Baja Lorca, Spain in the Defender Rally Series, part of the EU Baja Championship
Experience the second year of the Defender Rally series with Vanessa Ruck in the EU Baja Championship racing a Bowler Defender 90 in Lorca Spain.
Welcome to the Lorca Baja in the 2024 Defender Rally Series as part of the EU Baja Championship. This is an intense single day race covering over 400km of beautiful Spanish terrain based out of Lorca, near Alicante in Spain. As a motorcycle rider I am used to long distances and time in the saddle, for example my recent triumph of becoming the first British female to finish the Africa Eco Race following the original Dakar route. However, this is my first endurance race in a car! The focus and concentration to keep going with 2.3 tonne’s of a vehicle and continual communication with your navigator was something I had no idea how I would handle. I know I have the mental resilience to fight on, especially since my accident but this was a new challenge.
This was high endurance, hard navigation and enormous concentration for over 6 hours travelling at high speeds and covering a considerable distance in the Bowler Defender rally car. It’s safe to say that this is the type of motorsports racing that I have been looking forward to and working towards! I crave the endurance and distance of these types of races.
As I continue racing in year two of the Bowler Driver Development Pathway in Big Boy my 2.3 tonne Defender 90 the challenges continue to increase and my skills continue to improve, with 75 vehicles off the start line, I managed to come in at an impressive 33rd position, I am quite chuffed with the results of my first ever Baja experience in a 4 wheeled vehicle.
You can see the full race behind the scenes here:
MY EU Baja Championship Lorca Bowler Defender RESULTS
Shocking performance!!! My first ever long endurance event with four wheels seeing us tackling over 400km and I managed 33rd of 75!! Like what!!
Even more impressive was being just 18 minutes behind the first place Bowler Defender rally car that was driven by a professional team and only 6 minutes off 3rd place driven by a multi time Dakar rally Finisher… that’s just minutes across the 6hr+ time racing.
Considering a little over a year ago I put my bottom in a rally car for the first time, it’s incredible the progress the Bowler Motors driver programme has given me. Read about my journey into motorsports here .
2024 EU Baja Championship with Defender
As part of the Bowler customer experience and driver development programme they are offering a multiyear programme. The ultimate goal is to get you to the desert, going from total newbie to confident, ready and equipped for success. Having finished year one which saw me earning my national race license, a critical part in the journey, I’m racing the EU Baja Championship in my Defender.
Next round is in one of the most beautiful, stunning and varied terrains possible and one of my favorite countries to ride motorcycles in – Iceland .
With four rounds in the 2024 Defender series it’s going to be another jump in my motorsports career. New terrain, new challenges and much bigger distances.
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.
As seen in Two Wheels For Life: Goodwood Festival of Speed saw an army of volunteers join stars from the world of motorycle racing at this landmark event for the charity.
Two Wheels for Life enjoyed a fantastic four days at Goodwood Festival of Speed as the event’s official charity partner, raising over £100k for the charity from donations at the VIP dinner, at the stand and from collectors around the site.
Ambassador Vanessa Ruck (The Girl on a Bike) joined us on the stand introducing the crowds to what we do alongside our amazing crew of volunteers.
Left to to Right, Alessandro Botturi, Andrea Coleman, Randy Mamola, Pol Tarrés, Kenny Roberts Snr., Vanessa Ruck
The event also saw a very special moment as co-founder and MotoGP™ legend Randy Mamola rode up the iconic Goodwood hill with long time Two Wheels supporter ‘King’ Kenny Roberts and new ambassadors Ténéré World Raid team riders Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi. Two Wheels CEO Andrea Coleman joined the commentary box to talk about the charity on the Goodwood FOS live TV feed!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, donated and spent time finding out more and supporting our life-saving work. All funds raised will be used to support transport for healthcare programmes in Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria and The Gambia, getting vital services to vulnerable communities who desperately need it.
