Welcome To Cycling The Americas

Mark Beaumont | 14:24 UK time, Thursday, 14 May 2009

Hi, I'm Mark Beaumont. Last year I broke the round the world cycling record, which was made into the BBC series The Man Who Cycled The World.

Now I want to fulfil one of my other great ambitions - cycling the American Cordillera - the longest mountain range on the planet. It's going to take me around 8 months and you can be with me every step of way because I'll be travelling with latest satellite technology which will let me go online from anywhere on the journey and post updates, pics and video reports.

Cycling the world was difficult but this journey has the potential to be even harder. This time I'll be cycling at altitude and I'll also be climbing two highest mountains in the Americas, Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) in the North and Aconcagua in the Argentinean Andes.

As I write I am just ten days from the start in Anchorage and as you can imagine there's a lot going on. The final months of training and preparations for the Americas expedition have gone well. As with the training before the World Cycle, I have found that a lot of cross-training is the best preparation. This involves twice-weekly gym work, fell and road running, time on the bike and a lot of core strength and flexibility work.

It's going to be vital to be able to adapt from mountaineering to cycling then back again. This time my training has also meant getting used to an 80lb rucksack on my back and time spent at altitude - altitude sickness is one of the great unknowns as it has nor respect for your fitness.

Last week I was in Chamonix in the French Alps working with a mountain guide. After time spent learning rope techniques and carrying out lots of equipment checks, we headed up to 3600 meters for essential technical training where I learned how to use crampons and axes on mixed rock and ice routes. These will be much needed skills on both Aconcagua and Denali.

After two nights and three days at altitude, living on the glaciers next to Mont Blanc, I felt acclimatized and much more at ease with the exposure of high mountain climbing. Some very strong winds - and temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius - gave me a good insight into what it is likely to be like in Alaska where it may be twice as cold! Some of the routes which we climbed were very testing and certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, once done they left me with a great sense of sense of achievement and confidence.

My text home on the last day read "Just off the mountain. Climbed the Petite Aiguilles Verte today 3600 metres. Tough mixed route but feeling much more confident on crampons and steep slopes. Back early as weather turned bad."

With just over a week until I fly to Anchorage there is a slight sense of trepidation, which I think is only natural. However, in truth, I can't wait to get back out on a great journey and am excited about the ability I have this time to share the expedition from the road.

This blog and all the social networks will keep you in the picture daily and help me push the boundaries for what is possible in an online expedition.

So do get in touch to let me know that you are on board for the journey from its very beginning all the way until we reach the south tip of Argentina in early 2010. I have to admit that this is my first time using blogs and social networks, so whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice like me please follow me on this 15,000 mile adventure.

I would like this website to be so much more than just my stories and hope it will become a space for you to feedback, ask questions, or share your tales of journeys cycling the Americas and beyond.

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Comments

1. At 12:22pm on 15 May 2009, sdeblebo wrote:
What an exciting adventure. I look forward to following your progress on the trip. Are you going to be using Twitter to keep us updated?

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2. At 12:29pm on 15 May 2009, CameronButtle wrote:
Good luck Mark, looking forward to following your success.

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3. At 1:23pm on 15 May 2009, LunaChrisDo wrote:
Good luck Mark.
I'll follow your trip with great interest.

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4. At 2:43pm on 15 May 2009, JenEdin wrote:
Al the very best of luck, Mark....I look forward to following your progress online.

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5. At 4:39pm on 15 May 2009, fergiemeek wrote:
Good luck Mark - I hope everything goes well for you! I'll be following your progress all the way.
By the way, I can't wait for your book to come out - only a week to wait now!
All the best,
Fergie

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6. At 6:56pm on 15 May 2009, carolineparr wrote:
Good Luck Mark - I'll be following your every turn of the wheel!

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7. At 7:22pm on 15 May 2009, rafindlay wrote:
The very best of good fortune on your travels, will follow your trip with great interest. I'm sure the whole of Scotland will be cheering you on. Best regards.

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8. At 7:41pm on 15 May 2009, HSDrwithu wrote:
Username says it all really! We are so delighted to have another epic journey to follow and will be with you all the way. Good luck, Mark from all at HSD.

Mrs V

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9. At 8:20pm on 15 May 2009, geegeedee wrote:
Hello Mark,

After watching your inspiring and exciting journey last year I'd just like to wish you all the best for what sounds like another amazing trip. I'll be following you on a daily basis and look forward to reading of your adventures and seeing all the wonderful pictures that you post.
Good luck and safe trip!

