Morocco Desert Challenge a 3000km extreme desert race
This is a 3 part series showing you the real behind the scenes of one of the toughest races out there; the Morocco Desert Challenge. I’ve entered the full rally raid class, so up there riding with the pros, and it’s a full on 8 day moving bivouac race.
In part 1 you’ll see what goes into getting to the start of the race and taking on the prologue. The prologue is designed to be a ‘short’ 150 km ish day with a special stage. The times in the SS are then used to seed the riders into the first full day of racing.
Successful day based on..
1. I didn’t vomit with nerves at the start line
2. I made the prologue finish line
3. I didn’t get lost
4. I had fun
5. I 3 million % fell in love with my new bike he’s a beast but just gorgeous to ride, even in the sand
And..
6. I came 47th overall!!! Mad stoked with that.
Next up stage 2 of the Morocco Desert Challenge
Liaison 2: 271km
SS2 rally: 356 km
Watch part two here: COMING SOON
Watch part three here: COMING SOON
I mention my Tunisia Desert Challenge series where I was the first female to ever enter and first to finish, I highly recommend watching:
I’m riding Big Buddy for the Morocco Desert Challenge!! After just one shake down ride the only way to describe him is like sex on wheels. He has to be the nicest bike l’ve ever ridden!! Quite possibly swayed by knowing the adventures we’re going to have together with the first race being the MDC. He’s a brand new KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
– Custom tool kit hidden under the seat @tengtools with my emergency flare: / @tengtools3639
Weighing in at 175kg he’s going to be much lighter than the Tiger in the dunes [see 1000 Dunas series for me racing the 900 Rally Pro] but a lot more capable than my little Honda rally bike [see Qatar rally video]. lt’s time to up my game and ride with the big boys. I’m road with Desert Road Racing as my bike support, rally mechanics and all round knowledge pool as I take my rally riding to the next level. This was a BIG rally.
For more information on details shared in the videos:
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.
In the rally world the Bowler Wildcat has been a car to reckon with for years. But there is a new car on the block and in this video, I’ll talk you through what a Land Rover Bowler Defender rally car is and how it varies from the base model Land Rover Defender 90. The Defender rally car is 300hp monster!
Watch the full video here:
If you missed it, you can see my Bowler Defender crash here:
Key Bowler Defender rally car conversion specifications: • Land Rover Defender 90 P300 SE • Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol • Power/torque 296bhp/400Nm • Transmission Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive • 0-60mph 6.7 seconds • Top speed 119mph (limited when in Bowler Mode) • Economy 24.6mpg • Fuel Capacity 90 litres • Weight 2,065kg • Monocoque bracing and full internal roll cage • Internal spare wheel mount integrated to roll cage and rally jacking points
Performance • Improved cooling – auxiliary radiators removed and increased airflow to main radiator • • Sports exhaust system • Bowler 18” wheels with increased strength • BFGoodrich AT tyres • Bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness • Bespoke Fox racing dampers • Race steering wheel with quick release boss
Electrical/systems • ECU system integration with race box • ABS/DSC – rally control modifications • Navigator control unit for lights/washer/horn • Cobra race sports seats with 6-point race harness suitable for use with Simpson hans devise and Stilo helmet • Integrated and hand-held fire suppression • Electrical cut-off switches – internal and external
More details on the Land Rover Bowler rally series here:
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.
Bodies can be incredible but also a huge burden, especially if living with chronic pain. As someone who lives and manages ongoing pain in my hip following the accident, I’ve found a few things that help with living with pain. Nothing truly gets rid of it, but a lot does help so I wanted to share.
1. Look after your home – it sounds so simple but ensuring a good diet is so important. Natural, non-processed, low sugar and low salt food makes a huge difference to how I feel. If I eat rubbish food such as a KFC, I genuinely feel poisoned. Your body is what you eat, so eat well and you’ll have more healing, more energy and more sass for life!
2. Sleep – pain is exhausting so prioritize your sleep. I always travel with military grade ear defenders to cut out noise to help protect my sleep quality. When we’re tired life is so much harder. Scrolling on social media isn’t ideal at bedtime [unless you’re watching my YouTube obs 😉].
