CLAEYS were awarded the winners’ trophy ahead of their compatriots René DECLERCQ and John DEMEESTER, while Austrian Peter BRABECKLEMATHE and Frenchman Jean Michel GAYTE completed the podium.


The ceremony at Lac Rose also featured a parade of around fifty vehicles from the auto and motorcycle raid on the podium to present participants with a souvenir medal. The final highlight of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 was the group photo of the 160 members of the organizing team and service providers.
Like many competitors, all pledged to be present for the 2025 edition!

For the rest of The Bandw 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Africa Eco Race The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Bournemouth Echo: Vanessa Ruck becomes first British woman to complete Africa Eco Race

As seen in The Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth University graduate Vanessa Ruck became the first British female to complete the Africa Eco Race, a 6,300km long endurance race that covers much of the original route of the Dakar Rally.

The motorcyclist finished 27th overall, with just over half of the motorcycle entries completing all stages across the 13-day event.

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After the Dakar Rally moved to be staged in South America and now Saudi Arabia, the African Eco Race was launched with a focus on security issues and sustainable development.

Following technical checks in Monaco, competitors raced from the Moroccan coast, through Mauritania, before finishing in the Senegalese capital of Dakar.

Nicknamed the Girl on a Bike, Ruck successfully completed the extreme endurance event on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike, claiming first place in the women’s motorcycle category after 103 hours in the saddle.

Ruck shared: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.”

“You have to be so focused. A second of lapse on your focus can mean you get lost, or the rock you don’t see can take you off your bike.”

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After recovering from serious injuries sustained after being hit by a car whilst riding her bicycle, Ruck has gone on to became a motivational speaker, sharing her story.

Now, she is giving back by supporting charity Two Wheels for Life, a motorcycle-based charity that aims to ensure life-saving healthcare is available for rural African communities.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing,” she continued.

“These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal.

“By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”

Ruck will remain in Africa for a week after completing the rally, working in the Gambia with Two Wheels for Life.

For the rest of The Bournemouth Echo 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  InstagramFacebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.