Well, that escalated! My number of wheels seems to have multiplied. This is a brand-new series…no, I will NOT be leaving bikes but there is room for more vehicles in life.
I’m teaming up with the experience of Bowler to join their Customer Training program as a brand ambassador for 2023 and taking on the challenge to complete the UK rally series in this 2.3-tonne 300hp monster!! Have I ever raced 4×4 before? NO! But heck, everyone has to start somewhere, and with Bowler, I’ll have more experience than you can shake a stick at to coach me from zero knowledge to racing…so let’s go!!
This is part 1 – experiencing what the base model Land Rover Defender can do at the Eastnor training facility in England. I’ll take you behind the scenes of what a day with Land Rover looks like and this is the first step in my Bowler rally journey. Learning how the base model vehicle runs with the huge magnitude of technology inside that makes it so blinking capable…is so that when I get in the 300hp Bowler Defender rally car with ALL the technology turned off… I can tell the difference. Yikes.
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.
Is the Praep ProPilot core balance trainer a gimmick?
No definitely not and here’s why! This magic kit gives fun, motivation and unbelievable fitness at home. I thought it might be a gimmick, but it’s actually nails and really enjoyable. The Praep ProPilot has been designed to keep you motivated with this fun app, setting training goals and tracking your progress. But the key is its connection with moto and bike fitness. Life often means we can’t ride quite as much as we wish but with the ProPilot we can get some serious bike endurance going from our living rooms. The set-up mimics that faced on the bike, homing in on the core muscle groups and giving you a serious pump without being on the bike.
For 15% off Praep discount code use “VR15” shop at Praep.com
What is the Praep ProPilot?
In short, it’s a bike handlebar balancing device, but in reality, it is so much more. The handlebar is mounted on a central unit with three difficulty settings, each giving more or less stability and wobble. The harder the setting the tougher the workout. Designed by bikers the ProPilot is designed specifically to support off the bike, bike fitness. There is a free app to use in conjunction which provides a selection of workouts, exercises, challenges and games! Yes games. My favourite is Game of B.I.K.E.
ProPilot trainer
What is Game of B.I.K.E.?
This is a plank balancing game. You hold a blank, balancing on the Praep ProPilot so it’s far more than just a normal plank and then using the app you have to ride the bike down either a dirt track or street. The game plays a rolling display as you ride and random obstacles appear forcing you to weave and manoeuvre past them. You do this by leaning on the bars, adding to the strength and core stability required.
I challenge you to your best score in a Game of B.I.K.E!
Will the Praep ProPilot get boring?
With all thing there’s the risk of things getting old but I genuinely can’t see this happening.
There are loads of variation workouts in the app and the key for me is that it makes doing stuff that’s amazing for the body fun. Simple things like holding a balance blank…boring…but when you’re riding a downhill track it’s suddenly fun!
It also tracks your progress and gives you challenges, all bait to getting that workout done when the motivation might be lacking. But I really think the key for me is the enjoyment and the feeling of being on a bike. Ok, it’s not like actually riding a bike but you really can feel the similarities and thus know it is going to help your riding fitness.
What’s next for Praep?
Praep is a relatively new company too so given the app offering already I can almost guarantee there are going to be some epic updates coming soon. More content, more games, more challenges and an even more intelligent interface. I’m excited for what is to come and getting in early is always a good thing.
Can you use your own handlebars?
Absolutely! Praep offer a few variations:
ProPilot – this is just the central unit and you can attach this to any moto / bike handlebars. This is a big saving if you have an old handlebar sat around
ProPilot Moto Kit – this is the full handlebar set up with moto style grips
ProPilot Home Kit – here you get all the extras for the ultimate home workout. Such as skid plates for your feet and work out bands to add new moves to the workouts. This is what I have.
Gym-Edition comes with a handlebar that gives you numerous grip positions to train certain muscle groups even more intensely.
The App is completely free and there is no subscription cost.
Praep ProPilot kit options
What is the difference between doing normal push-ups and Praep ProPilot push-ups?
With the need to balance and hold the core the push up is considerably more intense and using more of the body’s strength and muscle groups. So the main difference is the instability and the muscles it triggers: the deep muscles. These are not the classic bulking muscle pumped in the gym or with regular push-ups. It’s the muscles that ensure stability, strength, and endurance. The core.
Generally, we all have two different kinds of muscle fibres. The ones that burn sugar and get sore when engaged too hard and too long, and the ones that are close to your joints that burn oxygen and have a better long-term performance. They are called deep muscles and this is what we are triggering. The ProPilot isn’t going to bulk you up, it’s going to give you some serious core strength and toning!
