Africa is trying to break me....will I actually be able to make it Dakar?

The toughest day of the Africa Eco race so far. Extreme endurance racing from Monico to Dakar, Senegal covering 6,000km following the original Dakar route is a gruelling test...this day really pushes my limits. From the moment I woke from a rough night I could tell it was going to be a hard day. I had to put my game face on and focus. Time for day 9 in the Africa Eco Race series with me Vanessa Ruck.
I woke with an aching body and the exhaustion of having ridden 3816.73km through the Sahara Desert over the last 8 days. The fatigue has really started to settle in. With another 478km to get through today, I am facing not only the physical battle but the mental battle of the burning question - can I make it another day, and will I actually be able to make it Dakar?
I hope you are enjoying the wild adventure so far, let me know in the comments if you have any questions and thanks for watching!
STAGE 8 (Day 9): Chami → Amadjar
Liaison: 20.2km
Special stage: 390.01km
Liaison: 68.42km
Total: 478.63km
Distance completed so far: 4295.36km
Distance to Dakar: 1713.33km
Watch below to see the previous episodes of this multi part series:
Part 1: The Rally Adventure Begins
• Terrified! Ready to wa...
Part 2: Too Scared to Fall Asleep
• Afraid To Close Your E...
Part 3: Close Call: Heart-pounding Escape From Car Crash In Race To Dakar - Part 3
• Close Call: Heart-poun...
Part 4: Appalling day - crashed and totally lost in the desert racing to Dakar Senegal
• Appalling day - crashe...
Part 5: Painful day racing - stuck in the pitch black fighting to get to Dakar Senegal
• Epic Dakar Motorbike A...
Part 6: Cruel but epic Dakar motorbike adventure - If this was a one day race, no one would enter
• Cruel but epic Dakar m...
Part 7: Riding so fast his pants fell down! Averaging 85km/h in the Africa Eco Race
• His pants fell down! A...
Part 8: Rest day shenanigans - Africa Eco Race
• Rest day shenanigans -...
Part 9: What's it like racing to Dakar? It's time for Mauritanian sand
• What's it like racing ...
Part 10: Another day alone in the desert - fighting for Dakar in the Africa Eco Race
• Another day alone in t...
#AfricaEcoRace, #DakarRally, #thegirlonabike , #EnduranceRacing, #AdventureMotorcycling
More information on this series:
EasySim www.easysim.global use discount code TGOAB15 for 15% off all data bundles
Guardian Bell tracking system www.guardianbell.co.uk
I’m riding Big Buddy a KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
KTech Suspension set for my weight
Michelin desert bib mousse and tyres to ensure zero punctures
Caulfield custom made seat for a happy Vanessa bottom
Cross Country ADV mega rally pegs - And my own personalised graphics designed by me
Custom tool kit hidden under the seat with Teng Tools and my emergency flare
Land Rover Defender 90 on BF Goodrich tyres with Lazer lamp
Please follow my adventures on:
Instagram: / thegirlonabike
Facebook: / thegirlonabike
Website: www.thegirlona...
LinkedIn: / vanessaprocter
TikTok: / thegirlonabike
WhatsApp: www.whatsapp.c...
If you made it this far, comment and join the conversation
Supported by
Teng Tools #getorganised www.tengtools....
Cardo Systems #askforcardo cardosystems.r... and use code “TGOAB“
Michelin #teammichelin
Revolution Race
CTEK Chargers
Edit & Thumbnail - Team KapDx Media - (Suruj Barman & Arjun Tumung)
Music Credits: Epidemic Sounds www.epidemicso...
Tracks:
ES_Needle in a Haystack - Trailer Worx.mp3
ES_I Won't Let You Down (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber.mp3
ES_Once I Was A Cat (Instrumental Version) - Suffer City.mp3
ES_The Doctors Recipe - They Fall.mp3
ES_You Can Talk - Rockin' For Decades.mp3
ES_Some Kind of Animal - Tigerblood Jewel.mp3
ES_Stick It to the Man - Pip Mondy.mp3
Timestamp:
0:18 - Morning STAGE 8 (Day 9): Chami → Amadjar
5:36 - Ride Start from bivouac
7:00 - Start Line Stage 8
8:33 - Water refill point in the Middle of the desert
11:47 - Refuelling Stop
13:35 - Helicopter Crossing in the Middle of the desert
15:05 - Checkpoint
16:27 - Distance Completed: 4295.36km
19:57 - Back to Bivouac Stage 8 Complete
27:17 - Interview with the Africa Eco Race Media Crew
31:26 - Servicing Time of My KTM Rally Replica
33:36 - Massage Time

