Motorsports Media The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Monmouthshire Beacon: Girl on a Bike enjoys herself tremendously while doubling her wheels

As seen in Monmouthshire Beacon: Girl on a Bike, also known as Vanessa Ruck, a well-known social media influencer from Monmouthshire, has been encouraged to switch from two to four wheels and compete in a UK rally series using a Bowler Defender 110 4×4.

Vanessa received the offer over the phone and was surprised that the caller assumed she could drive a 4×4. They stated that if she can rally a motorcycle in the desert and do her own robot navigation, not getting lost and surviving all of the off-road terrain, then she surely has the aptitude to drive a 4×4. In her latest video, Vanessa shared her experience of getting into a 4×4 for the first time.

Her project with Bowler, a leading manufacturer of rally and off-road cars, will involve her competing in a UK rally series. But before she can do that, she had to get familiar with all things 4×4 and off-road.

That’s why she visited the Land Rover Experience Center, where she had the opportunity to drive a standard base model Defender 110.

Whilst Vanessa is used to being on a motorcycle, she found a substantial similarity in excitement, adventure, and drive when it comes to 4x4s.

She hopes that her journey will be something that her viewers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will enjoy.

She moves from the Defender 110 on to the next step of driving a Bowler rally car, which has been tuned out and customized specifically for rally racing.

The girl on a bike vanessa ruck monmouthshirebeacon

Vanessa embarks on various training exercises, including driving through an obstacle course, which involves maneuvering the car through tight spaces and over uneven terrain.

Vanessa notes that the Defender has so much technology to effectively make it the safest vehicle possible to get through the terrain. But she also learns how to turn off certain settings to better understand the car’s capability.

There is a lot of technology under the hood that is doing a huge amount of work for Vanessa. She also learns that the Defender has a lot of technology to make it a safer vehicle. The car has been designed to make it easy for drivers to navigate through tough terrain, with features like Hill Descent Control, which maintains a set speed while driving down steep hills.

Vanessa has taken a thrilling ride in the Bowler rally car, which has been customized to be even more powerful and faster than the standard Defender. She said that the feeling of teetering over the top with two wheels on the ground momentarily is “insane”, but she also marvels at what the car is capable of. The Defender’s low centre of gravity helps it stick to the road even though the driver is high up.

The latest Land Rover Defender has quite the task ahead of it. It’s not just about tackling the toughest terrains, but also about replacing its beloved predecessor, a vehicle that was adored for its toughness, yet difficult to justify as an everyday car.

monmouthshirebeacon motorcycle

The Defender 110 had to be just as capable off-road as the old one, while also paying homage to its heritage. This is why it sports a rugged look that is instantly recognizable as a Defender.

But the real question is whether the new Defender can live up to its predecessor’s reputation as a workhorse. If it’s too comfortable and refined, will it lose its appeal to those who rely on it for rescue services and utilities? On the other hand, if it’s too rough and unrefined, it might be difficult to justify as an everyday car.

Land Rover has a lot riding on the Defender, but with its reputation for producing robust vehicles, many are confident it can deliver. Vanessa will be facing a number of challenges ahead to seem if the Defender can match the hype.

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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Mcnews: Weekly Moto News Wrap

As seen in Mcnews: Race Management has now been informed of the amended and final results, which have been modified to reflect the modified outcomes.

What’s New:

  • Qatar International Baja this weekend

Qatar International Baja this weekend

After the start of the 2023 FIM Bajas World Cup in Saudi Arabia, riders meet again this week for the Qatar International Baja, the second round of the series in Qatar being held over a route of 840km. Fifty motorcycles and four quads are scheduled to attend administrative and technical checks at the Lusail Sports Arena, north of Doha, on Wednesday.

The girl on a bike mcnews

Mohammed Al Balooshi (KTM) was the winner of the Saudi Baja-Hail and arrives in Qatar at the head of the FIM Bajas World Cup standings with 25 points. He will, therefore, have to defend his position against Martin Chalmers (Beta), who is second in the standings, and the third-placed Junior rider Alex McInnes (Husqvarna).

Competition in the motorcycles will be fierce between the 50 participants, who include four Juniors, 14 veterans and four women; namely Mirjam Pol (KTM) – the title holder, Joanna Modrzewska (KTM), Sarah Khuraibet (Husqvarna) and Vanessa Ruck (Honda).