Praep push-ups adding a huge core workout
Can you do more than just planks and push-ups?
Absolutely! Praep have been creative working with pro athletes and real riders to work out lots of ways to use the ProPilot. It’s not just planks and push-ups. Add a band for arms or use skip plates on the feet to give an even more intense all body workout. Keep any eye on the Praep YouTube for inspiration.
Band workout
with ProPilot
How does the Praep ProPilot connect with the app and phones?
Praep have a free app, simply download, sign up and go! With modern iPhones having various motion detections and sensors the app utilises these. You sit the device on the ProPilot [it comes with a small magnet to ensure it doesn’t slide off but it’s not vital] and the iphone sensors feed the app with what’s happening. It can feel the balance point knowing when you’re learning, when your face is near for a push-up count and takes in this information.
You can watch downhill YouTube videos, where you can enjoy virtual trail riding in the plank position and weave around obstacles. Something you need to try out. It makes the whole training more gamified, distracting the mind as the muscles start to burn.
Why is the ProPilot not counting my push ups?
This is something I noticed at first but it’s down to technique. For the pump push ups the ProPilot app uses the proximity sensor of your phone. This is the same features used by the phone to know when the device is next to your ear for a call, and thus turning the screen off. It ensures that the display is switched off as soon as you have the phone on your ear. However, this also means that it only triggers when you are really close to the display (1-3 cm). You can easily test this with your palm by holding it very close to the front camera. Here, however, the sensors of the various telephones react differently. In addition, the mode is programmed so that it ends the session after 5 seconds without contact. So put your chest / face down to the display and don’t pause too long.
You need to do reps in less than 5 seconds and go all the way down or it will time out or not count.
Overall Rating
The ProPilot turns monotonous workouts into fun and efficient training sessions, improving your coordination and stamina on the bike. I’m full on addicted, playing daily and seeing some serious strength gains in a short period of time.
Get one ordered and start the fun!
For 15% off Praep ProPilot use “VR15”
*I do make a small commission if you buy so thank you in advance for the support and I hope you enjoy the Praep burn too.
Have you ever paused to notice how content dog look with their head out the window? They have the wind in their hair, the world is whizzing past and they’re panting happily. That’s exactly how I feel when I’m riding motorcycle. Maybe minus the panting. It’s freedom, the open road, the escapism and speed.
There are 1.3 million bikers in the UK, but a terrifying one in four of the population experiences a mental health problem every year. It’s even being described as an epidemic. According to the World Health Organisation, “by 2030 depression will be the leading illness globally”. The cure? More motorbikes! Seriously!
There’s a thriving industry focussed on supporting mental health through adventure therapy. You leave normal life behind, venture off into the wilderness and participate in emotionally and physically challenging, sometimes risky, outdoor activities. The idea is that exposing yourself [not like that] to nature’s elements grounds you. No hustle and bustle of life, it’s just survival. And that’s exactly what I get from riding.
Adventure therapy
There is something so spiritually replenishing about being out on the edge of wilderness on a motorbike. The emotions, the nomadic sense of adventure, tackling the terrain beneath your wheels, where you can be threatened by nature and intimidated by the landscape. Gnarly assents, deep-water crossing, the exhaustion of hauling the bike out of an unexpected bog. You’re sweating and covered in mud, but you’re alive and you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
The unexpected bog
But what about road riding? You’ve still left life normal life behind, have nothing but the open road ahead, and it’s all about the ride. Sweeping turns, long stretches to open up on and the rainstorm you outran for the warmth of sunshine. Solitude. Life feels good. You’re completely enveloped in sensations you can’t ignore.
There’s a sense of self-preservation that is often absent in daily lives. That turn you took a little too fast, that negative camber that nearly had you off, the flood of endorphins. Your mind is solely focussed on the moment. It’s a thrill all bikers have in common.
Imagine if more people could experience that? Just think of the NHS cost savings. I would have loved my GP to prescribed me a course of track days for post-traumatic stress disorder. Sod counselling, ride a motorcycle.
Your mind is solely focussed on the moment
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harley’s 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.
Embarking on a mega road trip from Wales to Africa on the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro means the ultimate test of its capabilities. Can a Tiger 900 Rally Pro Tour? Let’s find out! This is part one of a multi part series where I push the Rally Pro to the extremes both on the road, off road and even, into the extremes of the Moroccan desert in a 7 day desert rally 1000 Dunas. Stay tuned for the full series – tick the bell for notifications so you don’t miss it!