3. Supplements – if you have specific pain see what supplements might help you. My hip is bone, cartilage, soft tissue, tendons and ligaments so I take Active Collagen. I’ve been on it over 3 years now and it’s made a huge improvement to the elasticity and strength of my joints and body. I also notice an improvement in my athletic recovery and performance. I use their whey & collagen protein powder for breakfast on my rabbit food [oats] too. It’s a supplement I highly recommend – message me for details but this link gives you up to 20% off with code https://shop.u-perform.co.uk/r1m81 “UPVRUC10”
4. Physio – it sounds obvious but DO your physio, it might be painful and boring as heck, but it will help!! Find the energy now to make tomorrow easier!
5. Mindfullness – be more aware of your thoughts. Dwelling on your pain won’t help, it will just lead to upset, so instead focus on what you CAN do. Do you need to take a pain killer, do you need to stand up, sit down, walk, do physio, do you need to put on some music or call a friend to distract your mind. What CAN you do to change the moment you’re in either with something to help or distract. Being the victim will not help the situation, it will just foster emotion pain.
6. Don’t just ignore it and hope it will go away – ask for help! Especially if it’s mental health. Asking for help is a sign of strength!
7. Hugs and smile – never underestimate the power of a smile and cuddle so do it every chance you can!!! They’re free and unlimited
Let me know what helps you living with chronic pain, there is so much more to this complex existence with pain but I hope these few ideas might help.
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.
Taking on my next UK rally round in the Bowler Defender took me to mid-Wales for the Rally Nuts event. This was my first public rally and my nerves were high. However, upon arriving it was a great experience.
As a girl I’m often judged on arriving to a race, stereotyped in my blonde hair and long eyelashes. It was amazing that at my Bowler rally experience the Rally Nuts event in mid-Wales I was welcome with no sexism or judgment. You can watch the full race behind the scenes of me doing my second big 4×4 rally [first public event] in the Land Rover Bowler Defender. I hope you enjoy it.
Big learning for me…
The girl on a bike Swapping my bike for Bowler Defender Rally Series
It turns out trust is up there one of the most vital elements of four-wheel racing. As a driver the braking, correct lines, and acceleration are key but the biggest speed game is trusting your navigator. You’re in a 2.3 tonne Bowler Defender weapon powering into a corner and your natural instincts say come off the throttle but I can hear Chris Cuming shouting a fast right at me… foot stays flat trusting the input aligns to the corner and sure enough, the speed stays on, the corner opens and the pace is kept. My goodness, it gets the heart racing. I’ll be honest in that I definitely braked a few times when I shouldn’t have but that team trust is a huge new thing for me.
Chuffed to have climbed to a 2nd place finish in the category too for the Rally Nuts event… and only 1m8 seconds behind 1st!! Bring on the next race in Scotland.
Watch the full Bowler Defender rally car behind the scenes:
See my first Bowler Defender rally car race here:
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.
Nearly 100% redesign with the Husqvarna 2024 enduro range
Here’s my experience on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro: Your eyes are sharp on the terrain ahead, the rocks, roots, loose stones and sand all grappling to throw you and the bike off path. But I was feeling confident armed with the best weapon for the job. Below me was the nearly 100% newly redesigned Husqvarna TE 300i. Certainly one of the most high-performance dirt bikes on the market. As a personal owner of the 2020 TE that I finished Red Bull Romaniacs on and having seen countless pro rider podium wins from the likes of Billy Bolt and Graham Jarvis, I was keen to feel if the 2024 range was as good as all the hype…let’s just say I had high expectations.
With a full redesign it really is a new breed of dirt bike. New bikes are often a small splash, sometimes even a disappointment with a couple of tweaks, but having spent the day in Norway riding 2024 enduro range I can hand on heart tell you that this next generation fleet is worth a look at! The 2 and 4 stroke models are nearly a total head-to-toe redesign. The say change is what drives progression and these bikes are monsters in all the right way and will certainly be ruffling the feathers of rival brands.