The Qatar International Baja begins on Wednesday, March 15th with administrative and technical checks followed on Thursday, March 16th by a 10km Prologue. On Friday, SS2 will run for 248km and Saturday’s SS3 will be 239km. That makes a total of 844km, consisting 498.37km of selective sections and 346.21km of Liaisons.

For the rest of the mcnews 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Morocco desert challenge: There are many incredible women in the MDC.

As seen in Morocco desert challenge: Today is International Women’s Day. We want to use this chance to highlight the women competing in the Moroccan Desert Challenge. Although primarily a man’s domain, the world of motorsport is rapidly evolving.

More and more ladies are showing that they can compete on equal terms when it comes to driving skills and navigation. In the MDC too, we see a nice increase in the number of female participants every edition. And we can only applaud that!

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Next month, no fewer than 33 power women will be at the start in Agadir. Earlier, we announced that Anja van Loon will take the wheel of a De Rooij truck. In the truck category, she will compete against, among others, Syndiely Wade, who is once again aiming for victory as navigator alongside Igor Bauwens in the Gregoor team. In the SSV category, we welcome a number of regulars at the start, including Delphine Crosse and Caroline Zosso.

Tessa Rooth and Veronique Dard and Miranda van Middendorp will navigate in a 4×4 and Magdalena Zając herself will take the wheel of the Proxcars TME Rally team’s Toyota Hilux. Vanessa Ruck joined us last year in Tunisia for her very first rally. Next month she will be the only lady competing in the motorbike category. Respect!

Also in the bivouac, the number of ladies in key positions is rising. Andrea Peterhansel, wife of Mr. Dakar Stephane Peterhansel and no stranger to the world of rallying herself, leads the Yamaha Spirit World Raid team. And she is not the only one! No less than 12 other teams have a female team manager.

The girl on a bike

Last but not least, we like to mention that within the organisation, more than 40% of the crew members are ladies! We also like to give them a special mention today!

For the rest of the Morocco Desert Challenge 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Blade Motorcycles: International Women’s Day – Inspiring Women in Motorcycling

As seen in Blade Motorcycles: The number of women riding motorcycles has been steadily on the increase, with the industry making it more accessible over the past few years.

The girl on a bike vanessa ruck DUNAS RAID

Vanessa Ruck

Vanessa has a really incredible story to tell. After being hit by a red light jumping car while on her bicycle in 2014, she has endured a long road to recovery, through which she discovered her love for motorbikes, and thus The Girl On A Bike was born. She now uses her platform to share her ongoing journey while teaching others the importance of taking control when you feel low, resilience, and to make the most of each day.
Vanessa now regularly travels around the UK and the world, testing all kinds of motorcycles, working with top brands and even taking part in Rallies!
I recently chatted to Vanessa, who told me about her connection with Oxford Harley-Davidson. As a belated wedding anniversary when her Husband returned from Afghanistan, she organised two Harleys from us for the afternoon to take on a little adventure. 

The girl on a bike International Womens Day Suzi

Suzi Perry

Suzi has been a prominent figure in broadcasting for many years, and most people will probably know her best for reporting on MotoGP for the likes of BBC and BT Sport. Suzi is a keen advocate for women in motorcycling, being a rider herself, and in 2018 made a documentary for BBC called ‘Queens of the Road’ where she followed the fortunes of three female road racers. 

For the rest of the Blade Motorcycles 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Teng tools: Important Factors For Hand Tool Storage Optimization

As seen in The tengtools: She certainly understands how organizing a toolbox is essential for enhancing work productivity, saving time at the workplace, and preventing accidents because she is an incredibly good motorbike rider.

Proper storage of tools helps ensure they are easily accessible and in good condition, which in turn helps prevent any mishaps on the job or in your workshop. These are our key takeaways to highlight the importance of considering a well-structured tool storage solution, both for the sake of productivity and safety.

