Posts in: inthemedia

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ross Gazette: Girl on a Bike competes in a sidecar chariot race in Portugal

As seen in Ross Gazette: The Girl on a Cycle Vanessa Ruck has embarked on a brand-new adventure with Ural Bikes in Portugal. With Emma as her co-pilot, she faces the task of learning how to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar securely.

Ural Motorcycles, celebrating its 80th anniversary, is teaching Vanessa how to ride its 745cc bike, which has a unique design with a sidecar.

The challenge is not an easy one as the bike weighs just over 500 kilos and has different controls than a regular motorcycle, which makes it more challenging to ride. But Vanessa is determined to master the skill and the Ural experience is the perfect way to do it.

Vanessa and Emma are taking on the adventure of riding adventure sidecar motorcycles through eucalyptus forests and rugged terrain at the Euro Experience Centre in Portugal. The excitement of the ride has exceeded their expectations, as they navigate the challenges of riding with three wheels instead of two.

After a satisfying lunch of soup and salad, they head back out into the afternoon sun to continue their adventure on two sidecars. The sidecars add a new dimension to motorcycling, providing a social experience that allows riders to converse with ease and enjoy the scenery together.

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As the day wears on, they encounter more difficult terrain, including a steep hill that challenges their skills. But with the help of their instructor, they conquer it and continue on their adventure. By the end of the day, they have accomplished more than they ever expected, having achieved a level of skill that few people have reached after just one day.

The team is excited for what the next day will bring, as they plan to venture out on a picnic adventure. They reflect on the social and safety aspects of riding a sidecar, which allow them to enjoy the scenery and each other’s company in a new and exciting way.

Vanessa is excited to learn the skills to control the chariot safely, whether on or off-road. She has been practicing her skills in different environments, including turns, different terrain, manhole covers, and corners. Her determination to learn how to ride a sidecar chariot safely is evident as she embarks on this thrilling adventure.

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After a day of excitement and adventure, they return to the Euro Experience Centre headquarters for a delicious dinner and some Portuguese wine. The friends are happy and content, looking forward to the next day’s adventure and the many more to come.

For the rest of the Ross Gazette 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The Forest Review: Girl On A Bike battles Iceland’s rough terrain and thrilling river crossings.

As seen in The Forest Review: In her most recent video, Vanessa Ruck, popularly known as “The Girl On A Bike,” takes viewers on an exciting and adventurous voyage as she rides a big Africa Twin motorcycle across the difficult terrain of Iceland.

The video starts off with Vanessa expressing her nervousness about the technical challenges that lie ahead, including multiple river crossings that are sure to put the Africa Twin to the test.

But Vanessa is no stranger to adventure, having previously conquered the Shotover River in New Zealand and the wilds of Iceland. With her waterproof socks on and a reminder of her previous triumphs, Vanessa sets off on the day’s ride, accompanied by her fellow riders.

As the group navigates through the beautiful landscape of Iceland, Vanessa can’t help but express her awe at the stunning road riding and rugged scenery. The group takes a break to warm up and enjoy some Icelandic delicacies before hitting the road again, this time venturing through a black sand lava field, complete with random solid lumps of rock that threaten to derail the riders.

Despite the challenges, Vanessa remains determined and focused, taking on the deep sand and technical terrain with skill and confidence. The group encounters their biggest challenge yet, a wide and rushing river crossing, but with the help of their expert guide, they make it safely across.

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As the day draws to a close, Vanessa reflects on the incredible adventure she has just experienced, and the thrill of conquering such a formidable landscape on the back of the mighty Africa Twin. For those who crave adventure and excitement, Vanessa’s video is a must-see, and a reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset and determination.

For the rest of The Forest Review 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The forester: Vanessa’s newest spin is getting attention.

As seen in The forester: Vanessa Ruck, often known as “The Girl on a Cycle,” has been drawing attention with her most recent attempt at a spin turn on the Tiger 900 motorcycle.

A Monmouthshire-based rider, adventurer, and presenter, Vanessa is known for her high-profile work and offers free #BecauseICan workshops to schools across the UK. Now, it’s time for her to bring her message of resilience and perseverance to her own community. Vanessa is on a mission to show that with hard work, nothing is impossible—even in the face of adversity.

After a reconstructive accident, she has become a symbol of strength, honesty, and authenticity in a world where “perfect” lives dominate the media landscape. By sharing her own highs and lows, Vanessa offers relatable lessons and tools to help others face life’s battles and challenges.

With the right mindset and strategies, she believes that anything is possible, and that even the desire to quit is a natural feeling that can be overcome. For Vanessa, it’s not about being flawless, but about embracing imperfections and coming out stronger on the other side.

For the rest of theforester 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

MCN London Show: Get inspired to explore

As seen in MCN London Show [print]: The world’s best motorcycle adventurers reveal the hottest destinations and crucial tips

Vanessa Ruck From full-blown desert rallies to hardcore enduro and road touring, and from knee-down trackdays to trials, if it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited.

