Breaking Boundaries with the #CardoFam – ‘Inspiring’ with Vanessa Ruck

Throughout Cardo’s history, it has been proud to partner with athletes, adventurers and inspirational riders to support them on their journeys and enrich their rides. To celebrate 20 years of Breaking Boundaries, Cardo will be showcasing several members of the #CardoFam who have been busy breaking boundaries themselves… 

Following a life-changing cycling accident in 2014, Vanessa Ruck, also known across the world as @TheGirlOnABike, has not only approached the road to recovery with extreme strength and determination but has gone on to take part in and excel at, some of the most testing motorcycling events in the world – and most of it, with her PACKTALK EDGE by her side. 

“The last few years have been so busy! One of my absolute highlights has got to be being the first British female to finish the Africa Eco Race, this year, the route follows the route of the ‘original Dakar’. Being on the bike for over 103 hours in total, across 13 days and tackling upwards of 635kms a day off-road is not to be taken lightly!”, admits Vanessa. 

“I was also the first female to complete the 1000 DUNAS Raid on a production bike, a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and the first female to finish the Morocco Desert Challenge – there were eight days of gruelling riding and less than half of the motorcycle category riders completed the course.”  

Having completed over 10 multi-day international rallies over the last few years, Vanessa also finished the infamous Red Bull Romaniacs with her husband, speaking to each other on Cardos the entire time. 

“My Cardo is on my helmet everywhere and anywhere I go on my bike – unless the regulations tell me otherwise – being able to speak to my partner as we were tackling the obstacles in the Romaniacs course, squealing as we got stuck on some points and a lot of telling each other to ‘go go go’ was amazing.”

Vanessa’s top three functions on the PACKTALK EDGE are the Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) intercom, music and battery life – with a special mention to the device’s reliability. 

“A group of three of us did the Hard Alpi Tour in Italy and used Cardos for the whole thing – we had zero outage between the three of us across the 40 hours, I mean that’s seriously impressive.” 

Having now ridden in 33 countries, Vanessa’s PACKTALK EDGE device is certainly well-travelled and alongside Vanessa, has battled all the elements thrown their way. 

“I love that with my Cardo, I can meet another rider anywhere in the world and in seconds – with the pressing of a few buttons – we can be connected. Being able to chat and share the experience means everything – and is my whole ethos for everything I do.”

A big fan of the PACKTALK Bold, Vanessa upgraded to the EDGE when it was released two years ago.  

“I loved the Bold, to be honest. It was reliable, intuitive to use, the battery life was great and it had all the features I wanted. However, the EDGE is all that and more! I especially like the modern, streamlined look and the Air Mount fitment. You can see and feel it’s an upgrade straight away.”

To date, Vanessa has spoken to over 21,000 schoolchildren in the UK to share her inspirational story – a service offered by her for free and supported by her sponsors. She’s also been a motivational speaker at 120 events, to energise others, encourage them to set their own goals and in her own words, ‘make the accident feel like it was worthwhile.’

“My biggest goal is to inspire and motivate others to make the most of life, set the goal and go and make it happen. I’m on an open journey and embrace taking the long way around as long as I’m enjoying it. I’m always looking to grow as a person and for cool experiences to do. It’s led me to get my chainsaw license and this year I’m aiming to get my HGV [Heavy Goods Vehicle] license too!”

As well as being about to host the Masterclass stage at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival in the UK and writing her first book, what does Vanessa have planned for the rest of 2024 and beyond? 

“I’ve got a series of motorcycle trips planned this year – India, Iceland and Norway to name a few. Then four races in the rally car – I’m the Works driver for Bowler in the Land Rover Defender Challenge – my big aim is to get into the desert on four wheels as I’d love to be the first female to complete the Africa Eco Race on two and four wheels.”

Keep up to date with Vanessa by visiting her website –  www.thegirlonabike.com – or follow her on social media on one of the seven platforms you can find her on…

Thousands of riders worldwide belong to the #CardoFam, finding their way, sharing experiences and getting into the groove of listening to music with their Cardo devices. Find the perfect Cardo for you on www.cardosystems.com and join in the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

About Cardo

Cardo Systems, a provider of cutting-edge devices and application services for powersports and outdoor enthusiasts, is proudly marking its anniversary in 2024 by celebrating ’20 years of breaking boundaries’. Since launching the world’s first Bluetooth-based wireless intercom headset in 2004, Cardo Systems has been responsible for many of the industry’s innovations, revolutionising communication, pushing technological boundaries and enhancing user safety. Now sold in over 100 countries, Cardo is proud to be the world’s leading communication device for groups in motion.

Photo credits: Courtesy of Vanessa Ruck
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Rompere i confini con la #CardoFam - “Inspiring” “Ispirazione” con Vanessa Ruck  
Trotz Hindernissen beweist sich Vanessa Ruck in knallharten Rallyes und anderen Motorrad-Abenteuern