These are busy times for Mark Beaumont, cycle touring’s superstar. He is planning a new adventure: his mum, who helps with the planning of Mark’s projects, phoned me to chat about the wisdom of Mark riding through Colombia.
I asked Mark if he would be willing to write a guest blog, about whatever subject took his fancy before his next expedition, Cycling Americas. Kindly he took time out of his busy schedule to let us know what he’s up to. But first I asked him these questions:

– What expedition or journey has inspired you the most (apart from your own!)?
It is hard to say one but I guess one of my favourites is John Fairfax’s first solo ocean row in 1969. He went on to row the Pacific with a lady who replied to his advert in the paper! His stories of wrestling sharks and living on the edge of insanity are incredible.

– What’s your favourite travel or adventure book?
It is impossible to choose one so I will say Chris Bonnington’s ‘Quest for Adventure’ which is a compilation of short stories capturing the greatest adventures of the last century, and a few before.

– What’s your emergency iPod song when the mojo is failing you?
It changes on a weekly basis – whilst climbing Mount McKinley it was ‘One’ by ‘Creed’ and at the moment it is ‘Belief’ by ‘John Mayer’

– What luxury item do you carry on your expeditions?
Photos of friends and family

– What do you miss the most when you are away?
Family

– What advice do you have for someone contemplating an adventure of their own?
Don’t let the doubters dissuade you and use all the contacts you have for support. Small decisions will be life changing in the long run.

“It is a great pleasure to be blogging on Al’s site – let me start with a thanks for his advice and friendship with all my cycling adventures over the years – a true gent.

As some readers might already know, after cycling around the world against the clock last year I am now about to set off on my next expedition – journeying the spine of the Americas from Alaska to Argentina, climbing its two highest mountains (McKinley and Aconcagua) and cycling the 15,000 miles down the Rockies and the Andes. You can follow this online at www.markbeaumontonline.com.

However, before I leave I am launching my first book, which I have recently finished. I would like to welcome all to the London launch which is on Wednesday 20th May from 12.30-2pm at Waterstones, 54 London Wall, The City or the Edinburgh launch which is on Thursday 21st May from 6.30-8pm at Blackwells on South Bridge. I know that Al has many friends in both capitals and it would be great to see you at these events.

Congratulations on all your adventures Al and I look forwards to hearing more about India at the London launch.”