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.
Follow my journey as I take on one of the most difficult and prestigious off-road races in the history of Motorsports. The original and real Dakar Rally; The Africa Eco Race. This multi episode series is an incredibly real and honest look at what it takes to battle through the toughest, most extreme and historically renowned endurance rally races ever.
I will take you through the whole two-week journey; from the preparations to the start line wobbles, to traversing giant sand dunes, to crying alone in the middle of the desert all the way to standing proud on the podium in Dakar, Senegal holding the 1st place trophy.
This is one series you don’t want to miss!!!
Terrified! Ready to watch the brutal desert rally adventure racing to Dakar Senegal?
This first episode I will introduce you to my support crew, show you around my support vehicle and trailer, and take you through some of the key components of preparing for this brutally challenging race. Including a day in the mud with Bowler in the Land Rover beasts.
For 13 days I race over 6,000kms of some of the most remote, rugged and punishing terrain in the world. Facing extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains, this is one series you do not want to miss.
Part 2 – Too Scared to Fall Asleep – Race to Dakar
This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions! From the nerves of the sign on and the last-minute bike adjustments in scrutineering, to the thrill and excitement of the opening ceremony, followed quickly by the intense realization that this is it… The official start of the Africa Eco Race is now… Emotions are high as I say my teary goodbyes and question myself, why am I here and what have I gotten myself into?
Am I ready to face the extreme weather, limited sleep, high speeds, long days, isolation and unforgiving terrains?
This prestigious race follows the original and historical route of “The Dakar” rally through the African continent, beginning in France and continuing through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal traversing across the unforgiving Sahara Desert with one goal – make it to the finish line; Dakar…
Part 3 – Close Call: Heart-pounding Escape From Car Crash In Race To Dakar Senegal
Equipped with nothing but an odometer, compass and a paper scroll road book I must navigate my way over thousand of kms of punishing terrain. It is no easy task enduring extreme desert temperatures of up to 50°C during the day and -5°C during the nights while navigating through difficult and punishing terrain, staying focused all while fighting exhaustion and energy depletion after racing for days on end.
Part 4 – Appalling day – crashed and totally lost in the desert racing to Dakar Senegal
This episode is a thrilling journey of stage two racing to Dakar Senegal on my KTM desert rally bike where I totally forget how to ride and have a nasty crash. Facing the infamous Merzouga sand dunes, enough jaw rattling rock to make Morocco proud. Oh and of course, my first off, causing my Alpinestars Tech Air off road airvest to deploy. Did I mention I also get lost? Very… Very lost!
I’ve entered the full rally class, so I am racing against the elite, with names like Joan Pedrero and Pol Tarres. This Rally is a true test of endurance for both the drivers/riders and their support vehicles, and it’s not for the faint of heart
Part 5 – Painful day racing – stuck in the pitch black fighting to get to Dakar Senegal
This episode marks part 5 of my 13-day journey across the Sahara on a KTM450RR, tackling what’s known as the world’s most challenging off-road race. Despite the hardships faced, including exhaustive 13-hour rides and the complexities of navigating in the dark, the adventure remains exhilarating. Each day brings a mix of physical and mental challenges, but with determination and a newfound partnership, the path forward, even in the harshest conditions, seems a bit more navigable…
https://youtu.be/LcvKcp7iZ4g
Part 6 – Cruel but epic Dakar motorbike adventure – If this was a one day race, no one would enter
The massive challenge in Part 6 was not just the length and the brutal rocky terrain of Africa, but the navigation was tough too. Navigating over several hundred kilometers of relatively flat but open plain and barren desert with nothing in sight other than a horizon and rock after rock that looks the same is a lot more challenging that one may think in extreme desert racing. There is no GPS technology. It is like being lost at sea, left looks the same as right and vice versa, it is no wonder so many people got lost on this day and didn’t make it back until well after dark!
Part 7 – Riding so fast his pants fell down! Averaging 85km/h in the Africa Eco Race to Dakar
Faced with endless feeling terrain, Part 7 saw me racing fearless at full throttle for many hours. It was a mentally and physically draining day, with endless horizons, no major landmarks or features and nothing but vast empty spaced desert meaning navigation was to take center stage. Thankfully with my strong navigational skills and some tweaks to my bike yesterday it meant for a faster and shorter day today… only 9.5 hours riding my KTM rally replica bike.
