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The toughest ADV ride in Europe

The toughest ADV ride in Europe

The Hard Alpi Tour is one of the longest and most scenic off-road rallies for larger adventure style motorcycles in Europe. This 800km long event spanning over northern Italy has four classes to allow all levels of motorcycle riders to get involved; The Extreme 1000, The Extreme, Discovery and The Classic.

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The Hard Alpi Tour is 80% off road terrain with different lengths and different time allowances for the varying motorcycle classes. You must ride in teams of three as there is no mechanical support available to you, only medical support, so it is vital you carry an array of basic tools that you may need.

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The extreme class begins at 11pm and the time allowance is 36 hours, this is what hubby Alex, bestie Anika and I decided to take on. In the video’s below I will show you the full behind the scenes of this adventure, showing you what to expect and what is involved, including riding footage direct from the Harley Davidson Pan America motorcycle; an adventure bike never before seen at this event.

Watch here

Part 1:

Part 2:

How heavily did I have to modify the Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle to make it handle a 36 hour Hard Alpi Tour Extreme 780km event? Here you go:

  • Changed the rubber to my favourite adv Michelin Motorcycle Anakee Wilds for the best traction
  • Added OEM Harley LED lights on front bars
  • Strapped on Mosko Moto Reckless 40 panniers for my sleeping and bivi bag, and road snacks
  • Screwed on a Peak Design phone mount
  • Downloaded the Harley navigation app to load the events GPX file straight to the bikes screen
  • Paired up our Cardo Systems intercoms for the ultimate banter
  • Carried charging cables and power banks to recharge lights / phones on the road
  • Turned off HD traction control and selected off road mode
    Then…it was all down to me!

For more information on the Hard Alpi Tour:
https://over2000riders.com/en/

Please also see my other Pan America videos:

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding 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 Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Whatsapp and www.thegirlonabike.com.

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By Vanessa Ruck
Features Latest content Reviews

BMW GS review 1250 vs 850 

BMW GS review 1250 vs 850 

The BMW GS.. What can only be described as a cult, there appears to be either lovers or haters. I decided it was about time to form my own opinion and test ride and review the GS 1250 and 850.

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The Girl on a bike BMW 2

The BMW GS.. What can only be described as a cult, there appears to be either lovers or haters, I decided it was about time to form my own opinion on the BMW GS and get my butt on the seat and test ride the infamous GS. But I decided to go one step further and try both the 1250 and 850 side by side so I could form a more versatile opinion on the pros and cons of not just one, but two BMW GS adventure motorcycles.

In this video I will share my thoughts on the two BMW GS motorcycles after exploring the stunning scenery around Malaga in Southern Spain with a girlfriend Anika, and why after around 1000kms of riding I question… Why would you buy the 850?

So what is all the fuss about, watch here and find out

We hired the BMW GS motorcycles from Moto Hire Spain near Malaga and they were in excellent condition and running Michelin rubber, so it was a solid start. But after 5 days of riding and swapping between the BMW GS 1250 and the 850 it was quite easy for me to see some of the major differences in these bikes.

Some of the key comparisons are:

BMW GS R1250:BMW GS F850:
Boxer engineParallel twin engine
Variable valve timing system
136hp90hp
Shaft driveChain drive
243kg223kg
Tele lever front suspensionStandard suspension
Hydraulic clutchMechanical clutch

If you would like to see our 5 day adventure around Malaga you can watch it here:

I’ve got extensive experience on a range of adventure bikes so if you’d like to see the rivals here you go:

The Africa Twin Takes on Iceland: A Brutal Real-Life Review:

Yamaha Tenere 700 Technical Review – Sardinia:

Harley-Davidson Pan America Off Road Review – Wales:

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro 1000 Dunas series:

I’ve also ridden KTMs, Ducati’s and so many more but not yet filmed reviews.

More information on Moto Hire Spain:

https://motohirespain.com/

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding 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 Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com 

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By Vanessa Ruck
The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Feedpost: 90 Motorcycle YouTube Channels

I’m excited to have been included in this list of motorcycle YouTubers for Motorcycle enthusiasts! Yey:

https://blog.feedspot.com/motorcycle_youtube_channels/

Extract from Blog.feedspot.com:

The Girl On A Bike

The Girl On A Bike UK
I’m a go-getter, a chase-your-dreams kind of girl. With a 7 year recovery seeing 7 surgeries and two reconstructed body parts, it’s been a roller coaster for me, but through this I’ve discovered motorcycles. Starting with cruising but rapidly ramping up to trials, adv and now even full hard enduro as her my heals. Bikes have swiftly become my favorite form of adventure; the open road, the power, the ability to simply disappear into the unknown and travel the world. She’s a motorcycle YouTuber.

