As seen in The Port: Welcome to our graduate Hall of Fame, where we honor Portsmouth’s sporting elite and their remarkable achievements in the world of sports. Join us as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our alumni across various disciplines, inspiring generations to push the boundaries of excellence.
Following completing my undergratude degree at Portsmouth University it is a huge honour to be included in their Alumni Sporting Hall of Fame. This page is about celebrating the sporting acheivements of Portsmouth gradutes. You can see me listed on the website here.
For the rest of the Portsmouth University 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.
As seen in Pro Bike: Support Two Wheels For Life’s charitable work in Africa and enter for a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race, meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid team, and more!
The Two Wheels For Life charity is continuing to raise money for its charitable work in Africa, getting motorcycles to healthcare workers—and to bring some more cash in, they’re offering a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race [enter here https://www.yamahamotorforriders.com/?view_lot&id=26737] .
In this case, the organization has teamed up with Yamaha, as part of a three-year program sponsoring the Riders For Health program, which is tied to Two Wheels For Life. As part of this prize trip to the Africa Eco Race, you’ll get a chance to meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid race team. You’ll be on the finish line of the Africa Eco Race in Senegal, Dakar—where the original Dakar Rally used to end. You also get drinks in Dakar with Vanessa Ruck (from The Girl on a Bike YouTube channel), where you can talk about her own adventures in-person, including her Africa Eco Race run. You also get two nights’ accommodation (and breakgast) at the five-star King Fahed hotel in Dakar, and up to £1500 in airfare for two people.
As for Two Wheels For Life, their website explains more about their program here. They’ve been working for three decades in Africa, using motorcycles to help healthcare workers get to remote areas and provide much-needed medical attention with Riders For Health as their sister program. Along with the bikes themselves, they’re also providing training, riding equipment and tools needed to keep the healthworkers safe and mobile. Currently, they’re operating in Nigeria, Malawi, Lesotho and the Gambia (see below).
The program ensures those in rural areas without money or access to healthcare otherwise still see doctors and other medical workers, thanks to the practical all-terrain capabilities of motorcycles.
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.
As seen in Moto Riders Universe: Experience the thrill at Women in Moto 2023! Join us for test rides, workshops, and expert advice, empowering women in the world of motorcycling.
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the upcoming Women in Moto 2023 show in August. This highly anticipated motorcycle event will feature women guest stars from the world of motorcycling, exciting test rides, informative workshops, valuable advice for learners, and much more.
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the upcoming Women in Moto 2023 show in August. This highly anticipated motorcycle event will feature women guest stars from the world of motorcycling, exciting test rides, informative workshops, valuable advice for learners, and much more.
Here are some of the remarkable women from the motorcycling world who will be part of the event:
Women in Moto caters to riders of all experience levels, offering features and activities for beginners, learners, experienced riders, and even those interested in racing.
The event will host various workshops and sit-down sessions covering a wide range of topics, including motorcycle maintenance for beginners and intermediate riders, bike handling techniques, custom workshops, motorcycle security, biker yoga, painting skills, strength training, confidence-building sessions, and more. The list of workshops and sessions continues to expand, ensuring a rich and diverse program.
For learner riders, there will be a dedicated “Learner Zone” providing valuable advice for those starting their motorcycling journey, progressing from their CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), advancing through their MODs (Module One and Module Two tests) toward their full license, and even offering advanced training for experienced riders.
Honda has partnered with Women in Moto to offer the “Ride Free” experience, allowing individuals with no prior riding experience to get their first taste of the motorcycle world.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to test ride the latest 2023 Honda motorcycles, while the organizers are actively working on securing other brands for exhibition.
Women in Moto 2023 will take place on August 19-20 and is open to all genders. Camping options are available for those wishing to stay for both days, including Friday night (August 18) with evening entertainment. Saturday night’s entertainment is also open to non-campers.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through the Women in Moto website, with adult tickets starting at £19, and free admission for those under 18. Motorcycle parking is free, while car parking is available for £5.
Join the empowering community of women in the world of moto at Women in Moto 2023, where the thrill of the ride awaits!
For the rest of the Moto Riders Universe 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.
As seen in Csajok a Motoron:[Google translated from Hungarian] Read Vanessa Ruck’s inspiring story of resilience after a life-altering accident and how she transformed it into a passion for enduro racing.
Vanessa Ruck has always been an active chick. His life was full of adventures, literally living in sports, activities, free nature. And there was still this constant adrenaline rush. However, on March 25, 2014, an accident changed his life.
