As seen on the Get It podcast: Vanessa joins Nashy straight from Tunisia where she competed in the Desert Challenge! An adventure junkie, and outdoor lover with an ability to battle through and overcome extreme pain!
In 2014 Vanessa was involved in a life changing accident. To this day she lives with pain and has had at least one operation a year since being knocked off her bicycle.
It was a pleasure to have Vanessa on the show. What she has overcome and achieved since her accident inspires many and there are no signs of her slowing down anytime soon!
For the rest of the Get It After Podcast 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 on the GQ Magazine: While it’s easier to talk about mental health now than ever before, it can still be a struggle for many, but there are people all over the world ready and able to help. Indeed, when times are tough it helps to have a community around you.
A group of like-minded people who share a common interest, who simply want others within it to be the best they can be. Within every community there’ll be someone willing to listen, and the automotive world is using its collective love of things with wheels to open the conversation and help people realise that it’s OK to not be OK.
Lewis Warren, founder of apparel, media, and meet-up brand Takona, wants to use a connection to cars as a starting point for open and honest conversation: “More often than not, I’ve found that if I have something in common, normally cars, with a person, we connect much quicker and it makes conversations flow much easier.
Takona sells clothing, stickers, and more, with a portion of its profits going towards supporting mental health charities. Warren’s approach is to use Takona as something of a flag to let people know that they’re on side, and willing to talk openly. Since the brand’s inception, Takona’s branched out into physical meet-ups called Coffees and Cars. What started as a small gathering, has turned into a growing network of events all over the country.
Not everyone can get themselves to a meet, despite Takona’s rapid growth. This is where Reverend Adam Gompertz and the REVS Limiter community steps in. Pre-pandemic, Rev Gompertz’s parish wasn’t a big drafty room, but a weekly classic car meet with a side of Jesus. “We were born out of a desire for me as a reverend to take church out of the building and go and be amongst people rather than expecting people to come to us,” says Gompertz. Whether you want to talk about a Jeep Compass or Jesus Christ, the REVS meetups treated you equally, and encouraged chat about everything under the sun. However, when the pandemic hit the meets had to stop for obvious reasons.
It kicked off as a Facebook group designed to put on a virtual show on a set day featuring 15-minute films from community members because Rev Gompertz recognised that if he was struggling, others would be as well. The chat, the opportunity to tell your own story and listen to others’ was gone, and many were feeling isolated. “Actually doing something visual online helped people see that they weren’t the only ones who were struggling during lockdown,” Rev Gompertz said.
Stories and a willingness to tell them are a huge part of helping others talk about their mental health troubles. Warwickshire’s petrolhead hub Caffeine and Machine has started an initiative to share them and encourage conversation around them. C&M founders Phil McGovern and Dan Macken started monthly evenings called I Love You, Man in the middle of 2020 (when lockdown rules allowed). Macken tells us why: “We wanted to encourage people to talk. The journey we have been on to create and develop Caffeine and Machine has provoked so many emotions and stresses for us and our team, and taken us on this weird and wonderful journey. What started out as us talking through our own experiences, developed into a desire to bring people together for a night of discussion and to normalise the idea that people struggle.”
Initially hosted by McGovern and Macken, the pair relinquished hosting duties to, er, me, the evenings see a guest connected to the automotive world interviewed about their lives – both ups and downs – and then take audience questions. Guests have included Richard Porter, Julian Thomson, Ian Callum, The KYZA, George North, Vanessa Ruck, and many more, each bringing vulnerability and openness to the assembled crowd. I Love You, Man isn’t recorded, meaning guests can be a little more honest than they would be with a microphone in their face.
McGovern knows that the nights have directly helped people: “The conversations we have with our community before, during and after every event is testament to that. It’s one of the single most fulfilling elements of why we run the event and why we’re so keen to develop the platform and help as many people as we can based on the stories we have the pleasure of hearing.”
There’s no barrier to entry for the nights, bar a ticket fee that goes to the guest’s charity of choice. You’ll be welcomed whoever you are. Macken adds: “We have lots of groups of friends that choose to meet up at our ILYM evenings, but many people that visit on their own too. We take huge pride in the fact that so many people are prepared to visit alone and that the environment we create is so welcoming that they feel comfortable enough to do so.”
