mark beaumont

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Garz

Squat Member
Location
Down
Very true jags and ian!
 

Cathryn

Legendary Member
Exactly!! I reckon it's jealousy. The bloke's done something we'd all love to do (in some shape or form) and we're all green eyed with envy!! We should be cheering him on.
 
No-one is criticising Mark Beaumont for his cycling achievements: to be able to cycle 160 km a day for 195 days to break the world record for going round it, is nothing to be sneezed at.

Likewise nor is his north to south Americas ride.

A few of us here, me included, are just a bit cynical of the commercialism of his adventures: TV documentary, book, road show and sales of merchandise!

And no, I'm not jealous: I've just had two great months cycling in Australia! :angry:
 

rich p

ridiculous old lush
Location
Brighton
I agree, I don't think any of us are knocking Mark. Good luck to him for popularising cycling in some way and for making a living out of what many people do for a hobby.
My criticism of the programme is just the added melodrama which is unnecessary and grating.
 

aberal

Guru
Location
Midlothian
Dayvo said:
And no, I'm not jealous: I've just had two great months cycling in Australia! :angry:

Pah! I mock your oversensationalising of your feeble trip. I once cycled 6 months in Australia supported only by a few Mars bars and the occasional Tooheys New. And did I complain? I did not, no siree.
 
Cathryn said:
Okay, I'll let you off!! Apart from Dayvo and his 2 MONTHS ROUND AUSTRALIA!!

When I get round to it, I'll re-live it ALL again, just for your benefit, Catherine, words, pictures, warts and all! :biggrin:
 

katanadan

New Member
I noticed the same sort of things being said about Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor when they went round the world. Some people will always find something negative to say about it. If there was no drama to it, added or not, the program probably wouldn't get on BBC 1. More likely it would have been hidden in the depths of BBC 4. For me I liked it. I'm new to cycle touring and have always done my touring on motorbikes and he has definatley got this newbie into it more. :biggrin:

Personally I think he is a good, likeable character. If he has to hype things up a little then that's what he has to, for the sake of the commercialism. He needs to make a living just like us. I'm looking forward to the final episode. I just wish they made it into a 12 week thing. I felt like I missed thousands of miles of his journey.
 

aberal

Guru
Location
Midlothian
Dayvo said:
Who said anything about complaining?

Six months, eh! :blush:

Wherdjago?

Main trip was Brisbane to Adelaide via Sydney, Canberra (yawn) Melbourne and Tasmania with a couple of wee side trips here and there. 4000 miles in all. Loved it.
 

summerdays

Cycling in the sun
Location
Bristol
Dayvo said:
A few of us here, me included, are just a bit cynical of the commercialism of his adventures: TV documentary, book, road show and sales of merchandise!

He has found a way of subsidising what he wants to do - wouldn't we all loved to be paid to do what we really wanted to do (anyone want to pay me to sit on here and type drivel?:biggrin:). Maybe it started with him doing a trip and people being interested in it, perhaps he filmed one for his family etc.

katanadan said:
Personally I think he is a good, likeable character. If he has to hype things up a little then that's what he has to, for the sake of the commercialism. He needs to make a living just like us. I'm looking forward to the final episode. I just wish they made it into a 12 week thing. I felt like I missed thousands of miles of his journey.

I don't know how much is him actively hyping it up, and how much is due to what he is doing. If you spend time on the road on your own for a long time, eventually the camera must seem someone you can chat to, express your worries etc. I chat to myself when I'm just cycling around town, and I know how I feel when I see something and really want someone to share it with and they aren't there.

I think anything on TV showing cycling is good both for me to watch and for the larger audience that will watch it.
 

Percy

Well-Known Member
I think it's nice to see some touring cycling on the TV, regardless of the politics (and for what it's worth I do agree with those that think it's a little over-dramatised - you do have to remember, though, that most of those watching it would never consider riding a laden bike for one day, let alone several, so the BBC are undoubtedly pandering to their awe).

Mind you, one quote stood out for me:

"Mark's not had an alcoholic drink for over four months."

Pah - get yourself a cold beer after a long day on the bike, Mark. Live a little! :biggrin:
 
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