Vanessa Ruck was born and raised in the UK. He has been chasing his dreams since he was a child. He grew up in nature, in the mud and filth, keeping himself fit with horses and quads, and was always in for some prank. At the age of 18, he flew out of the nest to find his place in the world. The university, the master’s degree and the first job followed.
His life took a turn in 2014 when he was hit by a car driving through a red light and has since set a goal to get the most out of life and help others with that.
The accident
“It was a completely average Tuesday, the work was as crowded as ever, but it’s over now. With the fresh feeling of spring in my leg, I jumped on a bike and pedaled hard and set off on the road. I was on my way to Wake-boarding Lake, which was 8 miles from my workplace. It will be a great evening, a few sets behind the RAF Nautique wake-board boat, and then a little steak and vegetable on the lakeside grill watching the sunset.
I didn’t know my world was going to be on top of my head. I barely left my job, maybe a mile of asphalt road passed and I was already cruising with the flow of traffic. I was pleased to see that the traffic sign turned green in the approach, and I was able to keep the rhythm, pedaling hard to keep the momentum going. That’s when it happened.
Out of nowhere, an oncoming car pulled in front of me. I had a microsecond. Time seemed to have slowed down. But there was nothing I could do. There was no route to get around. There was no hope of avoiding a collision. I could feel my body collapsing as I crashed into the back cabin.
My right shoulder wore the full collision, absorbing the collision at a speed of 15 miles / hour. My body screamed internally before I fell to the ground on my right side. The time was different. I felt my heartbeat; my pulse was pounding in my veins, my environment almost blurred. Time has stopped. ” – Write Vanessa on her website.
That day changed his life
One of the most serious injuries was the shoulder and hip. The right shoulder was completely reconstructed, the ligaments were removed, and replaced with an artificial man-made fiber, the bone was cut short so that it could recover, and then twisted again. More than 13 months of work loss followed, 7 shoulder surgeries, 6 hip surgeries and years of rest, countless steroid injections, hydrotherapy, chiropractor, shock wave treatment, acupuncture, red light therapy, CBD oil, spiritual healing, Physiolab ice treatment, daily active collagen, months of physiotherapy, and still involves treatments as your hips remain problematic.
Escape has always been a sport for Vanessa, be it kite surfing, snowboarding or mountain biking, her life has always been about exercise, but the accident changed that, and motorcycling entered his world. The open path, the strength, the ability to simply disappear into the unknown and travel the world quickly became my favorite form of adventure.
THE @thegirlonabike [insta] side and community channels began when he was forced into bed after the 3rd surgery following the accident. Then you decided you needed something positive to channel your energies into. Not only does he share happy days here, but he tries to be real, to show the bad days, the days when all the inner strength is needed to get out of bed at all.
What is my mission? To get the most out of every day and help others do the same.
Vanessa recently, at the age of 36, successfully completed one of the toughest extreme endurance races in the world, the Morocco Desert Challenge. In 8 days, riders covered a total of 2,500 km in North Africa in the 52-degree heatwave. There were falls, difficulties, long days, but he did. He was in constant pain because of his accident, and there were many moments when he wanted to give up but persevered and became the 25th out of 77 riders. Second among women.
“ As a woman in a very masculine world, as an international racer, while living in chronic pain, I really hope to inspire others with my story. I help people realize that hard times can be overcome. ”
For the rest of the Csajok a Motoron 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.
As seen in The Glorious Sport: Discover the incredible journey of Vanessa Ruck, a fearless motorbike racer and rally driver. Get inspired by her passion for the sport and her remarkable achievements.
Vanessa Ruck is a fearless motorbike, dirt bike racer, and four-wheel rally driver, who defies expectations and pushes boundaries in the world of racing. Vanessa’s path into the motorcycle industry was anything but conventional. It all began with a life-altering accident in 2014 when she was struck by a car while cycling. But undeterred by fear and determined to reclaim her sense of adventure, Vanessa embarked on a new path and delved into the world of motorbikes, embracing the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of pushing her limits. We chat to Vanessa about her resilience and unyielding determination that has led to amazing achievements and her mission to prove that women can succeed in this male-dominated sport.
Glorious: Your journey into motorbike and dirt bike racing happened almost by accident (literally) – tell us about this.