“Being invited to be the official charity of Goodwood Festival of Speed was a dream come true. Seeing new ambassadors, Yamaha riders Pol Tarrés and Alessandro Botturi ride the Hill Climb with co-founder and MotoGP legend Randy Mamola and long time supporter King Kenny Roberts was a special moment that illustrated how the great things we have achieved have always been made possible with the support of the world of motorsport.” – Zoë Herron Coleman – head of partnerships and communications, Two Wheels for Life
For the rest of The TwoWheelsforLifearticle 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 Advrider: Adventurer, motorcycle enthusiast, and rally racer Vanessa Ruck (better known as The Girl On a Bike) has recently returned from an epic eight-day journey through the Indian Himalayas aboard Royal Enfields.
But while the towering peaks of the mountains, plunging valleys, and pristine military roads along with dusty dirt trails provided the perfect playground for a motorcycle adventure of a lifetime, the trip has tested Vanessa and her crew’s limits.
Navigating massive landslides, braving a blizzard on the Shinkula Top pass, and squeezing their bikes through a traffic jam so enormous the army had to step in, Vanessa and her crew reveled in the stunning scenery from the turquoise waters of Pangong Tso to the vast expanse of the Tso Kar salt flats, encountering wild horses, donkeys, and even a few shaggy goats along the way.
But it wasn’t just the mind-blowing beauty of the Himalayas that took their breath away – riding the highest mountain passes in the world, altitude sickness is no joke.
“Altitude was one the biggest challenges on this trip. Honestly, riding the Himalayas was probably one of the most brutal adventures I’ve taken on, outside of desert racing. Long, 11-hour days on the bikes, gnarly terrain, remote places – it’s nothing like the Alps or the Pyrenees where, if something goes wrong, you can get help quickly. In the Himalayas, you’re out in a very unforgiving environment, and the altitude is a big part of that,” Vanessa shares.
So how do you deal with altitude of over 19,000 feet while traveling on two wheels? Here are some of Vanessa’s tips to ward off altitude sickness when riding on the roof of the world:
Acclimatize Gradually
According to Vanessa, there was no time to acclimatize as she and her team landed in Leh, India: the city is situated over 11,000 feet above sea level. “We immediately noticed that the air was thinner; just getting out of the airport and carrying our bags and gear, we were out of breath, so we wondered how we would do at 19,000 feet,” Vanessa recalls.
“Luckily, Royal Enfield offered us some solid guidance: first off, we spent a couple of days in Leh, drank plenty of water, and let our bodies adapt to lower oxygen levels.”
Carry oxygen cylinders
Vanessa and her team equipped themselves with portable oxygen tanks before starting the ride. These are widely available at local pharmacies and can be a lifesaver: a quick inhale provides a boost of oxygen when needed.
“Although my body adapted to high altitudes quite well, there was a moment when we were stuck in a massive traffic jam at 18,000 ft altitude. I tried to push snow out of the way to make room for us to squeeze through, and because of the exertion, I started to feel out of breath and dizzy; that’s where the oxygen cylinder really came in handy,” Vanessa explains.
Plan a gradual ascent
Another crucial tip is to avoid aiming for the highest pass on the first day and try to ascend and descend alternately to help your body adjust. “Ride progressively – don’t just aim for the highest pass immediately. Ideally, it’s best to climb, then descend, then climb again; this helps your body to adjust more effectively. Increasing and decreasing your altitude is key.”
Limit time at high altitudes
“When you’re on the really high passes, be mindful of how long you spend there. When we got to 19,000 feet altitude and up, we tried to only spend 15-20 minutes there, then get going – spending too much time at very high altitudes can be dangerous.”
Recognize the signs of altitude sickness
“Along the way, we met a group of travelers and later heard that one of them ended up in hospital because of altitude sickness. He was in a pretty bad shape, and it took him over a week to recover. It’s so important to recognize the signs early – if you start feeling nauseous, dizzy, and out of breath, take a hit of that rich oxygen from your tank!”
