What do you think?
Rate this book
The Man Who Cycled the Americas
31,000 miles. 22,840 feet high. 34 countries. 15 months. 2 amazing journeys.
In 2008, Mark Beaumont smashed the world record for cycling around the world, by an astonishing 81 days. His race against the clock took him through the toughest terrain and the most demanding of conditions. In 2009, Mark set out on his second ultra-endurance challenge. And this one would involve some very big mountains.
The Man Who Cycled the Americas tells the story of a 15,000 mile expedition that once again broke the barriers of human achievement. To pedal the longest mountain range on the planet, solo and unsupported, presented its own unique difficulties. But no man had ever previously summited the continents' two highest peaks, Mt McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in Argentina, in the same climbing season, let alone cycling between them. Oh, and Mark had never even been up Ben Nevis before.
Full of his trademark charm, warmth and fascination with seeing the world at the pace of a bicycle, Mark Beaumont's second book is a testament to his love of adventure, his joy of taking on tough mental and physical feats, and offers a thrilling trip through the diverse cultures of the Americas.
In 2008, Mark Beaumont smashed the world record for cycling around the world, by an astonishing 81 days. His race against the clock took him through the toughest terrain and the most demanding of conditions. In 2009, Mark set out on his second ultra-endurance challenge. And this one would involve some very big mountains.
The Man Who Cycled the Americas tells the story of a 15,000 mile expedition that once again broke the barriers of human achievement. To pedal the longest mountain range on the planet, solo and unsupported, presented its own unique difficulties. But no man had ever previously summited the continents' two highest peaks, Mt McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in Argentina, in the same climbing season, let alone cycling between them. Oh, and Mark had never even been up Ben Nevis before.
Full of his trademark charm, warmth and fascination with seeing the world at the pace of a bicycle, Mark Beaumont's second book is a testament to his love of adventure, his joy of taking on tough mental and physical feats, and offers a thrilling trip through the diverse cultures of the Americas.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2011
15 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Mark Beaumont
31 books43 followersMark Beaumont is a broadcaster who has been adventuring since an early age. When not travelling on TV projects and expeditions he is often speaking at events, involved in various charity and educational work, book writing or in training.
Mark was first inspired to go on expedition at the age of 12 after reading in a local newspaper about a cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End. For the next decade Mark’s ambitions and experience developed until after leaving University he set out to make a career in broadcasting and adventure.
Mark’s public speaking takes him to many public theatre events as well as businesses and organisations in the UK and abroad. Please get in touch to enquire about availability.
Mark was first inspired to go on expedition at the age of 12 after reading in a local newspaper about a cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End. For the next decade Mark’s ambitions and experience developed until after leaving University he set out to make a career in broadcasting and adventure.
Mark’s public speaking takes him to many public theatre events as well as businesses and organisations in the UK and abroad. Please get in touch to enquire about availability.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 30, 2016
Mark Beaumont doesn’t like to do anything by halves, in 2008 he obliterated the world record for cycling around the world by an astonishing 81 days. This challenge of cycling from Anchorage in Alaska to the Argentinian town of Ushuaia along the complete Pacific coast. Not exactly the easiest of rides, and just to add something extra, he has decided to climb two of the continents largest mountains, Mt McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in Argentina, and cycle between them. In the same climbing season. He’d never even been up Ben Nevis either…
He is mad.
This 15,000 mile solo journey is something else. Beaumont is supremely fit, as well as being mentally very tough to undertake three full on physical challenges. But he is full of genuine human warmth and the descriptions of his encounters with the people through all the countries that he traverses make for interesting reading. He meets various characters on the way, some shadowing his journey, including a couple in the motorbike and sidecar who are lovely but nuts, as well as other adventurers doing their own thing and heading in all different directions.
It is well worth reading for all those that love travel books. The variety of countries, landscape, weather and people that he enjoys and suffers is fascinating, there are some scary moments, bears in Canada, dangerous descents down mountain passes, close misses with enormous trucks and battling the winds at the very southern part of Argentina, but he is a tenacious and determined enough man to succeed at anything he chooses.