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10. At 10:52pm on 15 May 2009, densparkdreamer wrote:
Hey Mark,

all the best for the upcoming challenge.
hopefully you will be able to keep us up to date witht he physiological recordings you will no doubt be recording as you go along.

take care, Mark.

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11. At 11:48pm on 15 May 2009, icelandian wrote:
Looking very much forward to following your fantasic new trip from the north to the south; ach, it's all downhill, isn't it; it should be a dawdle! Do take time to look around too, however; what a geographical transect you are about to traverse; awesome ... and some. You are in for an amazing time; savour and enjoy the priviledge of it all; we are so lucky to be able to follow your travels from slightly more comfortable seats!

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12. At 00:30am on 16 May 2009, AnotherScarymary wrote:
I will watch your progress with interest. Keeping an eye on Mr Bowthorpe to see if he beats your world record (kind of hoping he doesn't, but also hoping he does as he's doing it for such a good cause). You're so focused, it's incredible. Good luck and stay safe. Sarahxx

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13. At 4:19pm on 16 May 2009, austingamble wrote:
last year we followed your progress on internet,watched the documentary on tv, now got the book,
all the best.

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14. At 4:37pm on 16 May 2009, fanofthirty60 wrote:
Mark,
As you know, you made a great impression on our pupils with your talk back in February.You hinted then of this latest adventure and we all wish you well as you embark on another expedition.

Be assured I will keep track of your exploits and look forward to more daily discussions with my classes concerning your whereabouts.

A.C. Smith

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15. At 7:21pm on 16 May 2009, talexbt wrote:
Hi Mark,
great to see a genuine adventurer back out and about. I will be following your adventure faithfully. I have every confidence in your success.
Good Luck!

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16. At 7:26pm on 16 May 2009, talexbt wrote:
Hi Mark,

I was lucky enough to meet you at the BBC in December, when yourecorded Auld Lang Syne along with my students. They all wish you luck, as do I. You created a few more fans that night. You are a great role model for them. Thanks.
Look forward to following your latest adventure.

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17. At 10:56pm on 16 May 2009, sleekitcollie wrote:
mark , go for it . wishing u all the best , ur a great ambassador for scotland and a insperation to me , cant wait to follow ur progress
cheers
stewart fairley

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18. At 09:08am on 17 May 2009, CrisKenny wrote:
Hey Mark, We followed your last trip with interest, having cycled the "Camino de Santiago" across Spain in 2006. It inspired us to the order that we have decided to cycle the ruta va de la plata in Spain for our Honeymoon! We depart next Saturday and head for the north coast, aiming to get to Seville in three weeks.

I`ll be looking to catch up on your antics as soon as we return.
Not bad for a fifer!! Well done!
Kind regards,
Cris & Kenny (Cockburnspath, Berwickshire)

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19. At 4:25pm on 17 May 2009, Gunes_the_sunny wrote:
Dear Mark,

I'm very excited about your new adventure! I wish you will do your best, and everything goes your way!

Now Im looking forward for the book, it has been dispatched. Though, I can hardly wait!!

Hey people out there who already got the book in hand!!

Why don't you all write your favorite three sentences from the book?? So that, I can start to get the taste of Mark's story, while waiting for the book to arrive! Also, isn't that a good way to give our feedbacks, huh ?!

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20. At 4:38pm on 17 May 2009, RobinBalloch wrote:
Hello Mark,
You do Scotland and Britain proud with your inspiring approach to such huge physical endeavours.
I hope you don't mind but I want to use your experience in the coming months to haul myself back to fitness - 16 stones and falling (is the plan). It will be as nothing when compared to what you will go through. Good luck - will follow your adventure every step of the way.
Every best wish,
Robin

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21. At 7:49pm on 17 May 2009, Gunes_the_sunny wrote:
And here's a song for you dear Mark, I think this one just fits into this blog:

Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every "record" you break
Every step you take
We'll be watching you !

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22. At 9:22pm on 17 May 2009, delsmith wrote:
Good Luck in the Americas Mark. Your round the world cycle record was incredibly inspiring. Keep up the good work.

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23. At 08:59am on 18 May 2009, Snow Menu wrote:
Wow. What an adventure! Loved the series last year and I can't wait to see this new one. Rest assured we'll be following you. Best of luck and we look forward to reading your updates via this blog. We'll also keep interested fans informed of your progress via http://www.snowmenu.com

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24. At 11:53am on 18 May 2009, Grasbak wrote:
All the best Mark - loved the round the world program and looking forward to following the latest trek as it happens!

