📖 Overview
Mark Beaumont is a Scottish endurance cyclist, broadcaster and author known for his record-breaking long-distance cycling expeditions and documentation of extreme adventures.
His most notable achievement was cycling around the world in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes in 2017, breaking the previous record by 44 days. Prior to this, he held the record for cycling around the world in 2008, completing the journey in 194 days and 17 hours.
Beaumont has authored several books detailing his expeditions, including "The Man Who Cycled the World" and "Africa Solo." His written work combines personal narrative with detailed accounts of the geographical, physical and logistical challenges faced during his journeys.
Beyond cycling, he has undertaken other endurance challenges including rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and cycling from Alaska to Argentina. His adventures have been documented in various BBC documentaries, establishing him as a prominent figure in expedition and adventure journalism.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Beaumont's detailed accounts of the practical challenges and logistics behind his cycling expeditions. Many reviews highlight his honest portrayal of both successes and failures during journeys. Readers on Amazon frequently mention his thorough explanations of equipment choices, route planning, and daily caloric needs.
What readers liked:
- Clear, straightforward writing style
- Technical details about cycling equipment and preparation
- Balance of personal reflection and practical information
- Documentation of interactions with locals during journeys
What readers disliked:
- Some find passages about sponsorship and funding tedious
- Occasional repetitive descriptions of daily routines
- Limited emotional depth in storytelling
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (350+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ reviews)
One reader noted: "Unlike many adventure writers, Beaumont focuses on the how rather than just the why." Another wrote: "The strength lies in the practical details that would help others attempt similar journeys."
📚 Books by Mark Beaumont
Around the World in 80 Days (2008)
Chronicles Beaumont's attempt to cycle around the globe in 80 days, covering his 18,000-mile journey across four continents and detailing the physical and logistical challenges faced.
The Man Who Cycled the Americas (2011) Documents Beaumont's 13,080-mile bicycle journey from Anchorage, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, including his ascents of the highest peaks in North and South America.
Africa Solo (2016) Details Beaumont's solo cycling expedition from Cairo to Cape Town, covering 6,762 miles across Africa and setting a new world record for the fastest crossing of Africa by bicycle.
Around the World in 80 Days: My World Record Breaking Adventure (2017) Records Beaumont's successful second attempt to cycle around the world, breaking the previous record by completing the journey in 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes.
Endurance: How to Cycle Further (2020) Provides technical information and practical advice about long-distance cycling based on Beaumont's experiences and world records.
The Man Who Cycled the Americas (2011) Documents Beaumont's 13,080-mile bicycle journey from Anchorage, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, including his ascents of the highest peaks in North and South America.
Africa Solo (2016) Details Beaumont's solo cycling expedition from Cairo to Cape Town, covering 6,762 miles across Africa and setting a new world record for the fastest crossing of Africa by bicycle.
Around the World in 80 Days: My World Record Breaking Adventure (2017) Records Beaumont's successful second attempt to cycle around the world, breaking the previous record by completing the journey in 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes.
Endurance: How to Cycle Further (2020) Provides technical information and practical advice about long-distance cycling based on Beaumont's experiences and world records.
👥 Similar authors
Jon Krakauer writes about mountaineering adventures and investigative journalism of outdoor pursuits. His narrative style combines first-person experiences with detailed research of historical events and survival stories.
Paul Theroux focuses on travel writing through remote locations and chronicles interactions with local cultures. He documents both train journeys and solo expeditions while examining social and political contexts of the regions he visits.
Tim Moore specializes in cycling travelogues and chronicles his attempts at historical recreation journeys. His work includes accounts of following specific race routes and attempting vintage bicycle challenges.
Alastair Humphreys writes about cycle touring and micro-adventures based on his own expeditions. His books cover both global circumnavigation attempts and shorter local exploration concepts.
Dervla Murphy produces accounts of solo bicycle journeys through challenging territories and remote regions. Her work emphasizes cultural observations and political commentary while maintaining detailed descriptions of physical challenges.
Paul Theroux focuses on travel writing through remote locations and chronicles interactions with local cultures. He documents both train journeys and solo expeditions while examining social and political contexts of the regions he visits.
Tim Moore specializes in cycling travelogues and chronicles his attempts at historical recreation journeys. His work includes accounts of following specific race routes and attempting vintage bicycle challenges.
Alastair Humphreys writes about cycle touring and micro-adventures based on his own expeditions. His books cover both global circumnavigation attempts and shorter local exploration concepts.
Dervla Murphy produces accounts of solo bicycle journeys through challenging territories and remote regions. Her work emphasizes cultural observations and political commentary while maintaining detailed descriptions of physical challenges.