With the new throttle body injected engine, closed cartridge front and fully adjustable toolless suspension, redesigned ergonomics for a solid rider triangle and increased grip seat, the bikes fill you with confidence. The throttle response felt lively, instant, and despite previous Husky models bringing impressive performance, they have seriously upped their game.
Pausing for a moment to absorb the wilderness around me, I was in a Norwegian forest, not a sole nearby, a mirror calm lake glistening in the distance, and me on a Husqvarna dirt bike, it was the ideal testing environment. We had a 6.5km dedicated enduro loop this was a match made in heaven for the new enduro range. Gravitating to the TE 300i I went round and round, building pace and really getting a feel for the new set up.
The throttle body fuel injection for better response with two injectors, combined with electronically monitored exhausted values meant for a fiery ride. The engine is programmed to adjust and adapt to the riding conditions, always bringing you the optimum performance. As I climbed the peaks the engine was seamlessly and effortlessly adjusting as the air, conditions and my riding changed.
The electronics have been overhauled with a new centralised smart control unit for easy troubleshooting, torque values etched on for simplified serviceability and an increased durability in the subframe design to reduce the risk of breaks. Even small touches like narrower foot pegs to reduce the risk of catching them in ruts have been taken a step further with a peg redesign. The new pegs give 27% more surface area for the foot, reducing riding fatigue.
The 30% brighter headlight will remove night-time riding worries with 900 lumens to illuminate the track. And as a rider holding on, the flatter and straighter, bars, improved seat grip and symmetrical tank fairing all aid rider ergonomics. For four stroke models have been given a new quick shift sensor to momentarily cut the ignition as the gear lever is engaged allowing you to smash up through the gears at full throttle without the use of the clutch.
Making a list of what has not changed on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro range would be a far shorter process. That list would contain the premium Michelin Medium rubber and the D.I.D DirtStar rims.
Having swung my leg over all 5 models [TE 150, 250, 300 and FE 250, 350, 450 and 501] it’s safe to say that these bikes are going to bring high performance to the pros on the racetrack but also a whole heap of fun to the everyday riders wanting to play in the dirt.
Key changes on the Husqvarna 2024 enduro include:
Throttle body fuel injection for better response with two injectors
Electronically monitored exhausted values for a two stroke feel
Subframe with increased durability and integrated grab handle
Fully adjustable suspension without need for tools
Improved grip seat and symmetrical tank fairing for knee grip
27% larger peg surface with lower narrow stance for more stable position and reduced risk of catching in ruts
LED headlight giving 900 lumens
Smart Control unit for centralised electronic troubleshooting
Premium Michelin Medium rubber for ultimate traction
Smaller 22mm rear swing arm for more flex over rocks
Flush faced chain guard to prevent damage
Torque values etched in for serviceability
Improved feel and difference in two engine maps
Quick shifter for smoother great shifts [four stoke FE models]
Check out The Girl On A Bike’s YouTube channel for a full review of the 2024 Husqvarna enduro bikes.
YouTube – Husqvarna 2024 enduro bikes tested and reviewed – TE and FE models
Husqvarna 2024 two stroke enduro bikes ridden, reviewed and tested – TE 150 250 300
Who is the Girl on a Bike?
Vanessa Ruck is a dirt bike maniac, extreme desert rally racer, traveller, and social media goddess on a mission to inspire other riders following a life changing road accident that’s left her with chronic pain. She’s determined to prove that nothing is impossible.
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.
Vanessa Ruck, also known as The Girl on a Bike, has successfully battled for her life to complete the gruelling Morocco Desert Challenge, an extreme rally-raid over sand dunes in blistering temperatures. As one of the world’s toughest endurance events, the 36-year-old completed the 8-day event, covering up to 420km each day and became one of the few who finished. With an attrition rate so high that only 40% of the motorcycle category riders successfully completed, it’s a serious achievement for the British athlete. But it wasn’t all sunshine!