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She’ll be joining us to energetically recount the numerous real life experiences charting her life. changing story from a tragic childhood bike accident to becoming a rider and international racer.

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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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The Stay Amazing show: Podcast with Vanessa Ruck

As seen in The thestayamazingshow: The Girl On A Bike, Vanessa Ruck, is devoted to experiencing life to the fullest. Vanessa, who calls herself an “adrenaline junkie,” has always been athletic and active. She puts in a lot of labor and hard work.

But it was in March of 2014, that her life changed. She was riding her bike when it collided with a car that ran a red light. At the hospital, she was misdiagnosed with just bruises. When in reality she had injuries to her shoulder and hip that required seven surgeries to reconstruct the damage. Throughout her therapy and recovery, she had the mental attitude and mindfulness to accept her situation in order to move forward with her life.

It was during this time that Vanessa decided that riding motorcycles was something she would like to pursue. She took it one step at a time setting goals and has battled back physically and mentally to continue to live a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Vanessa now races her bike in some of the most demanding and grueling off road courses in the world. In this episode she shares her harrowing experience racing in the Tunisia Desert Challenge.

Vanessa shares her inspirational story of courage and never giving up through her #BecauseICan series in schools and as a keynote speaker, She has the respect of her racing peers and a large social media following. Vanessa’s outlook on life is to make the most of each day and to help others do the same.

For the rest of the thestayamazingshow 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ross Gazette: Vanessa inspiring students at Orchard school, Bristol

As seen in The Rossgazette: High-profile rider, explorer, and broadcaster Vanessa Ruck, also known as “The Girl on a Bike,” is based right here in Monmouthshire. She provides UK schools with absolutely free #BecauseICan seminars, therefore we believe it’s time she paid a visit to some in Monmouthshire.

After a tragic accident on her pushbike followed by 7 surgeries over 7 years, Vanessa discovered the world of motorcycling, and just as importantly the thrill of exploring the world on them. As a rider she’s pushing the boundaries in a huge array of motorcycle disciplines, and you might recognise her from our previous articles. From full blown desert rallies, to hard enduro and road touring, to knee down track days, and trials. If it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited. But Vanessa is not just about tearing it up on two wheels. From the darkest moments in her mental and physical recovery, Vanessa’s soul ignited to help others from the lessons she learned, primarily through schools and aiming to inspire the next generation.

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Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls.

She believes it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, she brings highly relatable lessons and tools to help face the battles and challenges of life.

With fresh 2023 energy, Vanessa has set the goal of talking to over 10k students this year, and January saw a strong start. Visiting 7 schools around the UK, she’s already touched the lives of nearly 2,000 students. However, as a Monmouth based rider, we’d love to see her speaking to our own youth.

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As a force to be reckoned with, she’s a rider, racer and adventurer living with ongoing pain, and is determined to make the most of every day despite her past, and help others do the same. Vanessa will join any school at zero cost to share her energetic real life experiences following her life changing story from accident to becoming one of the most known female motorcycle riders in the world.

In a world of doom and gloom it’s refreshing to see some positive energy being spread. Vanessa will visit ANY UK school and share these free workshops so please share with anyone connected to schools and let’s help me spread the word.

“I might not be changing the world, but I hope one session at a time, I can help inspire some of our future generations to set their sights on the stars! Anything is possible!” says Vanessa

Failing is not falling down, we all fall sometimes, failing is not getting back up!

Born from real life experiences that Ms Ruck has had, the sessions bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life. Vanessa has delivered inspiration talks to thousands of pupils during her free visits to schools across the country. Let’s get her into our local schools! For more information search “Vanessa Ruck #BecauseICan workshops”.

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students. The assemblies were brilliant – they developed your inspirational story and then made it very relatable to how students can use mindset to achieve goals. Vanessa’s obvious enthusiasm for life and her inspirational story connected with students and helped them to think about their own life goals and barriers to success . The workshop was particularly powerful and Vanessa worked empathetically with the groups to discuss their aspirations and plans. It would lovely if you could revisit”

For the rest of the Ross Gazette article see here.

For the rest of the theforestreview 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Moto gusto: Vanessa Ruck. A genuine survivor, The Girl on the Bike

As seen in Moto gusto: Vanessa Ruck, also known as “The Girl On A Cycle,” started her motorcycle voyage in the Bahamas, not in the UK, where she rode around the island while toting a spear for fishing.

When Vanessa returned to the UK motorcycles became a fond memory. In 2014 whilst riding her push bike to work, a car jumped a red light causing her to crash and damage her right shoulder and hip. Unfortunately, these injuries were somewhat overlooked and dismissed as bruising and later turned out to be a lot more serious resulting in 7 surgeries over the years.

Shortly after Vanessa’s accident the realisation of a motorcycle being a missing element to life took hold and as soon as she was able to she bought a Suzuki Bandit 600. After riding for some time, as a belated anniversary present for her husband’s return from military service overseas, Vanessa organised a day out with two Harley Davidsons. By the end of that day, it was decided unanimously that it was far better to cruise on the Harley than the bandit. This bike was bought by the couple and named ‘Thug’. Vanessa warmly describes it as “a sofa on wheels’’.