Vanessa Ruck: Yeah, absolutely. Most people look at the riding that I’m doing and think I’ve been riding since I was a small kid, but actually, I’ve got quite an unusual entry into the motorcycle industry which started with me being hit by a car while cycling back in 2014. At the time, I was only a cycle rider and didn’t own a motorbike, but that incident changed everything. I faced a seven-year recovery with seven surgeries that reconstructed my right shoulder and right hip. Physically, I was no longer able to do the extreme sports or activities that I once did, though the mental health recovery was considerably harder.
The idea to get a motorcycle first came up when I was unable to cycle my commute anymore. It wasn’t an easy step because I had a diagnosed fear of the road, but I couldn’t let fear control my future. The following seven years can be best described as an escalation. I realised that I absolutely feel alive and filled with adrenaline when I’m on a motorcycle. But the sense of adventure evolved and it started with me getting my first off-road bike when I was bedbound from a surgery and to ride it became a goal and something to work towards. Later, I managed to ride it, and since then, I’ve been on a mission to grow, improve my riding, and prove to myself that I can push myself. Yes, I live with chronic pain, but I refuse to let it control me. I adapt, use painkillers, and practice mindfulness. Now I participate in some of the toughest races in the world.
Glorious: Have you always been an adrenaline seeker?
Vanessa Ruck: I grew up with a very active childhood. I was fortunate to have parents who didn’t treat me differently because I was a girl. I had an older brother and two older male cousins, and the four of us played together. I might be described as a bit tomboyish. Our holidays were always about going on adventures in Wales, doing activities like coasteering, paddleboarding, horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking, and climbing. When I went to university, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of extreme sports, including wakeboarding and kite surfing. And that’s when my passion really exploded. I get excited to try new things, enjoy them, and strive to get better and better. I think I’m addicted to those endorphins and the adrenaline of these sports. Many extreme sports are male-dominated, and a big part of my mission is to help other women realise that they can do it too.
Glorious: What is your favourite aspect of dirt bike racing? Is there a particular thrill or feeling that keeps you motivated?
Vanessa Ruck: I actually think my best moments are the hardest moments, the moments where you question why you’re there. When you’re in the desert, surrounded by sand dunes, hundreds of kilometres in every direction, with nothing but you and the navigation, you think, “How can I get out of this?” The only way is to fight. Those low moments, when you eventually make it to the finish line, are the biggest highs. By overcoming your fears and pushing your boundaries, you grow, and that growth fills me with so much energy. It’s an addictive feeling.
Glorious: How do you keep that adrenaline going? Is it by putting yourself in ridiculously challenging situations?
Vanessa Ruck: It’s important to remember that people often look at me and think I’m always energised and motivated, but that’s not true. I experience imposter syndrome and self-doubt. I have days when I wake up feeling tired and exhausted. However, I don’t let those things stop me and I find ways to work around them. When my confidence is low, I focus on preparation. If I’m not feeling ready for a speaking event, it’s because I haven’t done enough preparation. So I put in the work and go into it feeling more confident. The same goes for races. I assess what I need to improve and upskill to be ready for the start line. It’s about taking ownership, overcoming challenges, and becoming the best version of myself. I want to remind people that I have doubts and face mental health issues too. By being honest about my struggles, I hope to provide support and reassurance to others facing their own challenges.
Glorious: Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes about female dirt bike racers that you would like to address?
Vanessa Ruck: The most important misconception to address is the belief that girls can’t ride bikes as well as guys. While it may be slightly harder for females in certain situations or courses, it’s not impossible. I want people to realise that regardless of gender, background, or any other factor, riding is something we can all enjoy. The biggest challenge we face as female riders often comes from women. Some females get involved in the sport for the wrong reasons, such as wanting to look sexy or wear skimpy outfits. But riding motorcycles is dangerous, you’ve got to dress for the slide, not the ride. I wish that females, in general, and particularly in the realm of social media, can be more responsible and focused on credibility. The sex sells card really bugs me about the industry. It’s the same in many industries sadly, but I think the world is starting to move away from it. Look at the motorbike shows. Very few brands have sexy women laying themselves on bikes anymore, but it wasn’t that many years ago it was still a thing. Yes, we we are developing and waking up as an industry, but I just wish it was a bit faster. Gender is irrelevant when it comes to riding. What matters is genuine interest, dedication, and skill, whether you’re female or male.
Glorious: So, what advice would you give to aspiring female dirt bike racers or rally drivers who are looking to get into the sport?
