Vanessa Ruck

Vanessa Ruck is a motorcycle racer, rally driver, adventurer, and motivational speaker best known as the founder of The Girl On A Bike. Competing in some of the world’s toughest endurance events, including the Africa Eco Race, Red Bull Romaniacs, Qatar International Baja and the Morocco Desert Challenge, Vanessa has built a reputation for resilience, adaptability and mental toughness. Her experiences overcoming life-changing setbacks while forging a career in motorsport and media have made her a highly respected speaker on high performance, perseverance and personal growth. Combining elite sporting experiences with commercial expertise and engaging storytelling, Vanessa inspires audiences to embrace challenge and push beyond perceived limitations.

After completing a BA in International Business Studies at the University of Portsmouth, Vanessa continued her studies with an MA in Public Relations from Bournemouth University in 2009. She began her career in communications and media, holding positions including Researcher and Press Editor at Agenda Collective, Account Assistant at Takeaway PR and Account Assistant at Deep South Media. Vanessa later joined PRIME Research International, where she progressed from Project Manager to Automotive Lead before becoming Account Director and Head of Commercial UK in 2014. Alongside her professional career, Vanessa developed a passion for motorsport and adventure, serving as a Team Rider for Surface 2 Air Sports from 2011. In 2016, she launched The Girl On A Bike, a platform documenting her experiences in motorcycling and endurance racing while encouraging others to embrace adventure and resilience.

As her profile grew, Vanessa expanded into media, brand partnerships and public speaking. In 2018, she became a columnist for Motorcycle News and established herself as a recognised voice within the adventure motorcycling world. She has worked as a brand ambassador for major organisations, including Cardo Systems, Teng Tools UK & Ireland, Revolution Race and Mosko Moto, while also joining Sandstone Communications in 2021 as an associate supporting keynote speaker events. Vanessa has additionally worked as a social media coach for on-group and, in 2023, delivered a widely praised TEDx Delray Beach talk, ‘The Power to Overcome Life’s Setbacks is Yours‘, focused on overcoming adversity and reclaiming personal power after setbacks. The same year, she became a Works Driver for Bowler Motors, further strengthening her standing in elite motorsport. In 2026, Vanessa appeared at the ABR Festival, hosting the Himalayan Masterclass Stage and speaking at the Ducati Stage.

Vanessa is hired as a speaker for her inspiring ability to connect extreme adventure with practical lessons on resilience, confidence and high performance. Drawing on her experiences in endurance racing, recovery and leadership, she shares actionable insights into handling pressure, adapting to uncertainty and maintaining motivation through difficult circumstances. Her talks resonate with businesses, leadership teams and event audiences looking to improve mindset, communication and personal performance. Authentic, energetic and deeply relatable, Vanessa delivers presentations that challenge audiences to rethink limitations and approach obstacles with determination and courage.