Growing up in Ayrshire, Graeme Obree found his escape from the bullying that blighted much of his childhood through cycling.

He has since gone on to become one of the sport's biggest and most beloved stars, a former double world champion and two-time holder of the Hour record.

Last year saw Obree clock a new record of 56.62mph in the prone cycling position at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge at Battle Mountain, Nevada.

His unconventional journey, which famously included him using parts of an old washing machine to build his bike "Old Faithful", was charted in the film The Flying Scotsman starring Jonny Lee Miller. Obree, 49, has recently re-released his autobiography of the same name.

How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

I was four. My late uncle Stuart let go of my brother Gordon and I on our bikes and sent us straight down a hill. His words of advice were: 'Mind, the corner at the bottom.' That was my first cycling lesson. We crashed of course, but we could ride after that.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

My first bike was a trike with a bread basket on the back, then I got a little two-wheeler.

What kind of bike do you own now?

All bikes are self built except an old bike I am currently restoring. Even when I was a child I was always fascinated with trying to make things myself. Some of my earliest projects were a homemade set of stilts, catapults and throwing knives.

How would you describe your cycling style?

Fluid ...

Who is your favourite cyclist?

The one behind me.

What is your motto on the bike?

Remember you do this because you want to.

All-time ultimate cycling moment?

Missing an old fashioned telephone box by width of a shoulder - at 45mph. That was my near death experience in Maybole, Ayrshire. It was a staggered crossroads which isn't a good thing to find out at that speed. It was during a race in 1986 and while the rest of the bunch went in the right direction, I went straight through across the pavement and just missed the telephone box. I could be stood here deid right now.

What is your favourite route?

The Flying Scotsman Sportive follows my favourite roads around Ayrshire where I grew up and trained.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

North of Darjeeling to The Himalayas. Since I was a kid I've been fascinated with India but never been. I'd love to get round to doing that in the next few years.

How has owning a bike changed your life?

Cycling saved my life. If you want to feel better, get your kit on and go out on your bike. It's rare that I go for a ride and don't come back feeling great. Cycling is good for health and mental wellbeing.

What is your top cycling tip?

It's simple: do it.

Graeme Obree will be speaking at the Wigtown Book Festival on October 3, 2014 at 7.30pm. For ticket information, visit wigtownbookfestival.com or call 01988 403222.