As seen in The Drive Torque Podcast: Join PetrolPed and JoeAchilles1 in the Drive Torque Podcast powered by Michelin. Hear Vanessa Ruck’s incredible story of triumph after a life-altering car crash, rising to the top in Enduro bike racing.
In this episode @PetrolPed and @JoeAchilles1 head to the Bike Shed Show with Michelin and talk to a very special guest, Vanessa Ruck also known as @TheGirlOnABike shares her incredible and inspiring story of facing up to the challenge and adversity of a huge car crash that left her learning to walk again to competing at the highest level in Enduro bike racing. Welcome to the Drive Torque Podcast, join @PetrolPed and @JoeAchilles1 to talk all things Automotive, we will bring you two episodes per month, special guests and live shows too!
For the rest of the Drive Torque Podcast listen here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in Concept Carz: Team Williams emerges victorious at the inaugural Scottish Summer Hill Rally in Lauder. Read about their challenging triumph in the beautiful setting of Thirlestane Castle.
Over the weekend of the 17th and 18th June, the UK Tata Elxsi Defender Rally Series competed at the inaugural Summer Scottish Hill Rally based at the beautiful backdrop of Thirlestane Castle, with stunning competitive stages across the eastern border region of Scotland.This event represented the first Hill Rally in Bowler’s 2023 UK Rally program. Hill Rallies are designed to be tough and provide drivers with all-new challenges not yet experienced with gravel and comp-safari stages.
The weather leading up to the rally was perfect with sunshine, hot temperatures, and clear skies. However, this compounded issues for drivers, with pervasive dust affecting visibility. Additionally, drivers were confronted with extremely slippery terrain across the field and hills, and brutal ground conditions in the technical areas. Overall, it was the exact challenge that a traditional Scottish Hill rally is renowned for and a perfect test for our teams as they experienced the wide range of rally disciplines that our Series is designed to provide.
The challenging, harsh terrain led to several retirements due to mechanical and racing incidents, but despite this, the Bowler team’s Defenders finished every stage and continue to impress with the performance, durability, and robustness of a production road car.
The Scottish Summer Hill Rally was designed with a total of 17 stages over two days. With service times limited to as little as 20 minutes and Park Fermé rules mandated, this provided additional challenges to the drivers, co-drivers, and support crew. With such limited times and harsh conditions, repair time from impact damage was highly restricted. This led to the highly experienced and specialist support teams being pushed to the limits to check, maintain, and repair cars as they returned from the pounding they were incurring on stages. The ability to soak up the punishment they were being subjected to is a testament to the design of the standard Defender and the specialist engineering and racing pedigree of the Bowler team. For his sterling work in the service periods, experienced rally competitor and one of JLR’s Chief Engineers, who was working as a technician at the event, was presented with the Spirit of the event by the Bowler team.
Day 1 saw very close competition between Miles Williams with co-driver Andy Dennis against new owner and competitor Richie Wynn Williams and Matt Lowe. A puncture on stage 8 ultimately hampered the new pairing. Remaining very close to them was the pairing of Jorma and Janne Jokela, who were taking on their first Scottish Hill rally, which is at opposite ends of the rallying spectrum from their Finnish roots. Adapting to the challenging environment, Vanessa Ruck and Chris Cuming quickly moved up the field, overtaking several competitors through tenacity and good reading of the terrain. By the end of day 1, they were leading the class. All the teams were adapting well following the initial shock of the gruelling Scottish environment, and thanks to the mentoring of the Bowler team, who have years of experience in these events, the pace was increasing with every stage. The new pairing of Andrew Burgess and Daniel Hutchings settled into the conditions and terrain now presented to them, adapting their styles to manage the car and achieve some impressive results.
Day 2 saw the competition between Bowler teams intensify as familiarity with the cars and terrain grew. Ruck/Cuming dominated the first few stages of the day, which took place around Thirlestane Castle, where they repeatedly achieved top 10 stage time placement. A minor roll incident hindered their performance, and they weren’t able to recover the deficit. Team Jokela/Jokela entered day 2 mentally prepared for the stages ahead, and their timings progressively improved. Jorma commented: ‘Hill Rallies require all-new thinking as conditions barely relate to the snow or gravel I previously experienced.’