The girl on a bike key considerations hand tool storage optimisation
  1. The way others do it today might not be the way you want to do it.
    You do you. The TengTools toolkits are incredibly flexible and over time you need to work out what are your most used tools and what tools you use in combination with each other. Once you’ve put them in you might realize “Actually, I need that with that” and you will be ever evolving and optimizing the toolkit.
  2. Make sure that the tools that you’re using the most frequently are the most accessible.
    Depending on the type of work that you’re doing, you might be on your feet, you might be moving around a vehicle, you might have a stool that you’re working on, you might be a short person or a tall person etc. Factoring that in as to what height drawer you put your most used tools is going to be important one.
  3. Put tools in imperial sizes together.
    Depending what sort of jobs you’re doing it seems logical, but you could also…
  4. Put tools “like for like”.
    Spanners with spanners and sockets with socket wrenches.
  5. Factor in a little bit of extra space.
    Give loose things all those odd screws a home as well.
  6. Reorder and shuffle around.
    The good thing about loading drawers in a tool kit is that it’s not permanent. You can put them in, start working, see how it feels and shift things around constantly adapting and improving your layout for your working style.
  7. Try and have a little bit of logic and similarities in how you fill your drawers.
  8. For example, I’ve put my organizer tray in the left-hand corner of both drawers which means I’ll very quickly get into the habit of knowing “back left is where my organizing tools are”.
  9. Think about the weight.
  10. It’s worth trying to have the heavier tools down low. That’s going to help the overall weight of the cabinet for its stability. Although TengTools offer incredibly stable cabinets there’s nothing wrong with helping it out.
  11. Think about the size of the trays.
  12. The tools in the trays are not all the same height. Trays with big tools like large sockets won’t fit in the thinner drawers so make sure they’re in the right drawers to make sure they close properly.
  13. You don’t have to leave completely spare drawers.
  14. You can leave capacity for other things alongside tool trays in any drawer.

For the rest of the tengtools 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ross Gazette: Girl on a Bike competes in a sidecar chariot race in Portugal

As seen in Ross Gazette: The Girl on a Cycle Vanessa Ruck has embarked on a brand-new adventure with Ural Bikes in Portugal. With Emma as her co-pilot, she faces the task of learning how to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar securely.

Ural Motorcycles, celebrating its 80th anniversary, is teaching Vanessa how to ride its 745cc bike, which has a unique design with a sidecar.

The challenge is not an easy one as the bike weighs just over 500 kilos and has different controls than a regular motorcycle, which makes it more challenging to ride. But Vanessa is determined to master the skill and the Ural experience is the perfect way to do it.

Vanessa and Emma are taking on the adventure of riding adventure sidecar motorcycles through eucalyptus forests and rugged terrain at the Euro Experience Centre in Portugal. The excitement of the ride has exceeded their expectations, as they navigate the challenges of riding with three wheels instead of two.

After a satisfying lunch of soup and salad, they head back out into the afternoon sun to continue their adventure on two sidecars. The sidecars add a new dimension to motorcycling, providing a social experience that allows riders to converse with ease and enjoy the scenery together.

the girl on a bike ural sidecar motorcycle experience centre portugal 19

As the day wears on, they encounter more difficult terrain, including a steep hill that challenges their skills. But with the help of their instructor, they conquer it and continue on their adventure. By the end of the day, they have accomplished more than they ever expected, having achieved a level of skill that few people have reached after just one day.

The team is excited for what the next day will bring, as they plan to venture out on a picnic adventure. They reflect on the social and safety aspects of riding a sidecar, which allow them to enjoy the scenery and each other’s company in a new and exciting way.

Vanessa is excited to learn the skills to control the chariot safely, whether on or off-road. She has been practicing her skills in different environments, including turns, different terrain, manhole covers, and corners. Her determination to learn how to ride a sidecar chariot safely is evident as she embarks on this thrilling adventure.

the girl on a bike ural sidecar motorcycle experience centre portugal 15

After a day of excitement and adventure, they return to the Euro Experience Centre headquarters for a delicious dinner and some Portuguese wine. The friends are happy and content, looking forward to the next day’s adventure and the many more to come.

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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The Forest Review: Girl On A Bike battles Iceland’s rough terrain and thrilling river crossings.

As seen in The Forest Review: In her most recent video, Vanessa Ruck, popularly known as “The Girl On A Bike,” takes viewers on an exciting and adventurous voyage as she rides a big Africa Twin motorcycle across the difficult terrain of Iceland.