Vanessa Ruck: My advice would be not to be afraid of being a newbie. Leave your egos behind. Nobody cares whether you’re good, amazing, or still learning. What matters is that you’re out there, giving it a go, learning, and being enthusiastic. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s important to reassess. The sport is all about enjoyment and having fun, regardless of your skill level. So, let go of any worries about how you might look or what others might think. Every professional in the world was once a beginner, and we all know what it’s like to learn and grow. Even when you think you’re at the top, there’s always more to learn. Stay humble, keep absorbing knowledge from those around you, and continue to grow and improve.
Glorious: What are your goals and aspirations for the future in terms of your racing career?
Vanessa Ruck: I have some uncertainties regarding how long I’ll be able to push my body to these extreme limits. My health condition isn’t ideal, and I know that my physical abilities are deteriorating. However, I’m very excited about four-wheel racing because it is less taxing on my body. One of my bigger goals is to participate in endurance races like the Baja 1000. But my primary focus will always be using my story to inspire and energise people, providing them with the tools to overcome life’s challenges. As long as I can continue doing that and enjoy racing, I’ll keep going on this journey. If there comes a point where I can’t maintain the same level of energy, I’ll explore other opportunities. Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the journey and making a positive impact.
For the rest of the Glorious Sport 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.
As seen in The Visor Down: Join us at the 2023 Women in Moto show this August! Experience thrilling motorcycle test rides, enriching workshops, and expert advice for learners and enthusiasts.
Women in Moto will host the third edition of its motorcycle show dedicated to women later this summer in August at Uttoxeter Racecourse.
Obviously, the main aim and the most important aspect of the Women in Moto show is to encourage more women to ride motorcycles, and it tries to do so by creating a community-style event aimed squarely at women bikers, or women interested in becoming bikers.
Another important aspect of the event is to dismantle stereotypes around ‘what a biker should be’, and especially with regards to women bikers. The ‘Women in Moto Gallery’ is one feature of the show which aims to do this, and the well-known female figures from within motorcycling that the show is bringing in will be able to display that kind of diversity, too.
Women in Moto also caters to a variety of experience levels, with features for beginners, learners, and experienced riders alike, and even for those looking to get into racing.
Women in Moto also caters to a variety of experience levels, with features for beginners, learners, and experienced riders alike, and even for those looking to get into racing.
A number of workshops and sit down sessions will be held at the event, covering a variety of topics from how to pick up a bike to custom workshops and motorcycle security. The list of workshops and sit down sessions available includes the following (with more to be confirmed):
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.
As seen in The Ctek: Discover how CTEK ambassador Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike, conquered the grueling Morocco Desert Challenge, defying extreme conditions and completing the race.
Enduring Harsh Conditions
Vanessa faced numerous challenges as she battled the intense heat wave that swept across North Africa, with temperatures reaching a peak of 52°C. Dealing with an upset stomach and dehydration due to the extreme heat, she also encountered two major crashes that triggered her life-saving air vest. Despite these obstacles, she refused to give up.
The Unforgiving Desert Extremes
Vanessa described her experience as a constant fight for survival: “I felt like I was fighting for my life rather than racing against others. Battling the unforgiving terrain, the scorching heat, and the mental and physical fatigue, every moment on my bike was a struggle. In the vast expanse of dunes, I knew that any issue could spell the end for me. I even started composing a message in my mind to record on my phone for my family in case the worst happened. It was truly terrifying.”
The desert’s heat posed an exceptional and unforgiving challenge, especially for bikers, with temperatures peaking at 52°C during the heat wave. Vanessa vividly recalled cresting a massive dune that stood taller than a multi-story building, scanning the horizon to see nothing but sand and dunes in all directions. Alone with her bike, her body exhausted and craving rest, the scorching heat compelled her to keep pushing forward. She had to muster immense mental strength to reach the finish line.
Mental and Physical Extremes
Competitors not only navigated the challenging terrain of Morocco but also had to tackle its rugged and rocky landscape. Precise navigation was crucial, involving following symbols, compass bearings, and distances recorded on a scrolling piece of paper called a road book, mounted to the handlebars. Road book navigation events, like the renowned Paris-Dakar rally, demanded more than just riding skills. Riders had to maintain accurate navigation, mental focus, and physical endurance for 6-8 hours of off-road racing each day. Imagine being alone in the middle of nowhere, relying on your energy reserves and carrying only the supplies you could manage.