Newcomers Paul White and Pete Wilson showed that they are ones to watch next round, working well together and getting progressively quicker. Furthermore, with provenance in circuit racing, White will be applying wider experience on the faster gravel tracks. Christina Dobloug/Dave Hooper ran a consistent race as they develop their in-car partnership to fulfil Christina’s long-term aspirations of competing at Dakar. Andrew Burgess and Dan Hutchings’ target was to drive in a highly considered way to develop further cross-country experience with full support from the team. Their aspirations are to develop in readiness to compete in 2024.
Year 1 graduates Frazer Williams and Mark Acher fought very hard, taking 40 seconds out of Williams/Dennis on one stage alone. However, they weren’t able to recover the gap. If not for their 11-minute time penalty, the pairing would have achieved 2nd place in the Bowler standings. Team Williams/Dennis ultimately maintained a consistent pace and prevailed over the stages for day 2, consistently achieving stage time results within the top 10 of the overall event. If not for their 4-minute time penalty, Williams/Dennis would have positioned 5th for the overall Hill Rally Event.
While the rally was being hosted alongside the Thirlestane Castle Classic car show, Bowler was able to provide some high-energy test rides on one of the official weekend rally stages once the main competition had passed through. Understandably, the smiles and shock on the faces of the lucky participants were obvious to see, and we are grateful to the organizers for helping to share the excitement of a Scottish hill rally with some very happy people.
Dave Marsh, Head of Motorsport, commented: ‘Hill Rallies are a vital part of the Bowler syllabus and the program of training. They are tough on teams and cars but provide an essential experience required by competitors as we develop the widest possible foundation of rally skills in preparation for future Rally competitions. Feedback from clients and event spectators has been incredible, with appreciation of the Defender’s versatility and capability and an appreciation of the skills needed to complete these events. The closeness of the competition demonstrates the benefit of a closely controlled One-Make series where it really is down to the skills of the driver pairings.’
Calum McKechnie, General Manager, comments: ‘This rally has been a huge success for the team against a fantastic backdrop. We could not have hoped for a better inaugural Hill Rally event, and thanks to the organizers for putting on what was a simply superb event. We hosted several sponsors and guests this weekend who were supremely impressed by the Bowler team and our cars. Despite the challenging nature of the event, our customers experienced something very special, and we are looking forward to returning next year with another larger group.
For the rest of the Concept Carz article see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Adv Rider: Support Two Wheels For Life in their charitable work in Africa and stand a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race. Join Yamaha and Riders For Health in this exciting opportunity.
The Two Wheels For Life charity is continuing to raise money for its charitable work in Africa, getting motorcycles to healthcare workers—and to bring some more cash in, they’re offering a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race. [enter here https://www.yamahamotorforriders.com/?view_lot&id=26737]
In this case, the organization has teamed up with Yamaha, as part of a three-year program sponsoring the Riders For Health program, which is tied to Two Wheels For Life. As part of this prize trip to the Africa Eco Race, you’ll get a chance to meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid race team. You’ll be on the finish line of the Africa Eco Race in Senegal, Dakar—where the original Dakar Rally used to end. You also get drinks in Dakar with Vanessa Ruck (from The Girl on a Bike YouTube channel), where you can talk about her own adventures in-person, including her Africa Eco Race run. You also get two nights’ accommodation (and breakfast) at the five-star King Fahed hotel in Dakar, and up to £1500 in airfare for two people.
As for Two Wheels For Life, their website explains more about their program here. They’ve been working for three decades in Africa, using motorcycles to help healthcare workers get to remote areas and provide much-needed medical attention with Riders For Health as their sister program. Along with the bikes themselves, they’re also providing training, riding equipment and tools needed to keep the healthworkers safe and mobile. Currently, they’re operating in Nigeria, Malawi, Lesotho and the Gambia (see below).
The program ensures those in rural areas without money or access to healthcare otherwise still see doctors and other medical workers, thanks to the practical all-terrain capabilities of motorcycles.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Advrider: Support Two Wheels For Life, win a trip to Africa Eco Race. Meet Yamaha Tenere World Raid team, enjoy Dakar adventures, and more!
The Two Wheels For Life charity is continuing to raise money for its charitable work in Africa, getting motorcycles to healthcare workers—and to bring some more cash in, they’re offering a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race.