Part 8 – Rest Day Shenanigans – Africa Eco Race
In the 13 day race all riders, drivers, competitors, service crew, support crews and organisers are given 1 rest day to be able to recharge and refuel their bodies, review equipment, service and maintain their vehicles and have a stretch, this rest day occurs on the 6th day of racing; the last day in Morocco before heading across the border into Mauritania.
Part 9 – What’s it like racing to Dakar? It’s time for Mauritanian sand
Riding over the border into Mauritania saw a transition in such an emotional and moving way; from the level of rubbish to the quality of living in the communities, and also the colossal amount of sand and to think this is just a teaser of what the adventure in Mauritania will be like over the second week of the race.
https://youtu.be/qttZqg-VhQg?si=24TyDl449onbcCpz
No wonder this is one of the hardest off road races in the world, I have made it just over halfway of this 13-day race, and tackling some of the gnarliest terrain Africa can offer. I have ridden over 3,800km so far and still have over 2,100km to go. This race is not designed for the weak, the mental toughness is just as hard if not harder than the physical endurance it takes on your body.
Everyone put the fear of God into me about Mauritania and how horrifically soft and brutal the sand was, which of course meant I have been terrified for days, weeks, months even years! Dreading the day I was to face this punishing terrain that the original Dakar route was to provide. Watch the next episode below to see the riding footage of me vs the Mauritanian sand dunes as I continue the race to Dakar.
Part 10 – Another day alone in the desert – fighting for Dakar in the Africa Eco Race
Part 11 – Africa is trying to break me….will I actually be able to make it Dakar?
The toughest day of the Africa Eco race so far. Extreme endurance racing from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal covering 6,000km following the original Dakar route is a grueling test… From the moment I woke I could tell it was going to be a hard day. The fatigue has really started to settle in. With another 478km to get through, I face not only the physical battle but the mental battle of the burning question – can I make it another day, and will I actually be able to make it Dakar? Watch below
Part 12 – Seeing such a huge crash in monster size dunes really shook me up
Consisting of 70% sand and at least 125 km of giant soft sand dunes and some very poor quality rocky tracks, day 10 (Part 12) was really hard going. In this extra warm part of Mauritania I had to be vigilant with my bike and body temperatures throughout the largest and most magnificent dunes in the country, reaching heights of up to 400meters!
Part 13 – Worst injury so far but I’m fighting on
After racing over 4,000km so far my body is fatigued, my energy levels are low and I need to dig deep. I can understand why being able to say you finished the original Dakar is such a huge achievement.
Another intense day in Africa racing to Dakar in the Africa Eco Race on my KTM. The toll on my body from day after day racing across the desert is really kicking my butt! Thankfully my incredible support crew are helping me keep going. As always I’m sharing the real honest reality of extreme rally racing with you, injuries and all. Watch below!
Part 14 – How do you race when your body is shutting down… This is killing me
The penultimate day! Dakar seems to be in sight but my body seems to be shutting down. The pain in my arms, pure exhaustion and mentally drained is a combination that sounds ready to quit. But with 837km left to Dakar the end feels so close! I really hope this Dakar series racing the original Dakar route in the Africa Eco Race gives you some behind the scenes understanding of what it takes to compete in such a grueling infamous race!
Part 15: – Massive crash 12km from Dakar
It’s finally time for the last day of the Africa Eco Race. The 6000+ km gruelling 13 day extreme desert rally all the way from Monaco France down to Dakar in Senegal has been the most monumental challenge on my body and mental resilience I have needed to just keep fighting on each day.
My mission has always been to share the real honest behind the scenes reality of what it takes to finish in Dakar. In the final episode things go dramatically wrong just 12 km from the 6000+ km finish line. On the famous beach race into Lac Rose I didn’t see shipwreck debris in the sand, throwing me over the handlebars and landing hard.
More information on this series:
EasySim www.easysim.global use discount code TGOAB15 for 15% off all data bundles
Guardian Bell tracking system www.guardianbell.co.uk
I’m riding Big Buddy a KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
KTech Suspension set for my weight
Michelin desert bib mousse and tyres to ensure zero punctures
Caulfield custom made seat for a happy Vanessa bottom
Cross Country ADV mega rally pegs
And my own personalized graphics designed by me
Custom tool kit hidden under the seat with Teng Tools and my emergency flare
My riding kit:
Mosko moto Woodsman Enduro pants and Backpack
Custom Owayo jersey
Alpinestars TechAir off road air vest [more information – link https://youtu.be/b7rRSbrQMrg]
Alpinestars Tech 7 boots
Scott goggles with scratch proof lens films by Infinite Optics
Hebo helmet with mouth water pipe
My support vehicle:
Land Rover Bowler Defender 90 on BF Goodrich tyres with Lazer lamp
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.