She endured the heat wave hitting North Africa with temperatures peaking at 52°C. She tackled an upset stomach and hydration challenges from the extreme heat, faced two huge crashes that deployed her life-saving air vest, and confronted an allergic reaction that led to her barely able to open her eyes just half an hour before taking to the start line. Many would have quit.
Unforgiving extremes in the desert
But with pure grit and determination Vanessa fought on, “I knew I was racing others, but it felt more like I was fighting for my life. Fighting the terrain, battling the heat, the mental and physical fatigue, I was riding for my life. In the vast dunes, I knew that if I had an issue that was me done. I even started wording a message in my head to record on my phone for my family if the worst happened. It was scary.”
The heat in the dunes is exceptional and unforgiving, and the human body is incredibly vulnerable on bikes when the temperature peaks at 52°C / 125°F in a heat wave. “I recall cresting a huge dune peak higher than a multi-storey house and scanning the horizon…there was nothing but sand and dunes in every direction and not a soul. It was me and my bike. My body was exhausted, I wanted to rest but the heat meant I had to keep pushing. The only way out, was onwards. I had to dig deep mentally to fight to the finish.”
Lives lost to the desert
Competitors all accept the risk of extreme desert racing but sadly disaster struck twice, with the desert taking two lives during the race. Motorcycle rider Bram van der Wouden succumbed to the heat and exhaustion. Participants found him lying next to his motorbike, where he lay presumably having stopped to rest. The medical intervention team arrived very quickly but there was nothing they could do. The day before, a terrible racing accident took Laurent Lichtleuchter in a vehicle crash.
Mental and physical extremes
Competitors are navigating but also tackling the rugged and rocky terrain of Morocco. The tricky navigation means following a series of symbols, compass bearings, and distance on a scrolling piece of paper mounted to the handlebars, called a road book. Road book navigation events, such as the infamous Paris-Dakar, are far more than just riding. Riders have to navigate accurately, retaining mental and physical focus for upwards of 6-8 hours of racing, and do this off-road day after day. Could you stay calm on your own in the middle of nowhere, digging deep into your energy reserves with only the supplies you can carry?
It would be easy to question Vanessa’s sanity and decision to enter such an event but when a cycling accident in 2014 threatened to derail the adventurous life Vanessa loved, she refused to take it lying down. Instead, she handled things the only way she knows how. Brushing herself off, she put herself back together. And then she upped the ante. With a reconstructed shoulder and hip following a 7-year recovery with 7 surgeries, Vanessa discovered the thrill of motorcycles.
Fast forward 7 years since she mounted her first off-road bike and she’s taking on some of the toughest races going and is amongst very few females braving the brutalities they put you though. Vanessa’s journey has not been smooth with pain now a daily feature in her life, but what she has learned is that it’s vital to never let your past control your future. It’s likely the resilience her recovery forced her to gain, helped her through many of the brutal Morocco Desert Challenge obstacles.
Puffy faced allergic reaction
Such as day five where she woke with an allergic reaction that caused her whole face and eyes to swell. With the weight of the fluid on her eye lids making vision a challenge and a thick head, many would have stepped down for the day. Instead, she hit the antihistamines and headed to the start. “The first 80km was tough trying to find my rhythm and see clearly, but as the pills kicked-in, the eyes eased and I found my flow. By the time I was refuelling I was feeling solid and had demolished my 4.5 litres of water already!
The heat started to intensify after lunch and hitting the dunes in the midday heat felt cruel. The light with the sun at its highest was hard on my eyes that were already struggling to see contrast, but I rode steady and smooth. Only three spills in the deep sand so I was pleased with my riding” she explained.
Fight to the finish
By day 8, in these conditions, the finish line is all the competitors can focus on. Vanessa describes her final push;
“I wish I could say the final stage was smooth sailing, but I had the biggest and most painful off of my riding career so far. With my rear tanks full in preparation for hitting the sand and dunes, my bike’s weight was not ideal for the first 30 km of rocky tracks. As I braked into a right-hand corner my rear tyre smashed into a submerged bolder sending my backend up and sideways like a rodeo bull. Feeling the bike unsettle, I smashed on the throttle to straighten out and held it, but the corner was on me…and with no way to pull it around I flew off the rocky track edge jumping and landing into a rock garden.