In this case, the organization has teamed up with Yamaha, as part of a three-year program sponsoring the Riders For Health program, which is tied to Two Wheels For Life. As part of this prize trip to the Africa Eco Race, you’ll get a chance to meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid race team. You’ll be on the finish line of the Africa Eco Race in Senegal, Dakar—where the original Dakar Rally used to end.
You also get drinks in Dakar with Vanessa Ruck (from The Girl on a Bike YouTube channel), where you can talk about her own adventures in-person, including her Africa Eco Race run. You also get two nights’ accommodation (and breakgast) at the five-star King Fahed hotel in Dakar, and up to £1500 in airfare for two people.
In other words, a pretty fun time at the end of one of the world’s greatest desert races.
As for Two Wheels For Life, their website explains more about their program here. They’ve been working for three decades in Africa, using motorcycles to help healthcare workers get to remote areas and provide much-needed medical attention with Riders For Health as their sister program. Along with the bikes themselves, they’re also providing training, riding equipment and tools needed to keep the healthworkers safe and mobile. Currently, they’re operating in Nigeria, Malawi, Lesotho and the Gambia (see below).
The program ensures those in rural areas without money or access to healthcare otherwise still see doctors and other medical workers, thanks to the practical all-terrain capabilities of motorcycles.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The MSL Magazine: Enter to win a thrilling Africa Eco Race experience with Two Wheels for Life and Yamaha. Witness the race up close with flights and 5-star stay.
British-based charity Two Wheels for Life is offering the chance to win the ultimate rally experience with the Africa Eco Race and Yamaha.
This year marks the 15th Africa Eco Race, which kicks off in Monaco and finishes 6,500km later in Dakar.
Two Wheels for Life are offering one winner and their guest the chance to experience the excitement of the race event for themselves, with a chance to get up close to the racing and including flights and five-star accommodation.
The prize can be entered with a minimum ticket price of €10. There’s no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase. Bundles are available to make buying multiple tickets a great deal with more chances to win.
The prize also includes a meet-and-greet with the Yamaha Ténéré World Raid team with commemorative photo, plus drinks with racer and Instagram celebrity @thegirlonabike,Vanessa Ruck, where they will hear her stories fresh from competing in the desert race!
The prize is offered in collaboration with the Africa Eco Race, Motor Sports Travel, Yamaha Motor Europe and Vanessa Ruck “The Girl on a Bike”.
For the chance to win, enter at yamahamotorforriders.com, and help the charity reach a three-year €100k fundraising target!
This latest prize draw has been developed as part of Two Wheels for Life’s three-year partnership with Yamaha. All funds raised will help save lives in remote communities across Africa, through the incredible Riders for Health programmes we support.
For the rest of The MSL Magazine article see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen on SuperBike News: Join us at Women in Moto 2023, an exciting motorcycle event in London dedicated to celebrating women in the motorcycling world. Participate in workshops, hear from inspirational speakers including Vanessa Ruck, and explore the learner zone to discover the secrets and beauties of motorbiking. Don’t miss this thrilling event featuring camping and party opportunities at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Get your tickets now!
Motorcycle communities gather once again in 2023 in London to participate in events, with people coming from around the world to see how well-prepared motorcycle clubs are for a new show. Groups like the British Motorcyclists Federation are preparing meetings, motor camps and rallies for enthusiasts to attend to.
But these motorcycle events have many other targets other than entertainment. For example, many sponsor various NGOs and charitable actions to help people in need and those within motorcycling communities. This is why the number of organ donations rises during motorcycle rallies. Motorcycling enthusiasts expose themselves to risks of crashes, especially if they aren’t wearing helmets.
Despite the dangers of motorcycling, communities collectively seek to do good while enjoying their races, so if you’re around London this year, you must attend one of their events.
The National Road Rally on the 1st and 2nd of July
The National Road Rally is organised by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) and makes the best opportunity for everyone to ride their motorcycles around great roads in England. There are two ways to participate in this event. The two-day Full Rally starts Saturday and ends Sunday, while the Daytime event takes place on either of those days.
Riders are provided with the map called the Matrix, which has 119 controls for 2023. A limited number of control points are rewarded, so riders must plan their routes. Anyone can enter the rally, but people can also participate in other activities. The entry fee for a racer is £33.00.
