As seen in The Visor Down: Join us at the 2023 Women in Moto show this August! Experience thrilling motorcycle test rides, enriching workshops, and expert advice for learners and enthusiasts.
Women in Moto will host the third edition of its motorcycle show dedicated to women later this summer in August at Uttoxeter Racecourse.
Obviously, the main aim and the most important aspect of the Women in Moto show is to encourage more women to ride motorcycles, and it tries to do so by creating a community-style event aimed squarely at women bikers, or women interested in becoming bikers.
Another important aspect of the event is to dismantle stereotypes around ‘what a biker should be’, and especially with regards to women bikers. The ‘Women in Moto Gallery’ is one feature of the show which aims to do this, and the well-known female figures from within motorcycling that the show is bringing in will be able to display that kind of diversity, too.
Women in Moto also caters to a variety of experience levels, with features for beginners, learners, and experienced riders alike, and even for those looking to get into racing.
Women in Moto also caters to a variety of experience levels, with features for beginners, learners, and experienced riders alike, and even for those looking to get into racing.
A number of workshops and sit down sessions will be held at the event, covering a variety of topics from how to pick up a bike to custom workshops and motorcycle security. The list of workshops and sit down sessions available includes the following (with more to be confirmed):
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 Ctek: Discover how CTEK ambassador Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike, conquered the grueling Morocco Desert Challenge, defying extreme conditions and completing the race.
Enduring Harsh Conditions
Vanessa faced numerous challenges as she battled the intense heat wave that swept across North Africa, with temperatures reaching a peak of 52°C. Dealing with an upset stomach and dehydration due to the extreme heat, she also encountered two major crashes that triggered her life-saving air vest. Despite these obstacles, she refused to give up.
The Unforgiving Desert Extremes
Vanessa described her experience as a constant fight for survival: “I felt like I was fighting for my life rather than racing against others. Battling the unforgiving terrain, the scorching heat, and the mental and physical fatigue, every moment on my bike was a struggle. In the vast expanse of dunes, I knew that any issue could spell the end for me. I even started composing a message in my mind to record on my phone for my family in case the worst happened. It was truly terrifying.”
The desert’s heat posed an exceptional and unforgiving challenge, especially for bikers, with temperatures peaking at 52°C during the heat wave. Vanessa vividly recalled cresting a massive dune that stood taller than a multi-story building, scanning the horizon to see nothing but sand and dunes in all directions. Alone with her bike, her body exhausted and craving rest, the scorching heat compelled her to keep pushing forward. She had to muster immense mental strength to reach the finish line.
Mental and Physical Extremes
Competitors not only navigated the challenging terrain of Morocco but also had to tackle its rugged and rocky landscape. Precise navigation was crucial, involving following symbols, compass bearings, and distances recorded on a scrolling piece of paper called a road book, mounted to the handlebars. Road book navigation events, like the renowned Paris-Dakar rally, demanded more than just riding skills. Riders had to maintain accurate navigation, mental focus, and physical endurance for 6-8 hours of off-road racing each day. Imagine being alone in the middle of nowhere, relying on your energy reserves and carrying only the supplies you could manage.
Vanessa’s Remarkable Resilience
One could question Vanessa’s sanity and decision to participate in such a challenging event. However, when a cycling accident in 2014 threatened to disrupt the adventurous life she cherished, she refused to surrender. Instead, she faced adversity head-on. Despite enduring a seven-year recovery with seven surgeries to reconstruct her shoulder and hip, Vanessa discovered her passion for motorcycles.
Fast forward seven years from her first off-road bike experience, and she has now taken on some of the most demanding races, standing strong among the few brave females who tackle the grueling challenges. Vanessa’s journey has been far from smooth, as chronic pain has become a daily companion. However, she has learned the importance of not allowing her past to dictate her future.
Undoubtedly, the resilience she gained during her recovery played a significant role in overcoming the brutal obstacles of the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Fighting to the Finish
On the final day, with the finish line in sight, Vanessa encountered the biggest and most painful crash of her riding career. Due to the full rear tanks on her bike in preparation for sand and dunes, the weight distribution was unfavorable during the initial 30km of rocky tracks. Approaching a right-hand corner, her rear tire collided with a submerged boulder, causing her bike’s back end to jump and veer sideways, resembling a rodeo bull. Sensing the instability, she quickly throttled to straighten out, but the corner closed in on her. Unable to maneuver, she was thrown off the rocky track, landing in a rock garden.