Vanessa Ruck testing the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
By the end of the series you should know everything there is to know about the Tiger and also, hopefully, had some entertainment on the way! Please do remember to subscribe to my channels and let me know what you think, plus any questions in the video comments.
Videos in this Tiger 900 7 part series:
Touring capability and tech specs – Can a Tiger Tour Part 1 and 2
How to Turn Tiger into an off road rally bike fit for a desert rally in Morocco
Pushing the Tiger to the limits with the 1000 Dunas desert rally – part 1 and Part 2
Tiger 900 Rally Pro properly tested – part 1 – Wales to Africa
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.
ANOTHER FIRST FOR BRITISH FEMALE SPORTING ACHEIVEMENTS
The first female to finish 1000 Dunas desert rally in Morocco on a huge adventure bike
Vanessa Ruck, a British motorcycle rider and UK based adventurer, has completed the 1000 DUNAS RAID in Morocco, making her the first female to ever finish on a standard production large-capacity adventure bike. Battling dry riverbeds, sand, camel grass, dunes, and long distances over rough terrain every day. Vanessa finished the 7-day rally with teammate Aled Price, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
You can watch the full behind the scenes 1000 Dunas rally on Vanessa’s YouTube – links below
According to the 1000 Dunas organisers, this event is all about being the ultimate test of how far you can go, and not all riders are expected to finish every single day. The paper-based roadbook navigation is tricky, the terrain is hard, and the distances are long.
“Most people were there on more typical smaller rally bikes. I was part of a very small group of nutters on large motorcycles”, Vanessa says. The terrain was incredibly challenging at times and recovering a bike over 3 times your body weight in soft sand presents a real struggle. “We had a section of small, uneven dunes covered in camel grass where Aled and I were in full survival mode.
We got more and more tired, so it was teamwork to recover the bikes until the unthinkable happened, Aled’s clutch burned out. The bike was dead. I was left with no choice but to continue through the dunes and remaining 180km day alone.
As I pulled away, leaving him to be rescued, I knew I was riding for my life. Just one mistake, one drop in the deep sand could be game over. My heart was racing and it took every bit of determination, strength and fight to make it through. Being alone in a desert on a bike like that… that was brutal, and the heat, and fatigue and fear builds very quickly”, Vanessa explains.
The Adventure of a Thousand Dunes
The 1000 Dunas, a Morocco rally, starts in Granada, Spain, takes riders across the Moroccan desert to Merzouga, then loops back to Granada for the finish covering over 1,500km. It’s a seven-day rally that isn’t timed but is designed to give riders the opportunity to test their roadbook navigation skills, their endurance, and their bikes. Riders are ranked according to navigation accuracy and whether they finish each stage, and Vanessa came in 8th out of eleven Hard Trail finishers.
Vanessa – also known as ‘The Girl on a Bike’ rode the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycle from the UK to Spain carrying all her camping gear, tools, and spares with her. Then, she spent one day familiarising herself with the bike off-road at Triumph Adventure Experience in Spain, did some minor tweaks on the Tiger, and lined up at the 1000 Dunas start.
Most would want weeks to prepare but Vanessa just jumped straight in. Vanessa shares she would have perhaps hesitated a little more before saying “yes” to entering the 1000 Dunas on an adventure bike if she’d known just how brutal it was going to be. “Then again, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, so I was determined to give it my all to get over that finish line. However, while I think going into the desert with rocky riverbeds, boulder fields, dunes, hill climbs, and sand on a Tiger is brave, doing it alone would have been stupid, which is why I chose to ride with Aled”, Vanessa explains
Fighting on at 1000 Dunas
Vanessa covered the distance and made it to the finish line every single day, although teammate Aled Price completed 6 of the 7 days due to a mechanical issue leaving Vanessa to brave the barren desert solo. Each day their arrival at the bivouac elicited cheers and support from other riders on smaller motorcycles. According to Vanessa, they had no idea whether the Triumph Tigers would hold or whether they would be capable enough for a rally raid like this – yet day in and day out, the motorcycles just plowed on.
It’s not hard to imagine that wrestling a heavy 900cc adventure motorcycle over sand dunes rather than a lighter bike is a much harder job.
“The feeling of finishing 1000 Dunas is absolutely incredible. Male or female, getting across that finish line is an achievement. Doing it as a female just makes me feel really proud for other women out there and hopefully show some inspiration and encourage others to give it a go. Sure, I have to fight a little harder, I’m smaller and not as strong as a guy, but women absolutely can do it, and it’s a very powerful feeling. I’m utterly exhausted right now but buzzing at the same time.