The Ace Café Reunion, from the 1st to the 3rd of September
Ace Café London is a special place for all motorcycles, as it’s the world’s most famous motor café. It was established in 1938 and has continued its traditions. In 2023, the Ace Café London celebrates its 29th annual reunion, so if you’re interested in the event, you can already look for accommodation and parking for your car on Parkos.
The Ace café is located in London, where riders will spend the first two days of the event, while the third day will take place at Brighton Burn Up. The reunion event will have plenty of activities, from live bands, awards and special guests, but ride-outs will also be included.
Besides this important event, the Ace Café hosts multiple events in August, from bike meets to traditional rallies. The place is fit for everyone interested in motorbiking, so don’t worry if you’re not into this sport because you can still come over. While you’re there, know there’s parking Stansted available if you want to leave your car in a safe place while enjoying the time of your life.
Women in Moto on the 19th and 20th of August
The motorbiking community includes ladies too, which is why there’s a special event for celebrating the women in the motorcycling world. The race takes place in Uttoxeter, at the Uttoxeter Racecourse, and will include camping and party opportunities. A ticket for a day is £16, the camping pass is £45, and the car parking pass is £5.
During Women in Moto, you can participate in workshops and listen to inspirational speakers from high-profile riders, such as Vanessa Ruck. For those who want to start motorbiking, a learner zone is provided with professionals to teach about the secrets and beauties of motorbiking.
The Scottish National Road Rally on the 3rd and 4th of September
If you like the Scottish view, the Scottish National Rally will allow you to see some of the most beautiful areas while doing your favourite activity. Like the National Road Rally, you can choose between participating in both days of the event or just one of them, with over 70 controls.
For the Scottish National Road Rally, a Matrix map will be provided to help riders plan their routes and get awarded points to help them reach the podium. Usually, riders should start their plan from the final control and work backward.
How to prepare for a motorcycle ride event
A ride event is usually more strenuous, especially for longer distances. Although most events take only a few days, checking everything before and ensuring your drive will be as safe as possible is important. The first thing to consider is a proper motorcycle, preferably a touring one with a more upright riding position that will help you avoid back strains. Other options include cruiser and standard motorcycles with plenty of storage but try to avoid sport motorcycles as they’re built for speed.
When it comes to the perfect engine, under 750cc is a good choice for long-riding distances. Still, an engine over 750cc requires a larger motorcycle, so depending on the size of your vehicle and the ride you’re participating, choose something that won’t add unnecessary weight or take too much space.
Remember to prioritise specialised gear features, such as the following:
Heated grips are great if you’re riding during colder seasons;
Padded grips are made to prevent wrist pain and tightness;
Backrest support is needed for you to lean back as you ride;
A throttle control helps with keeping it in place without having to squeeze it too much;
The tank bags are great for keeping important items easy to reach;
Trunk or trail bags are needed to replace the rear set;
Finally, watch your riding posture. It’s best to adopt a neutral position to avoid straining your muscles and position your handlebars between the stomach and the shoulders, with the arms slightly drooping. During the ride, if you notice the body’s position is too low or too high, try to change that because you’re putting stress on your muscles and joints. If you’re not relaxed, it’s less easy for you to continue the ride because you won’t be able to focus on the road.
Bottom line
If you’re excited about the upcoming motorcycle events in London, we’re waiting for you to participate in some of the most significant riding communities. With plenty of activities, food and entertainment, anyone would want to be a rider.
For the rest of the SuperBike News article see here
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
The Cardo System discount code intercom is a must have helmet accessory of choice
If you’re wondering about if intercoms are for you then this video will help answer that question – then use my Cardo Slim Discount code link. In my review I talk through why I choose to use intercoms from the safety, social and practical reasons, and then also discuss why the Cardo Systems Packtalk Bold is my helmet accessory of choice. This is a slightly higher offering to the Slim but I honestly thing if Cardo put their name to it, the Slim will be good.
For even more discounts you can use the same link and code to get up to 25% discount off Cardo products:
10% discount off Cardo FreecomX and Spirit line
25% discount off Cardo PACKTALK BOLD
25% discount off Cardo SLIM
25% discount off Cardo PACKTALK BLACK
10% discount off Cardo PACKTALK EDGE
Full Cardo Slim discount code on Packtalk Bold review for road, adv, off road, trials and hard enduro riding! You can also see the new Packtalk Black edition model here.