Determined, she held on, gripping with her knees and heart pounding, while expertly managing the throttle to keep the bike under control. However, the rocky step ahead became insurmountable. Both Vanessa and her bike launched into it, resulting in a hard impact against the jagged desert rocks. Fortunately, her airbag deployed just in time, offering some protection. Nevertheless, a boulder impaled her left abdomen, striking her pelvis.
Despite being winded and in excruciating pain, Vanessa refused to let this setback end her chances of finishing the race.
The Triumph of Strength and Determination
As Vanessa crested the penultimate dune, the flags marking the finish line came into view, eliciting screams of pure joy. With only 40% of her motorcycle category managing to complete the nearly 2,500km event, Vanessa’s achievement is a testament to her unwavering strength and determination. Placing 25th in her class, she serves as an inspiration to both men and women.
The Reality of Endurance Racing
Vanessa’s candid account of the highs and lows of the toughest endurance races sheds light on the non-glamorous aspects of these events. Her resilience and remarkable performance challenge the male-dominated motorcycle industry, proving that women can excel as well. Vanessa’s mission is to never let her chronic pain or past experiences control her future. As an influential speaker and athlete, she continues to inspire people across the country, and we eagerly anticipate her next endeavors.
Proud to have Vanessa in the CTEK family
Here at CTEK we are so proud to have Vanessa an as ambassador for our products. We have shared values such as passion, drive and ambition to be the best at what we do.
Everything Vanessa achieves is a true testament to her huge talent, the strength she has taken from previous experiences and the values that she lives by. Congratulations on your achievement Vanessa. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
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 Monmouthshire Beacon: Discover the full redesign of Monmouthshire Beacon featuring the powerful Husqvarna 2024 Enduro. Explore its new features and enhanced performance for thrilling off-road adventures.
Your eyes are sharp on the terrain ahead, the rocks, roots, loose stones, and sand all grappling to throw you and the bike off the path. But armed with the best weapon for the job, the nearly 100 percent newly redesigned Husqvarna TE 300i, confidence filled me.
Renowned as one of the most high-performance dirt bikes on the market, this bike had high expectations to live up to, considering its track record with pro riders like Billy Bolt and Graham Jarvis.
The full redesign of the 2024 Enduro range truly marks a new breed of dirt bike. Unlike minor tweaks seen In some new models, these bikes stand out as a significant improvement. Having spent a day in Norway riding the 2024 range, I can confidently say that this next-generation fleet is worth a look. Both the 2 and 4-stroke models underwent a near-total redesign that will surely make rival brands take notice.
The new throttle body injected engine closed cartridge front, and fully adjustable toolless suspension, along with redesigned ergonomics for a solid rider triangle and increased grip seat, instill confidence in riders. The throttle response is lively and instant, surpassing the already impressive performance of previous Husky models. As I paused to absorb the wilderness around me in a Norwegian forest, I couldn’t help but appreciate the ideal testing environment. With a 6.5km dedicated enduro loop, perfectly suited for the new enduro range, I gravitated toward the TE 3001. Round and round I went, building pace and getting a feel for the new setup.
The throttle body fuel injection, with two injectors, and electronically monitored exhaust valves resulted in a fiery ride. The engine adjusts and adapts to the riding conditions, consistently delivering optimal performance. Climbing the peaks, I experienced the seamless and effortless adjustments of the engine to match the changing air, conditions, and my riding style. The electronics received an overhaul, featuring a new centralized smart control unit for easy troubleshooting, torque values etched on for simplified serviceability, and increased durability in the subframe design to reduce the risk of breaks.
Even small details like the redesign for narrower foot pegs, and reduced risk of catching them in ruts, have been given extra attention. These new pegs offer 27 percent more surface area for the foot, reducing riding fatigue. The 30 percent brighter headlight provides 900 lumens to illuminate the track. Flatter and straighter bars, improved seat grip, and symmetrical tank fairing contribute to enhanced rider ergonomics. The four-stroke models now feature a new quick shift sensor that momentarily cuts the ignition as the gear lever is engaged, allowing seamless up-shifting without using the clutch.
The list of unchanged elements on the 2024 Enduro range is quite short, consisting of the premium. Michelin Medium rubber and the D.I.D DirtStar rims.