Vanessa’s story is one of true resilience and utter determination so it’s no surprise to her social media followers that she finished! She describes herself as just a normal girl who faced one of life’s big curve balls. But after being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, resulting in 7 surgeries and a roller-coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning 7 years, taking on 1000 Dunas was no mean feat!
Who is Vanessa Ruck?
Vanessa found her love for motorbikes seven years ago while recovering from a cycling accident. After a lengthy recovery involving five hip and two shoulder surgeries, she found new adventures on a motorcycle, and never looked back. Having no previous rally experience, Vanessa took on the Qatar International Baja, Rallye du Maroc and then became the first woman to have ever competed in the Tunisia Desert Challenge and has now competed in numerous rallies, including the notorious Red Bull Romaniacs and Dinaric Rally. She has since made it her mission to break barriers and expectations, whether through upskilling her knowledge of motorcycle mechanics or mastering unforgiving terrain.
Vanessa continued: “My accident was the hardest thing I ever had to go through, and my love for riding has meant I can embrace new challenges that are within my control. Mental attitude is a huge contributor to success – for me, staying positive and not being afraid to fail have allowed me to continue to push my limits to places I never thought I could go.”
And Vanessa isn’t giving up any time soon. “I refuse to let what happened in my past completely control my future, she asserts. “Yes, I could have less pain if I didn’t push my body as much. But my mental pain would be worse. Getting up and getting out there and managing the pain, I can take control of my mental state and get the satisfaction and the energy from it to manage the rest.”
For anyone wanting to see the riding action head over to Vanessa’s YouTube as she’ll be sharing a behind the scenes series later this month.
Can the Tiger Tour? Can a Tiger Rally? Find out below:
Part 1 – Tiger 900 Rally Pro properly tested – Wales to Africa
Part 2 – Tiger 900 Rally Pro properly tested – Wales to Africa
Part 3 – Tiger 900 Rally Pro off road calibration at Triumph Adventure Center Spain – Wales to Africa
Part 4 – Turning a Tiger 900 Rally Pro into a desert rally bike – Wales to Africa
Part 5 – Tiger 900 Rally Pro desert sand test in 1000 Dunas rally – part 5 – Wales to Africa
Part 6 – How To road book navigate
Part 7- Tiger 900 Pro’s Epic Dune Battle: Conquering 1000 Dunas Rally from Wales to Dakar
Part 8 -Tiger 900 Pro’s Adventure Continues: Overcoming Challenges in the 1000 Dunas Rally
Par 9 – Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro’s Ultimate Test: Finishing the 1000 Dunas Rally
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 TUNISIA DESERT CHALLENGE returned to the birth place of rally-raid and introduced a new, epic rally-raid across Tunisia. The Tunisia Desert Challenge is much more than an alternative to the MDC Morocco Desert Challenge. It will be a new annual rally-raid, which is an exact copy of the MDC in terms of organisation, but totally innovative in terms of tracks. Having done the race….I promised a raw, real and honest behind the scenes of extreme rally racing…here it is! A three part series as the first women to ever enter the Tunisia Desert Challenge, an 8 day extreme rally raid. I’ve entered the full rally raid class, so up there riding with the pros, and it’s a full on 8 day moving bivouac race.
In my three part video series of the Tunisia Desert Challenge you will get to see everything that is involved in participating in this extreme race….it’s already got the reputation as being harder then Dakar with multiple time Dakar riders saying the TDC was by far the hardest riding they’ve done. Hard in how technical the terrain is, but also in how tricky the navigation is. The Tunisia Desert Challenge is one seriously extreme race. Watch the below for more:
Part 1: The race begins…Tunisia Desert Challenge
This is part 1 of a three part series showing you the real behind the scenes of one of the toughest races out there.
In part one you’ll see what goes into getting to the start of the race. Getting to the start line is an hugely understated process in rally riding. The lead up, planning, bike building, preparing and of course finance is huge. It’s weeks of admin sorting insurance, ordering tyres, race licences and carefully packing the required safety and medical items, kit and tools needed for all scenarios.
Once you’re finally on the ground the admin continues as any good rally, such as The Tunisia Desert Challenge, have a meticulous sign off process to ensure every competitor is equipped for the challenges ahead. No safety flare and kit, no start. Not got the right riding kit, you’re not starting. No insurance, no racing. And the bike’s also inspected, including all your SAT kit for tracking to enable the mission control team can monitor you. If you’ve not got your admin sorted, it’s not going to be looking good! But the reality is that these checks safe lives 🙏
Disappearing into the desert solo on a bike comes with risks. But together the administration can help negate some of the risks.