I Love You, Man’s evenings may tell one story at a time, but through those, audiences get a clear, relatable view, of the person on the couch.
Sometimes sitting and listening doesn’t do the trick, getting out and driving can be a help. Macken said: “For many people, cars are an escape. Going for a drive whether it’s with friends or alone, is a chance for us to clear our minds and enjoy the journey. It can be a sensory experience too, depending on what you’re driving; the touch, feel, smell and sense of freedom you get from getting in the car is unlike much else.”
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 on the Desert Rose Riding Academy: Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike, was with the Desert Rose Team this week delivering her kit for the upcoming Tunisia Desert Challenge which she is competing in, on a Desert Rose supplied, Beta rally bike.
The bike has been prepared by Desert Rose Dirt Tech and is now ready for some custom graphics to be applied. The Tunisia Desert Challenge is an 8 stage rallye, taking in infinite dune sections of the mythical El Borma to iconic Star Wars sites in Tunisia’s seemingly endless desert.
Whilst with us in Sussex, Vanessa took the opportunity to join us on one of our off road training days. Although already an experienced rider, having taken part in competitions from Red Bull Romaniacs to Valleys Xtreme, The 2021 Qatar Baja and the Rallye du Maroc, Vanessa threw herself into the exercises with enthusiasm along with the rest of the group.
We covered all the basic, underpinning skills needed for any off road rider, from body positioning and bike handing, to clutch control, braking on uneven and loose terrain, to tackling up hills, down hills and even a little technical stream crossing.
For the rest of the Dessert Rose Riding Academy 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 on South Wales Argus: Vanessa Ruck visits schools to tell the pupils about her story and how they can achieve their goals and also provides practical school workshops.
In 2014, Vanessa Ruck’s life was turned upside down after she was knocked off her bike when a car ran a red light.
“Before my accident, I was working full-time and passionate about sports,”
VANESSA RUCK
She was left bedridden for a period of time and needed seven reconstructive surgeries over the next seven years, including one on her right shoulder and five on her hip. It was during the period when she was bedridden that she became interested in motorbikes.
I was led in bed and said to my husband that I wanted a dirt bike,” she said. “He looked at me like I was mad and said ‘let’s get you that bike.
It took me five months to get to even sit on the bike as I couldn’t even get out of bed to go to the toilet so I set myself little goals like getting out of bed to go to the toilet rather than using a bedpan.
It is this kind of goal setting that Mrs Ruck is using to help young people. Alongside competing at motorbike events across the world, she is now giving motivational talks and practical sessions in schools.
“When you believe in yourself, it’s absolutely incredible what you can achieve,” she said. This is the message that she aims to get through to young people who see her sessions.
She was inspired to give these sessions after the pandemic hit and seeing media reports of how children and young people will be losing out on 40 per cent of their future income due to time lost in school and losing out on vital education and experiences.
“It’s so sad to see that written,” she said. “And they will believe it too because they’re seeing it in the media.
I wanted to use my story to show that you can achieve anything you want to and to show how people can achieve their dreams and goals by setting smaller goals and creating a positive mindset.
In one school workshop, one of the pupils was causing some distractions and was sat at the side of the room,” she said. “They were still listening and when it came to writing down goals, I went over to them and asked what their goals were.
She said that the pupil ‘didn’t have any’ but then said they wanted to do a 180 wheelspin on their bike and couldn’t because they were grounded for not doing well in school. Mrs Ruck said that when she explained how with setting goals such as being better in school would lead to being able to ride the back by not being grounded and then the goal was closer, the pupil’s eyes lit up as the penny dropped.
For the rest of the South Wales Argusarticle 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.
With IWD’s themed to #BreakTheBias, smashing the gender stereotypes out the window it feels like a really natural fit! I’m honoured to have seen so many International Women’s Day features. Men, women, boys, girls, any human, can get up and get out there. I’ve been on a mission to help encourage others to just get up and grab life by the horns.
As a female fighting on with chronic pain following my accident, I’m putting myself outside my comfort-zone on two wheels, and I’m sharing the ups and the downs – not just the ‘pretty’ stuff. I’ve also, with a little support from LFIS, found the believe in myself to put myself out there even more… with my #becauseIcan free schools workshops [more info].
I am buzzing that YouTube have recognised me for such an incredible feature AGAIN.