Monitor oxygen levels
According to Vanessa, clinics in the Himalayas offer to measure your oxygen saturation; if you’re worried about altitude sickness, it’s a good idea to measure your oxygen levels for a peace of mind – and safety.
Listen to your body
Finally, Vanessa suggests listening to your body – and not trying to be a hero.
“If you don’t feel well, don’t pretend that you’re fine and don’t push yourself – that will only get you further into trouble. Practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing, utilize your oxygen tank, and, if necessary, just descend. At and over 19,000 feet, the oxygen levels are just 50 percent of what they are at sea level; just for perspective, some of the Himalayan passes are higher than Everest Base camp – so while utterly spectacular, it can be dangerous if you ignore your body,” Vanessa says.
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 MCN: During the pandemic, biker and filmmaker Tom Woodrow decided to put down his lens and chase another dream – creating a biker cafe and events space.
“We make Adventure Bike TV and Motorbike TV, and we’ve also done ‘Dakar Dreams’ with Danny John-Jules” says Tom. “But I’ve always fancied doing something like this. Our coffee is all from a local roaster. We did a blind taste test of 20 when we opened, and everyone picked this one! It’s a real nice exclusive for us.”
And if you’re a local, the best part is you can become a Woodrow’s member for free drinks, free events, and access to a chilled-out exclusive area. Elsewhere inside, there is plenty of bike kit on sale featuring the likes of Merlin, Rukka, MotoGirl and more, a barber taking bookings from Thursday to Saturday. But it’s the stacked events calendar of which Tom is most proud.
“During the winter we do ‘evening with’ events and invite people like Charlie Boorman, Vanessa Ruck, and the Sidecar Guys. We play some games too – there’s one where the guest has to answer questions with one-word answers while they draw their bikes. In the toilets there are loads of what look like kids drawings… they are our guests drawings!”
Woodrow’s host two bike nights a month complete with live music, RoSPA meets and more.
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.
Revving Up Your Social Circle: A Guide to Making New Motorcycle Friends
Having travelled to over 15 countries on group ride adventure motorcycle riding holidays in this video I’ll share why I highly recommend looking into pre-organized group holidays and how it can be the key to making new motorcycle friends. I discuss the pros and cons of:
Time
Avoiding admin
Meeting new people
Less stress
Economies of scale
You don’t need your own motorcycle
Organised trips are tried & tested
Let me know in the videos comments what your experience has been, good or bad. Where have you been? Any recommendations or things to avoid? How you find motorcycle friends, or how to be be more social.
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.
Motorcycle charity with Vanessa Ruck and Two Wheels for Life
Ever called emergency services for support? How about visiting the doctor when you’re feeling sick? It’s something pretty common for many of us in the world, so common that my gut says we take it for granted – I know I did until I visited somewhere so dramatically different.
Recently I had the opportunity to travel through rural parts of The Gambia, Africa to see the amazing and impactful work that Two Wheels for Life do. They support the mobility of healthcare in areas where the roads would be considered more like a ‘fun enduro track’ to many of us. Without the 300+ motorcycles and 100+ vehicles many would be left with absolutely no medical help. The sounds of that two-stroke entering their village must be an incredible noise to hear.
If you have time, I would love for you to take a moment to watch and also please share this short 2-minute video with your friends for others to see. And help me spread the word about this incredible organisation. I hope that you also feel inspired by the work they do.
Every extra soul who sees this is a step towards greater awareness, support and hopefully donations. I hope I can use my channels to help spread the word, please help me by sharing.
If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments and follow @twowheelsforlife
WATCH SHARE COMMENT
For many people across Africa the only way of reaching medical care is to walk miles by foot, travel the bumpy roads on a donkey and cart or get pushed in a wheelbarrow. And many do not make it at all. Two Wheels for Life works to ensure healthcare reaches people in the poorest and most remote parts of Africa – using reliable, appropriate vehicles.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”
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.