I hope you enjoy, please do watch, let me know in the comments and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest!
Part 2: It’s time to go into the desert… alone…Tunisia Desert Challenge
This is part 2 of a three part series showing you the real behind the scenes of one of the toughest races out there. This video is the first day into the desert, day 2 and 3 of 8 days riding. My nerves are really high, the riding intensity goes up as we hit the dunes. With some extreme terrain, described as as the hardest day’s riding they’ve ever done by a 10x Dakar finisher… day three is a tough day. I push on but just don’t have the strength. 16 motorcycles and a total of 30 vehicles were rescued that day. Check out my campfire in the desert….I also had a 4.5 hour ride in an 18 wheeler MAN sweeper truck being rescued. Getting back to the bivouac at 3.50 aim it’s ends with the unknown as to whether I will be continuing.
Part 3: Near death helicopter rescue – Tunisia Desert Challenge – 1st female to enter behind the scenes PART THREE
Let’s just say things get even more intense! Bike issues, 7 hours in 45 degree dunes and a near death evacuation, then the 85mph sand storm, cancelled stages, stuck trucks, full bivouac life. Keep watching to the end to see how I place in the motorcycles category as the first ever female to enter the Tunisia Desert Challenge. I really hope you enjoy, I’m all cards on the table… honest and open.
Please do comment and let me know any emotions you have watching this Tunisia Desert Challenge series.
More information:
I’m riding the Beta 480 RR for the Tunisia Desert Challenge. I’m upped my game and did the full rally raid category so a 250km fuel range, full navigation tower, Michelin race rubber and tricked up Ktech suspension is just part in the build. I’m road with Desert Road Racing as my bike support, rally mechanics and all round knowledge pool as I take my rally riding to the next level. This was a BIG rally.
For more information on details shared in the videos:
Cardo Intercoms 15% off use https://cardosystems.rfrl.co/5gxzq
Desert Rose Racing: I highly recommend http://www.desertroseracing.com/
Active Collagen 20% discount with link: https://bit.ly/2y45MM3 or 10% off use UPVRUC10
360 camera used – Insta360 ONE X2 discount: https://www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?insrc=INRVDIU
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.
Female riders Experience Central America’s best-kept motorcycling secret
Cruising along a narrow dirt trail as the sun beats down on the red earth and the rainforest around me teems with greenery, I hear Suzanne, the rider behind me, hit her brakes hard.
As I slow down to see what’s up – perhaps she’s got a flat tire or forgot something at our last stop? – I watch her jump off her motorcycle. She bends down and looks at something on the ground; spinning my bike around, I go over to investigate.
Suzanne hasn’t got a flat tire.
She’s got a python – a live, adult python – in her hands.
The girl on a bike vanessa ruck with python
Sounds nuts? That may be, but we’re riding Belize, a small Caribbean country covered in lush green jungle where curious creatures abound. By the time the other riders catch up with us, I’ve worked up the courage to pick up the python sleepily resting on Suzanne’s arms, too. All of a sudden, this feels perfectly normal: nine women on dual-sport motorcycles parked up on a side of a trail, petting a python, chatting casually, and taking photos: just a regular two-wheeled outing somewhere on the other side of the world.
Except, of course, it isn’t. Belize is well-known for its Caribbean resorts and spectacular coral reefs, but when it comes to bikes, few people know Belize as a motorcycling destination. Fewer people still ever ride it, and as for the expedition I’m on, it’s the first of its kind: a guided women-only trip taking gals on bikes across the entire country. On road, off-road, and just about everything in between, we’re on a quest to discover Belize together, traveling its remote regions and bonding over bikes and adventures.
Suzanne finally puts the friendly snake back in the tall rainforest grass, and we jump back on the bikes to make our way through the jungle following our guides back to base. Just before returning to our hotel, we’re led along a narrow gravel track and end up at the beach, the turquoise-blue waves lapping at the white sand, the wind whipping up our hair.
Standing by my bike and looking out to sea, I can’t quite believe I’ve just ridden across a rainforest and a Caribbean beach – yet here we are, an all-female crew of riders having completed Day One of our Belizean adventure.
Meet the Team
Back at our basecamp in the small beach town of Hopkins, we gather round for a briefing on the rooftop terrace. I’m curious to get to know my fellow adventurers better: there’s Alana, a Canadian women in her fifties who recently passed her test and hasn’t ridden off-road before but decided she was in for a challenge. Following her divorce, Belize is an opportunity to do something for herself for the first time in years.