Fighting I held him down, knees gripping and heart pounding, whisky throttling I managed to keep him straight but the rocky step ahead was the last straw. We launched and smashed in. I hit the jagged desert rocks HARD! My airbag magically knew before we hit the ground, deploying to my defence but a bolder impaled my left abdominal straight into my pelvis.
Winded, I screamed. The air sucked from my lungs. I couldn’t tell if I was ok, kicking myself for killing my chances of a finish. I hurt. Was that me out!? No! I refused to let the pain stop me! I’ve fought through worse…’’
The girl on a bike vanessa ruck 1
Thankfully, Vanessa’s body’s adrenaline and determination helped her make the finish. Hurting, but knowing she had to get back on she took her emergency painkillers, and carefully remounted ‘Big Buddy’. “Every bump felt excruciating, but I only had 70km to go!! Just 10km at a time, I could make it. But then I realised I needed to pee. With the pain, I knew I had no hope of getting my trousers and kit down”.
Vanessa jokes that she can’t decide if this moment was a new high or low in her racing career… determined not to fail so close to the end, she relieved herself riding along.
“I WAS making the finish. As I crested the penultimate dune the finish line flags came into view and my heart leapt with joy!!! Everyone heard my screams of delight!” With just 40% of her moto category finishing the near 2,500km event, it’s a true testament to Vanessa’s strength and determination. Placing 25th in class Vanessa is an inspiration to male and females alike.
The realities of the toughest endurance races in the world are not glamorous and we appreciate Vanessa’s honesty to share these highs and lows. Vanessa is a force to be reckoned with in the motorcycle world and showing the male dominated industry that women can too! She explains, “My mission is to not let my chronic pain and my past control my future. It’s incredible what we can achieve if we put our minds to it!” As an inspirational speaker and athlete she’s inspiring youths across the country and we look forward to seeing what she takes on next.
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.
Racing Heartbeats: My First Track Day Experience with Michelin at Donington Park
It’s about to get serious! What’s the likelihood of a knee down on one’s very first track day? This is the behind-the-scenes of my very first track day. I swapped the mud for some hard tarmac riding a Kawasaki 650 twin, something super friendly and forgiving, and I was in the capable hands of John McAvoy of Fast Bikes. I’ll talk through my kit, my nerves, and the best bit…. will you get your knee down on your first track day? Watch to find out the answer!
Bring it on! 🤟 oh and did I tell you I was terrified!!??? 😳
Who’s done a track day? What bike did you ride? It’s time for my first!!
This was the hottest day recorded EVER in the UK and I was in leathers…sweaty!
Vanessa Ruck on first rack day ever at Donnington Park
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.
Conquering Strata Florida: A Thrilling Adventure on the Honda Africa Twin in Wales
With over 9 river crossings, the Strata Florida is a very fun legal byway in Wales. It’s wide enough for big 4x4s but also great fun on two wheels. But be warned…it is a wet ride! Both with a lot of puddles and standing water that tend to be murky with hidden rocks, and also from the many rivers, it can be a sporty ride – making it my best green lane. This was a day riding with two friends, I was on the Honda Africa Twin along with Alex, and then Nick was on a Tenere 700 – all three ADV bikes are largely standard with the addition of some extra protection bars/plates. We’d had a few dry days so the water was manageable on the big ADV bikes but indeed some deep hairy parts, with 9 river crossings the Strata Florida is not one for after heavy rain.
This is possibly… one of my favorite byway green lanes in the UK.
the girl on a bike vanessa ruck strata florida honda africa twin wales green lanes
I hope you enjoy watching it.
You can watch my full Africa Twin reviews on my YouTube channel too:
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.
How to road book navigate: Navigating the Desert with a Paper Scroll
Want to know how to road book navigate, Dakar rally-style, then this video is for you. Here, on the side of the track during the 1000 Dunas desert rally, I will talk you through all the elements of road book navigation. What kit do you need for your bikes, such as an F2R road book holder and switch, what each part does, how to read the actual paper road book scroll, and some tips on riding while following paper navigation? Let me know any questions in the comments.