90 Motorcycle Youtubers – Channels for Motorcycle Enthusiasts

The Girl on a Bike – @thegirlonabike (94K)

Her life changed in 2014 when she was hit by a car. Since then, after 7 surgeries (including shoulder and hip reconstruction), she has set herself the goal of getting the most out of her life. Addicted to motorcycles with a passion for seeking adventure and perfecting her skills

Others in the list of Motorcycle Youtube Channels for Motorcycle Enthusiasts include:

Motorcycle.com | Motorcycle Review Channel

Motorcyclist Magazine | Motorcycle Magazine

Moto Madness | Motorcycle Crashes &Fails

DirtBike Lunatic | Motorcycle Videos

MCN – Motorcyclenews.com

Royal Jordanian | Motorcycle Touring Youtube Channel

…….

For the rest or the Top 90 Motorcycle Youtube Channels for Motorcycle Enthusiasts please head to Feedspot here.

Here’s some recent highlights from my Instagram too – https://www.instagram.com/thegirlonabike/

Not every day is a smooth day but pretty much every day is a school day if you’re willing to try and learn! Yup I tipped the @eagle_plant 1 tonne dumper over 🫣 thankfully me and baby bump jumped well clear and after the oil settled, it started up just fine. Some might say domestic use of tools is reckless but my theory is that every trained human out there was untrained once, and I want to learn. I’ve had a mega successful week and moved well over 100 tonne, had fun and learned. Digger driving is so satisfying!!! Finding the right kit for an active lifestyle can be tough. It needs to be durable, hard wearing, practically designed, comfortable, “Vanessa proof” (strong and washable) and of course ideally, look cool too (I’m allowed to try and not look a total mess right?! )… and recently I’ve also needed kit that works with a bump… thank goodness Ruckymonster also wears @revolutionrace so I can pinch his pants! You know some days you just find yourself angry inside, all twisted and irritated? Well, I’ve had a moment like that today. It's been 10.5 years since my accident yet I still feel the pain daily. Something I've learned to cope with. But it's exasperated....I am now five months/24 weeks pregnant and my hip pain is worse than normal because of the additional pregnancy weight and spreading of the pelvis in preparation for childbirth. What’s a destination that’s blown your mind? Travel is such a magical way to broaden our horizons. The Indian Himalayas definitely explanded mine! Any recommendations? Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean losing who you are or what you do! Fitness through bump growth is certainly a new challenge but hey...who’s going to to shy away from a challenge? Not Vanessa! With the mileage I do and the frequency that I go to schools around the country plus other events I really wanted my new vehicle to represent my energy and values. And be something that would get the kids excited....plus be super practical for my lifestyle plus a pushchair. So I bought a @forduk Ranger 💪 but it didn’t stop there...I wanted more poise 🤨 Introducing Monster! Having been on the @bowlermotors @defender racing team for the last 1.5 years, due to pregnancy and me pausing my racing they have brought that support to a close. Baby Ruckymonster is on the way so sadly Sid has to go home 😔…But when one door closes….find a new door! Eek!!! 😆 Who likes my new @forduk Ranger? What's your weekend plans? Any riding? Destinations? Who with? Let's inspire each other with ideas 🤗 So strong 💪 P.S don't tell me the engine was running as I felt like superwomen 😋
Tenere 700 review
Top ten motorcycle Instagram accounts – The Girl On A Bike

Check out my other media placements here.

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By The Girl On A Bike
Latest content

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America First Ride Off Road Review

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America First Ride Off Road Review

Can a  @Harley-Davidson  Pan America go off road? The killer question and I was on a mission to answer it on my first ride doing a Pan America review. We rode for a day in north Wales on some gorgeous twisty roads with an off road leg tackling gravel, lose stones, hills, whoops and lots of puddles. Here’s my review:

With a all new V-twin 1252cc engine kicking out 150hp the Pan America has some epic thrills to be had but as an off road capable bike it also needs to be able to handle slower riding, aiding the rider to balance with a solid position, support arm fatigue with a slip assist clutch and hold its weight nicely. Bingo, we started the experience with my first ever ride, first pull away during a slow riding challenge… and I could immediately feel how comfortable and controllable the beast was. The weight of the V-twin is low and central and with a system of internal counter balance systems, the engine is smooth and vibration free. Initial reaction – it felt amazing. Watch to see who won – Charley Boorman was riding too.

