Racing Heartbeats: My First Track Day Experience with Michelin at Donington Park
It’s about to get serious! What’s the likelihood of a knee down on one’s very first track day? This is the behind-the-scenes of my very first track day. I swapped the mud for some hard tarmac riding a Kawasaki 650 twin, something super friendly and forgiving, and I was in the capable hands of John McAvoy of Fast Bikes. I’ll talk through my kit, my nerves, and the best bit…. will you get your knee down on your first track day? Watch to find out the answer!
Bring it on! 🤟 oh and did I tell you I was terrified!!??? 😳
Who’s done a track day? What bike did you ride? It’s time for my first!!
This was the hottest day recorded EVER in the UK and I was in leathers…sweaty!
Vanessa Ruck on first rack day ever at Donnington Park
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Conquering Strata Florida: A Thrilling Adventure on the Honda Africa Twin in Wales
With over 9 river crossings, the Strata Florida is a very fun legal byway in Wales. It’s wide enough for big 4x4s but also great fun on two wheels. But be warned…it is a wet ride! Both with a lot of puddles and standing water that tend to be murky with hidden rocks, and also from the many rivers, it can be a sporty ride – making it my best green lane. This was a day riding with two friends, I was on the Honda Africa Twin along with Alex, and then Nick was on a Tenere 700 – all three ADV bikes are largely standard with the addition of some extra protection bars/plates. We’d had a few dry days so the water was manageable on the big ADV bikes but indeed some deep hairy parts, with 9 river crossings the Strata Florida is not one for after heavy rain.
This is possibly… one of my favorite byway green lanes in the UK.
the girl on a bike vanessa ruck strata florida honda africa twin wales green lanes
I hope you enjoy watching it.
You can watch my full Africa Twin reviews on my YouTube channel too:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
How to road book navigate: Navigating the Desert with a Paper Scroll
Want to know how to road book navigate, Dakar rally-style, then this video is for you. Here, on the side of the track during the 1000 Dunas desert rally, I will talk you through all the elements of road book navigation. What kit do you need for your bikes, such as an F2R road book holder and switch, what each part does, how to read the actual paper road book scroll, and some tips on riding while following paper navigation? Let me know any questions in the comments.
Vanessa Ruck, fear less rally rider on how to road book navigate
See the full 1000 Dunas series here:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
My new addiction is a legal high – Bowler Defender Rally Series
“The Girl In A Bowler” happened! As a petrolhead whose bedroom wall as a 14-year-old was covered in Bowler Wildcat posters, even writing this pretty much blows my mind!
I can only describe rally driving with four wheels as being like LEGAL CRACK!! The buzz, the high, adrenaline of 2.3 tonnes is simply like nothing else!! There is going to be a full behind-the-scenes video series so follow Bowler Motors and subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss the action! This is the second video in the series but there are lots to come as I take on the UK rally series in the Bowler Defender rally car!
After a bitterly cold weekend in south Wales at Walters arena with @bowlermotors for the first round of the Defender Rally series I can confirm both me and the car survived! Having raced two and three wheels, I’ve taken on the mission to get 4 wheels under my belt.
I went into the weekend feeling like a rabbit in a headlight… ‘nervous’ would be an understatement. However, the Bowler program is designed for novices or competition veterans alike. Bowlers have basically taken a homologated Defender, stripped it back, designed, developed, and built the first production rally car in the world, AND THEN wrapped a full rally support offering around it!! Everything you need to go into a rally on four wheels! MENTAL.
They provide full training from navigation to wheel changes, to reading the terrain and picking the best lines, and will even pair you up with a co-pilot. The paddock is fully equipped with the highest skilled team you can imagine…straight out of the Land Rover Bowler engineering team! Even onsite catering for happy bellies.
My new addiction is like a legal high
And don’t worry there will be no less biking!! Number of vehicles … N+1=🏍️🚘🤪) I’ve named him “Big Boy”….He’s a Bowler Defender 90 rally car… and yes I’m a driver (and I name everything)! I’m teaming up with the experience of Bowler to join their Customer Training program 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!!
Massive thanks to my copilot Cuming for trusting me enough to take on the challenge with me at round one.
Bowler Defender Rally Series https://www.bowlermotors.com/bowler-defender-challenge/
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.
A crew of babes assembled for a mega Belize adventure on motorcycles – this is day one!
