Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year: What Drives Her?
As seen in The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year: For our inaugural Woman of Worth profile, we meet Vanessa Ruck, a force of nature who defied the odds after a life-altering accident where she was knocked off her bicycle by a driver who ran a red light. Refusing to be defined by her injuries, Vanessa embarked on a daring journey, mastering motorcycles and carving a path to becoming a future champion racer in both cars and bikes. Now, known to the world as “The Girl on a Bike,” Vanessa uses her platform to empower young girls and women globally, proving that even the most devastating setbacks can lead to extraordinary adventures. Let’s delve into her story and discover how she found passion, purpose, and the unwavering courage to chase her dreams on two wheels… and four!
Question: Given the accident, why did you decide to embrace the risk and excitement of motorcycling? Did the idea of starting your motorsport career on four wheels not hold the same appeal?
Vanessa: Getting into motorsport wasn’t even on my radar. Motorcycles entered the picture as a crucial part of my mental health recovery after the accident. Honestly, I wasn’t seeing much point in life. I used to be an adrenaline junkie, into extreme sports, but my body was broken. The immense pain meant I couldn’t do any of the activities I truly loved. The turning point came when my husband and I bought a pair of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Suddenly, I could experience some of that adventure I’d been missing. Plus, the bike was so comfortable, like sitting on a sofa with an engine, allowing me to manage the pain. I became hooked! Before I knew it, we’d racked up over 25,000 miles (40,200 kilometres) exploring Europe on our bikes, just on weekends and holidays.
Question: Cruising Europe on a Harley sounds amazing, but enduro and desert rallies are a whole different ball game! What sparked the switch to such intense competition?
Vanessa: At a time that I couldn’t do much, the Harley Davidson offered me a chance to go out and have fun, have adventure and feel the wind in my hair! Riding gave me a new focus in life, a defiant counterpoint to the limitations of recovery. I wanted to prove the medical staff wrong, to show myself and them that I could be sporty again. Then it hit me out of the blue, I wanted to ride a dirt bike! Though I’d never ridden off-road, my crazy supportive husband surprised me by bringing one home. Five long months stretched before I could even sit on it, but that bike became my goalpost, a constant reminder to fight through. On days when physical therapy felt brutal and quitting felt like an option, I’d look at that dirt bike. It fuelled my determination to push past the pain, to regain my strength and keep going with my physio. Finally, the day arrived, and the first ride hooked me. Over the past eight years, I’ve battled through four more surgeries and periods of being bedridden. But every time, looking at that bike reignited my resolve to get back on and up-skill. It became a symbol of defying limitations and excelling in this unexpected passion.
Question: Have you noticed a shift in attitudes towards female competitors in off-road motorbike racing? How do reactions from people compare to when you first started?
Vanessa: I’ve noticed the motorcycle industry is very supportive of women riders. However, there’s a disconnect between that and the perception from media and society who still think it‘s odd. In reality, when you are out there, no one cares if you are male or female. But judgment definitely happens! People see a petite blonde with long natural eyelashes and make assumptions. That’s exactly what fuelled me. I trained hard, devoured knowledge about my bike, taught myself mechanics, all to prove a point: this ponytail just overtook you so don’t judge a book by its cover! That motivation pushed me to excel, and soon, competition was on the cards. I think I entered just six races, then took a deep dive by signing up for the Red Bull Romaniacs as my seventh! Talk about jumping into the deep end!
Question: So, you conquered six races and then decided to, what, climb Mount Everest on a motorbike? What was it like competing in Romaniacs; one of the world’s most challenging Hard Enduro rallies?
Vanessa: When I entered the Red Bull Romaniacs, I knew finishing was a long shot and when I did some research I realized that there was absolutely no way I was going to reach the finish line. Heck, even reaching the start line felt impossible! I lacked the right equipment, skills, and knowledge – everything! But what I had on my side was 10 months to turn things around. Putting my money down was my motivation – sign up, show up, then race. After conquering the challenge I was elated then someone suggested a desert race, which sounded glamorous and cool, but the reality? Brutal! From there, the challenges just kept escalating. But honestly, I just love being on a motorcycle, no matter how tough the terrain.
This is something I’ve analyzed a lot, wondering why I am so obsessed with the bike? I’ve realized that when I’m on a motorbike, especially during a race, there’s absolutely no room to think about anything but riding. I have to read the rolling roadbook navigation system that’s strapped to the frame of my bike while flying over treacherous terrain – I could be sinking in soft sand, maybe covered in mud or soaked to the knees after a river crossing. Even then, I still have to think about position and competition! With all this demanding my focus, there’s no capacity to think about the chronic pain I’ve had since my accident. When I get off my bike the pain hits me like a freight train, but on the bike, I feel alive and completely free!
Question: Looking back on your incredible journey, what are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned about yourself and overcoming challenges?
Vanessa: Life’s journeys are truly beautiful, and I’ve learned that things often happen for a reason. My accident, undeniably the worst thing that ever happened to me, somehow became a catalyst for the best. Sure, it left me with a ‘bionic body,’ but it also taught me resilience. I learned to manage pain, to discern what battles are worth fighting and which tears have meaning. More importantly, I learned profound gratitude for the simple things and the power of finding happiness.
That experience took my life on a completely different course. Without those long months in a hospital bed, I doubt I’d ever have discovered motorcycle racing, which in turn led me to become a motivational speaker in schools and a beacon of hope for others. My mission is to ignite a spark in as many people as possible, to inspire them to get up and embrace an active life. Remember, when I was young, posters of the Bowler team adorned my walls. Now, I’m an official works driver for them! Life truly is a journey, and right now, I’m savoring every moment.
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 Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.