Having tested all five models, including the TE 150, 250, 300, and FE 250, 350, 450, and 501, I can confidently say that these bikes offer high performance for professional racers on the track while providing a whole heap of fun for everyday riders looking to play in the dirt.
Key changes in the 2024 Enduro range include throttle body fuel injection with two injectors, electronically monitored exhaust valves for a two-stroke feel, a subframe with increased durability and integrated grab handle, a fully adjustable suspension without the need for tools, improved grip seat and symmetrical tank fáiring for knee grip, 27 percent larger peg surface with a lower narrow stance for a more stable position and reduced risk of catching in ruts, LED headlight providing 900 lumens, a smart control unit for centralized electronic troubleshooting, premium Michelin Medium rubber for ultimate traction, a smaller 22mm rear swing arm for more flexibility over rocks, a flush-faced chain guard to prevent damage. torque values etched in for serviceability improved feel and difference in two engine maps, and a quick shifter for smoother gear shifts in the four-stroke FE models.
For the rest of the Monmouthshire Beacon 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 Good Housekeeping: Discover the inspiring journey of Vanessa Ruck, who triumphed over adversity with rally biking after a life-changing accident.
Vanessa Ruck explains how motorbike racing helped her find purpose after a life-altering event, and how she’s using her experience to inspire others.
When you’re racing, you’re unbelievably alive. It’s you, the wilderness, your navigation and your motorbike. It’s terrifying, but soul-igniting,” competitive motorcycle rider, Vanessa Ruck tells me, over a black americano in a London coffee shop.
“I remember a moment on the peak of a dune where I just stopped for a moment. There was nothing but dunes in every direction and, with that heat, it was also terrifying. But I was like, ‘I’m doing this, it’s me and the terrain.’ I had this overwhelming fear, but also aliveness.”
Vanessa Ruck is one of the best-known female motorcycle racers in the sport, even being the first woman to enter and finish some of the world’s most gruelling races. She shares her journey through social media as The Girl on a Bike, and now gives motivational talks to schools and businesses.
The first time I meet Vanessa is in a busy square in central London. She’s easy to spot, standing out against the grey crowds of tourists in a sunny yellow beanie, which she’s pulled over a blanket of beachy blonde hair.
The next time we chat is via video call from her home in South Wales and, in both settings, Vanessa is almost radioactively positive. She is animated and genuinely excited when she discusses the rallies she’s competed in, and particularly her work with school children, but serious yet open when she shares some of the darker moments of her journey.
You’d be forgiven for presuming Vanessa had been a life-long motorbike fanatic but, in fact, she only began riding after a road collision on her pushbike in 2014. The accident left her with life-changing injuries and years of ongoing physical and mental challenges.
“It was a very normal Tuesday,” Vanessa says, explaining that she was cycling back from the office where she worked in marketing, just as she did every day. “I got about a mile down the road and a car coming the other way didn’t stop.”
Vanessa collided with the car and was knocked into the road. She was picked up in an ambulance and discharged later that evening with bruising, but she had actually sustained significant damage to her shoulder and hip. Over the next seven years, Vanessa would undergo two shoulder and five hip surgeries, plus significant physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Vanessa described the mental toll of her recovery as a “rollercoaster”.
“It’s like being in a black tunnel. I didn’t realise the world could go so dark,” she says. “When you’ve been through some horrific surgery and you’ve been told that on the other side, you’re going to improve, maybe you’ll be able to walk, and then you realise you have to have more surgery – that tunnel is suddenly two miles longer, and it goes round a corner.”
Vanessa now uses a combination of physio, mindfulness and painkillers to live with her pain, and said she’s been told she has “about 95% certainty of more hip surgery.”
Having had an adventurous childhood and spending most of her twenties enjoying adrenaline-fuelled sports, Vanessa missed the active side of her lifestyle following her accident.
The idea for a motorbike first came about because constantly moving her feet to operate the pedals in her car was hurting her hip. On a motorbike, however, riders lean their weight to steer, meaning their arms and legs remain relatively stable.
“It made me realise I could have a bit of adrenaline, a bit of adventure without needing to be physically fit and able,” she tells me.
So, after an anniversary test ride in 2015, Vanessa and her husband, Alex, invested in a pair of Harley-Davidsons; a motorbike she describes as “essentially a sofa with an engine.”
