Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible

What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen?

For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief.

Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like.

She chose to keep going.

In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it's about holding on to your "why" when the original plan falls apart.

If you've ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula's journey will remind you that progress isn't always measured in records — sometimes it's measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit.

 This episode is for you if:

• You're chasing a big goal or adventure
• You've experienced setbacks or self-doubt
• You want inspiration to keep going when life gets tough
• You love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit

Ready to be inspired by what's possible when you simply refuse to stop?
Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her.

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Show notes

• Who is Paula
• Doing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway
• Being based in the UK 
• Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhere
• Not being very adventurous 
• Getting sporty in her adult years 
• Getting married and putting on weight
• Deciding to join a gym to lose weight in 
• Paying a Personal Trainer 
• How her outlook on fitness changed 
• Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy life
• Getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Becoming a sports therapist in 2009 
• Going into retail after college 
• Getting her personal training qualifications 
• Advice and tips for women who aren't feeling comfortable in their body
• Encouraging women to find something they'd enjoy 
• Getting the idea for the ride in 2020
• Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in Russia
• Sharing her dream on Facebook 
• Giving herself 4 years to plan and train
• Deciding to do a cycling camp in Italy 
• Meeting her coach - Ian 
• Deciding it was now or never and starting the ride
• The challenges of getting to the start line
• G