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25. At 6:43pm on 18 May 2009, cyclingcolinjohnson wrote:
Hi Mark .... really looking forward to following your progress down the Americas .....Oh and looking forward too to meeting you at Blackwells on Thursday night's book signing. You are a remarkable guy! Will you be using Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres again? Good luck Mark. See you Thursday!

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26. At 11:34pm on 18 May 2009, sandyedin wrote:
Good Luck Mark, will be following you all the way.

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27. At 11:41pm on 18 May 2009, sandyedin wrote:
Can we at some point get details of the bike and all the kit that Mark is carrying for this one.

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28. At 07:57am on 19 May 2009, Gardenvirgen wrote:
Good luck Mark - this is going to be an amazing trip to follow. We regularly go on cyclo-camping holidays but of course, not on this scale - am very envious!

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29. At 1:51pm on 19 May 2009, grahamg2007 wrote:
Hi, We'll be doing a full feature on Mark's bike and all his kit on the blog soon. Let us know what else you'd like us to find out and post with a comment below. Best, Graham.

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30. At 4:16pm on 19 May 2009, grahamhubbard wrote:
Hi another person who finds all adventurers, like Mark, an inspiration to keep going in 'normal' life. with your BBC blog and twitter blog etc etc is their going to be one main way of keeping track of the ensuing adventures of Mark??
Graham hubbard

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31. At 8:26pm on 19 May 2009, grahamg2007 wrote:
Hi grahamhubbard, you can always come here to the BBC blog to find out what's happening during the journey and find links to the latest pictures, videos and reports from the road. Graham.

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32. At 9:26pm on 19 May 2009, sonofrock2 wrote:
Good Luck Mark , You are a real inspiration and we are very proud of you, a great ambassador for adventure. Look forward to keeping in touch with your progress throughout this magnificent challenge.

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33. At 00:26am on 20 May 2009, ammamac wrote:
Hello Mark - I wish you every success with your new adventure and hope you enjoy it. I am looking forward to following your journey.

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34. At 9:33pm on 21 May 2009, bianchimick wrote:
Good luck Mark, got your last trip on tape, and use it to get me out when the weather is bad or I need a little motivation. Stick a little saltire on the back of the bike.

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35. At 12:02pm on 24 May 2009, Shortybiker wrote:
Hi Mark,

All the best with your new epic adventure, really looking forward to reading/watching your journey unfold. I really enjoyed your round the world cycle both watching the 4 part documentary on the BBC and now just read your book.(couldn't put it down) Once again Mark all the best.

Andy

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36. At 8:33pm on 24 May 2009, crombiejason wrote:
hi mark we will be following you every wheel of the way good luck and all the best from plean. jason & family

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37. At 01:49am on 25 May 2009, bushy-tailedGannett wrote:
Hi Marc
It is great to see you on the road again and I will be following your adventures. I am in San Francisco working on a project to build a raft out of coke bottles to sail across the Pacific. We have a spare bed and a good handle on vegetarian restaurants if you are passing this way [Personal details removed by Moderator] It would be great to see you. Have fun and take care
Cheers Dave Pryce

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38. At 6:05pm on 22 Jul 2009, martinbrady wrote:
Hi Maark

This is the first time I have posted any comments /'blogs etc.
Just wishing you good luck and in awe of your ambition and self confidence.
Were there any times when you nearly " cracked" in the round the world expedition?

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39. At 8:13pm on 06 Aug 2009, airbornex wrote:
I love cycle touring , mountain/hillwalking , backpacking ,motorcyle/car road trips....only reason to have a job is to pay for them! I will be watching the updates and sending good energy.... Mick Hanley ...

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40. At 9:07pm on 18 Aug 2009, dennisjunior1 wrote:
Mark:
My best wishes are with you....

=Dennis Junior=

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41. At 4:57pm on 24 Aug 2009, lordSUPERFRED wrote:
MARK - just finished your cycle the world book , what an inspration you are , is there a charity to sponsor here ?

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42. At 7:20pm on 24 Mar 2010, Gary Bennett wrote:
Please can you tell as Im a cyclist who makes the gears Mark is using at the rear of his bike and your trip is amazing Mark, well done.

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About this blog

World record breaker Mark Beaumont cycled from Anchorage, Alaska to Ushuaia in Southern Argentina. Following the line of the mountain ranges which form the American Cordillera, he also climbed the two highest peaks Mount McKinley and Aconcagua, on foot. Recording the adventure on this blog and for a BBC One series, The Man Who Cycled the Americas.