Kapp to Cape: Never Look Back: A journey to cycle the entire length of the planet
Words: Conan Marshall
Amazon Prime release a 4-part adventure series Kapp to Cape, a story of adventurer Reza Pakravan’s 11,000 mile unsupported backpacking journey from Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle to Cape Town in South Africa.
Kapp to Cape adventurer Reza Pakravan in Kenya
‘The journey that Reza undertakes – both physically and mentally – is astonishing.’
Ed Stafford, explorer.
“Yet for every scrape with death, Reza has a myriad of unforgettable and life-affirming experiences.”
The Independent.
Many face a similar situation to what Reza did. The promise of comfort and happiness that’s found in city life can take a dark turn into overwhelming stress, with uncultivated dreams of adventure taking hold. For most, such a repetitive lifestyle is treated with weekend trips but for Londoner Reza Pakravan, he decided instead to cycle the entire length of the world.
With depression looming, Reza chose to break away from his comfortable life in London as a financial analyst. Him and his friend Steve set off from the most northerly point on mainland Europe to cycle the 11,000 miles to the other end of the planet. Their expedition becomes a race against the clock as they attempt to complete the trip in a world record time, but are faced with challenges that even the most seasoned adventurer could never have predicted.
Kapp to Cape: Race to the End of the Earth has launched on Amazon Prime this summer. It explores aspects of adventure travel that often go unspoken. From the volatile relationship formed with his teammate to the inner turmoil between the athletes, with his immense drive to set a record, and the explorer wanting to stop pedalling and discover what lies beyond the tarmac, Reza’s emotional battles are laid bare.
These challenges are punctuated with moments of immense and uplifting positivity however, which help you understand, at least in part, why Reza (who already holds the World Record for cycling the Sahara) gets on his bike and turns the pedals as he does. Through unspoken conversations with children in Ethiopia, unexpected donations from departed friends and the brotherly bond that ultimately forms with Steve, the viewer is left in little doubt that this won’t be Reza’s last adventure.
Reza Pakravan cycled thousands of miles through parts of Europe and Africa
This is the intensely personal story of one man’s mission to create a more positive, purposeful life, and the compelling account of the epic journey he took to get there.
Speaking to Dure, Reza had some advice for those who want to have an adventure of their own:
“Set small goals that you can achieve, learn skills along the way and build your confidence. Soon you will be on your way to pull off a major feat. If you want to start a life of adventure, my best advice is: Dont over analyse, just go and do it.”
When travelling through dangerous areas:
“In my experience, nothing in this world can save you in danger hot spots other than the way you deal with the situation. Buy good travel insurance but at that moment the only thing that can help you is to know how to deal with the danger and ability to make quick decisions. People are facing different types of risk and danger. Whether you are deep-sea diving in a frozen ocean or travelling in war zones you are exposed to risk. You are alone and nothing can get your out of that situation but you. Make a quick and confident decision and stick to it.”
Reza Pakravan is an explorer, filmmaker and writer. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a recipient of the 2019 Explorer Award from the Scientific Exploration Society. His documentaries, talks and books have taken audiences on his epic journeys to some of the most remote corners of the world. He has presented and produced prime time TV series, aired worldwide, on networks such as BBC, Channel 4, Fox CBC and Aljazeera.
Interestingly enough, you can also read about Reza’s epic adventure with his story being available in both paperback and digital formats on Amazon.
Reza is donating all his income from the series to the Crisis Homelessness Emergency Fund. It’s hard to protect yourself from the coronavirus outbreak when you’re homeless. People who are sleeping rough are more likely to suffer from respiratory conditions. They can’t wash their hands. And if someone is sleeping rough or in a crowded night shelter, it’s impossible to self-isolate. Donations will help homeless services stay open and protect people who need Crisis most.