Vanessa Ruck aka “The Girl On A Bike” began her journey as a motorcyclist, not in the UK but in the Bahamas riding around the island and carrying 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”.
I would like to thank Vanessa for taking the time to speak to MotoGusto. The team here, as many others, will be following her inspirational journey.
Discover more
Born and raised in England. Vanessa Ruck can definitely be considered a go-getter, a chase-your-dreams kind of girl. She grew up in the great outdoors, getting muddy and messing around keeping fit with horses and quad-bikes and always up to mischief. The journey to ‘The Girl On A Bike’ was not the most usual
👇 Read all about Vanessa here:
https://thegirlonabike.com/