He is mad.
This 15,000 mile solo journey is something else. Beaumont is supremely fit, as well as being mentally very tough to undertake three full on physical challenges. But he is full of genuine human warmth and the descriptions of his encounters with the people through all the countries that he traverses make for interesting reading. He meets various characters on the way, some shadowing his journey, including a couple in the motorbike and sidecar who are lovely but nuts, as well as other adventurers doing their own thing and heading in all different directions.
It is well worth reading for all those that love travel books. The variety of countries, landscape, weather and people that he enjoys and suffers is fascinating, there are some scary moments, bears in Canada, dangerous descents down mountain passes, close misses with enormous trucks and battling the winds at the very southern part of Argentina, but he is a tenacious and determined enough man to succeed at anything he chooses.
March 28, 2021
Selvom du ikke er cykel entusiast, så skal du læse denne bog. Mark beaumemt er en ekstraordinær person og har en helt fantastisk attitude som virker underspillet ift. hans evner. Han skriver til og med godt. Nu vil jeg se dokumentarfilmen, som rejsen egentlig gik ud på.
May 23, 2025
my third book read from this author. one more to go. excellent. (The Man Who Cycled around the World was my favorite).
He cycled from Alaska to the southern tip of South America and climbed 2 mountains en route.
He cycled from Alaska to the southern tip of South America and climbed 2 mountains en route.
March 14, 2013
After riding from Land's End to John O Groats at the age of 12 and then around in the world in record breaking time, Beaumont tries a more relaxed, collaborative but no less challenging journey to ride from Alaska to Patagonia, punctuating the ride with summit climbs at Denali and Aconcagua along the way.
This a a markedly more interesting and well written effort than Beaumont's previous book, The Man Who Cycled the World. Besides maturing as a writer, he seems to have matured as a person and the changed focus of the trip, without the relentless focus of the last, helps. A wry, intelligent sense of humor is constantly breaking into his reflections and as he recounts his journey. Beaumont's ability to accept whatever misfortunes come his way with a shrug and a smile are a refreshing change from the whingeing often found in other travel memoirs. Beaumont's efforts to get off the bike more often to relate to people and his surroundings enriches the reader as much as the author. A pleasant surprise, and to be recommended to long distance cyclists, armchair travelers and climbers that might benefit from a perspective foreign to their own experience.
This a a markedly more interesting and well written effort than Beaumont's previous book, The Man Who Cycled the World. Besides maturing as a writer, he seems to have matured as a person and the changed focus of the trip, without the relentless focus of the last, helps. A wry, intelligent sense of humor is constantly breaking into his reflections and as he recounts his journey. Beaumont's ability to accept whatever misfortunes come his way with a shrug and a smile are a refreshing change from the whingeing often found in other travel memoirs. Beaumont's efforts to get off the bike more often to relate to people and his surroundings enriches the reader as much as the author. A pleasant surprise, and to be recommended to long distance cyclists, armchair travelers and climbers that might benefit from a perspective foreign to their own experience.
March 13, 2019
Ah, yes. Another crazy Brit. Is it in their DNA? Water? A proud heritage of exploration? If "Walking the Americas" oversold the Levinson Wood's journey but provides a great warm-up book, then "The Man Who Cycled the Americas" is an understatement because Mark Beaumont also hiked the highest mountains in North and South America.
It took me a while to warm to Beaumont's cat-like personality, but he did win me over. He also meets more compelling people and covers much more interesting terrain in the second half of the book, so I am glad I stuck with it. Partnering with the BBC proves to be a double-edged sword for the reader as it is a source of constant complaints by Beaumont, but it also enables him to have some unusual experiences. Even though he is not trying to set a speed record as he was when he cycled around the world, he is still constantly worried about arriving in time to be able to hike Aconcagua. Like Levinson Wood, Beaumont needs to learn to slow down!