Vanessa’s Remarkable Resilience
One could question Vanessa’s sanity and decision to participate in such a challenging event. However, when a cycling accident in 2014 threatened to disrupt the adventurous life she cherished, she refused to surrender. Instead, she faced adversity head-on. Despite enduring a seven-year recovery with seven surgeries to reconstruct her shoulder and hip, Vanessa discovered her passion for motorcycles.
Fast forward seven years from her first off-road bike experience, and she has now taken on some of the most demanding races, standing strong among the few brave females who tackle the grueling challenges. Vanessa’s journey has been far from smooth, as chronic pain has become a daily companion. However, she has learned the importance of not allowing her past to dictate her future.
Undoubtedly, the resilience she gained during her recovery played a significant role in overcoming the brutal obstacles of the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Fighting to the Finish
On the final day, with the finish line in sight, Vanessa encountered the biggest and most painful crash of her riding career. Due to the full rear tanks on her bike in preparation for sand and dunes, the weight distribution was unfavorable during the initial 30km of rocky tracks. Approaching a right-hand corner, her rear tire collided with a submerged boulder, causing her bike’s back end to jump and veer sideways, resembling a rodeo bull. Sensing the instability, she quickly throttled to straighten out, but the corner closed in on her. Unable to maneuver, she was thrown off the rocky track, landing in a rock garden.
Determined, she held on, gripping with her knees and heart pounding, while expertly managing the throttle to keep the bike under control. However, the rocky step ahead became insurmountable. Both Vanessa and her bike launched into it, resulting in a hard impact against the jagged desert rocks. Fortunately, her airbag deployed just in time, offering some protection. Nevertheless, a boulder impaled her left abdomen, striking her pelvis.
Despite being winded and in excruciating pain, Vanessa refused to let this setback end her chances of finishing the race.
The Triumph of Strength and Determination
As Vanessa crested the penultimate dune, the flags marking the finish line came into view, eliciting screams of pure joy. With only 40% of her motorcycle category managing to complete the nearly 2,500km event, Vanessa’s achievement is a testament to her unwavering strength and determination. Placing 25th in her class, she serves as an inspiration to both men and women.
The Reality of Endurance Racing
Vanessa’s candid account of the highs and lows of the toughest endurance races sheds light on the non-glamorous aspects of these events. Her resilience and remarkable performance challenge the male-dominated motorcycle industry, proving that women can excel as well. Vanessa’s mission is to never let her chronic pain or past experiences control her future. As an influential speaker and athlete, she continues to inspire people across the country, and we eagerly anticipate her next endeavors.
Proud to have Vanessa in the CTEK family
Here at CTEK we are so proud to have Vanessa an as ambassador for our products. We have shared values such as passion, drive and ambition to be the best at what we do.
Everything Vanessa achieves is a true testament to her huge talent, the strength she has taken from previous experiences and the values that she lives by. Congratulations on your achievement Vanessa. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
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.
As seen in the Monmouthshire Beacon: Discover the full redesign of Monmouthshire Beacon featuring the powerful Husqvarna 2024 Enduro. Explore its new features and enhanced performance for thrilling off-road adventures.
Your eyes are sharp on the terrain ahead, the rocks, roots, loose stones, and sand all grappling to throw you and the bike off the path. But armed with the best weapon for the job, the nearly 100 percent newly redesigned Husqvarna TE 300i, confidence filled me.
Renowned as one of the most high-performance dirt bikes on the market, this bike had high expectations to live up to, considering its track record with pro riders like Billy Bolt and Graham Jarvis.
The full redesign of the 2024 Enduro range truly marks a new breed of dirt bike. Unlike minor tweaks seen In some new models, these bikes stand out as a significant improvement. Having spent a day in Norway riding the 2024 range, I can confidently say that this next-generation fleet is worth a look. Both the 2 and 4-stroke models underwent a near-total redesign that will surely make rival brands take notice.
The new throttle body injected engine closed cartridge front, and fully adjustable toolless suspension, along with redesigned ergonomics for a solid rider triangle and increased grip seat, instill confidence in riders. The throttle response is lively and instant, surpassing the already impressive performance of previous Husky models. As I paused to absorb the wilderness around me in a Norwegian forest, I couldn’t help but appreciate the ideal testing environment. With a 6.5km dedicated enduro loop, perfectly suited for the new enduro range, I gravitated toward the TE 3001. Round and round I went, building pace and getting a feel for the new setup.