The Hard Alpi Tour is one of the longest and most scenic off-road rallies for larger adventure style motorcycles in Europe. This 800km long event spanning over northern Italy has four classes to allow all levels of motorcycle riders to get involved; The Extreme 1000, The Extreme, Discovery and The Classic.
The Hard Alpi Tour is 80% off road terrain with different lengths and different time allowances for the varying motorcycle classes. You must ride in teams of three as there is no mechanical support available to you, only medical support, so it is vital you carry an array of basic tools that you may need.
The extreme class begins at 11pm and the time allowance is 36 hours, this is what hubby Alex, bestie Anika and I decided to take on. In the video’s below I will show you the full behind the scenes of this adventure, showing you what to expect and what is involved, including riding footage direct from the Harley Davidson Pan America motorcycle; an adventure bike never before seen at this event.
Watch here
Part 1:
Part 2:
How heavily did I have to modify the Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle to make it handle a 36 hour Hard Alpi Tour Extreme 780km event? Here you go:
Changed the rubber to my favourite adv Michelin Motorcycle Anakee Wilds for the best traction
Added OEM Harley LED lights on front bars
Strapped on Mosko Moto Reckless 40 panniers for my sleeping and bivi bag, and road snacks
Screwed on a Peak Design phone mount
Downloaded the Harley navigation app to load the events GPX file straight to the bikes screen
Paired up our Cardo Systems intercoms for the ultimate banter
Carried charging cables and power banks to recharge lights / phones on the road
Turned off HD traction control and selected off road mode Then…it was all down to me!
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.
Following an epic 6-day motorcycle adventure through Iceland with RideWithLocals I have compiled a list of top tips and key things to know before you head out on your own Icelandic adventure. In the video below I will explain and discuss the following:
What to wear on your feet
How to safely cross rivers
Water quality
Weather
Tyres
Accommodation
Risk factors
Icelandic roads, tracks & terrain
Safety and security
Animals
Culture
Food
Watch the full video here
I filmed this while on a motorcycle trip in Iceland, my number one motorcycle riding country in the world. I did this trip with RideWithLocals – the only local Icelandic run off road motorcycle company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK.
if you want to see more about the overall trip please see my other videos from this series here:
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland:
Part 2: The volcano erupts daily and you can ride motorcycles right there – EPIC!
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.
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.
With so many enduro motorcycles on the market, it’s time to let you know my thoughts on the KTM EXC-F 350 and give you a full review. After spending 6 days and covering 300-400km each day in the saddle of this KTM EXC-F motorcycle riding through the heart of Iceland I thought what better place to do a review on this motorcycle than in this stunning landscape. In the video below I’ll talk through the key stats and get into the depths of how it feels to ride.
Enduro bike off road review on KTM EXC-F 350 in Iceland
The KTM offers a middle ground option for enduro riding that could be your ideal next or first enduro bike.
Some key areas I focus on in this review:
Size, power and weight ratio
Suspension
Ergonomics and riding position
Ground clearance
Seat height
Fuel tank
Weights
And of course, my concluding thoughts on the KTM EXC-F 350
I filmed this while on a trip in Iceland, my number one motorcycle riding country in the world, with Ride With Locals. Iceland offers motorcycle riding experiences like nowhere else on Earth so if you want to see more about the overall trip please see my other videos from this series here:
Part 1: Off-road motorcycling through the heart of ICELAND
Part 2: The volcano erupts daily and you can ride motorcycles right there – EPIC!
Top tips for riding motorcycles – 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.
Alpinestars Tech-Air Off Road Motorcycle Airbag Review
The Alpinestars Tech-Air Off Road Airbag is finally available on the public market! Boasting a 95% reduction in crash impact on the body – in my opinion that’s kit worth wearing.
I joined the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road global press launch in Death Valley, USA to test out the third-generation airbag. In the video below I will talk to you about all the details of this life saving piece of kit and why you should consider wearing one. Having used the Alpinestars Tech-Air off road motorcycle airbag myself for 2 years of rally racing including 8 international multi day races and the infamous original Dakar – The Africa Eco Race – I can say it’s saved my body and potentially my life on 5 occasions.
This video also includes multiple motorcycle crash videos where you can see how my air vest deploys.