It took me a while to warm to Beaumont's cat-like personality, but he did win me over. He also meets more compelling people and covers much more interesting terrain in the second half of the book, so I am glad I stuck with it. Partnering with the BBC proves to be a double-edged sword for the reader as it is a source of constant complaints by Beaumont, but it also enables him to have some unusual experiences. Even though he is not trying to set a speed record as he was when he cycled around the world, he is still constantly worried about arriving in time to be able to hike Aconcagua. Like Levinson Wood, Beaumont needs to learn to slow down!
December 19, 2014
Oh I have learnt so much and been so inspired by Mark Beaumont's 'The Man Who Cycled The World' and his latest book 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas'. They are both funny, gruelling and fantastic reads that offer great insights into tour and endurance cycling. 'The Man Who Cycled The Americas' also includes his climbing the two tallest American mountains.
This book is well worth its read and will appeal to cyclists and non cyclists alike. Mark, please give us a detailed appendix about your kit.
This book is well worth its read and will appeal to cyclists and non cyclists alike. Mark, please give us a detailed appendix about your kit.
April 26, 2020
The writing and editing is not polished, but I am completely biased and I love this autobiography. Beaumont is a living inspiration. The journal is upbeat, funny, and filled with fascinating adventure.
June 19, 2020
Mark writing isn't the greatest, missing that punched up touch a ghost writer could bring but the story is genuine and amazing. It is worthy of your time to slip into literally whole new worlds this would never hear about any other way... You won't be bored
April 4, 2022
Mental note to self: Cycle touring is infinitely more interesting than reading about cycle touring, especially this type of cycle touring which involved keeping to a tight schedule and was driven by self serving media bulletins.
October 16, 2023
Another excellent Mark Beaumont adventure. Really enjoyed his mountain expeditions too and his great determination to complete what he sets out to achieve. He writes how he speaks and it’s therefore a thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 22, 2018
Mark's books are an essential companion to his video diaries of his adventures. Well written and compulsive reading.
March 3, 2020
Excellent.
September 23, 2020
Great read. I felt like I was along for the journey. I was a bit annoyed that he seemed to dismiss cycling as a means to an end.
July 31, 2013
I first started following Mark on his journey, reading his daily tweets as he made his way through the Americas. (I had heard about it from my brother who was cycling South America at the time and had met Mark).
I don't know why it took me so long to pick up the book, but I've enjoyed every bit of it. He's able to portray the emotion and his inner thinkings that many long distance athletes encounter. It's odd to be on your own for so long. (Or at least that's the sense I get from others I've known to do long journeys)
His ability to shrug off the horrible/extreme weather conditions, to embrace the local cultures, to appreciate/respect the locals, and to take it all in stride speaks volumes. He doesn't miss a beat.
Well written. And thoroughly enjoyed. I'll have to wait till next school break to pick up and read The Man Who Cycled the World.
I don't know why it took me so long to pick up the book, but I've enjoyed every bit of it. He's able to portray the emotion and his inner thinkings that many long distance athletes encounter. It's odd to be on your own for so long. (Or at least that's the sense I get from others I've known to do long journeys)
His ability to shrug off the horrible/extreme weather conditions, to embrace the local cultures, to appreciate/respect the locals, and to take it all in stride speaks volumes. He doesn't miss a beat.
Well written. And thoroughly enjoyed. I'll have to wait till next school break to pick up and read The Man Who Cycled the World.
October 5, 2015
Highly recommended, something to lose yourself in, maybe over Christmas.
I found it an engaging and inspiring read, because while he describes them, he doesn't dwell on the setbacks or frustrations. It's not an endless life-and-death struggle, or continually "awesome" as similar adventures by Ben Fogle and the like can be. Instead he moves on, finding satisfaction and beauty in unlikely places as he goes.