There’s Mariska, a smiley South African gal on a break from work and on the lookout for adventure; there’s Golnoosh, a Canadian-Iranian rider going on a two-wheeled trip abroad for the first time, and Suzanne the Snake Whisperer from the US, a brilliant rider and a source of hilarious commentary. Then, there are Egle and Jurga, our guides and masterminds behind the all-female Belize bike trip, and finally, Emma, our host and bike rental owner in Hopkins.
I’ll admit, I mostly ride with men – at home, at the races, or while traveling – simply because motorcycling is a male-dominated world, and I love riding with the guys. Women on motorcycles are still a minority, especially when it comes to riding dirt, so I was intrigued to ride in an all-female crew: let’s face it, nine women on bikes traveling together is an unusual sight! Still, I have my reservations: having experienced bullying by mean girls at school for my tomboyish ways, I’ve no idea what to expect from these women. Are we going to click, and will we connect riding Belize together for twelve days, or are we going to remain strangers on bikes brought together by circumstance?
There’s only one way to find out.
Into the Wild
Waking up early in the morning, still a little jetlagged, we make our way to our breakfast spot. It’s a small local eatery run by Raquel, a cheerful Garifuna lady always ready with a smile and a generous plate of eggs and bacon. Hopkins feels a lot like Jamaica rather than Central America because of its vibrant Garifuna population: originally from West Africa, the Garifuna in Belize are famous for their hospitality, delicious cuisine, and drumming parties.
Bellies full of breakfast burritos, we jump on our 250cc bikes and head out. It’s raining a little, but the scenery around us more than makes up for it. As we travel across the emerald green rainforest, scarlet macaws taking flight, creeks and small rivers crisscrossing the jungle, it’s like riding in some distant green planet barely touched by human activity.
As we approach our first creek crossing, I’m a little worried whether Alana and Mariska are going to make it across. It’s rocky and slippery, and both of them don’t have much experience riding off road. Egle and Jurga wade into the creek, ready to help Alana and Mariska across. I’m waiting on the other side in case they need a hand or stall – it’s a slight uphill after the water crossing, and I know just how intimidating wet rocks can be if you’re a beginner rider.
Instead of crashing, slipping, or stalling, however, both Alana and Mariska make it across like pros. We all cheer – clearly, these two gals are ready for a challenge, and we carry on riding deeper into the jungle, wide grins under our helmets.
Belize is hot and humid, so we make a habit of stopping at waterfalls and swimming holes to cool down. Soon, I realize the best policy is to simply wear a bikini under the riding gear: we braap, then we swim – that, in a nutshell, is a Belize survival guide. As we travel along, we cover sections of the Hummingbird Highway where the dense jungle flatlands are replaced by green rolling hills. Leaving tarmac again, we end up at a quiet jungle lodge complete with a swimming pool and a barbecue dinner.
Next up, it’s another stretch on dirt exploring stalactite-dotted caves and having lunch by the river before arriving at our next destination for a rest day. And if you’re thinking plush resorts or SPAs, think again: our rainforest hideaway is an eco-farm complete with horse riding and river cruises in a pontoon boat spotting crocodiles and howler monkeys along the way.
Mud, Bikes, and Coral Reefs
As we press on riding ever-deeper into the Belizean countryside, I’m starting to realize this trip is jam-packed with off-bike activities I’d never have had the time to organize myself. On ride days, we stop to make traditional tortillas with local Mayan women, visit waterfalls and caves, explore incredible Mayan ruins and eat lunch with the locals. During the rest days, the gals opt for a snorkelling trip to a Caribbean island, while Suzanne and I go for a diving expedition at Hamanasi resort to explore the coral reefs and swim with sharks. There’s also a bioluminescence tour and a Garifuna drumming party on the menu, and it’s starting to feel like this tour is both about the riding, the adventure, and the culture.
As the trip draws to an end, I realize we’ve ridden across Belize’s most remote rainforest trails, savannah, and beaches. We’ve done long days in the saddle and covered some dusty miles, helping each other along the way and supporting each other. We’ve battled mud, bent gear shifters, and the limits of our own comfort zones. From jaguar sanctuaries and remote Mayan villages to Caribbean towns and spectacular landscapes, we’ve experienced Belize in the best way imaginable: on two wheels, and in the company of like-minded adventuresses.
Best of all, we’ve all learned a thing or two about pushing our own edge. For me, riding dirt and traveling on bikes is all about challenging myself and exploring places off the beaten path. Having survived a car accident that’s left me with a reconstructed body, I purposely seek out adventures and physical and mental challenges – if I’m to grow as a rider and as a person, that’s the way to do it.