Vanessa Ruck, fear less rally rider on how to road book navigate
See the full 1000 Dunas series here:
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.
#BecauseICan free school workshops and free school speaker
with Vanessa Ruck aka The Girl On A Bike
School children are being inspired and encouraged to take a Because I Can attitude with free workshops and speaker sessions – suitable for primary and secondary school children. The movement is all about giving kids the right tools to take on life, despite the setbacks and uncertainties, such as covid-19. The initiative has come about as a vehicle to motivate kids to go beyond their comfort zone and demonstrate anyone can achieve great things with the right mindset and the appropriate training.
I believe that 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, her workshops bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life.
At a time when the world is full of doom and gloom, particularly for the ‘lost generation’ of school students interrupted by covid, I want to deliver a real drive and inspiration. Bringing real life challenges, battles and big goals to youth in the hope that it will encourage the future generation to get up and take life by the hands and focus on what they can do.
Organised by me Vanessa Ruck, I attend schools to deliver free workshops on finding ways to make things work, dealing with the lows and the set backs, whilst moving steadily towards the objective.
What a refreshing presenter! Vanessa delivered an emotional and hard hitting story, with clear and concise strategies for thriving in life, in a cool, calm and professional manner. Vanessa spoke to all year groups and delivered smaller group workshops to our disadvantaged students. She showed a deft ability to switch between the styles needed in these different environments and has built a lasting impression with many of the students she interacted with. Vanessa lures the students attention with her knowledge and experience and when their guard is down she delivers the tough lessons that they need to hear. We look forward to working with her again in the future.
Vanessa brings fresh perspective to a diverse range of kids from age 6 up to 18.
“The energy Vanessa brought to the school was fantastic. Not only is her story inspirational but she actually delivers actionable tools the kids can relate too.”
Ben Cordy, Leeds Faith In Schools
The sessions deliver practical advice and focus on:
Learning to accept your situation and love yourself
Importance of talking about mental health
Reality that life does have challenges and battles – it’s normal
Working on outcomes, not the process, with goal setting to keep you focused and motivated
The importance of understanding the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’ when anxiety hits
Remembering that wanting to quit is normal – but what makes you extraordinary is not quitting
That FEAR is just False-Expectations-Appearing-Real
Dealing with pressure
Importance and benefit of gratitude
Being part of the solution and a overcome mindset
Rednock School feedback
More practical, smaller group sessions can cover:
Really the options are huge, we can work together for something more bespoke for the needs of your school or students. However, as food for thought, these more intimate sessions could cover:
Reflection on past challenges
Learning from our own mindset
Current and future challenges and areas for preparation
Goal setting for big stretch ambitions but also smaller goals to work towards the big goals
Identifying obstacles and areas where support can be utilized
finding areas for gratitude
Self care and body image
Female empowerment and believe
By the end, the children are challenged to come up with their own #BecauseICan challenge and set goals.
What is on offer?
The free school workshops that can take a very flexible form:
large assembly presentations with audience engagement
Smaller more intimate round table sessions
Interactive mini workshops
Evening parent sessions
Staff sessions
Parent and staff sessions of the school speaker sessions are a great way to help triangulate the support network around kids to help the thought process continue. Conversations at the dinner table, support at home, and everyone understanding the language used during our sessions helps empower kids to put the learnings into action.
Really the options are open so please do get in touch and we can discuss the best plan for your school.
Intimate coaching workshops
How it works:
Contact Vanessa Ruck
Discuss your school’s needs, programmes and how best to fit the workshops into your programmes
Book a date and ideally organise multiple sessions across the day /days to get the largest impact for travel
Vanessa will come and deliver for FREE
What is the cost? – FREE!
Nothing. There is no cost to the schools. I’ve been on a mission since my accident to help others with life’s battles. If I can help just one kid each time I share my story it somehow makes everything I’ve been through so much more worthwhile. The workshops do cost me money, I give up my time and cover my own hotel, fuel and food expense, but I am happy choosing to do that. I want to share my experiences.
All workshops and sessions are also available for clubs, groups and corporate events but these are at a cost – any paid events help me to cover costs enabling me to give time to schools for free.
How can you help?
– Schools message me to book your free speaking event – Brands reach out to support the big picture and schools programme – Brands reach out to support the big picture and schools programme – Book me for resilience training at your company as the funding helps support my free school workshops programme
I offer youngsters a new perspective on life’s outcomes and highlight an approach to reaching life’s goals. Be part of the solution!
About Vanessa Ruck
As a motorcycle rider and racer, Vanessa speaks passionately and authentically about the challenges of recovery from a life changing accident and making the most of every day. After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Vanessa’s world was turned upside down, resulting in 7 surgeries and a roller-coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning 7 years. Through her recovery she discovered motorcycles, becoming known as “The Girl On A Bike”.
‘Motorcycles, something I started post-accident, have become my love and passion. If you’d asked me 7 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 with my school sessions to show that if I can bounce back after 7 surgeries, others can get through their hard times.’
Vanessa Ruck from accident to racer
Helping Inspire Others to Make the Most of Each Day
Combining her ten-year career in marketing and her resilience for life, Vanessa has built a following of over 250,000. She now inspires others to get up and tackle the battles life throws at us with gratitude and happiness. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic social 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’s absolutely brilliant, she’s so engaging. I could listen to her for hours and it’s so clear the kids will take loads away from what they’ve heard.
Anonymous teacher
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. Vanessa has successfully leveraged the power of social media, passionate storytelling and marketing to share her story and inspire others. She empowers others with the lessons she has learned through her emotional, thought provoking and highly engaging story.
If you can pull her away from her bikes, she will bring an incredible energy to your school for pure resilience, determination and inspiration.
Vanessa speaks from the heart
What the audience can expect
An exciting story of sports and challenges from the point of view of Vanessa, who as a fit and active individual with many passions was struck down by an easily avoidable accident and went on to find new ways of slaking her thirst for adventure by becoming “The Girl on a Bike”.
Presentation Approach
Vanessa speaks from the heart, and as such will take the group on a journey of emotions. They will feel they are with her through the adversity and adventure alike and will come away from the presentation with a renewed vigour and outlook.
For further information, including booking a school visit for your school, please get in touch.
You never grow in your comfort zone
The Girl On A Bike
Finish line of the first hard enduro race
Hear what some of the schools have to say:
“Vanessa worked with 440 children in one afternoon across years 9, 10 and 11. Each session had clear messages linked to their personal experiences, but they also managed to carefully reflect the needs of each group to maximise possible impacts. Her ability to create links between her own seemingly untouchable achievements and the everyday mindset needed by us all, captured their audience’s attention.”
Matt Skinner – Personal Development and Wellbeing @CMCS
“Vanessa embodies the mindset that sits at the heart of the #BecauseICan project. Her experience, storytelling and ability to apply her learning to others has inspired young people across Leeds to step up throughout the multiple school tours of Leeds. Tooled with the insights from their sessions I’m excited to see how the young people we work with will put the #BecauseICan mindset into practice”
Over 20 years of working in education I’ve listened to many different speakers on a wide range of interesting topics; however, I must say that your incredibly powerful and engaging presentation was by far the most enjoyable and beneficial presentation I have been privileged to witness. You have a natural way to deliver and engaged the pupils, you speak from the heart and share experiences wholeheartedly with the pupils. You are inspiring not just to the children but to the adults that were in the room, all humans need more speakers such as yourself that provide a truly engaging and supportive approach towards everyone’s lives, your belief in them was genuine and they could feel this!
Phil Keeling Burton, Orchard School, Bristol
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students on Tuesday. 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”
Sarah Haines, Headteacher, Bradon Forest School
Want to donate and support more school free workshops?
I unfortunately do have somewhat limited resources so I am always welcome to sponsors supporting me. Please do get in touch to donate and help me fund more school visits.
Supported by Horsepower
Proud sponsor of the Vanessa Ruck BecauseICan programme