It was a huge honour to see how many brands featured me for International Women’s Day:
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 on the Rhyl Journal: Meet the motorcycling social media star Vanessa Ruck, 35, who describes herself as a motorcycle rider, racer and adventurer, and content creator.The 35-year-old, who lives in the Wye Valley, has 97,000 followers for her Instagram account.
Why did you set it up and what is your Instagram about?
After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, my world was turned upside down. Motorcycles weren’t a part of my life before the accident, but have been instrumental in my recovery.
I’ve been sharing life, I’m putting myself outside my comfort-zone on two wheels, and I’m sharing the ups and the downs – not just the ‘pretty’ stuff.I’ve been on a mission to help encourage others to just get up and grab life by the horns.
If I can do it, you can do it!
Social media star Vanessa Ruck
What has been your favorite post – and why?
Too many to pick from!
But any post where I am struggling. For me they are the most vulnerable moments I put myself in, being so open with the world. But the response from others seeing that they are not the only ones who struggle. That energy is incredible and helps me find the energy to keep going with my pain.
I wish the world was more honest and open about our battles.
What is the best thing about Instagram?
Meeting other people and knowing that the battles I have gone through are helping other people battle life’s challenges.
In the world of perfectly presented lives on social media, I work hard to give a honest and raw personality of real life.
What other Instagrammers do you like to follow?
Gosh, lots of brands, pro riders, adventures. I like inspiration for adventures and making the most of every day.
What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you because of Instagram?
I quit my full time job as a director in marketing and am now a full time rider.
For the rest of the Rhyl Journal Postarticle 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 on North Wales Pioneer, North Wales Chronicle and South Wales Argus: Today we meet Vanessa Ruck, 35, who describes herself as a motorcycle rider, racer and adventurer and content creator.The 35-year-old, who lives in the Wye Valley, has 97,000 followers for her Instagram account.
Why did you set it up and what is your Instagram about?
After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, my world was turned upside down. Motorcycles weren’t a part of my life before the accident, but have been instrumental in my recovery.
I’ve been sharing life, I’m putting myself outside my comfort-zone on two wheels, and I’m sharing the ups and the downs – not just the ‘pretty’ stuff.
I’ve been on a mission to help encourage others to just get up and grab life by the horns.
If I can do it, you can do it!
What has been your favourite post – and why?
Too many to pick from!
But any post where I am struggling. For me they are the most vulnerable moments I put myself in, being so open with the world.
But the response from others seeing that they are not the only ones who struggles. That energy is incredible and helps me find the energy to keep going with my pain.
I wish the world was more honest and open about our battles.
What is the best thing about Instagram?
Meeting other people and knowing that the battles I have gone through are helping other people battle life’s challenges.
In the world of perfectly presented lives on social media, I work hard to give a honest and raw personality of real life.
What other Instagrammers do you like to follow?
Gosh, lots of brands, pro riders, adventures. I like inspiration for adventures and making the most of every day.
What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you because of Instagram?
I quit my full time job as a director in marketing and am now a full time rider.
Tips for getting the most out of Instagram?
Consistency, authentic and natural content, and storytelling. Give something to the reader.
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.
I’m honoured to be featured in the South Wales Argus 100 amazing women of Gwent: WITH tomorrow’s International Women’s Day Wales celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe, we’ve compiled our own 100 Amazing Women of Gwent.
Vanessa Ruck
A Monmouth-based social media influencer who has won national awards for her YouTube and creative online content.
She set up her thegirlonabike Instagram account having undergone surgery for a third time after being hit by a car that jumped a red light in 2014.
Now shares her adventures and passion for bikes with thousands of followers on social media.
For the rest of the South Wales Argusarticle and to see the other 100 amazing women of Gwent see here. Let’s International Women’s Day Wales!
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.
Article as seen on Bennetts by Ben Cordy on BecauseICan: One of the remarkable qualities about the biking community is its willingness to give back, make a difference and exercise generosity, writes BikeSocial member Ben Cordy. From the kindness of more experienced bikers when I first began, through to the legendary service of blood bikers up and down the country, we have a well-deserved reputation for doing good.