But seeing other women riders tackle terrain they’ve never ridden before, crashing, then getting right back into the saddle again, conquering their own fears, and finding that they’re capable, confident, and hilarious (looking at you, Suzanne!), was an entirely new experience.
So what’s my final verdict on riding Belize in an all-female crew? I’d definitely be up for another Caribbean adventure: most of us have ridden mountains and deserts, but exploring a jungle-covered wilderness on a bike is something completely different. And when it comes to women-only rides, I’ve learned they can be empowering in more ways than one.
It’s not just about the riding: it’s also about letting your hair down in the company of like-minded gals and creating new friendships along the way. If we want to see more women on bikes, all-female adventures might just be a good place to start!
Who are the Big Little Ride girls?
Egle and Jurga are founders of Big Little Rides, a motorcycle event planning company designing all-female adventure, dirt, and training tours around the world.
Travelers, adventure riders, and guides, Jurga and Egle have ridden bikes in Asia, the Americas, North Africa, and Europe. Obsessed with dual-sport riding and obscure destinations and driven by the desire to share the adventures, Jurga and Egle started Big Little Rides back in 2020. They began organizing a few women’s enduro weekends here and there just for fun, but soon found there was so much interest they felt like there was no turning back.
“Our trips and training events are aimed at women riders who are looking for adventure and a travel experience, but what usually ends up happening is that they also get a major confidence boost – and a good dose of inspiration to keep riding on their own. Our events aren’t about shutting male riders out: instead, they’re about creating space for women to be who they are, ride at their own pace and level, learn together, and support one another. Big Little Rides is about pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone, going on motorcycle adventures with other women, and finding that you’re more capable and confident than you thought”, Egle and Jurga explain.
Big Little Rides offer two-wheeled adventures for women ranging from long expeditions in places like South America to shorter European trips and dirt bike training weekends, available for all skill levels and experience (or no experience at all!).
The tour with Motourismo, Big Little Rides
Women’s Adventure Motorcycle Tour in Belize is a 10-day tour including off-road and road riding, plenty of adventure, and unique experiences. A fully-supported tour costs 2,970 GBP and includes motorcycle rental, hotels, fuel, and female guides. You’ll be exploring the Caribbean on small dual-sport bikes in the company of other women, discovering jungle trails, remote indigenous villages, and Mayan ruins, and enjoy some well-deserved rest on the beach or snorkelling over the second largest coral reef in the world.
Other Big Little Rides adventures take place in: Colombia, Portugal, Spain, Romania.
Part 1 Belize – A crew of babes assembled for a mega Belize adventure on motorcycles – this is day one
Part 2 We found the jungle
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.
Having joined a MOTOURISMO trip to Belize with their tour operator Big Little Rides and I could not recommend it more highly. Using the Motourismo website I was able to search, navigate and read about all kinds of different motorcycle adventures, tours and trips around the world. The detailed information enabled me to whittle down my topic pics, until I eventually decided on Belize.
Knowing that MOTOURISMO carefully vet the tour operators they work with to ensure a certain standard is met gave me some confidence for sure. There are so many locations out there, and culturally standards can vary quite dramatically. MOTOURISMO apparently vet vendors for things like bike quality, service, accommodation and general touring experience. Now while I can’t speak for all trips provided by MOTOURISMO, in this review I’ll focus on the experience I had in Belize.
Who are MOTOURISMO
MOTOURISMO offers over 80 providers of motorcycle tours, training courses and shipping options to open the world of adventure in one place.
Bikes and Belize! Literally what more could we wish for? I booked 11 days of adventure all planned by the tour operator and all revolving around two wheels but tied into discovering the wilderness of Belize. The 11 days saw us doing over 25 different activities, from river tubing in the jungle to hunting out wrecked planes, diving, cooling off in waterfalls and pontoon parties. It was a fully organised adventure with Big Little Rides. The beauty for me is that I did not have to think about anything other than enjoying it.
All the routes, accommodation, food stops, fuel locations, top photo locations and bike rental was organised for me. Once I was on the ground in Belize I was looked after. I found the trip using the search functionality on MOTOURISMO and I’m so happy with the holiday I then had.
You can see the full adventure in my multiple part YouTube series below:
Part 1 Belize – A crew of babes assembled for a mega Belize adventure on motorcycles – this is day one
Part 2 We found the jungle
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.
Try roadbook navigation for the first time – UK RallyMoto CannonBall challenge Join me on a one day adventure doing the RallyMoto CannonBall challenge.