First international Defender race – Rallye Terres Du Gatin
How did I survive!!?? My first international Defender race and 40% crashed out
Welcome to Round two of the 2024 Defender Rally Series EU Baja Championship in Gatinais, France – Rallye Terres Du Gatinais. This is my first international rally in Big Boy my 2.3 tonne beast of a Bowler Defender 90! As I continue into year two of the Bowler Driver Development pathway I now have my national license through racing with Bowler Motors. And we are also upping my game in terms of teammates. I’m now with up there one of the most experienced motorsport individuals in the UK, Chris Hammond.
The Gatinas round offered the Bowler drivers yet another set of new environments to learn and build on our racing skills. Set in pretty luscious agricultural fields in France, just south of Paris, it was totally new conditions worsened by very wet weather in the lead up. It meant for treacherous wet mud and slippery conditions. By the end of lap one I was actually nearly in tears with the emotions. I was so grateful to Bowler for pairing me with Chris Hammond. His experience, knowledge and guidance kept me calm in the car but also enabled me to build confidence. Learning and adapting to the slippery conditions.
How did I survive in the Bowler Defender!!??
Of the 75 vehicles that started only 45 finished, that’s 30 vehicles either crashing out or having mechanical problems! So after only hitting one obstacle, I am proud to have not only finished but claimed 7th in class! Driving in treacherous conditions, a racing heart and a few tears while sliding in the mud, skimming over ruts, squealing with adrenalin, facing ice like terrain and avoiding huge ditches that were taking no prisoners! It was an action packed race.
You can see the full race behind the scenes here:
Next round is in Lorca, Spain and it’s a 500km day! Bring it on
2024 EU Baja Championship with Defender
As part of the Bowler customer experience and driver development programme they are offering a multiyear programme. The ultimate goal is to get you to the desert, going from total newbie to confident, ready and equipped for success. Having finished year one which saw me earning my national race license, a critical part in the journey, I’m racing the EU Baja Championship in my Defender.
With four rounds in the 2024 Defender series it’s going to be another jump in my motorsports career. New terrain, new challenges and much bigger distances. The full series information can be found 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.
Motorsports with four wheels and the Defender came into my world later in life. I was 36 when I first got behind the wheel of a rally car but like all things, there is a story on how that development to becoming a UK female rally driver came about.
Most know me for my passion and love for two wheels. I’ve ridden motorcycles in more than 33 different countries, participated in 10 multi-day international rallies including some of the most notoriously grueling and physically demanding races in the history of motorsports. My love for motorcycles started later in life, it wasn’t until I was 30 years old that I began riding off road. I didn’t grow up with bikes but following my life changing accident I found myself discovering the thrills and adrenaline of bikes. My most notable achievement is having successfully completed a grueling 6,000km 13-day desert race, becoming the first British female to finish the ‘original Dakar’ route in the Africa Eco Race. This was a huge feat for anyone but given my chronic pain following the accident and being one of few females in the sport it is even more of a feat.
The connection with Bowler was a gradual one. As a 14-year-old I was obsessed with the WildCat. The roar of it’s V8, the poise of it’s stance with Defender heritage. My ultimate dream car was a Bowler. I never imagined racing one, I merely wanted it for everyday life, popping to the shops for milk. I still recall the first time I saw one in person. My father took me to Eridge Park in Kent for some kind of rally event. A deep purple WildCat’s roaring engine set my soul on fire. My bedroom was a sea of posters with a mix of cars but mostly the WildCat. A little girls dream despite being obsessed with ponies.
If you prefer watching to reading, you can watch my story here:
I had posters as a 14 year old and now I’m racing a Bowler… how did this happen?