“The first proper adventure we went on was six miles from the house. That’s all I could handle, riding-wise. We went to this little campsite and had a steak on a barbecue.
“For pre-accident Vanessa it would have been the lamest Friday night, but for where I was in my recovery, it was the most uplifting and incredible experience possible,” she says, smiling. “I was alive, I was outside of my room, I wasn’t looking at that same annoying bit of paint on the bedroom ceiling. That night was an awakening of a new sense of gratitude.”
I venture that transitioning into motorbiking still seems an usual choice considering her accident took place on a pushbike. Vanessa nods.
“The first time, fiftieth time, two hundredth time I got on that motorbike, it scared the life out of me. But I knew every time it was going to get easier,” she says, “It’s nine years on, and when a car comes from that same peripheral direction, it takes me back [to the accident], but I grew up with horses – when you fall off a horse, you have to get back on.”
It was in 2016, during recovery from her third hip surgery, that Vanessa decided she wanted to try off-road biking. She bought herself a dirt bike, even though it would be five months before she was even well enough to sit on it.
Off-road biking, as Vanessa quickly discovered, was nothing like the comparatively comfortable experience of a Harley-Davidson – but it seemed she had a knack for it and Vanessa worked hard to build up her skill. It was during a day course in Spain that she impressed the instructor so much he convinced her to sign up for the Valleys Xtreme race in South Wales. After passing a practice session, she found herself in the competition.
“20 metres in front of me on the start line is a thigh-high plastic drainage pipe that you’ve got to get over on a motorbike. There’re hundreds of people watching in the audience. I cried in my helmet,” she says. However, Vanessa needn’t have worried. “I absolutely nailed it, got to the rock garden
, bossed it, and started overtaking people. Off the back of that I was like, ‘Ah, I like racing!’”
For the rest of the Good Housekeeping 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 Desert Rose: Unveiling the Spectacular BIKESHED SHOW 2023, where art, innovation, and passion collide.
May Bank Holiday Weekend is set in the Desert Rose Calendar. BikeShed Show at London’s Tobacco Dock is the benchmark for how motorcycle events should be run. A weekend open to the whole motorcycle community and beyond.
So whether you ride a Harley or a Triumph, a custom bike, a retro custom, a sports bike, a rallye bike, an enduro bike or you don’t ride at all, this event has something for everyone. Desert Rose were proud to have one of Patsy’s Dakar bikes on display, the KTM 660 from 2005 sat alongside Vanessa Ruck’s 2022 KTM Factory Rallye bike she used in this year’s Morocco Desert Challenge. We also ran a rallye bike build during the show, taking a stock Beta 480 RR Racing and building it up to a rallye spec bike with long range tank, rallye navigation tower, new Michelin tyres and a set of BikeShed rallye team graphics.
We got the chance to catch up with some of the riders who have booked on the next BikeShed – Desert Rose Rallye Team event, which is the Balkan Edition of The Greek Odyssey in October. This year’s event included the Shed Talks feature, where various people from the world of motorcycles got to talk about their experiences; the show’s theme of Past, Present and Future ensured the audience had plenty to think about. Desert Rose Racing’s good friend Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike,took to the stage with Chris Evans, the UK representative of the Dakar to talk about her baptism of fire in the world of rallies.
At the end it says “You can take a brief look at the show via Vanessa’s YouTube channel” add link to -London Bike Shed Show – is it worth the ticket?
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 Ross Gazette: Vanessa Ruck, The Girl on a Bike, defies scorching desert sun and conquers the toughest bike rally, the Morocco Desert Challenge. A true inspiration.
Vanessa Ruck, also known as The Girl on a Bike, is making her mark in the male-dominated world of motorcycle racing For eight grueling days, she battled with the unforgiving Moroccan desert, setting an example for those who dare to defy societal norms and overcome physical limitations.
The Morocco Desert Challenge is no small feat. It is an extreme eight-day motorcycle race, covering a daily distance of up to 420km over arduous sand dunes. The heat, peaking at 52°C, is merciless, and the terrain is brutal. The challenges are so severe that a mere 40% of the motorcycle category riders complete the race. Vanessa, however, wasn’t among the ones to quit.
She rode through the heat, battling an upset stomach and severe hydration issues. She encountered two major crashes that triggered her life-saving air vest. She even fought an allergic reaction that almost cost her the race. Despite the odds, she prevailed, securing a commendable 25th position in her category.