It has been such a great pleasure – and a privilege – to see another side to that generosity, that impetus to give back, after connecting with Vanessa Ruck (aka theGirlonabike) in her pursuit of sharing a #BecauseICan mindset with young people.
Making a difference to young people
As a youth/schools worker by day and an avid biker by night, I know better than most the vast array of struggles and battles that shape teenage life. The uncertainty of covid and the seemingly endless disruption to the routine of school has led to many in the mainstream press professing a bleak picture for young people, describing them as a lost generation, doomed to failure or insurmountable challenge.
Thankfully the truth is far more positive, but in the face of difficult times the biking community – as it so often does – has stepped up to make a difference and to bring some positivity to young people.
Vanessa has a powerful story of overcoming seemingly impossible circumstances following a bicycle vs car accident in 2014. Vanessa battled through seven years of recovery and seven surgeries, discovering a passion for motorbikes in the midst of all this and finding deep purpose in the pursuit of riding both on and off road.
Describing herself as a motorcycle rider, racer and adventurer, Vanessa has now taken on some of the most challenging off-road motorcycle races in the world, tackling everything from Red Bull Romaniacs to the desert Rallye Du Maroc. Her dogged determination to overcome the struggles of her recovery and to progress as a rider and racer has earned her a committed following online with over a quarter of a million followers worldwide.
Over the past six months, motivated by the negativity towards young people in the media and her drive to promote and overcome, Vanessa’s #BecauseICan mindset has been giving her time to support schools up and down the country through engaging sessions sharing her recovery journey, the lessons it’s taught her along the way and passing her passion for all things two-wheels on to the next generation of riders and adventurers.
For more on the #BecauseICan sessions see – Free school workshops
Through these sessions Vanessa has recently completed her second ‘mini’ tour of schools in Leeds working closely with the charity I work for, Leeds Faith In Schools, to encourage and inspire as many young people as possible to step up, take control of their situations and seeking help where needed to pursue their dreams however big or small. Having now shared her story with over 4,000 young people across Leeds, and many more elsewhere, the impact and feedback has been amazing with young people walking away with tools to face their circumstances, inspired to overcome and dream big.
Her energy, enthusiasm and passion has made her a favourite with our schools and we’re already seeing young people acting on the encouragement left in her wake.
The sessions, available free to schools, are supported by ‘Horsepower’, presenting a massive opportunity to promote the positive side of biking, to support and encourage your local young people in being their best selves.
For the rest of the Bennetts BecauseICan 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 Yorkshire Evening Post: A woman who was left in a hospital bed for months following an accidents while cycling has been telling Leeds school pupils how riding and racing motorbikes has been key to her recovery.
Vanessa Ruck, known as The Girl on a Bike, recently spent four days in Leeds where she visited Carr Manor, Garforth Academy and Wetherby High School to talk about a project she has deemed a ‘Because I Can’ attitude #becauseIcan. The movement is about giving young people the right tools to take on life, despite the setbacks and uncertainties that we all face, especially in light of covid-19.
Born from real life experiences that Ms Ruck has had, the workshops bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life. Vanessa Ruck, known as The Girl On A Bike, delivered inspiration talks to hundreds of pupils during her visits to Leeds schools last month.
Organised via Leeds Faith in Schools, The Girl On A Bike, delivered free workshops and assemblies on finding ways to make things work, dealing with the lows and the setbacks, whilst moving steadily towards one’s goals. After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Ms Ruck’s world was turned upside down, resulting in seven surgeries and a roller- coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning seven years.
Through her recovery she discovered motorcycles, becoming known as “The Girl On A Bike”. It started with getting a commuter bike after the accident as she needed to get to work but found the physicality of riding helped with body strength and then she decided to get a dirt bike, even though it was five months following another bout of surgery before she could get on it.
Then she started competing and racing at events and this has since taken her The Red Bull Romaniacs extreme hard enduro rally – a 600km race in Romania.
She added: “Motorcycles, something I started post-accident, have become my love and passion. If you’d asked me seven years ago whether I would be racing off-road motorcycles I’d have probably choked on my drink. But life takes us on some amazing journeys.
“People can relate to my story because everyone goes through bad times. Hopefully I am inspiring others to show that if I can bounce back after seven surgeries, others can get through their hard times.” #becauseIcan
For the rest of the Yorkshire Evening Postarticle on BecauseICan 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.