Rallye du Maroc
It wasn’t until October 2021 when in Morocco that anything else occurred. I was there for Rallye du Maroc, a qualifying desert rally for the Dakar. I was there with my Honda CRF 450 RX in the enduro cup class. It was my first time in a rally bivouac and I was like a kid in a candy shop. Walking around dribbling over the incredible vehicles, from huge race trucks to pickups, side by sides and then the support vehicles. It was a little girls dream ‘car show’. On my wander around I bumped into a guy called Dave who was there supporting a race car and was super friendly and welcoming to me and my first-time energy.
We stood and chatted for a while, exchanged numbers and were deeply lost in conversation about our pasts, and similarity of interests in the motorsport world … and then it happened… a Bowler WildCat growled past. My mind and heart instantly started racing and completely checking out of Dave’s conversation with my bounding excitement for seeing my dream car in person in the desert.
Meet ‘Dave’
Fast forwards roughly a year and I get a phone call. “Hi Vanessa, it’s Dave Marsh, we met in Morocco”. I immediately knew who it was and went into an embarrassed apology for ghosting him mid conversation over the WildCat. He chuckled. It turns out ghosting the Head of Motorsports at Bowler… was less rude than he thought! He could instantly see my passion and energy. Dave wasn’t just calling for a chit chat, he had a question, and a big one at that!
“How would you like to come and do a round of the UK series in the new Bowler Defender 90?”
If I’d been able to bite his hands off in enthusiasm I would have done. This was my childhood dream coming true! I’ll be honest in that I had not heard of the new Defender 90 Bowler but google lead me to all the information, you can read more here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/
Dave Marsh, Head of Motorsports at Bowler
Getting your BARS licence
First up I had to get my BARS licence. This is a relatively straightforward process that largely ensures proficiency and safety across rally in the UK. First time in a Subaru car was fun. You can watch this process below:
BARS test at Phil Price rally school
Land Rover experience day at Eastnor Castle
The Defender Series takes the road-ready Defender 90 as a donor base vehicle before upgrading and modifying it to meet the grueling requirements of fast speed rally racing. This means an ideal start is getting to know the Defender as it comes, before the infamous Bowler touch. Firstly. I headed to the Customer Experience centre run by Land Rover at Eastnor Castle for a day off road. The technology in this car blew my mind. Land Rover have spent years developing a car that has the ability to do as much for you as possible in order to help you get through the toughest terrain. You can watch my first time experience here:
Walters training on the Bowler driver development programme
Next I had to face getting into a Bowler Defender for the first time. I think the excitement was at such a high level I felt sick! It was bitter cold with sideways wind for my first weekend at Walters arena but I knew I was in safe hands. Bowler offer a full driver development programme designed to enable ANYONE to get into rally. They coach you, teach you and support you from the very foundations all the way though to the UK Defender rally series.
I had no idea what was to come on this new and amazing journey I was embarking on, but I can tell you I was excited Day one saw us doing rally safety, rescue and medical procedures, a detailed run through of the car, basic track side maintenance such as wheel changes and scrummy / delicious on site catering with Street Feast who support the Bowler events. I felt like a rabbit in headlights but by the end of the day I was feeling knowledgeable and prepared.
Vanessa Ruck in the Bowler Defender rally car at Walters Areana, Wales
Getting into a Defender rally car
Getting into the Defender 90 as a passenger was next. I had my brand new Alpinestars race suit, full fireproof kit, shoes, socks, balaclava etc as advised by Bowler. I felt like a power ranger. Then it was time to get the Simpson neck device to prevent neck injuries in a crash, and the Stilo helmet with a built in intercom before strapping into the 5 point harness bucket seat. It was a very new feeling! There are very few moments in life where you’re strapped into a seat with the ability to only move your lower legs and arms. Chris Cummings my navigator and co-pilot who Bowler paired me with was a calm and reassuring voice. I don’t remember much from those first laps other than pure joy! Squeals, giggles, shrieks of horror and delight. My first impressions; wow that car could move!