Watch it here
What is the Tech-Air Off Road Airbag?
The Tech-Air Off Road is the latest, state-of-the-art motorcycle airbag protection system. A fully autonomous integrated motorcycle airbag system, that’s completely independent of the motorcycle, and is designed to provide full upper body protection ahead of the first impact of a crash – the key word here being, ahead – be it with the rider and bike, another vehicle, the ground, an object or obstacle. I explain the difference between this pre-crash deployment and other options such as tethered air vests in my video above.
How does it look and feel?
The airbag has been developed with performance materials creating a protection chassis that is highly ventilated, lightweight, ergonomic, and robust. It appears and feels like normal full body protective armour, with integrated elbow, back, shoulder and chest protection as well as the air vest system. It is a little bit bulkier than a normal full body protection, but not a huge amount, it is incredibly slimline, is made from highly ventilates stretch fabric which means it is breathable, comfortable and ultimately life and body saving with unobstructed movement.
How does the airbag work?
The airbag uses a series of tri-axial sensors including 3 accelerometers and 3 gyroscopes, which in turn, communicate with the system’s computer, sending data inputs every millisecond (or a thousand times a second) which determines exactly when the rider needs it, deploying before you even hit the ground! As you ride along, if the system detects and determines a crash unfolding, the air vest system will deploy ahead of the first impact of the crash. From the moment of imminent crash detection to full inflation of the airbag bladder will take between 40 and 60 milliseconds. Thankfully due to these intelligent accelerometers and gyroscopes you’re not going to have an embarrassing curb side inflate as the technology is far more attuned, knowing what’s an actual crash versus a little stumble.
Different algorithms for different terrains
Built into the Tech-Air off road system are also three separate algorithms – RALLY, ENDURO, AND STREET. What this means is that the Tech Air off-road air vest system is a perfect solution for any type of Adventure, Enduro, and Dual-Sport riders, allowing you to easily and quickly select the ride algorithm based on the type of terrain or riding.
To outline the differences between each ride mode algorithm:
ENDURO mode is optimized for low and medium speed riding, including enduro, dual-sport, and general off-road trail riding.
RALLY mode is optimized for fast off-road action on any type of terrain, including cross country, Baja, and Rally Raid competition type use.
STREET mode, just like on other Tech-Air systems, is optimized for any type of street riding on paved roads.
What does the airbag protect?
When it comes to coverage, the airbag protects the rider’s full back, chest, shoulders, and neck* The chest, back, elbow, and shoulder protectors are all certified to CE Level 1, with the ability to remove both shoulder and elbow protectors if wanted. The Back protector provides new cell technology, and the slim design (3.5 cm max) is highly ventilated and makes the back protector light and flexible.
Additionally, and as mandated by the FIM (Federation International Motorcycling) regulation, the Tech-Air off-road airbag has been tested in static conditions to comply with the international regulation where neck movements are limited to a maximum of 40° on the rear and 30° maximum on a lateral direction, helping tremendously to reduce and/or mitigate any sort of whiplash and/or neck injury.
Neck protectors like the Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) or similar are not to be used with the Tech-Air off-road system.
How many deployments / crashes can you have in an airbag?
Similar to the original Tech-Air RACE system, the Tech-Air off-road only deploys one canister at a time, providing riders with two individual deployments before needing to replace anything. So what that means, is that the rider can have a deployment, get up, keep going, and have another deployment ready if needed. Canister replacement is quick and easy, and the airbag bladder itself is good for up to 4 individual deployments before needing to be replaced, provided of course the bladder itself isn’t or wasn’t damaged. And canister replacement is made even easier thanks to the ability for a customer to change their own canisters, which is further facilitated by two red LED lights next to the canisters, indicating if they’re blown or not. It is worth noting that Alpinestars currently state a service requirements after 4 deploys but off the record conversations indicate that they are working to have this number increased based on experience that the air vest can take more deploys safely… but with all safety equipment, for Alpinestars to increase the number from 4 a dramatic time and cost is required for legal sign off. I haven’t said you can go more than 4… but…
How do I use it?
Simply put it on, zip it up, ride the highway to the trails, toggle the display to select your algorithm, and go. Simple as that… With the Tech-Air off road, it turns on and is activated simply by zipping up or unzipping the system, and there is also a 2-second vibrating haptic alert as well notifying the rider when the system is activated or deactivated.
Why choose this one?
