Mark Beaumont's Diary
Despite adding about 2kg to his overall kit weight, Mark carried a laptop, GPS tracker, three cameras and a voice recorder to help him document his journey.
He sent us text messages and phoned from the road and whenever he passed through civilisation, he popped into internet caf茅s to email pictures and videos.
Less than a week to go!
Mark Beaumont, Thursday, 09 August 2007.
Once again it is late, 2.37am to be pedantic, and I am attempting to finish my daily list. Whether over ambitious (discuss at will) or just not fast enough (the jury is out), I can't remember ever finishing my list of daily targets of 'jobs'. However, as always, progress has been made and there is very little time to worry about the 'if only's' because I leave to drive to Paris in about 36 hours!
This last weekend in Scotland has been amazing. I could not ask for better memories of home to accompany me for seven months of solo travel. Saturday was spend in the heart of Perthshire around Loch Tay where I started and took part on the Artemis Highland 100, a biking adventure race to raise money for the same charities which I am cycling around the world for. After 85 very hilly miles, I had tested the new wheels and bottom bracket which I got for the expedition bike last week and had given the legs a very hilly last training run before a weeks rest.
Sunday was the official media launch and send off party at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Glasgow. A huge thank you to the 100+ people who turned up - I was very touched to see so many old (and new) friends coming from every corner of the UK to see me off. Whilst it was great to speak to everyone, after over four hours of 'turbo chat' I was literally exhausted and left with a sense that I had hardly spoken to anyone. You must all keep in touch and I am glad you saw the glamour of expedition cycling before the beard grows long and the long road does strange things to my banter! Any good photos from the event can you please let me know through the Guestbook at www.artemisworldcycle.com.
Back in Edinburgh for a last night of packing and preparation... I am constantly amazed how time accelerates when you are busy - where has 2007 gone. However, I have a funny feeling it might slow down a bit on the road!
Comments
So great to see you looking so positive and in good shape ready for this!!! Best of luck and lots of love xxx Big Cuz xxposted by Verity MacLeod from Folkestone
Great to see a programme that has some genuine realism about an adventure like this. Its good to see what Mark is seeing.posted by Ben Morris from Pembrokeshire