Check out the full video for my thoughts but here are some highlights, particularly thinking H-D stereotypes…

  1. Power is on form. Smooth low-end torque & low-speed throttle response for technical off road…see previous slow riding challenge…but with 150hp it’s got fist fulls of top end power for the open road
  2. It’s smooth, absolutely smashing the vibration reputation out the window. It’s no “tractor” but it does still have a lovely growl
  3. Riding modes bring a hugely contrasting ride. I personally wasn’t a fan of road mode, it felt a little washy but sport mode with stiffened up suspension – oh hello!
  4. The ‘magic’ suspension was mint, aka Automatic Ride Height, it’s far more seamless than I expected too. You don’t feel it. It calculates the rider’s weight & adjusts the preload while you ride, then as you stop it lowers to reduce the seat height. Ace for the short riders
  5. Oh & this Harley can stop! With Brembo linked braking power you have the confidence putting the power down! Sharp 💪🏼
  6. The riding position is balanced, comfortable & I felt connected to be bike. Good knee grip for the mud & relaxed seat for roads
  7. Final surprise…it’s not that heavy! It’s a manageable HOG. With the V-twin low & weight conscious design the Pan America weights 245kg with a low centre of balance, massively helping confidence
the girl on a bike harley davidson pan america first ride off road 3
Harley-Davidson Pan America first ride off road

Being honest, it took me a little to be used to the Pan America. It’s a unique ride but after turning to the mud I found its spark! It CAN handle off road. Puddles, whoopy banks, mud & stones. Sucked up with confidence

It’s defo a bold leap of faith into the adventure world but I feel H-D have earned their ADV badge

Thumbs up from me! 🔥 Bring on a big Pan America adventure! Who’s going to try and who thinks the Pan will do well?

For reference I’m a female rider 169cm tall with 69cm inside leg.

More on Harley-Davidson Pan America:

The described as an all terrain long hauler the Pan America 1250 motorcycle is a two-wheel multi-tool built to endure, designed to explore, and engineered for adventure. More here:
https://www.harley-davidson.com/gb/en/motorcycles/pan-america-1250-special.html

the girl on a bike harley davidson pan america first ride off road 2
Pan America review on and off road

H-D Pan America Review Specs:

Engine size 1252cc
Engine type Revolution Max 60° V-twin
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 21.2 litres
Seat height 868-894mm
Bike weight 245kg
Front suspension 47mm USD fork electronically adjustable semi-active damping control
Rear suspension Showa shock with automatic electronic preload & semi-active damping
Adaptive Ride Height System (added for £600) lowers the seat height to just under 800 millimetres when the bike comes to a stop. The system is only available for the 1250 Special, because the lowering kit relies on its more advanced electronics package
Front brake 320mm twin discs, radial 4-piston calipers with Cornering ABS
Rear brake 280mm disc, single piston cali-per and C-ABS
Front tyre size 120/70R19
Rear tyre size 170/60R17
Average fuel consumption 43 mpg
Annual road tax £96
Annual service cost –
New price £15,500
Warranty term Two years
Top speed & performance
Max power 150 bhp
Max torque 94 ft-lb

Please do hit subscribe and check out my other videos: YouTube

Other ADV adventures include Africa Twin, Tenere 700, Himalayan and GS 1250.

the girl on a bike harley davidson pan america first ride off road
Vanessa Ruck on the Pan America

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding 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 Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

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By The Girl On A Bike
The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ride Vision: Top 10 Motorcycle Instagram Accounts to Follow

I’m blown away to have been included in this list! WOW:

Top 10 Motorcycle Instagram Accounts to Follow

Extract from Ride Vision:

One of the best things about being a motorcyclist is the riding culture. No matter what kind of rider you are, there’s a place for you — and probably an Instagram account too! 

Check out some of our favorite motorcycling Instagram accounts below, and learn about Ride Vision’s Ride Advisors Network to find out how YOU can become an influential voice in the motorcycling world too.

Top 10 Motorcycle Instagram Accounts to Follow

The Girl on a Bike – @thegirlonabike (86K)

Her life changed in 2014 when she was hit by a car. Since then, after 7 surgeries (including shoulder and hip reconstruction), she has set herself the goal of getting the most out of her life. Addicted to motorcycles with a passion for seeking adventure and perfecting her skills

https://www.instagram.com/p/COniVt2hFDR/?utm_source=ig_embed

Others in the list of Top Motorcycle Instagram Accounts include:

Bikers of Instagram – @bikersofinstagram (917K Followers)

Bike EXIF – @bikeexif (377K)

Snowcat – @ytsnowcatxx87 (102K)

Iron and Resin – @ironandresin (191K)

ADV Life Official – @advlifeofficial (62K)

…….

