Mark Beaumont to share cycling adventures in Stockbridge

Mark Beaumont is coming to Edinburgh to share his adventure stories. File picture: Colin Hattersley

The adventurer-turned-broadcaster, who rose to fame in 2008 after he completed an 18,000-mile round-the-world bike race – which smashed the previous world record by 82 days – will share short films, photography and stories from his most memorable expeditions with the people of Edinburgh.

The 33-year-old will be at Edinburgh Academy in Stockbridge on Wednesday, April 20, where he will star in An Evening with Mark Beaumont organised by Stockbridge Local and Ronde Bicycle Outfitters.

“I’m really looking forward to the event and sharing my experiences with the people of Edinburgh,” Mark said. “I’ll be back in the city where I lived when I was training for the world cycle – which is what I am best known for.”

As part of his UK tour Africa Solo, which is based on a book he will release next month, Mark travelled the country talking about his recent 10,000km cycle from Cairo to Cape Town.

He broke the world record for the fastest solo ride for the length of Africa by finishing in 42 days and eight hours.

Mark said: “I have just finished my UK tour and it was very successful – so if that’s anything to go by I’m sure the event next week will be great.

“I had to cut my tour short because my wife is pregnant and is due next month, so sadly, I never got the chance to come Edinburgh.

“But I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m fortunate to have a great fan base in Scotland.”

Mark followed his world cycle in 2008 with a 13,000-mile ride down the length of the Rockies and Andes, climbing the highest mountains in Alaska and Argentina. He also took on the Cairngorms riding a penny farthing, which he plans to speak about next week.

Off the bike, Mark has ocean rowed through the high Arctic and survived after capsizing whilst rowing the Atlantic.

Over the years he has filmed a series of BBC documentaries as well taking on presenting roles.

Susannah Morgan, managing director of Stockbridge Local, said: “This will be Stockbridge Local’s first major event in the community, coinciding with the website launch. Having previously seen Mark speak and worked with Mark, I am very excited to be co-hosting this event with Ronde to bring the people of Edinburgh this record-breaking round-the-world cyclist and adventurer.”

Tickets can be purchased online via Stockbridgelocal.co.uk or at bit.ly/MarkBeaumont or by phoning Ronde on 0131 260 9888.

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