This Alpinestars Tech Air Air Vest is specifically conceived for off-road riding, the culmination of more than 20 years of research and development, tens of thousands of man hours, and millions of kilometers of data logging and testing both on the track, and on public roads. And that’s not to mention the thousands of crashes not only our world-class riders have sustained in developing this revolutionary product, but also all the customers who have entrusted their safety, protection, and well-being to Alpinestars products. Even my own riding data has been collected by Alpinestars over the last few years to add to the data.
Sizing
The Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road airbag is available in 5 sizes: Small through to 2XL. Please note there is no women’s specific size, I’m 179cm tall and weighing approx. 65kg and the size Small is the perfect fit for me. For women there is a women’s focused air bag by Alpinestars – please check out the Tech-Air 3 Over Garment
Additional features:
1. Bladder water integration – The Tech-Air off-road also comes with the ability to easily use a hydration bladder without having to wear a separate bag or pack. There’s a breathable storage pocket with a connection loop to support the bladder on the back protector for even greater versatility and ease of use.
2. Battery life – When it comes to battery life, a fully charged battery will provide 30 hours of active ride time, and a low battery will fully charge in about four hours. The recharge plug is found on the upper right of the LED panel and is located to allow users easy access to quick battery charging.
3. LED display – The system’s status can be viewed at any time via its new LED display, which is located on the bottom left side of the chest protector and displays everything from battery level to armed or standby status. Also included on the LED display is a switch button and indicator showing which riding mode the system is in, which as mentioned earlier, includes RALLY, ENDURO, and STREET.
4. Washable – Additionally, riding and muscling the bike off-road can of course make you sweat, and the Tech-Air off-road System’s Electronic Control Unit and airbag are completely removable so that the Protection Under-Jacket can be washed separately, with the ability to keep it feeling and smelling fresh.
How much does it cost?
Alpinestars TechAir Off Road price tag is $999.95 USD (£800) with no subscription fee. Two new canisters cost around $169.95USD (£134) and will give two deploys / crashes. Every four crashes /deploys Alpinestars recommend getting the vest serviced for roughly $300USD (£235) at an authorised Alpinestars dealer.
Rider history using the Alpinestars airbag:
The final development version of the Tech-Air off-road Airbag System debuted at the Andalucia Rally in Spain in November 2020, and was worn by 52 riders at the Dakar in January 2021, including Kevin Benavides and Ricky Brabec who placed first and second in the race.
Then, in Morocco, the Tech-Air off-road System was worn by over 40 riders in the race, where there were 31 airbag system deployments, with 0 false positives. The Honda HRC, KTM, GASGAS, HERO, HUSQVARNA and YAMAHA official riders wore the Alpinestars Tech Air off-road V2 Airbag System. The riders in the top 3 overall for the race, all wore Tech-Air off-road: Pablo Quintanilla, Ricky Brabec, and Daniel Sanders.
In the 2023 Dakar, 83 riders on bikes and quads wore the Tech-Air off-road system earning 9 out of the top 10 positions including the full podium including Alpinestars rider, Kevin Benavides, the overall winner.
Needless to say, the air vest has been developed and proven in the world’s most demanding environments, time and time again. The 2024 Dakar saw over 110 motorcycle riders in the Alpinestars kit with all top ten riders in it. With over 300 crashes in the single event that was a lot of injuries saved.
I’ve had 5 crashes myself and every one of them was bad enough to know I would not have carried on without the airbag protecting me and taking 95% of the impact of the crash off me. Which is why it is so great to announce that the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road Airbag is now available to the general public.
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.
Wern Ddu Quarry – UK’s toughest hard enduro location
Wern Ddu Quarry, arguably the best and toughest hard enduro venue in the UK. Offering an array of different level hills, tracks, gnarly rocky streams and more.
Welcome to Wern Ddu Quarry, arguably the best and toughest hard enduro venue in the UK. Finding decent places to ride and train hard enduro can be tough, especially with so many places closing down. The venue offers an array of different level hills, climbs, single track and even gnarly rocky streams. This means it is suitable for notice through to highly experienced riders.
In this video I’ll share a day riding at Wern Ddu Quarry in North Wales and you can see for yourself why it is one of the best enduro venues in the UK and how it nearly killed me!
Welcome to Wern Ddu
Expect to be exhausted and bruised by the end of the day, but you will be leaving with a huge smile and improved skills. It is open on weekends pretty much all year round, with pre booking available on their website.
Enduro bikes and trials bikes are allowed but there is a noise limit on bikes, so be sure to check as they are strict [OEM pipes recommended].
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.