The throttle body fuel injection, with two injectors, and electronically monitored exhaust valves resulted in a fiery ride. The engine adjusts and adapts to the riding conditions, consistently delivering optimal performance. Climbing the peaks, I experienced the seamless and effortless adjustments of the engine to match the changing air, conditions, and my riding style. The electronics received an overhaul, featuring a new centralized smart control unit for easy troubleshooting, torque values etched on for simplified serviceability, and increased durability in the subframe design to reduce the risk of breaks.
Even small details like the redesign for narrower foot pegs, and reduced risk of catching them in ruts, have been given extra attention. These new pegs offer 27 percent more surface area for the foot, reducing riding fatigue. The 30 percent brighter headlight provides 900 lumens to illuminate the track. Flatter and straighter bars, improved seat grip, and symmetrical tank fairing contribute to enhanced rider ergonomics. The four-stroke models now feature a new quick shift sensor that momentarily cuts the ignition as the gear lever is engaged, allowing seamless up-shifting without using the clutch.
The list of unchanged elements on the 2024 Enduro range is quite short, consisting of the premium. Michelin Medium rubber and the D.I.D DirtStar rims.
Having tested all five models, including the TE 150, 250, 300, and FE 250, 350, 450, and 501, I can confidently say that these bikes offer high performance for professional racers on the track while providing a whole heap of fun for everyday riders looking to play in the dirt.
Key changes in the 2024 Enduro range include throttle body fuel injection with two injectors, electronically monitored exhaust valves for a two-stroke feel, a subframe with increased durability and integrated grab handle, a fully adjustable suspension without the need for tools, improved grip seat and symmetrical tank fáiring for knee grip, 27 percent larger peg surface with a lower narrow stance for a more stable position and reduced risk of catching in ruts, LED headlight providing 900 lumens, a smart control unit for centralized electronic troubleshooting, premium Michelin Medium rubber for ultimate traction, a smaller 22mm rear swing arm for more flexibility over rocks, a flush-faced chain guard to prevent damage. torque values etched in for serviceability improved feel and difference in two engine maps, and a quick shifter for smoother gear shifts in the four-stroke FE models.
For the rest of the Monmouthshire Beacon 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.
As seen in The Good Housekeeping: Discover the inspiring journey of Vanessa Ruck, who triumphed over adversity with rally biking after a life-changing accident.
Vanessa Ruck explains how motorbike racing helped her find purpose after a life-altering event, and how she’s using her experience to inspire others.
When you’re racing, you’re unbelievably alive. It’s you, the wilderness, your navigation and your motorbike. It’s terrifying, but soul-igniting,” competitive motorcycle rider, Vanessa Ruck tells me, over a black americano in a London coffee shop.
“I remember a moment on the peak of a dune where I just stopped for a moment. There was nothing but dunes in every direction and, with that heat, it was also terrifying. But I was like, ‘I’m doing this, it’s me and the terrain.’ I had this overwhelming fear, but also aliveness.”
Vanessa Ruck is one of the best-known female motorcycle racers in the sport, even being the first woman to enter and finish some of the world’s most gruelling races. She shares her journey through social media as The Girl on a Bike, and now gives motivational talks to schools and businesses.
The first time I meet Vanessa is in a busy square in central London. She’s easy to spot, standing out against the grey crowds of tourists in a sunny yellow beanie, which she’s pulled over a blanket of beachy blonde hair.
The next time we chat is via video call from her home in South Wales and, in both settings, Vanessa is almost radioactively positive. She is animated and genuinely excited when she discusses the rallies she’s competed in, and particularly her work with school children, but serious yet open when she shares some of the darker moments of her journey.
You’d be forgiven for presuming Vanessa had been a life-long motorbike fanatic but, in fact, she only began riding after a road collision on her pushbike in 2014. The accident left her with life-changing injuries and years of ongoing physical and mental challenges.
“It was a very normal Tuesday,” Vanessa says, explaining that she was cycling back from the office where she worked in marketing, just as she did every day. “I got about a mile down the road and a car coming the other way didn’t stop.”
Vanessa collided with the car and was knocked into the road. She was picked up in an ambulance and discharged later that evening with bruising, but she had actually sustained significant damage to her shoulder and hip. Over the next seven years, Vanessa would undergo two shoulder and five hip surgeries, plus significant physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Vanessa described the mental toll of her recovery as a “rollercoaster”.
