Paula Ralph is a ultra-endurance cyclist who crossed seventeen countries and climbed over 71,000 meters in elevation to ride solo from Cape Town, South Africa, to Nordkapp, Norway. All in just 126 days. Equipped with road bike, a 10-litre saddle bag and an 8kg backpack, Paula made her journey completely unsupported with the goal to set a new world record. Now a popular speaker with an incredible story of mental fortitude and resilience to tell, Paula is available to book for your next event.
With a varied career that’s included studying anatomy at university, working in retail, being an events coordinator at a Christian Church and a personal assistant at Wessex Water, Paula realised her true passion lay in helping people to live their best life. And so, she retrained as a personal trainer and became a qualified sports therapist. But Paula had a goal to achieve something incredible and so began training for her epic journey.
Paula’s journey got off to a rocky start. When a sponsor pulled out weeks before she was about to start, Paula had to postpone, and when her second sponsor pulled out, Paula was faced with the decision to cancel her adventure or push on. She chose to ride. And so, with no support, Paula set off. Over the course of her journey, Paula faced many setbacks. She was hit by a truck in Zambia and faced ongoing mechanical issues that she managed to fix with nothing more than limited tools and cable ties. Through heat, high winds and emotional and physical fatigue, Paula endured, and after a gruelling 12,290 km, she eventually crossed the Arctic Circle and arrived at Nordkapp. Despite not managing to break the world record, Paula story is one of resilience, and the mental fortitude needed to keep going.
A dynamic and engaging speaker, Paula speaks passionately about her journey and explores the motivation and discipline it takes to fight for something when the odds are stacked against you. An advocate for mental health and education, and driven to support children to believe in their own potential, Paula has an unbelievable tale to share with unique insights into mental resilience, endurance and courage. If you’re looking for a powerful speaker for your next event, get in touch today to book Paula Ralph.
Paula Ralph's official speaking topics are listed below:
The Long Ride: From Cape Town to the Top of the World
Paula shares the full story of her 12,290km ride - from losing sponsors to cycling alone across Africa and Europe. This keynote challenges audiences to rethink success, push through when plans unravel, and embrace the power of finishing strong - even when it’s not the finish you expected.
When the Plan Fails: Keep Riding Anyway
Twice Paula prepared to launch her world-record attempt - and twice her sponsors pulled out. She rode anyway. This keynote is about showing up for yourself, adapting to loss, and discovering what truly matters when you're forced to let go of the original plan.
Discipline Over Motivation: The Ride That Built Me
Paula breaks down the mindset that carried her through 126 days on the road - alone and unsupported. She explores how discipline, not motivation, is what gets you through the toughest days, and how these lessons apply to business, sport, and personal resilience.
Adventure With Purpose: Cycling for Change
Paula’s ride wasn’t just about distance - it was about making a difference. Her journey aimed to inspire children to dream bigger, reach further, and believe in themselves. This talk explores how passion and purpose can fuel lasting change - even one kilometre at a time.
Solo, Female, and Finishing Strong
From the heat of Africa to the Arctic winds of Norway, Paula rode as a woman alone - but never powerless. This talk encourages women to take up space, lead from within, and pursue their boldest goals, even when the path is uncertain.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"It is with great pleasure that I write to recommend Paula, who recently visited Jumeirah Baccalaureate School to speak to our Grade 6–9 students. She shared insights about her upcoming cycling journey and delivered an inspiring message on the importance of resilience and maintaining a healthy body. Paula’s presentation was engaging, thoughtful, and deeply impactful. Her oration was fantastic - she spoke with clarity, passion, and authenticity, capturing the attention of our students throughout. She connected well with her audience, leaving them motivated and reflective. We are grateful for Paula’s contribution to our school community and would highly recommend her as a speaker for any youth or wellness-focused initiative." - Emily, Deputy Headteacher, Jumeria Baccalaureate School
How to hire Paula Ralph
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Paula Ralph for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
