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.
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.
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 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 thestayamazingshowarticle 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 Rossgazette: High-profile rider, explorer, and broadcaster Vanessa Ruck, also known as “The Girl on a Bike,” is based right here in Monmouthshire. She provides UK schools with absolutely free #BecauseICan seminars, therefore we believe it’s time she paid a visit to some in Monmouthshire.
After a tragic accident on her pushbike followed by 7 surgeries over 7 years, Vanessa discovered the world of motorcycling, and just as importantly the thrill of exploring the world on them. As a rider she’s pushing the boundaries in a huge array of motorcycle disciplines, and you might recognise her from our previous articles. From full blown desert rallies, to hard enduro and road touring, to knee down track days, and trials. If it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited. But Vanessa is not just about tearing it up on two wheels. From the darkest moments in her mental and physical recovery, Vanessa’s soul ignited to help others from the lessons she learned, primarily through schools and aiming to inspire the next generation.
Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls.
She believes it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, she brings highly relatable lessons and tools to help face the battles and challenges of life.
With fresh 2023 energy, Vanessa has set the goal of talking to over 10k students this year, and January saw a strong start. Visiting 7 schools around the UK, she’s already touched the lives of nearly 2,000 students. However, as a Monmouth based rider, we’d love to see her speaking to our own youth.
As a force to be reckoned with, she’s a rider, racer and adventurer living with ongoing pain, and is determined to make the most of every day despite her past, and help others do the same. Vanessa will join any school at zero cost to share her energetic real life experiences following her life changing story from accident to becoming one of the most known female motorcycle riders in the world.
In a world of doom and gloom it’s refreshing to see some positive energy being spread. Vanessa will visit ANY UK school and share these free workshops so please share with anyone connected to schools and let’s help me spread the word.
“I might not be changing the world, but I hope one session at a time, I can help inspire some of our future generations to set their sights on the stars! Anything is possible!” says Vanessa
Failing is not falling down, we all fall sometimes, failing is not getting back up!
Born from real life experiences that Ms Ruck has had, the sessions bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life. Vanessa has delivered inspiration talks to thousands of pupils during her free visits to schools across the country. Let’s get her into our local schools! For more information search “Vanessa Ruck #BecauseICan workshops”.
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students. The assemblies were brilliant – they developed your inspirational story and then made it very relatable to how students can use mindset to achieve goals. Vanessa’s obvious enthusiasm for life and her inspirational story connected with students and helped them to think about their own life goals and barriers to success . The workshop was particularly powerful and Vanessa worked empathetically with the groups to discuss their aspirations and plans. It would lovely if you could revisit”
For the rest of the theforestreviewarticle 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 Moto gusto: Vanessa Ruck, also known as “The Girl On A Cycle,” started her motorcycle voyage in the Bahamas, not in the UK, where she rode around the island while toting a spear for fishing.
When Vanessa returned to the UK motorcycles became a fond memory. In 2014 whilst riding her push bike to work, a car jumped a red light causing her to crash and damage her right shoulder and hip. Unfortunately, these injuries were somewhat overlooked and dismissed as bruising and later turned out to be a lot more serious resulting in 7 surgeries over the years.
Shortly after Vanessa’s accident the realisation of a motorcycle being a missing element to life took hold and as soon as she was able to she bought a Suzuki Bandit 600. After riding for some time, as a belated anniversary present for her husband’s return from military service overseas, Vanessa organised a day out with two Harley Davidsons. By the end of that day, it was decided unanimously that it was far better to cruise on the Harley than the bandit. This bike was bought by the couple and named ‘Thug’. Vanessa warmly describes it as “a sofa on wheels’’.
Always light at the end of the tunnel
Vanessa’s accident helped to forge a solid passion for motorcycles. For many, seven surgeries would deter from pursuing a life of extreme sports and getting out and muddy on two wheels. But Vanessa’s mindset of being in a long tunnel with a light at the end has enabled her to overcome any physical or mental setbacks. Combining her passion for the outdoors and motorcycling Vanessa has now competed in some races in the UK Enduro and some trials riding. At this point, I’m wondering what could be next for Vanessa as no signs of slowing down are on the horizon.
The long road to recovery
Throughout Vanessa’s recovery, she has had two body parts reconstructed several times. The physical and mental strain and hardship this brings are phenomenal and out of this “The Girl On A Bike” was born! Never looking back and focused on enjoying daily life to the fullest Vanessa has become a true inspiration. Make sure to get onto her website and social media accounts. Read her story in full and be witness to Vanessa’s incredible determination and self-belief – with time and patience, I knew I would get back to riding-only I had the power to make it happen and hard work pays off”.
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 Hog pod: An amazing story of how one person fought back both physically and mentally after being involved in a terrible accident.
LISTEN IN
This episode is available on all your favorite podcast platforms and you can listen in here directly on the website also!
WATCH NOW
All episodes of the HOG-POD are now available to watch on our YouTube Channel so be sure to check those out, subscribe to the channel and hit the bell to be notified of episodes being released
You can listen into all of the episodes from Season 1 and find out how to get involved by reaching out to us. The best way to get your Chapter onto the podcast is to get in touch with us.
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 Spirit and Destiny Magazine [print]: Following a life-changing accident, Vanessa Ruck found resilience by reframing her thoughts and embracing new adventures.
My life was full of adventure.
I was into extreme sports and would push myself physically and mentally in everything I did. Kite surfing, wakeboarding and snowboarding were passions of mine, along with horse riding and mountain biking I’d cycle the 16-mile round trip from my home in Abingdon to Oxford, where I worked in marketing, and on lunch breaks Id go to the gym. I was very fit and active.
But my life changed forever on March 25th, 2014, when I cycled from my workplace to a wakeboarding lake, eight miles from the office.
I’d barely left work, maybe a mile of tarmac had passed beneath me, and I was cruising along with the traffic.
Delighted to see the lights ahead switch to green as I approached, I pedaled hard to keep momentum. That’s when it happened. Out of nowhere, an oncoming car pulled across in front of me.
Everything played out so quickly. There was nothing I could do. I felt my body crumple as I smashed into the vehicle’s rear passenger side, my right shoulder taking the full impact. My body screamed internally before I collapsed onto my right side. I could hear my heartbeat, my pulse thumping through my veins, and my surroundings almost a blur.
Time we stood still.
Then, I snapped back to full-speed reality. I could hear traffic, and people asking if I was OK. At this point, I didn’t even know. ‘It was a green light!’ I shouted in rage. Caring passers-by helped me safely to the side of the road, and I was taken to A&E in an ambulance.
For the rest of the Spirit and Destiny Magazine article download from 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 exhibitionnews: At the London Motorcycle Show, ExCeL will feature the first indoor supersprint in history. The event had a fresh look for 2023, welcoming Devitt Insurance as the title sponsor and introducing a new live-action show with the world’s first indoor supersprint.
The supersprint saw a range of machinery, including Barry Sheene’s World-Championship winning Suzuki, Peter Hickman’s 2023 British Superbike, Honda’s MotoGP-derived RC213V-S, the BMW F900 R Cup bikes and the Triumph Scrambler’s from the James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’.
BMW Motorrad UK National Marketing and PR Manager Scott Grimsdall said: “The London Motorcycle Show is always a great way to kick off the year, and particularly encouraging to talk to so many riders new to motorcycling. The new supersprint show added another level of excitement, particularly for some of our keen F 900 R Cup racers.”
The Manx Grand Prix started their centenary celebrations at the show. Alongside a collection of race machines, stars such as Lee Johnston, Dominic Herbertson, Stephen Smith, and McGuinness were in attendance. The show’s Adventure Zone stage hosted talks from the likes of Austin Vince, Elspeth Beard and Vanessa Ruck.
Roadskin Owner Nicky Wilson, who attended the event, said: “It’s been a phenomenal show for us, by far the best show we’ve ever had at the Excel. We’ve sold out completely of several Roadskin lines, which we didn’t anticipate, and we have been fully rushed off our feet all weekend.”
For the rest of the exhibitionnewsarticle 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 MCN motorcycle show: At the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show, some of the most seasoned motorcycle adventurers in the world share this year’s hottest two-wheel destinations and essential travel advice.
Whether it’s a long weekend in the Peaks or organising the epic global trip of a lifetime, it’s essential to get advice from the people who’ve been there and done it. The Adventure Travel Stage, sponsored by Caberg, at this year’s Devitt MCN London Motorcycle show will be packed with experts who have first hand experience across a wide spectrum of two wheel travel so no matter what level your ambition or experience is, you’ll get the very best advice imaginable.
Here’s some of the fascinating experts who’ll be sharing their knowledge on the Adventure Travel Stage sponsored by Caberg, at the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show on February 17-19.
1. Vanessa Ruck
Otherwise known as ‘The Girl on a Bike’ Vanessa is an adventurer and presenter based in the UK. After a tragic accident on her pushbike followed by 7 years recovery, Vanessa discovered motorcycling and the thrill of exploring the world on them. From full blown desert rallies, to hard enduro and road touring, to knee down track days, and trials. If it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited.
As a force to be reckoned with, she’s a rider, racer and adventurer living with ongoing pain, and is determined to make the most of every day despite her past, and help others do the same. Vanessa will be joining us with her energetic real life experiences following her life changing story from accident to becoming a rider and international racer.