Vanessa vividly recalls the harsh realities of the Moroccan desert, “It was scary. I knew I was racing others, but it felt more like I was fighting for my life. It was just me and my bike against the vast dunes and the unforgiving heat. The only way out was onwards. I had to dig deep mentally to fight to the finish.”
The event, unfortunately, wasn’t without tragedy. Two competitors lost their lives to the harsh conditions. Bram van der Wouden succumbed to heat and exhaustion, and Laurent Lichtleuchter met with a fatal vehicle crash. The perilous reality of desert racing was starkly evident.
One of the most challenging aspects of the race is the meticulous navigation. Competitors must follow a series of symbols, compass bearings, and distances on a road book attached to the handlebars. With physical exertion reaching its peak, the mental focus required to keep on track is intense. Vanessa’s resilience, honed through her recovery journey after a cycling accident in 2014, was put to the test.
Seven years ago, Vanessa mounted her first off-road bike, marking the beginning of her journey in the world of motorcycle racing. Through seven surgeries and a painful recovery process, she found her passion. Today, she challenges the status quo and defies the odds, becoming one of the few women braving the brutalities of extreme endurance races.
Her journey, however, is fraught with constant pain and struggle. On the fifth day of the race, an allergic reaction caused her face and eyes to swell, impairing her vision. Refusing to back down, she consumed antihistamines and soldiered on, eventually overcoming the initial difficulty and regaining her rhythm.
On the final day, Vanessa faced the most challenging and painful event of her career. A crash on the rocky tracks triggered her airbag and left her with an abdominal injury. Winded and in pain, she refused to let it stop her. Summoning all her strength, she pushed through the last 70km and made it to the finish line.
“Every bump felt excruciating, but I only had 70km to go! Just 10km at a time, I could make it. As I crested the penultimate dune, the finish line flags came into view and my heart leapt with joy! Everyone heard my screams of delight!” Vanessa recounts.
Vanessa’s 25th place in her class is an inspiration to both men and women. As she continues to defy the odds and break barriers, she’s also changing perceptions in the male-dominated industry. Her mission, she says, is to not let her chronic pain and past control her future.
For the rest of the Ross Gazette 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 Motorcycle News: Join the ABR Festival at Ragley Hall Estate this June! Experience off-road trails, test rides, live music, and connect with riders across Europe. Don’t miss out!
The Adventure Bike Rider Festival will return to Ragley Hall Estate this June, promising up to 12,500 riders from across Europe the chance to get close to the latest metal, experience 30km of off-road, and live music.
Taking place from June 23-25, the event will be attended by more than 25 manufacturers including Yamaha, Honda, BMW, and KTM – with almost 1000 test rides available to festival goers, including the Honda XL750 Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.
Part of the weekend’s riding is the 30km of off-road trails, including a 5km beginner’s loop, an 8km leisure loop created and designed in collaboration with the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), and more.
When you’re not riding, you’ll be able to get up close with a number of adventure personalities and bloggers including Elspeth Beard, Nick Sanders, RyanF9, Vanessa Ruck (The Girl on the Bike), The Missenden Flyer, Lyndon Poskitt, and Austin Vince.
It also wouldn’t be a festival without live music, and you’ll find plenty at ABR. The main stage will feature a range of party and tribute bands, including Detroit Soul Collective, Definitely Mightbe (Oasis), Mercury (Queen), Red Hot Chilli Peppers UK and more. Headlining the ABR Festival VIP Party Night will be British ska/reggae group, The Beat.
For the rest of the Motorcycle 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.
As seen in The Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth graduate defies odds in epic race, surviving crashes, extreme conditions, and an allergic reaction, triumphing against all odds.
A BOURNEMOUTH graduate has succeeded in one of the world’s toughest endurance races and described the experience as like ‘fighting for her life’.
Vanessa Ruck has become one of the few to complete the grueling Morocco Desert Challenge – an extreme motorcycle race over sand dunes. The 36-year-old battled blistering temperatures and covered 2,500km of African terrain over an eight-day period.
She also tackled an upset stomach and two huge crashes that deployed her life-saving air vest, plus an allergic reaction that led to her being barely able to open her eyes. But a determined Vanessa fought on.
She said: “I knew I was racing others, but it felt more like I was fighting for my life.
“Fighting the terrain, battling the heat, the mental and physical fatigue, I was riding for my life. In the vast dunes, I knew that if I had an issue that was me done.