[@theldun1]

One day of that race would kill me. You are one tough lady. Good luck and try to have a little fun while you are at it.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you so much, it was definitely brutal! I had to look at it as each day was its own race, if I thought that I had another 5,6,7,8 days left it woud have been a mental struggle! Thanks so much for watching

[@andybucher452]

Thanks for being open and honest about this. Hang in there Vanessa and just try to manage the risks as much as poss. You are so tough , well impressed. AndyB

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you, I mega appreciate your support

[@gavinwheatley5182]

Chin up Girl you can do it give it your all show them what your made of , Go Girl.😊 Gav.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hehe thanks Gav 💪

[@johanballin6601]

You are absolutely incredible and unstoppable! Your transparency in showing ups and downs, vulnerability as well as victory, is truly awe inspiring! You prove the adage that anything can be accomplished if you put your mind to it. 🤘🤘

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wow that is so kind of you to say, thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed the video

[@michaelkasinga8571]

You are so inspiring!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh that is mega kind of you to say, thank you

[@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure]

Was wondering when the new one was coming out 😊

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw thanks so much for your consistent support and following along the adventures, I really appreciate it

[@anthonystevens8683]

Well done Vanessa, at the beginning you were very down, probably not helped by the lack of sleep however you dug deep and made it through with a definite more chippy Vanessa after. The views of the camels was great to see and your point about passing vehicles was very well made. 'Fluffy' and the team are looking after you well and have your best interest at heart. The travelling spider man pillow from your hubby was a great touch so he's always with you was nice as well. I'm looking forward to the next one. Those ablution facilities look like err.. well... could do with 'some' improvement, arguably a little (or cat litter) better than a shovel and a crafty crouch while whistling that song that you just cannot get out of your head.

[@Felix-fy7ki]

Oh, my! Vanessa, you'd need a few days off to recover! Best wishes!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha definitely!!

[@JaisonV-it6xv]

You've come so far, and the physical weakness and lows are all part of the race. This race is just a dream for people like me, so enjoy the moment while you're there 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you, mega appreciate your support

[@johnniel8116]

I am so admiring your strengthand tenacity, much love XX

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you 💪 lots of hard work and determination. Thanks for watching

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

push thru the pain...these races are more about the mind then body, it is demanding on the body, no doubt, but the mental fight takes a bigger tole....you are a great fighter, and with your support team, you will make it. Remember, keep your feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked....get the mechanic put on a cruise control to help that right arm. Garth

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha thanks lovely

[@PatchedBandit]

Respect 🫡

[@TheGirlOnABike]

🥰

[@simpangtiga6053]

Vanessa my girl, you doing great. No doubt about it.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you for your support, I hope you enjoyed the video

[@enduromotorradtouren]

I'd be dead in the middle of the first day - your fatigue sets in rather late. Your dedication to fitness has paid off, indeed. Great behind the scenes, Günter/Nürnberg

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you, alot of hardwork, sacrifice and commitment to get me to this point that is for sure! Thanks for always watching the videos, I really appreciate the support

[@1young-geezer]

Boy, you just pull no punches, showing it all! Admire your grit, one tough competitor. Good luck.......