The title sells it a bit short I think, because it's three expeditions in one: the bike ride is between North and South America's highest peaks, and so you get a compelling account of what it's like for an inexperienced climber to conquer both of those. Some nice turns of phrase, all kinds of characters, and many funny or plain terrifying moments - bears and cyclists are never a good mix.
I found it an engaging and inspiring read, because while he describes them, he doesn't dwell on the setbacks or frustrations. It's not an endless life-and-death struggle, or continually "awesome" as similar adventures by Ben Fogle and the like can be. Instead he moves on, finding satisfaction and beauty in unlikely places as he goes.
The title sells it a bit short I think, because it's three expeditions in one: the bike ride is between North and South America's highest peaks, and so you get a compelling account of what it's like for an inexperienced climber to conquer both of those. Some nice turns of phrase, all kinds of characters, and many funny or plain terrifying moments - bears and cyclists are never a good mix.
February 21, 2015
I have mixed thoughts about this. I found the focus on stories of people and communities he met on his journey to be a bit boring and not what I was looking for in this book. It is the standard method for any tv documentary that involves travelling and does not work as well in this book as it does on the screen.
My favourite bits were the mountain climbs where he is describing the physical act of climbing the mountain and gives an insite into the physical and mental strength necessary. I would have preferred there to be more about the physical and mental struggles of long distance endurance cycling which was sadly missing (perhaps he had already covered this in his previous book which I have not read).
My favourite bits were the mountain climbs where he is describing the physical act of climbing the mountain and gives an insite into the physical and mental strength necessary. I would have preferred there to be more about the physical and mental struggles of long distance endurance cycling which was sadly missing (perhaps he had already covered this in his previous book which I have not read).
November 1, 2012
Really enjoyed Mark Beaumont's account of his round the world ride so had high hopes for this. It recounts his cycle journey from Alaska, through north, central and south America with climbing Denali and Aconcagua thrown in at either end for good measure. Beaumont writes very well and his descriptive prose pulls you in. You can almost feel the horrendous Atacama desert winds with him. At times though, the writing feels forced and almost as though he's just trying to fill the pages. Despite that, this was an enjoyable account of another amazing journey.
December 11, 2015
Not having read Mark Beaumonts previous book I cannot comment on how it compares, all I can say is I really enjoyed this one and was sorry when he came to the end of his journey. The story proved to be a real insight into the various border control issues, thankfully all overcome eventually, and the tales of the people he met along the way were fascinating. As a fair weather cyclist myself I can only begin to imagine what it must be like to cycle in some of the conditions he had to face and as for some of the road surfaces - I will never complain about our country lanes again!
May 8, 2016
Really enjoyed this book, after reading his first one it was nice to be able to continue the story, great that this time he had more time to experience places and people, and I thought the mountain climbng made it even more interesting, by breaking up the constant cycling. Would reccomend this book, and look forward to reading Marks further adventures.
March 17, 2012
Enjoyed this book covering the epic Journey spanning the either end of the Americas. The bike ride itself was the main highlght for me as I wasn't really interested in either of the mountain climbs. Think I prefer his earlier book, The man who cycled the world purely because of the sheer contrasting geography that he travelled through on that ride
August 28, 2012
I enjoyed this book. Reading it made me want to get on my bike and cover some real miles. My only regret is that I wish he told more about his gear and his bike. I would like to know some details, even if in the appendix. I have to say, I never understood the reason for the two mountain climbs, but I certainly enjoyed his descriptions of both.
December 27, 2011
Really interesting travelogue, comprising two mountain climbs and cycling the length of both Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
December 29, 2011
A good read.
June 9, 2013
Really enjoyable read, Mark Beaumont is really likable. It reads like a novel. I liked it almost as much as I did The Man Who Cycled the World.
December 11, 2014
Cracking read. Mark Beaumont is definitely one of my sporting heroes. To get a taste of his style check out his round the world BBC documentary (it's on youtube). Total legend.
August 9, 2025
Such a sweetly simply descriptive book about a dude riding his bike (nice!) I love the journal style of writing and the chase to the end
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews