INTREPID adventurer Mark Beaumont completed his first challenge when he was just 12 and at the age of 15 he cycled 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

More recently the thrill-seeker made history in 2008 when he completed a solo cycle journey around the world and in February this year he reached the end of an epic trip down the length of the Americas.

Next week Mark shares his stories of amazing endurance when he travels to Burnley Mechanics.

WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION FOR UNDERTAKING SUCH LONG AND GRUELLING SOLO CHALLENGES?

Motivation is something I have never really questioned. It has been there since my first expedition aged 12. I love the mental challenges as much as the physical, so solo ultra endurance appeals to me more than traditional sports.

WHAT'S BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR CURRENT EXPEDITION?

The climb of Denali (Mt McKinley) in Alaska was undoubtedly the toughest and most dangerous time. Not all of my team sumitted and on the way we witnessed bad storms, fatalities and many situations that tested us all.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A LIFE OF ADVENTURE?

There has never been a conscious decision to make a career out of adventure. I have lived in and loved the outdoors all my life and have simply been pursuing my dreams.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE SOLO-CYCLE EXPEDITIONS?

Leaving university, my ambition was to cycle around the world. To go for the World Record I really needed to go alone, which I didn't mind. I knew I was good at the mind games needed for solo journeys. When you travel alone by bike you are given a unique welcome almost everywhere, and it also allows you to see the world in every detail.

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING WHEN YOU’RE HAVING A BAD DAY?

I have enough experience to remember what its like to get through tough periods and be able to reflect with that joy from having made it through. Also, I may be alone but I am always aware of the amount of people following and supporting me. For the sake of the blogs and films, these hard days and mental lows are as important to capture as the euphoria.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME AND SEE YOUR SHOW?

People will enjoy an evening of my films and stories as they cover such a spectrum of places, cultures, emotions and challenges. I talk sparingly about the bike — I share more about my dreams and what it took to make them happen, as well as the thrill of the unknown.

* Mark Beaumont is at Burnley Mechanics, Wednesday, May 12. Tickets £13. Call 01282 664400.