As seen in The Port: Welcome to our graduate Hall of Fame, where we honor Portsmouth’s sporting elite and their remarkable achievements in the world of sports. Join us as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our alumni across various disciplines, inspiring generations to push the boundaries of excellence.
Following completing my undergratude degree at Portsmouth University it is a huge honour to be included in their Alumni Sporting Hall of Fame. This page is about celebrating the sporting acheivements of Portsmouth gradutes. You can see me listed on the website here.
For the rest of the Portsmouth University article see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in Pro Bike: Support Two Wheels For Life’s charitable work in Africa and enter for a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race, meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid team, and more!
The Two Wheels For Life charity is continuing to raise money for its charitable work in Africa, getting motorcycles to healthcare workers—and to bring some more cash in, they’re offering a chance to win a trip to the Africa Eco Race [enter here https://www.yamahamotorforriders.com/?view_lot&id=26737] .
In this case, the organization has teamed up with Yamaha, as part of a three-year program sponsoring the Riders For Health program, which is tied to Two Wheels For Life. As part of this prize trip to the Africa Eco Race, you’ll get a chance to meet the Yamaha Tenere World Raid race team. You’ll be on the finish line of the Africa Eco Race in Senegal, Dakar—where the original Dakar Rally used to end. You also get drinks in Dakar with Vanessa Ruck (from The Girl on a Bike YouTube channel), where you can talk about her own adventures in-person, including her Africa Eco Race run. You also get two nights’ accommodation (and breakgast) at the five-star King Fahed hotel in Dakar, and up to £1500 in airfare for two people.
As for Two Wheels For Life, their website explains more about their program here. They’ve been working for three decades in Africa, using motorcycles to help healthcare workers get to remote areas and provide much-needed medical attention with Riders For Health as their sister program. Along with the bikes themselves, they’re also providing training, riding equipment and tools needed to keep the healthworkers safe and mobile. Currently, they’re operating in Nigeria, Malawi, Lesotho and the Gambia (see below).
The program ensures those in rural areas without money or access to healthcare otherwise still see doctors and other medical workers, thanks to the practical all-terrain capabilities of motorcycles.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in Moto Riders Universe: Experience the thrill at Women in Moto 2023! Join us for test rides, workshops, and expert advice, empowering women in the world of motorcycling.
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the upcoming Women in Moto 2023 show in August. This highly anticipated motorcycle event will feature women guest stars from the world of motorcycling, exciting test rides, informative workshops, valuable advice for learners, and much more.
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the upcoming Women in Moto 2023 show in August. This highly anticipated motorcycle event will feature women guest stars from the world of motorcycling, exciting test rides, informative workshops, valuable advice for learners, and much more.
Here are some of the remarkable women from the motorcycling world who will be part of the event:
Women in Moto caters to riders of all experience levels, offering features and activities for beginners, learners, experienced riders, and even those interested in racing.
The event will host various workshops and sit-down sessions covering a wide range of topics, including motorcycle maintenance for beginners and intermediate riders, bike handling techniques, custom workshops, motorcycle security, biker yoga, painting skills, strength training, confidence-building sessions, and more. The list of workshops and sessions continues to expand, ensuring a rich and diverse program.
For learner riders, there will be a dedicated “Learner Zone” providing valuable advice for those starting their motorcycling journey, progressing from their CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), advancing through their MODs (Module One and Module Two tests) toward their full license, and even offering advanced training for experienced riders.
Honda has partnered with Women in Moto to offer the “Ride Free” experience, allowing individuals with no prior riding experience to get their first taste of the motorcycle world.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to test ride the latest 2023 Honda motorcycles, while the organizers are actively working on securing other brands for exhibition.
Women in Moto 2023 will take place on August 19-20 and is open to all genders. Camping options are available for those wishing to stay for both days, including Friday night (August 18) with evening entertainment. Saturday night’s entertainment is also open to non-campers.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through the Women in Moto website, with adult tickets starting at £19, and free admission for those under 18. Motorcycle parking is free, while car parking is available for £5.
Join the empowering community of women in the world of moto at Women in Moto 2023, where the thrill of the ride awaits!
For the rest of the Moto Riders Universe article see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
