Go round world in a day on a bike with Mark

Perthshire adventurer and cyclist Mark Beaumont is getting ready for a major cross-Scotland challenge in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal.

And an invitation has been issued to cycling fanatics to come along for the ride on Saturday, September 22.

The coast-to-coast cycle will set off at Tayinloan in Argyll, continue through Loch Lomond National Park and the Caingorms, over Glenshee before heading for the finish line in Aberdeen – a gruelling total of 240 miles.

This is the same distance former Bridge of Cally resident Mark averaged daily during his epic cycle round the world in 80 days last year.

Together, the team of 80 intrepid cyclists will pedal the equivalent of the former record-breaker’s incredible feat – taking them‘around the world in a day’.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £240 each for the STV Children’s Appeal, which supports children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland, in the hope of raising as much as £80,000 for the charity.

Mark said:“This stunning route from Argyll to Aberdeen was my last 16-hour training ride before I set out on the world challenge and it holds fond memories – but it is very long and very hilly, so I’ll be impressed by everyone who signs up for this epic day of endurance.

“The STV Children’s Appeal has gone from strength from strength, supporting so many brilliant charities and causes across Scotland.

“The last time I crossed Scotland for the appeal I was swimming and running, so cycling has to be easier… right?!”

After a 4am start in Argyll, Mark’s 240-mile cycle route will pass through Tarbert, Lochgilphead, Inveraray, Tyndrum, Crainlarich, Killin, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Glenshee, Braemar, Ballater and Peterculter – among many other towns and villages – before finishing in Aberdeen.

Mari Slavin, of the STV Children’s Appeal, said:“Mark is a fantastic ambassador for the appeal and we are all in awe of the gigantic challenge he’s about to take on, together with cyclists from across the country.

“STV’s cameras will be there – and trying hard to keep up– to capture the highs and lows of this incredible marathon venture.

“The appeal is making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in all corners of Scotland.

“This year we want to make an even bigger impact and we are so grateful for Mark’s support.”

Email aroundtheworld@ thehunterfoundation.co.uk for more details.

Meanwhile, Mark (35) last week broke the British record for the distance ridden on a Penny Farthing in one hour – but missed out on the world record.

A total of 21.92 miles were completed in 60 minutes to beat the 127 year-old British record at Herne Hill Velodrome in Surrey.

But Mark was 290 yards short of the world record of 22 miles and 150 yards.

Before the attempt, Mark said the bicycle he was using was“pretty much unchanged”from how they would have been in the 1880s.