“It’s like being in a black tunnel. I didn’t realise the world could go so dark,” she says. “When you’ve been through some horrific surgery and you’ve been told that on the other side, you’re going to improve, maybe you’ll be able to walk, and then you realise you have to have more surgery – that tunnel is suddenly two miles longer, and it goes round a corner.”
Vanessa now uses a combination of physio, mindfulness and painkillers to live with her pain, and said she’s been told she has “about 95% certainty of more hip surgery.”
Having had an adventurous childhood and spending most of her twenties enjoying adrenaline-fuelled sports, Vanessa missed the active side of her lifestyle following her accident.
The idea for a motorbike first came about because constantly moving her feet to operate the pedals in her car was hurting her hip. On a motorbike, however, riders lean their weight to steer, meaning their arms and legs remain relatively stable.
“It made me realise I could have a bit of adrenaline, a bit of adventure without needing to be physically fit and able,” she tells me.
So, after an anniversary test ride in 2015, Vanessa and her husband, Alex, invested in a pair of Harley-Davidsons; a motorbike she describes as “essentially a sofa with an engine.”
“The first proper adventure we went on was six miles from the house. That’s all I could handle, riding-wise. We went to this little campsite and had a steak on a barbecue.
“For pre-accident Vanessa it would have been the lamest Friday night, but for where I was in my recovery, it was the most uplifting and incredible experience possible,” she says, smiling. “I was alive, I was outside of my room, I wasn’t looking at that same annoying bit of paint on the bedroom ceiling. That night was an awakening of a new sense of gratitude.”
I venture that transitioning into motorbiking still seems an usual choice considering her accident took place on a pushbike. Vanessa nods.
“The first time, fiftieth time, two hundredth time I got on that motorbike, it scared the life out of me. But I knew every time it was going to get easier,” she says, “It’s nine years on, and when a car comes from that same peripheral direction, it takes me back [to the accident], but I grew up with horses – when you fall off a horse, you have to get back on.”
It was in 2016, during recovery from her third hip surgery, that Vanessa decided she wanted to try off-road biking. She bought herself a dirt bike, even though it would be five months before she was even well enough to sit on it.
Off-road biking, as Vanessa quickly discovered, was nothing like the comparatively comfortable experience of a Harley-Davidson – but it seemed she had a knack for it and Vanessa worked hard to build up her skill. It was during a day course in Spain that she impressed the instructor so much he convinced her to sign up for the Valleys Xtreme race in South Wales. After passing a practice session, she found herself in the competition.
“20 metres in front of me on the start line is a thigh-high plastic drainage pipe that you’ve got to get over on a motorbike. There’re hundreds of people watching in the audience. I cried in my helmet,” she says. However, Vanessa needn’t have worried. “I absolutely nailed it, got to the rock garden
, bossed it, and started overtaking people. Off the back of that I was like, ‘Ah, I like racing!’”
For the rest of the Good Housekeeping 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.
As seen in The Desert Rose: Unveiling the Spectacular BIKESHED SHOW 2023, where art, innovation, and passion collide.
May Bank Holiday Weekend is set in the Desert Rose Calendar. BikeShed Show at London’s Tobacco Dock is the benchmark for how motorcycle events should be run. A weekend open to the whole motorcycle community and beyond.
So whether you ride a Harley or a Triumph, a custom bike, a retro custom, a sports bike, a rallye bike, an enduro bike or you don’t ride at all, this event has something for everyone. Desert Rose were proud to have one of Patsy’s Dakar bikes on display, the KTM 660 from 2005 sat alongside Vanessa Ruck’s 2022 KTM Factory Rallye bike she used in this year’s Morocco Desert Challenge. We also ran a rallye bike build during the show, taking a stock Beta 480 RR Racing and building it up to a rallye spec bike with long range tank, rallye navigation tower, new Michelin tyres and a set of BikeShed rallye team graphics.
We got the chance to catch up with some of the riders who have booked on the next BikeShed – Desert Rose Rallye Team event, which is the Balkan Edition of The Greek Odyssey in October. This year’s event included the Shed Talks feature, where various people from the world of motorcycles got to talk about their experiences; the show’s theme of Past, Present and Future ensured the audience had plenty to think about. Desert Rose Racing’s good friend Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike,took to the stage with Chris Evans, the UK representative of the Dakar to talk about her baptism of fire in the world of rallies.
At the end it says “You can take a brief look at the show via Vanessa’s YouTube channel” add link to -London Bike Shed Show – is it worth the ticket?
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.