If you have ever found yourself tempted to try Dakar style roadbook navigation before then this is an event for you. You just need an an android tablet and a road legal bike. This video I ride my Harley-Davidson Pan America on the 425km CannonBall challenge with Gab’s of Rally Moto
Who’s game for a ride?
The route starts in north Wales and wiggles across the country down to south wales with some epic scenes! The roads, the landscape, the ride. It’s epic! 425km of it to be precise. You can sign up and get the navigation yourself…you just need a bike and Android device. Who’s tried roadbook before?
I also talk through a little more on how to read roadbook in this video. I hope you enjoy! Oh and who is going to try and beat our completion time?
RallyMoto CannonBall
More on the event:
https://rallymoto.co.uk/cannonball-challenge/
You can complete in your own time, on sign up you will have 3 months to do it.
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.
Vanessa Ruck – female mental health speaker UK – ideal for diversity and inclusion, and Mental health
Vanessa is a motorcycle rider, racer and adventure, but her story is far more than just one of motorcycles. As a TEDx and award winning mental health speaker in the UK she has crafted highly relatable lessons from her journey. She speaks passionately and authentically about the challenges of recovery from a life changing accident and making the most of every day. After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Vanessa’s world was turned upside down, resulting in 7 surgeries and a roller-coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning 7 years. Through her recovery she discovered motorcycles, becoming known as “The Girl On A Bike” and is an incredible female mental health speaker.
Vanessa Ruck TEDx speaker
“At a time when the world is full of doom and gloom, I want to deliver a real drive and inspiration. Bringing real life challenges, battles and big goals in the hope that it will encourage others to get up and take life by the hands and focus on what they can do.”
Vanessa Ruck mental health speaker UK
Helping Inspire Others to Make the Most of Each Day
Combining her ten-year career in marketing and her resilience for life, Vanessa has built a following of over 450,000. She now inspires others to get up and tackle the battles life throws at us with gratitude and happiness. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic social media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls.
Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Vanessa has successfully leveraged the power of social media, passionate storytelling and marketing to share her story and inspire others. She empowers others with the lessons she has learned through her emotional, thought provoking and highly engaging story.
If we can pull her away from her bikes, she will bring an incredible energy to your speaking events – female keynote speaker in the UK – motivational speaker for pure resilience, determination and inspiration. She’s ideal for diversity and inclusion, and Mental health. And is a powerful example of female strength doing races that many men would shy away from.
Brands worked with include:
Royal EnfieldSSA UK LogoKohlerShellBowlerGE Aviation logo.svgJaguar Land Rover JLR
What the audience can expect
An exciting story of sports and challenges from the point of view of Vanessa, who as a fit and active individual with many passions was struck down by an unavoidable accident and went on to find new ways of slaking her thirst for adventure by becoming “The Girl on a Bike”.
The sessions deliver practical advice and focus on:
Learning to accept your situation and love yourself
Importance of talking about mental health
Reality that life does have challenges and battles – it’s normal
Working on outcomes, not the process, with goal setting to keep you focused and motivated
The importance of understanding the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’ when anxiety hits
Remembering that wanting to quit is normal – but what makes you extraordinary is not quitting
That FEAR is just False-Expectations-Appearing-Real
Dealing with pressure
Importance and benefit of gratitude
Being part of the solution and a overcome mindset
Presentation Approach
Vanessa speaks from the heart, and as such will take your audience on a journey of emotions. They will feel they are with her through the adversity and adventure alike and will come away from the presentation with a renewed vigour and outlook.
Recommendations for Vanessa as female inspirational speaker
‘As the owner of Dorothy’s Speed Shop down in North Devon I booked Vanessa to come and give a talk and go riding the next day. As a result, I would wholeheartedly recommend her as a guest speaker. She’s passionate about the subject, has a great story to tell but more importantly you get the sense that she really wants to connect and engage with the audience, and the feedback I had from my customers as a result was phenomenal. Great speaker and great person to have around. Would highly recommend.’
Nathan Millard, Dororthy’s Speed Shop
Mental health is something we should be talking about!Vanessa speaks from the heart
If you’re after a female mental health speaker in UK please do get in touch.
What is on offer?
The speaking sessions that can take a very flexible form:
large assembly presentations with audience engagement
Smaller more intimate round table sessions
Group coaching sessions
Evening / day time / lunch time / weekend sessions
I can travel to you
Or join remotely online.
Really the options are open so please do get in touch and we can discuss the best plan for your event / business / club.