For the rest or the Top 10 Motorcycle Instagram Accounts please head to Ride Vision here.

Here’s some recent highlights from my Instagram too – https://www.instagram.com/thegirlonabike/

Not every day is a smooth day but pretty much every day is a school day if you’re willing to try and learn! Yup I tipped the @eagle_plant 1 tonne dumper over 🫣 thankfully me and baby bump jumped well clear and after the oil settled, it started up just fine. Some might say domestic use of tools is reckless but my theory is that every trained human out there was untrained once, and I want to learn. I’ve had a mega successful week and moved well over 100 tonne, had fun and learned. Digger driving is so satisfying!!! Finding the right kit for an active lifestyle can be tough. It needs to be durable, hard wearing, practically designed, comfortable, “Vanessa proof” (strong and washable) and of course ideally, look cool too (I’m allowed to try and not look a total mess right?! )… and recently I’ve also needed kit that works with a bump… thank goodness Ruckymonster also wears @revolutionrace so I can pinch his pants! You know some days you just find yourself angry inside, all twisted and irritated? Well, I’ve had a moment like that today. It's been 10.5 years since my accident yet I still feel the pain daily. Something I've learned to cope with. But it's exasperated....I am now five months/24 weeks pregnant and my hip pain is worse than normal because of the additional pregnancy weight and spreading of the pelvis in preparation for childbirth. What’s a destination that’s blown your mind? Travel is such a magical way to broaden our horizons. The Indian Himalayas definitely explanded mine! Any recommendations? Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean losing who you are or what you do! Fitness through bump growth is certainly a new challenge but hey...who’s going to to shy away from a challenge? Not Vanessa! With the mileage I do and the frequency that I go to schools around the country plus other events I really wanted my new vehicle to represent my energy and values. And be something that would get the kids excited....plus be super practical for my lifestyle plus a pushchair. So I bought a @forduk Ranger 💪 but it didn’t stop there...I wanted more poise 🤨 Introducing Monster! Having been on the @bowlermotors @defender racing team for the last 1.5 years, due to pregnancy and me pausing my racing they have brought that support to a close. Baby Ruckymonster is on the way so sadly Sid has to go home 😔…But when one door closes….find a new door! Eek!!! 😆 Who likes my new @forduk Ranger? What's your weekend plans? Any riding? Destinations? Who with? Let's inspire each other with ideas 🤗 So strong 💪 P.S don't tell me the engine was running as I felt like superwomen 😋
Tenere 700 review
Top ten motorcycle Instagram accounts – The Girl On A Bike

Check out my other media placements here.

Continue reading
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By The Girl On A Bike
The Girl on a Bike in the Media

Ride Vision: Top Motorcycle Channels for New Riders

I’m blown away to have been included in this list! WOW:

Best Motorcycle YouTube Channels for New Motorcycle Riders

Extract from Ride Vision:

Anyone whose ever been on two wheels knows it’s addicting… one minute you’re buying your first bike, and the next you’ve spent 9 hours cruising gear reviews and making a mental shopping list of all the cool new things you need (not want!). 

If you’ve already read our last blog on the Top Motorcycle Safety Statistics – And How to Avoid Becoming One, this blog will help you stay safer on the road so you don’t join the statistic.

Fortunately, we’re here to help grow your knowledge and enable your addiction by providing the TOP motorcycling gear, training, and all-around FUN channels that YOU should subscribe to. Check them out below! 

11. The Girl On A Bike 

Her life changed in 2014 when she was hit by a car. Since then, after 7 surgeries (including shoulder and hip reconstruction), she has set herself the goal of getting the most out of her life. Addicted to motorcycles with a passion for seeking adventure and perfecting her skills. On YT you will find it in the garage or in the saddle. Vanessa from the UK is a strong player who always tries new things with a smile, travels, reviews and has the garage you’ve always dreamed of.

Others in the list of Top Motorcycle Channels for New Riders include:

Fort Nine Motorcycle Riding — Training, Reviews, Travel + More 

Motorcyclist Magazine — General Motorcycle Information

It’s a Fine Line — Safety and Training 

Revzilla— Gear and Motorcycle Reviews, Safety, How-To’s

…….

For the rest or the Top Motorcycle Channels for New Riders please head to Ride Vision here:

Here’s my most viewed YouTube video of 2021 too:

the girl on a bike vanessa ruck news media top motorcycle youtubers
the girl on a bike vanessa ruck news media top motorcycle youtubers

Check out my other media placements here.

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By The Girl On A Bike