Fresh from breaking the Guinness World Record for cycling 6,718 miles from one end of Africa to another, Mark Beaumont is taking on a new challenge; Scotland’s very own ‘North Coast 500’ – non-stop and against the clock.
The North Coast 500 (NC500), which was launched earlier this year, has been hailed by the media as Scotland’s version of Route 66 and contains over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, historic landmarks and thriving communities. The route, was also recently named as one of the Top 6 coastal road trips in the World, alongside the Pacific Coast Highway by Now Travel Magazine.
Supported by Visit Scotland, the route has been ear-marked as one of the tourism industries top new routes for cyclists and with steep gradients and hairpin bends, the route makes for a thrilling challenge.
Mark first hit the spotlight after breaking the Guinness World Record for an 18,000 mile bike race round the world; by a staggering 82 days. Having continued to break records at cycling, Mark is also passionate about sharing his experiences and has become a successful broadcaster having filmed a series of BBC documentaries, including presenting the build up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Ready for his new challenge, Mark will attempt to cycle all 516 miles of the NC500 on the 10th and 11th of August and to set a precedent for future cyclists. Although it is unlikely that many other cyclists will try the entire loop without stopping!
Mark:
“When I first heard of the North Coast 500 I immediately started thinking about racing the route – having cycled all over the world, I still believe Scotland has some of the best cycling, and my favourite area, outside of my familiar Perthshire training grounds, is Scotland north coast. It is easy to forget just how much beautiful coastline and the length of those tough but stunning roads in the far north. I am planning to take less than 48 hours, cycling straight through the night, but having never cycled this distance non-stop, so this is unchartered territory. I will be using the bike that just broke the Cairo to Cape Town World Record and so at least the ride will be familiar!”
Starting in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, Mark will cycle the route in a clockwise direction following the road through the counties of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire, taking in spectacular scenery and famous attractions such as the Bealach Na Ba – voted Britain’s best cycling climb.
Mark is inviting people to support him as he takes on his challenge by following him on Twitter at @MrMarkBeaumont and using #NC500 to track his movements and tweet your support.
For more information on the North Coast 500, please visit www.northcoast500.com.