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Determination is key 💪 Thanks for your support and for watching

[@rent-hd]

Girl, fast eddie here (my Harley rental account) The pain of finishing is intense, yet finite. The pain of quitting is unbearable, and eternal.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw I love that

[@KnightRider1157]

I know this is now several months back but we're so proud of what you've done and achieved. 🎉🎉 xx

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw dude. Thank you. Sorry the video has taken so long to edit and get out

[@Toni.63]

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey! Thank you for watching, I hope you enjoyed it

[@kuoma6418]

💪🏼👍Yes You can do it☝️❤️You will win the desert ☝️You are the ironwoman 🥰and your eyes are the most beautiful😍😄ahead👍💘

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh how lovely of you to say, thank you

[@jamesthurber8807]

Such a great attitude. Strong stage. Brilliant video

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks James xx

[@zweispurmopped]

24:04 It was meant to be a booger appreciation meditation, but that one was a BEAST!!1! 😱😵‍💫 We now also know the secret of the greatest super power-inducing factor with Vanessa: Ruckymonster! 💪🤗

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha thanks dude

[@JBP_ADV]

Great episode Vanessa, I am really enjoying the series 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yay, thank you! So appreciate that.

[@BadgerBadgerBadger28]

It’s like in the uk you shout cows when you see them 😂😂😂 That made me chuckle CAMELS 🐫

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahaaa yesss

[@BadgerBadgerBadger28]

Toilet montage needed loooool Keep going girl you got this

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😅 now that would be one LONG video hahaha

[@hughmac7423]

So cool.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw thanks, mega appreciate you watching

[@networker-wildrats]

Another day in desert office - great standing

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hehe thanks lovely

[@AdamForeman]

I assume that Deliveroo/Uber-Eats don't deliver to the Dakar desert? A nice barbecue spare ribs, fried rice, chicken chopsuey, beef chowmein, pancake roll and sweet and sour sauce! Crap! I've made myself hungry now! Keep it up girl! BTW, you need to do that "DITCH the DODO" Girl On a Bike Dakar 2024 t-shirt with Anika's face on it for charity.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😅 now I am hungry too, but what's new there haha! Oh my goodness that is hilarious, I almost want to do it just as a joke to see what happens

[@tedleroux7131]

Pace yourself slow down if necessary and try not to give up. Learn to relax completely

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you 🥰

[@skymningforelsket1302]

Vanessa, did you ever go on one of your junkets to a far-away land, and they rolled out a junky motorcycle for you to use??? And you yelled in your finest English accent, "Fair play! That bike's in a right state, it is! I'm not riding that lot! BOLLOCKS!!!!!"

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahaaa thankfully no

[@skymningforelsket1302]

@@TheGirlOnABike I don't know what Vanessa is up to but I saw her buying a ferry ticket to the Isle of Mann and loading a Honda CBR1000RR onto a van

[@jarleaker6173]

Keep on.Remember you Are grait👍😊👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

💪😘😘

[@Mitchcay]

Do you have steg pegz on your bike? I know Toby price has them on his bike, I've installed them on mine and it really helps me with the arm pump fatigue and hand fatigue on longer runs.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

No I'm not a fan of them to be honest. They really just mask a less balanced position. I rarely get any arm pump issues. This is day 9 in an extreme race so if course one fatigues 💪🫶

[@fatehsabri3388]

❤❤❤

[@TheGirlOnABike]

❤️

[@yudigepeng3561]

❤

[@TheGirlOnABike]

❤️

[@richardsimpson3792]

Of course you'll make it...

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you for having such belief in me

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@TheGirlOnABike It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong (wo)man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the (wo)man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends him/herself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if (s)he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her/his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. But you knew that already!

[@JEmmertz]

The green or yellowy "thingy" you saw in the desert could perhaps be the fruits of Calotropis procera (Apple of Sodom). Maybe there's a botanist subscribing to the channel, or someone with better skills than me to interpret what you describe.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh amazing. Thank you

[@VeeRagavan]

You go on these endurance rallies and all you do is moan! 😂

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😅 hahaha and then I look back at them and miss it and remember it being the best time of my life haha, the desert has a funny way of tricking you to go back😜

[@VeeRagavan]

❤❤❤

[@kothariyakanjibhai8656]

O

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@lotophagi711]

Furry front bottom.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Lol

[@dondle2]

Another great episode, well done Lass.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it!