My turn behind the wheel
This could have been something pretty overwhelming. Walters arena is notorious for its snotty wet slippery Welsh terrain, there weather was giving us it’s best and I was brand new. But the whole team, from the service crew supporting on the vehicles, the other drivers, the navigators and everyone in-between was just so friendly. It was an environment where being a total beginner was okay. That is why I was there! Little did I know that my motorcycle background would give me such a huge leg up. The ability to read the terrain, to understand braking and weight transfer and picking smooth lines. I certainly had and advantage. I would describe this day as being like a legal high. You can watch it here:
First time in a Bowler Defender 90
Then it escalated
Following an incredible first weekend where I even managed to get a podium, I was hooked. I needed more of this in my life. The adrenaline of having 2.3tonnes of mass, a navigator throwing instructions such as “fast right” where you then have to flat foot into a blind corner on total trust that it’s just a small bend, it was incredible! I sat down with Bowler and we came up with the idea of me completing the full UK Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI. More information here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/
Bowler year one progress
The UK series saw myself and up to 9 other racers from a huge range of backgrounds all competing in 7 events. We were united by the love of motorsports, the thrill and the Bowler facilitation. There was no way I could have participated in these events solo. I would not have had the knowledge, skills, equipment to go solo, so Bowler really was the catalyst for this for most of us. The added bonus of the Defender series is the set specification of the cars. Once Bowler have turned them into rally cars,taking the P300 production models with added safety features, including race-specification seats, FIA-approved roll cage and fire extinguishers.
We as racers are not allowed to further modify them. They use the same powerful 300PS Ingenium petrol engine, responsive eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and advanced All-Wheel Drive system as showroom models, with all mechanical enhancements done by the expert team from Bowler. But that is where it stops. The rich guy can’t throw on a £40k suspension upgrade package or enhance its engine. The car spec is set, the rest is down to us as drivers. A fantastic way to limit the budget but also set a level playing field where our skills and navigator relationships stand us apart. The Bowler Defender series has to be one of the best ways to get into motorsports.
I rolled my Defender rally car
Myself and Chris Cummings, had a fantastic year. We had some hicks and hurdles, including rolling my Defender. That was a bit of a shock but a huge learning experience and the car took near zero damage, despite having a lie down.
What is the new Bowler Defender 90 – full specs video
Otherwise, it was a year of growth. My driving ability, confidence in the car and skills improved with every event. Each event has been hand selected by Bowler to expand our driver data base. Over the seven events we managed 4 podiums!!! Which was just fantastic. The biking background really helped my journey.
Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI results: Vanessa Ruck
Walters Areana – 3rd in Defender class 2023
Rallynuts Stages Rally – 2nd in Defender class 2023
Summer Scottish Hill rally – 3rd in class and 14th overall 2023
Nicky Grist – 6th in Defender class 2023
Yorkshire Hill rally – 5th in Defender class 2023
Conwy Cambrian Rally – 7th in Defender class 2023
Scottish borders hill rally – 3rd in Defender class 2023
Am I leaving motorcycles behind? No, I’m managing chronic pain
My shift to incorporate both 2 and 4 wheels is driven by my need to manage chronic pain in my hip. Motorcycling takes a toll on my body. I live with chronic pain, my hip is deteriorating, and I sadly don’t go anywhere without painkillers. Completing the Africa Eco Race was a monumental challenge that I’m unbelievably proud of. BUT…I’ve had to come to an emotional realization that the one home that I have – my body – is something that I need to be a bit more mindful and protective of for my future.
However…I refuse to give up the thrill of racing. Four wheels offers me a way to stay in the game and set the goal of getting back to the desert, in the bivouac, hooked on the adrenaline and keep on pushing boundaries. So instead of quitting due to my pain as a result of the accident, which also got me into motorcycles, I am going to ADAPT!
My ultimate rally goal is set!
