On 29th May, record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont set out on his second epic journey, a 15 000 mile cycle and climb down the longest mountain range on the planet.

Last year, Mark broke one of the last great circumnavigation World Records when he cycled around the world in just 194 days and 17 hours. Cycling at a speed of 100 miles a day for over half a year, this was a tremendous achievement which established Mark as one of the top endurance athletes in the UK.

This year, Mark is embarking on a new challenge to cycle the American Cordillera - the longest mountain range on the planet.  On this epic journey 26-year old Mark will not only be cycling but will also have to climb the two highest peaks on the continent.

Setting out from Anchorage on the 29th of May, Mark headed North East to Talkeeta. From here he will make preparations to climb the 20,320 foot Mount McKinley in Denali National Park & Reserve.

Mount McKinley in Alaska which Mark will climb in the next few weeks

After this his journey will take him along the Rocky Mountains of Canada and North America, then through Mexico and the Sierra Madre before following the Andes mountain range down through Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina.

Although not quite as far as his last 18, 000 mile expedition (though we think 15, 000 miles is still pretty far!) this journey is likely to be harder, as Mark himself explains on the BBC website following his journey:

“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.”

Mark’s second epic journey is being filmed for a BBC One documentary series The Man Who Cycled The Americas to be aired next year.

We wish Mark all the best for his trip and will keep track of his progress over the next 7 months.  While he is away, Speakers from the Edge will be planning a 30 date lecture tour for Mark which will be coming to a venue near you in March-May 2010.

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