As seen in Motorcycle News [print]: After an epic adventure in Belize with Motourismo, Big Little Rides it was awesome being able to share the story in MCN. Here it is:

Waking up early in the morning, still a little jetlagged, we make our way to our breakfast spot. It’s a 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.

As we approach our first creek crossing. I’m a little worried about whether Alana and Mariska are going to make it across. It’s rocky and slippery, and neither have much experience off-road. Egle and Jurga wade into the creek, ready to help them 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.

Mud, Bikes, and Coral

As we press on riding ever-deeper into the Belizean countryside, I’m starting to realise this trip is jampacked with off-bike activities I’d never have had the time to organise 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 snorkeling trip to an island, while Suzanne and I go for a diving expedition to explore the reefs.

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. 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: 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 road accident that’s left me with a reconstructed body, I 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.

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.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.