My goal is to become the first British female driver to complete a major (yet-to-be-disclosed) international rally in 2026. Following starting in the 2023 Bowler Defender rally series as a total newbie, I am now stepping it up to the European series in Big Boy. He’s a T2 rally car built on a Defender production vehicle.
UK female rally car driver Vanessa Ruck with her 2024 Bowler Defender 90 rally car
Huge thanks to the Land Rover and Bowler team for your belief in me and the support, along with my key sponsors: FCLG and Strata .
Next it’s the Defender EU Baja Championship
As part of the Bowler customer experience, driver development programme they are offering a multiyear programme. The ultimate goal is to get you to the desert, going from a total newbie to a confident, ready and equipped racer for success. Having finished year one which saw me earning my national race licence, a critical part in the journey, I’m moving onto the European series.
With four rounds in the series it’s going to be another jump in my motorsports career. New terrain, new challenges and much bigger distances. The full series information can be found here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/
I’ll be proudly flying the British flag with his sexy new livery wrap done by AR Signs Ltd [I highly recommend them for vehicle and helmet wraps] as we go into the 2024 EU Baja Championship as part of year two in the Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI. Stay tuned for more news, adventures and fun.
Bowler Defender 90 rally car with British flag driven by Vanessa Ruck
Sponsorship opportunities
As you know, I have huge racing goals on 4 wheels. I’m not quitting bikes but my hip pain means the cars give me a new chapter and I want to get back to the desert!!! Lots of exciting things to come if I can pull it off.
If you’re interested in any sponsorship opportunities please get in touch hello@thegirlonabike.com – all sponsorship also helps me continue my free schools programme to help inspire UK youth. You can also support me in a smaller scale via my Patreon or book me for a motivational / key note speaker.
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.
Year two in the Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI
Following the completion of the 2023 UK Defender Rally series with Bowler in my Defender 90 Big Boy it’s time to up the game and work towards my ultimate goal [keep reading for what that is!]. Year one saw me going from a total beginner, rabbit in a headlight having never been in a rally car to a huge development journey. Teamed with Chris Cummings as my navigator and supported by the wider Bowler team including the mechanics, we had a fantastic year, a year of growth. My driving ability, confidence in the car and skills improved with every event. Each event has been hand selected by Bowler to expand our driver data base. Over the seven events we managed 4 podiums!!! Which was just fantastic. The biking background really helped my journey. The 7 event series also enabled me to earn the licence upgrade to national, allowing me to compete in international events.
If you don’t know my story into motorsports you can read it here
Before I set my 2024 plans I want to clarify the below….
Am I leaving motorcycles behind? No, I’m managing chronic pain
My shift to incorporate both 2 and 4 wheels is driven by my need to manage chronic pain in my hip. Motorcycling takes a toll on my body. I live with chronic pain, my hip is deteriorating, and I sadly don’t go anywhere without painkillers. Completing the Africa Eco Race was a monumental challenge that I’m unbelievably proud of. BUT…I’ve had to come to an emotional realization that the one home that I have – my body – is something that I need to be a bit more mindful and protective of for my future.
However…I refuse to give up the thrill of racing. Four wheels offer a way for me to stay in the game and set the goal of getting back to the desert, in the bivouac, hooked on the adrenaline and keep on pushing boundaries. So instead of quitting due to my pain as a result of the accident, which also got me into motorcycles, I am going to ADAPT!
Time for the 2024 EU Baja Championship with Defender
As part of the Bowler customer experience and driver development programme they are offering a multiyear programme. The ultimate goal is to get you to the desert, going from total newbie to confident, ready and equipped for success. Having finished year one which saw me earning my national race licence, a critical part in the journey, I’m moving onto Europe in my Defender.
With four rounds in the 2024 Defender series it’s going to be another jump in my motorsports career. New terrain, new challenges and much bigger distances. The full series information can be found here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/
I’m racing the French, Spanish and Icelandic events. With the move going to Baja road book, navigation is key, so Bowler have paired me with a new navigator; Chris Hammond. He comes with 40 years of rally experience, having completed the Dakar as both a driver and navigator. A huge learning resource for me!