The video starts off with Vanessa expressing her nervousness about the technical challenges that lie ahead, including multiple river crossings that are sure to put the Africa Twin to the test.

But Vanessa is no stranger to adventure, having previously conquered the Shotover River in New Zealand and the wilds of Iceland. With her waterproof socks on and a reminder of her previous triumphs, Vanessa sets off on the day’s ride, accompanied by her fellow riders.

As the group navigates through the beautiful landscape of Iceland, Vanessa can’t help but express her awe at the stunning road riding and rugged scenery. The group takes a break to warm up and enjoy some Icelandic delicacies before hitting the road again, this time venturing through a black sand lava field, complete with random solid lumps of rock that threaten to derail the riders.

Despite the challenges, Vanessa remains determined and focused, taking on the deep sand and technical terrain with skill and confidence. The group encounters their biggest challenge yet, a wide and rushing river crossing, but with the help of their expert guide, they make it safely across.

the girl on a bike rally moto uk cannonbal challenge 1 min 1

As the day draws to a close, Vanessa reflects on the incredible adventure she has just experienced, and the thrill of conquering such a formidable landscape on the back of the mighty Africa Twin. For those who crave adventure and excitement, Vanessa’s video is a must-see, and a reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset and determination.

For the rest of The Forest Review 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The forester: Vanessa’s newest spin is getting attention.

As seen in The forester: Vanessa Ruck, often known as “The Girl on a Cycle,” has been drawing attention with her most recent attempt at a spin turn on the Tiger 900 motorcycle.

A Monmouthshire-based rider, adventurer, and presenter, Vanessa is known for her high-profile work and offers free #BecauseICan workshops to schools across the UK. Now, it’s time for her to bring her message of resilience and perseverance to her own community. Vanessa is on a mission to show that with hard work, nothing is impossible—even in the face of adversity.

After a reconstructive accident, she has become a symbol of strength, honesty, and authenticity in a world where “perfect” lives dominate the media landscape. By sharing her own highs and lows, Vanessa offers relatable lessons and tools to help others face life’s battles and challenges.

With the right mindset and strategies, she believes that anything is possible, and that even the desire to quit is a natural feeling that can be overcome. For Vanessa, it’s not about being flawless, but about embracing imperfections and coming out stronger on the other side.

For the rest of theforester 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.

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

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

MCN London Show: Get inspired to explore

As seen in MCN London Show [print]: The world’s best motorcycle adventurers reveal the hottest destinations and crucial tips

Vanessa Ruck From full-blown desert rallies to hardcore enduro and road touring, and from knee-down trackdays to trials, if it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited.

The girl on a bike vanessa ruck the harley davidson campfire


She’ll be joining us to energetically recount the numerous real life experiences charting her life. changing story from a tragic childhood bike accident to becoming a rider and international racer.

The girl on a bike vanessa ruck MCN London Show
The girl on a bike vanessa ruck MCN London Show 1

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 InstagramFacebook and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Girl on a Bike in the Media

The Stay Amazing show: Podcast with Vanessa Ruck

As seen in The thestayamazingshow: The Girl On A Bike, Vanessa Ruck, is devoted to experiencing life to the fullest. Vanessa, who calls herself an “adrenaline junkie,” has always been athletic and active. She puts in a lot of labor and hard work.

But it was in March of 2014, that her life changed. She was riding her bike when it collided with a car that ran a red light. At the hospital, she was misdiagnosed with just bruises. When in reality she had injuries to her shoulder and hip that required seven surgeries to reconstruct the damage. Throughout her therapy and recovery, she had the mental attitude and mindfulness to accept her situation in order to move forward with her life.

It was during this time that Vanessa decided that riding motorcycles was something she would like to pursue. She took it one step at a time setting goals and has battled back physically and mentally to continue to live a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Vanessa now races her bike in some of the most demanding and grueling off road courses in the world. In this episode she shares her harrowing experience racing in the Tunisia Desert Challenge.

Vanessa shares her inspirational story of courage and never giving up through her #BecauseICan series in schools and as a keynote speaker, She has the respect of her racing peers and a large social media following. Vanessa’s outlook on life is to make the most of each day and to help others do the same.

For the rest of the thestayamazingshow 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.

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

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