In 2008 Mark Beaumont obliterated the record for cycling around the world, taking 82 days off the previous total. Then followed another ride through the Americas including climbing the highest peaks in Alaska and Argentina. This was followed by an attempt to row the Atlantic, that nearly ended in disaster. For this trip he was glad to be back on the bike to attempt breaking the record for the fastest journey from Cairo to Capetown; but this would be the toughest of the lot.

It is a continent that is full of danger and beauty, wild storms and majestic animals. On his fast journey he encountered all sort of terrains, from scorching deserts, smooth tarmac, rolling hills and roads reduced to quagmire with the torrential rains he encountered. He had moments of joy, and some really low points when he suffered food poisoning. He was aiming to ride a minimum of 150 miles a day to beat the previous record of 59 days. The speed that he was moving through the countries meant that he had little time to interact with the local populations, just enough to find places to sleep and the find the enormous amount of food that a challenge of this magnitude meant that he had to consume every day. Most of the people he met were warm, generous and delightful, occasionally soured by the odd group of stone throwing children and one attempted robbery.

It is an enjoyable book to read as you share his elation and pain on this charge through Africa. There is less on the interaction with the native people, but when you consider the pace that he had set himself for the record attempt, it was unlikely that he would have a huge amount of time available. It is a personal journey too, as he is not at home when really needed the most, and he agony of being there is quite poignant. Once again Beaumont has shown that he is a top class endurance athlete in this charge through Africa in his attempt to break the record, and if you liked his previous books this one will be right up your street too. ( )