Mark Beaumont is a not just one of the most famous long distance cyclists in the world but an adventurer, a Guiness World Record Holder, a BBC documentary film maker, bestselling author and an acclaimed public speaker.
When Mark was just twelve years old, he cycled 150 miles across Scotland and when just fifteen, completed his first solo journey of 1000 miles, cycling the length of Britain, from John O ‘Groats to Lands End.
In 2017, 10 years after his first circumnavigation, Mark set out to again cycle round the world but this time, in 80 days. Inspired by the Jules Verne classic, Mark did it in 78 days 14 hours and 40 minutes, smashing all previous records and achieving a new Guiness World Record.
Mark Beaumont was always destined to make a name for himself and in 2008, he smashed the world record for cycling an 18,000 mile circumnavigation of the world. He crossed the finishing line in Paris in only 194 days, knocking 82 days off the previous world record.
Mark’s profile was further enhanced, when the mobile giant “Orange” chose Mark to headline one of their major adverts – the long running TV and cinema ad, entitled “I Am”.
A year later, Mark set out on his second massive cycling expedition. This time he was to travel 13,000 miles down the length of North and South America, from the Rockies to the Andies. Mark even took time out to climb the highest peaks in the Americas.
Both of Mark’s epic journeys were filmed and broadcast by the BBC.
Another year on, Mark set out on his second massive cycling expedition. This time he was to travel 13,000 miles down the length of North and South America, from the Rockies to the Andies. Mark even took time out to climb the highest peaks in the Americas.. Both of Mark’s epic journeys were filmed and broadcast by the BBC. In 2010 Mark won the “Top Scot” award at the prestigious Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards.
In 2011 Mark joined a team of six crewmen, in an historic rowing expedition through the Canadian Artic. The project was named “Row to the Pole” and Operating as both BBC cameraman and oarsman, Mark helped the team reach the former location of the magnetic North Pole.
2012 was off to a great start, with a number of new adventures in the pipeline. January saw the start of the Atlantic Odyssey Challenge which was to see Mark on another rowing trip. Months of training and preparation had gone into an attempt at being the first crew to row the Atlantic in under 30 days. A crew of six with their boat the “Sara G” set out from Morocco on the January to row to Barbados. Often with rough seas and high winds the record for most of the journey remained in sight with the team in great spirits. Little were they to know that so close to the end of the journey, disaster was to strike.
Having completed 27 days and with just over 500 miles to go, a freak wave hit the boat and turned it over. The team managed to climb aboard their life raft but they were unable to right the Sara G despite several attempts. A distress call was eventually sent out and the life raft was tethered to the upturned boat. After almost 14 hours in the water and in darkness, all six crew members were found safe and well by the cargo ship the Nord Taipei who took the crew on board to be dropped off a week later in Gibraltar, safe and well. Mark returned to Scotland in mid February, undeterred and fully recovered however, getting him back on a rowing boat, may take a little longer.
Mark’s public speaking takes him into many businesses and organisations, both in the UK and abroad. Mark was the first Corporate Ambassador for LDC (Lloyds TSB Development Capital) and is Patron of the Saltire Foundation, Scotland’s leading intern and fellowship programme. When not on expedition, writing or at events, Mark works with a number of charities and is an Ambassador for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Patron of Orkidstudio and the TUSK Trust, as well as a founding Trustee of The Active Earth Foundation.
To follow Mark’s expeditions go to
www.markbeaumontonline.com
or follow him on twitter @MrMarkBeaumont