Always light at the end of the tunnel

Vanessa’s accident helped to forge a solid passion for motorcycles. For many,  seven surgeries would deter from pursuing a life of extreme sports and getting out and muddy on two wheels. But Vanessa’s mindset of being in a long tunnel with a light at the end has enabled her to overcome any physical or mental setbacks. Combining her passion for the outdoors and motorcycling Vanessa has now competed in some races in the UK Enduro and some trials riding. At this point, I’m wondering what could be next for Vanessa as no signs of slowing down are on the horizon.

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The long road to recovery

Throughout Vanessa’s recovery, she has had two body parts reconstructed several times. The physical and mental strain and hardship this brings are phenomenal and out of this “The Girl On A Bike” was born! Never looking back and focused on enjoying daily life to the fullest Vanessa has become a true inspiration. Make sure to get onto her website and social media accounts. Read her story in full and be witness to Vanessa’s incredible determination and self-belief – with time and patience, I knew I would get back to riding-only I had the power to make it happen and hard work pays off”.

For the rest of the Moto Gusto 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Hog pod: An interview with the legendary Vanessa, also known as The Bicycle Girl

As seen in The Hog pod: An amazing story of how one person fought back both physically and mentally after being involved in a terrible accident.

LISTEN IN

This episode is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and you can listen in here directly on the website also!

WATCH NOW

All episodes of the HOG-POD are now available to watch on our YouTube Channel so be sure to check those out, subscribe to the channel and hit the bell to be notified of episodes being released

You can listen into all of the episodes from Season 1 and find out how to get involved by reaching out to us. The best way to get your Chapter onto the podcast is to get in touch with us.

For the rest of the Hog pod 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Spirit and Destiny Magazine: Mindfulness transformed me

As seen in Spirit and Destiny Magazine [print]: Following a life-changing accident, Vanessa Ruck found resilience by reframing her thoughts and embracing new adventures.

My life was full of adventure.

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I was into extreme sports and would push myself physically and mentally in everything
I did. Kite surfing, wakeboarding and snowboarding were passions of mine, along with horse riding and mountain biking I’d cycle the 16-mile round trip from my home in Abingdon to Oxford, where I worked in marketing, and on lunch breaks Id go to the gym. I was very fit and active.

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But my life changed forever on March 25th, 2014, when I cycled from my workplace to a wakeboarding lake, eight miles from the office.

I’d barely left work, maybe a mile of tarmac had passed beneath me, and I was cruising along with the traffic.


Delighted to see the lights ahead switch to green as I approached, I pedaled hard to keep momentum. That’s when it happened. Out of nowhere, an oncoming car pulled across in front of me.

Everything played out so quickly. There was nothing I could do. I felt my body crumple as I smashed into the vehicle’s rear passenger side, my right shoulder taking the full impact. My body screamed internally before I collapsed onto my right side.
I could hear my heartbeat, my pulse thumping through my veins, and my surroundings almost a blur.

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Time we stood still.

Then, I snapped back to full-speed reality.
I could hear traffic, and people asking if I was OK. At this point, I didn’t even know. ‘It was a green light!’ I shouted in rage.
Caring passers-by helped me safely to the side of the road, and I was taken to A&E in an ambulance.

For the rest of the Spirit and Destiny Magazine article download from 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Exhibition News: Podcast with Vanessa Ruck

As seen in The exhibitionnews: At the London Motorcycle Show, ExCeL will feature the first indoor supersprint in history. The event had a fresh look for 2023, welcoming Devitt Insurance as the title sponsor and introducing a new live-action show with the world’s first indoor supersprint.

The supersprint saw a range of machinery, including Barry Sheene’s World-Championship winning Suzuki, Peter Hickman’s 2023 British Superbike, Honda’s MotoGP-derived RC213V-S, the BMW F900 R Cup bikes and the Triumph Scrambler’s from the James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’.

BMW Motorrad UK National Marketing and PR Manager Scott Grimsdall said: “The London Motorcycle Show is always a great way to kick off the year, and particularly encouraging to talk to so many riders new to motorcycling. The new supersprint show added another level of excitement, particularly for some of our keen F 900 R Cup racers.”

The girl on a bike London Motorcycle Show

The Manx Grand Prix started their centenary celebrations at the show. Alongside a collection of race machines, stars such as Lee Johnston, Dominic Herbertson, Stephen Smith, and McGuinness were in attendance. The show’s Adventure Zone stage hosted talks from the likes of Austin Vince, Elspeth Beard and Vanessa Ruck.

Roadskin Owner Nicky Wilson, who attended the event, said: “It’s been a phenomenal show for us, by far the best show we’ve ever had at the Excel. We’ve sold out completely of several Roadskin lines, which we didn’t anticipate, and we have been fully rushed off our feet all weekend.”

For the rest of the exhibitionnews 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 and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.