A WORLD record breaking cyclist is set to host a series of sports and literary talks in the Highlands, it has been announced.
Jenny Graham, who in 2018 became the fastest woman to cycle around the world unsupported, will bring her Journey Beyond Adventure talks across the north of Scotland starting September 17.
She hopes the “in-conversation” events, starting this month in Fort William, Strathpeffer and Aberdeen, will give a voice to a greater diversity of top names and personalities.
TV presenter and journalist Louise Minchin, who is an author and endurance athlete competing in triathlons on the world stage, will join Graham at the start of the tour as they share tales of life, resilience, fear and adventure.
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The pair will also discuss Minchin’s first novel, Isolation Island, which is a thriller set in a world of hidden cameras and celebrity egos.
There will also be social bike rides, trail runs and wild swims as part of each event.
Graham, a former presenter with Global Cycling Network's documentary channel, said she is lining up more guests, including Olympians, to join her on tour in the north of Scotland.
She said: “The aim is to entertain, enlighten and empower the audience to embrace their own literary and real-life adventures of self-discovery and exploration.
“After Louise Minchin, I will be lining up more great guests, including multiple Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games medallist Emma Pooley, for tours later this year and in 2025.
“I believe the talks will be more than just an event – they will offer a Journey Beyond Adventure that people won't want to miss.”
Graham, who is from Inverness, set a female record for fastest time to cycle around the world in 124 days six years ago.
The 38-year-old also completed the “UK’s longest straight line” with TV presenter Calum Maclean where they trekked the longest direct route in the UK without crossing a paved road.
She said her Journey Beyond Adventure tour is aimed to promote inclusiveness and to give a platform for diverse voices.
She said: “I’ve spent a great deal of time both giving and watching talks and I really love an evening listening to epic tales from around the world. However, there are a few things I’d like to see more of with interview events.
“Firstly, I believe we should have greater diversity among the leading voices so we can all enjoy a richer and more inclusive conversation.
“Secondly, there should be a more diverse audience who can access these talks. There should be a bigger mix of races, genders and socioeconomic status.
“My mini Journey Beyond Adventure tour will bring some top names to the Highlands, offering a series of engaging events at affordable prices and in accessible community spaces.”
The first stop of the tour will be at the Highland Cinema in Fort William on September 17.
Full details and tickets for the events can be found here.
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