He survived a record-breaking dash across Africa relatively unscathed and cycled from Alaska to Argentina with barely a scratch to show for it, but intrepid adventurer Mark Beaumont has finally come a-cropper – after a DIY disaster at his home in Perthshire.
The broadcaster, who last summer rode from Cairo to Cape Town in less than 43 days, will spend the Olympics season with his feet up in front of the TV after a nasty fall.
The 33-year-old posted a photo of his damaged left leg on social media and told followers: “Six stitches.”
He added: “not from any of the exciting adventure sports I have been taking over the past 12 days, but from DIY.
“Fell onto a radiator while putting up a curtain rail. Deep, but clean, so sadly a few weeks off sport. Anything good on the telly?”
Facebook fans responded with messages of support and good wishes.
One Blairgowrie follower wrote: “Saw you in B&Q in Perth yesterday. If I see you there again I’ll make sure you have the correct safety gear in your trolley.”
It isn’t the worst injury the former Dundee High School pupil has suffered. During his record-breaking round-the-world cycle in 2008, he was hit by a car in Lafatyette, Louisiana, and thrown from his bike.
Later that night, he was robbed by crack addicts when he booked into a seedy hostel by mistake.
His 18,000 mile journey, which he completed in just 82 days, was filmed for a BBC documentary.
He filmed a series of follow-up shows for the BBC and helped launch the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
His most recent escapade, last year’s 10,000km cycle through Africa, is the subject of a new book.
He broke the world record for the fastest solo ride for the length of the continent by finishing in 42 days and eight hours.
Mark followed his world cycle in 2008 with a 13,000-mile ride down the length of the Rockies and Andes, climbing the highest mountains in Alaska and Argentina.
He also took on the Cairngorms riding a penny farthing.