Vanessa Ruck and Chris Hammond
Vanessa Ruck and Chris Hammond teamed for the Defender rally series
It’s going to be an incredible year and the best bit is two big things:
First, I’ll be proudly flying the British flag with my Defender 90 Big Boys’ sexy new livery wrap done by AR Signs Ltd as we go into the 2024 EU Baja Championship as part of year two in the Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI. Stay tuned for more news, adventures and fun.
Secondly, September will see the Bowler team taking us to Morocco for a training camp in the sand dunes followed by a 6 day rally! I can’t wait to get into the desert again as it perfectly aligns to my personal goals… see below. See the racing calendar: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/calendar/
Defender 90 rally car with British flag driven by Vanessa Ruck
My ultimate rally goal is set!
My goal is to become the first British female driver to complete a major (yet-to-be-disclosed) international rally in 2026. Following starting in the 2023 Bowler Defender rally series as a total newbie, I am now stepping it up to the European series in Big Boy. He’s a T2 rally car build on a Defender production vehicle. Huge thanks to the Land Rover and Bowler team for your belief in me and the support, along with my key sponsors: FCLG and Strata .
Vanessa Ruck the first British female to finish the Africa Eco Race to Dakar
My energy and Bowler are perfectly aligned and I can’t wait to take you on the journey with me! Make sure you’re subscribed to all my channels so you don’t miss anything:
As you know, I have huge racing goals on 4 wheels. I’m not quitting bikes but my hip pain means the cars give me a new chapter and I want to get back to the desert!!! Lots of exciting things to come if I can pull it off.
If you’re interested in any sponsorship opportunities please get in touch hello@thegirlonabike.com all sponsorship also helps me continue my free schools programme to help inspire UK youth. You can also support me in a smaller scale via my Patreon.
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.
Off road enduro motorcycling adventure in Iceland with Ride with Locals
Iceland is my number one riding country in the world and I am on a mission to show you why!! Below you will find my full adventure series from my trip to Iceland. Armed with a KTM enduro bike and 6 days of never-ending off-road terrain you will see why this is the number one motorcycle riding destination in the world. This is a multi-part off-road motorcycle adventure with Ride With Locals.
Riding the KTM EXCF 350 enduro motorcycle we travelled 200-240 kms each day into the heart of Iceland. Ride With Locals offers motorcycle riding experiences through Iceland like nowhere else on Earth and I hope this video will help you see why!
Over 2.5 million tourists visit Iceland each year to see the big sights. Hot spas, waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, tectonic plates and lava fields. They pack into coaches or hire cars. But riding here with Ride With Locals on off-road bikes changes your perspective.
Come along and watch as we discover the untouched but must-see spots of Iceland. Exploring the things most tourists might only glimpse from the plane window.
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND – Part One – Ride With Locals
Part 2: Experience Daily Volcanic Eruptions While Riding Motorcycles With Ride With Locals – Amazing!
We rode up close to Hekla, slept below the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, recharged in a spa, explored huge craters without a soul in sight, picked across lava fields such as Veiðivatnahraun, crossed valley basins and crested mountains, riding volcanic ash berms. It was riding heaven combined with cultural and geological discovery.
This is a trip only motorcycles can make possible. We had six days riding, covered roughly 1400km doing 9 to 11- hour riding days and got to see the real Iceland – which is unseen by most tourists.
Check out the bonus videos for this series below:
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland:
Top tips for riding motorcycles in Iceland:
For a fully-inclusive motorcycle Iceland trip on KTM EXCFs with a support vehicle, fuel, meals, snacks, mountain huts, hotels, beer and all the local knowledge from the Vikings, expect to pay around €4400 per person.
Ride With Locals are the only Icelandic enduro company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK.
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.