“I even started wording a message in my head to record on my phone for my family if the worst happened. It was scary.” In 2014, Vanessa had a cycling accident which led to seven surgeries over seven years of recovery, and a reconstructed shoulder and hip.
Despite this, she went on to ride her first off-road bike, and discovered the thrill of motorcycles. Since then, she has endured some of the toughest races going, and is one of very few females that has braved the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Describing her final push in the race, Vanessa said: “Every bump felt excruciating, but I only had 70km to go. Just 10km at a time, I could make it. “But then I realised I needed to pee. With the pain, I knew I had no hope of getting my trousers and kit down”.
She added: “As I crested the penultimate dune the finish line flags came into view and my heart leapt with joy. Everyone heard my screams of delight.”
Vanessa was able to battle through to the end, finishing 25th in her category.
For the rest of the Bournemouth Echo 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 Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth graduate defies odds in epic race, surviving crashes, extreme conditions, and an allergic reaction, triumphing against all odds.
A BOURNEMOUTH graduate has succeeded in one of the world’s toughest endurance races and described the experience as like ‘fighting for her life’.
Vanessa Ruck has become one of the few to complete the grueling Morocco Desert Challenge – an extreme motorcycle race over sand dunes. The 36-year-old battled blistering temperatures and covered 2,500km of African terrain over an eight-day period.
She also tackled an upset stomach and two huge crashes that deployed her life-saving air vest, plus an allergic reaction that led to her being barely able to open her eyes. But a determined Vanessa fought on.
She said: “I knew I was racing others, but it felt more like I was fighting for my life.
“Fighting the terrain, battling the heat, the mental and physical fatigue, I was riding for my life. In the vast dunes, I knew that if I had an issue that was me done.
“I even started wording a message in my head to record on my phone for my family if the worst happened. It was scary.” In 2014, Vanessa had a cycling accident which led to seven surgeries over seven years of recovery, and a reconstructed shoulder and hip.
Despite this, she went on to ride her first off-road bike, and discovered the thrill of motorcycles. Since then, she has endured some of the toughest races going, and is one of very few females that has braved the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Describing her final push in the race, Vanessa said: “Every bump felt excruciating, but I only had 70km to go. Just 10km at a time, I could make it. “But then I realised I needed to pee. With the pain, I knew I had no hope of getting my trousers and kit down”.
She added: “As I crested the penultimate dune the finish line flags came into view and my heart leapt with joy. Everyone heard my screams of delight.”
Vanessa was able to battle through to the end, finishing 25th in her category.
For the rest of the Bournemouth Echo 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 Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth graduate conquers the ultimate test of endurance, surviving the treacherous Morocco Desert Challenge on a motorcycle.
A BOURNEMOUTH graduate has succeeded in one of the world’s toughest endurance races and described the experience as like ‘fighting for her life’. Vanessa Ruck has become one of the few to complete the gruelling Morocco Desert Challenge – an extreme motorcycle race over sand dunes.
The 36-year-old battled blistering temperatures and covered 2,500km of African terrain over an eight-day period. She also tackled an upset stomach and two huge crashes that deployed her life-saving air vest, plus an allergic reaction that led to her being barely able to open her eyes. But a determined Vanessa fought on.
She said: “I knew I was racing others, but it felt more like I was fighting for my life.
“Fighting the terrain, battling the heat, the mental and physical fatigue, I was riding for my life. In the vast dunes, I knew that if I had an issue that was me done.
“I even started wording a message in my head to record on my phone for my family if the worst happened. It was scary.”
In 2014, Vanessa had a cycling accident which led to seven surgeries over seven years of recovery, and a reconstructed shoulder and hip.
Despite this, she went on to ride her first off-road bike, and discovered the thrill of motorcycles.
Since then, she has endured some of the toughest races going, and is one of very few females that has braved the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Describing her final push in the race, Vanessa said: “Every bump felt excruciating, but I only had 70km to go. Just 10km at a time, I could make it.
“But then I realised I needed to pee. With the pain, I knew I had no hope of getting my trousers and kit down”.
She added: “As I crested the penultimate dune the finish line flags came into view and my heart leapt with joy. Everyone heard my screams of delight.”
Vanessa was able to battle through to the end, finishing 25th in her category.
For the rest of the Bournemouth Echo 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.