2. The Lightweight Adventurers
The Lightweight Adventurers started out in 2018, with just two regular blokes, filming for YouTube, what they loved doing…riding off road on their little Honda CRFs. With a combined 50 years in the military, both Marc and Jamie understand the value that being in a supportive community brings and with that in mind they started the Lightweight Adventurers, a group that aspires to bring people that think light, pack light and travel light, together.
They have traveled extensively through Europe and the UK racking up over 4000 miles in their last adventure to the deserts of Spain. They’ve even ridden to the Isle of Skye for a weekend from Lincoln, a 1700-mile round trip!
3. Tiffany Coates
Tiffany is the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer having ridden over 300,000 miles, crossing every continent, some of them several times. She’s travelled just about everywhere including Timbuctoo, Outer Mongolia, Tibet, Madagascar and Borneo. On most of her journeys, Tiffany has ridden her trusty 1992 BMW R80GS nicknamed ‘Thelma’, a bike she rode to India on with just two months riding experience.
Tiffany is the world’s foremost female motorcycle adventurer having ridden over 300,000 miles, crossing every continent, some of them several times. She’s travelled just about everywhere including Timbuctoo, Outer Mongolia, Tibet, Madagascar and Borneo. On most of her journeys, Tiffany has ridden her trusty 1992 BMW R80GS nicknamed ‘Thelma’, a bike she rode to India on with just two months riding experience.
4. Sam Manicom
Motorcycle overlander and travel writer Sam Manicom was born in the Congo in Central West Africa where his parents worked. His family returned to the UK when he was 10, Sam has been travelling for most of his life. His first solo trip was age 16 by bicycle into Europe. His first major trip was a seat-of-the-pants 3 year backpacking voyage of discovery across Europe, India and Australia, which often saw him down to his last $10. What was needed, he earned along the way and this he says was a great learning experience.
Back in the UK, he decided that ‘growing up’ was what you were supposed to do and settled down into a career. But something was always missing. Wanting to do something completely different, Sam learned to ride a motorcycle and within 3 months of starting to ride, he set off to travel the length of Africa. This one-year trip turned into an 8-year around the world motorcycle adventure across 6 continents.
Sam now works full time in the world of adventure travel. He’s a keen advocate of motorcycle travel in particular and when not writing his books, magazine articles and conducting multimedia travel presentations within Europe and the USA, he’s very much involved with travel related organisations.
For the rest of the MCN motorcycle showarticle 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 Trail and Adventure Motorbike Podcast: An amazing start to season 4, we even find out what her real name is! From a hospital bed to kicking ass and taking names in some of the world’s toughest enduro events. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Vanessa Ruck.
Suuuper AnimeThe Suuuper Anime Podcast is a show that looks to entertain, inspire and inform you…Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Eye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives.
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 More bikes: The 1000 Dunas is a challenging cross-country race that calls for the utmost resolve, aptitude, and self-assurance to win. This route is centred on the principles of off-road riding, where excellent motorcycle handling and navigation are requirements.
All terrains and routes require the strongest of souls and an unmistakable amount of bravery. The raid has recently been completed by none other than Vanessa Ruck, aka ‘Girl on a Bike’ (@thegirlonabike) on a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Showing off her skills as a rider and how well the bike can perform in heats of immense pressure.
The Challenge
The Challenge
Born and raised in England, Vanessa is a go-getter with all sorts of dreams she wants to accomplish. After a car hit her on her bicycle in 2014 she was hospitalised and in need of some serious medical attention. Over the course of 13 months, 7 operations, full shoulder reconstruction, 6 hip surgeries and countless steroid injections she was undergoing training to progressively work back to where she was before. Six years on, she’s back on the bike but this time with a motor too! Now an advocate for motorcycling she rides everything from dirt bikes to Harley-Davidson® cruisers. A testament to the strength of a determined woman, Vanessa is a role model for millions worldwide.
Tiger 900 Rally Pro
The perfect bike selected for this journey was the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. A bike built for the occasion, Triumph has dedicated time, resources and effort to make this the ideal bike for off-road adventure. Packed with a class-leading specification the bike was designed to withstand the toughest of riding conditions off-road or on the tarmac. Powered by the powerful 900cc triple engine and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the bike exceeds expectations in all areas. Not only does the bike come good to go as standard but there is a fantastic range of accessories and parts available within the Triumph genuine product catalogue and third-party alternatives too.
The Course
During this maximum intensity week, you’ll make a start from Granada (Spain) and make your way across the Mediterranean Sea via ferry from Motril to Nador. After that, you’ll ride through the land of the Berbers within the picturesque Atlas Mountains where you might even encounter snowfalls and flurries – perhaps even the first of the season. Once you’ve worked your way through the blizzard you’re descending down the mountain southbound into the desert terrain of Morocco to arrive at the peaks of the great dunes of Erg Chebbi. On the way back, you venture into more unexplored lands of the Morocco desert and into Merzouga, then Nador. It is here that your endurance and riding skill will be tested most.
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.
