Contributor: Paula Ralph – The Long Ride C2C
The Journey of a Lifetime: Cape to Cape – A Solo Endeavor to Break Barriers
On 9th February 2025, a journey of extraordinary magnitude will begin. This is not just a cycling adventure; it is the culmination of four years of relentless training, unwavering determination, and overcoming one setback after another. I will embark on The Long Ride: Cape to Cape, an epic 20,000-kilometer quest from South Africa to Norway, spanning three continents and 19 countries, in an attempt to set a new world record for the fastest solo, unsupported female ride.
This journey, however, was never meant to be a solo endeavor. Initially planned with a dedicated support vehicle and a two-man crew, this ride has seen not one, but two devastating sponsorship losses, forcing me to adapt, dig deeper, and make the decision to ride unsupported. After enduring a year from hell, I am simply too far down this road to turn back or postpone again. This is no longer just a dream—it is a mission to prove that resilience can conquer even the toughest challenges.
The Road to This Decision
The original vision for The Long Ride: Cape to Cape was nothing short of five-star execution: a dedicated support team ensuring that every aspect of the ride, from logistics to nutrition, was managed seamlessly. In 2023, I had secured sponsorship and planned to embark on this journey, only to have my primary sponsor pull out due to financial difficulties. The ride was postponed, a decision that felt like both a failure and a new opportunity to prepare more thoroughly.
For a year, I doubled down on my training, refined my plans, and secured a new set of sponsors. With fresh hope, I set my sights on February 2025. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, my new sponsors also withdrew at the last moment, leaving me to face yet another crushing blow. The financial strain, combined with the emotional toll, left me at a crossroads: give up on this dream or adapt to the circumstances and go it alone.
I chose to adapt. With four years of training and an unwavering belief in this mission, I knew I couldn’t turn back. I had invested too much—physically, emotionally, and mentally—to let this journey slip away again. Going solo became not just a necessity but a testament to the resilience that has carried me this far.
From Five Stars to Self-Reliance
Riding unsupported means carrying everything I need—food, water, tools, and spare parts—on my bike. There is no support vehicle, no crew to lean on, and no backup plan if things go wrong. Every decision, every challenge, and every pedal stroke will be mine alone.
This transformation has demanded a complete shift in mindset. While the safety net of a support crew would have provided comfort, riding unsupported adds a raw, authentic edge to this journey. It mirrors life itself: no guarantees, no shortcuts, just the strength to keep moving forward.
A Year from Hell
This past year has been the most challenging of my life. Between financial struggles, the collapse of sponsorship deals, and the mental toll of postponing the ride, it has been a test of my resolve in ways I never expected. Training has been my anchor, but even that hasn’t been easy. Balancing grueling cycling sessions with self-employment, all while dealing with the uncertainty of whether this ride would even happen, has pushed me to my limits.
Despite everything, I have held onto the belief that this ride is bigger than me. It’s about showing others that setbacks, no matter how devastating, do not have to define you. It’s about turning adversity into opportunity and proving that perseverance can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Why This Ride Matters
This ride is about more than breaking records. It’s about breaking barriers—personal, societal, and geographic. It’s about inspiring others, particularly women, to dream beyond their perceived limits and take bold action to achieve their goals.
The ride also holds a deeper purpose: supporting education for disadvantaged communities and raising awareness about mental health. Growing up in South Africa, I saw how access to education—or the lack thereof—shaped lives. Through this ride, I hope to raise funds to provide bicycles to children, helping them access schools, healthcare, and opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Mental health is another cause close to my heart. The pressures of life, training, and setbacks have tested my mental resilience. This ride is a testament to the power of persistence and a reminder that, no matter how difficult the climb, there’s always a summit waiting for you.
The Countdown to 9th February
With the start date quickly approaching, I feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This ride may not look the way I originally planned, but it represents something far more meaningful. It’s a testament to adaptability, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the road feels impossibly hard.
I would not be where I am today without the guidance of my coach, Ian Jenner. His dedication, knowledge, and belief in my abilities have been the foundation of my training. Ian has pushed me when I needed it, supported me when I felt overwhelmed, and reminded me of my own strength when doubts crept in. His expertise has shaped me not only as a cyclist but as a person prepared to face this monumental challenge. Ian, thank you for being an unwavering force of positivity and encouragement in my journey. Your impact goes far beyond the kilometers I’ve trained.
The Ride Ahead
On 9th February, I will leave Cape Town, carrying the hopes and dreams of everyone who has faced setbacks yet dared to keep going. This ride is a testament to the belief that challenges are opportunities in disguise and that perseverance can transform obstacles into triumphs.
The road will be long, the challenges immense, but the possibilities? They are endless.
Stay tuned as I share updates, stories of the people I meet, and reflections on the highs and lows of this incredible journey. Together, we can make every kilometer count.
Follow Paula:
- Instagram @thelongridec2c and support the causes that matter
- YouTube at @thelongridec2c-ng7ip
Paula Ralph, Solo Cyclist, Dreamer, and Determined Record-Setter