Bikes and Belize! Literally what more could we wish for? We’ve got 11 days of adventure planned, all revolving around two wheels but tied into discovering the wilderness of Belize. From river tubing in the jungle to hunting out wrecked planes, diving, and cooling off in waterfalls, and pontoon parties. It’s a fully organized adventure with @MOTOURISMO and Big Little Rides so I don’t have to think about anything other than enjoying it
9 women hit Belize on motorcycles – Part 1 – Motourismo ADV adventure
We found the jungle – Belize by motorcycle Part 2 – Motourismo
Part two see’s us riding off into the jungle in Belize, Central America. With a crew of females assembled from around the world for an adventure on motorcycles – this is part two!
Belize is an epic place for exploring for two weeks and this trip included a range of riding abilities. This shows the first-ever river crossings but with a team of lovely ladies, everyone was supported and guided. The empowerment was incredible!
Bikes and Belize! Literally what more could we wish for? We’ve got 11 days of adventure planned, all revolving around two wheels but tied into discovering the wilderness of Belize. From river tubing in the jungle to hunting out wrecked planes, diving, and cooling off in waterfalls and pontoon parties. It’s a fully organized adventure with @MOTOURISMO and Big Little Rides so I don’t have to think about anything other than enjoying it.
We found the jungle – Belize by motorcycle Part 2 – Motourismo
Tropical paradise by dirt bike – 10 girls, 12 days
Get ready to embark on the ultimate off-road adventure through Belize’s tropical paradise! Join our group of 10 daring girls as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of Belize on dirt bikes, riding through jungle trails, crossing rivers, and scaling mountains. We’ve got 12 days of action-packed fun planned, including visits to hidden waterfalls, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and exploring ancient ruins. From adrenaline-pumping rides to laid-back beach vibes, we’ve got it all covered. So buckle up and join us for this unforgettable journey through Belize’s untamed wilderness!
Tropical paradise by dirt bike – 10 girls, 12 days
Jungle Adventures on Dirt Bikes
Join us for another exhilarating day in Belize as we venture deeper into the lush jungle and conquer new challenges on our dirt bikes. We’ll cross treacherous terrain like the infamous Slipe Grund and make sure our bikes are in top shape for the journey ahead.
Our adventure takes us across rivers and to scenic lunch spots, where we can take a break and cool off with some delicious ice cream. After braving a water crossing, we’ll head back to our hotel to unwind and prepare for an exciting sea diving experience on Day 8.
Our dive boat sets sail, and we prepare to take the plunge and explore the fascinating underwater world of Belize. Join us for another incredible day of adventure, off-road riding, and unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise!
Jungle Adventures on Dirt Bikes – 10 Girls, 12 Days in Tropical Belize
It didn’t all go to plan … motorbikes in the jungle
I’m excited to share with you the latest installment of our Belize adventure! on a Dirt bike. In part 5, you’ll see us take on the jungle once again as we navigate through the lush foliage on our dirt bikes. From crossing rivers and streams to tackling muddy terrain, this was definitely one of our most thrilling days yet.
But that’s not all – as we ventured deeper into the jungle, we stumbled upon a hidden waterfall and couldn’t resist taking a refreshing dip. The water was cool and crystal clear, and it was the perfect way to cool off after a long day of riding.
So come along with us on this wild ride as we get wet and wild in the heart of Belize’s jungle. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!
It didn’t all go to plan … motorbikes in the jungle
Don’t ride like a girl! I’ll teach you to be a better rider
I’ll be sharing some essential riding skills that are necessary for both novice and experienced riders. These skills will help you navigate through challenging terrains with ease and maintain better control over your bike. These workshops where delivered during a Big Little Rides womens only motorcycle trip to Belize.
First, I’ll demonstrate the front squat pick-up method that comes in handy when you’re riding on tricky terrains. This technique involves lifting your bike off the ground and lifting with your large leg muscles while facing it. Then, I’ll show you the bar lift method that is ideal for riders with limited mobility.
After that, I’ll move on to proper bike positioning for riding downhill and uphill. I’ll share some tips on how to position your body weight to maintain stability and balance while riding through steep slopes, but also finding your comfortable balanced position where your hands are not overloaded. Additionally, I’ll teach you how to ride while standing up, which is a useful skill for off-road riding.
This lesson is not just about learning new skills, but also about empowering women riders to take control of their bikes and ride like a girl. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, join me in this journey to elevate your riding skills and confidence to the next level!
Don’t ride like a girl! I’ll teach you to be a better rider
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.
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.
