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Long Way Down: Through Europe and Africa by Motorcycle
A few years back I happened to stumbled upon a book called Long Way Round, by movie star friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. It was the personal account of their east-bound trip around the world, from London to New York, by motorcycle. I bought the book to give as a gift to my brother who has a passion for both travel and motorcycles -- it seemed like a perfect fit. Before his birthday rolled around, I sat down to read the book first (like any self-respecting cheapskate would do). Long Way Round started off solid: discussing their route, planning the trip, working out the visas, but then they decided to bring along a camera crew and document the trip. Great, I thought. A couple more movie stars traveling the world with video cameras. The idea sounded lame, but I pressed on and finished the book. The story turned out to be pretty good, and definitely compelling, though I couldn't escape the fact that Ewan and Charley's "adventure" seem spoiled by a trailing camera crew. I wondered how much of an adventure it really could be with camera men, producers, directors, and whoever else following them around. And the fact they were movie stars made me think they used their money to make the trip a lot easier than it would be for the average Joe.
This is why I was so excited yesterday to find out that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are teaming up again for another adventure. This month the two will set out -- camera crew in-tow once again -- from John O'Groats, Scotland and ride their BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycles to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. The show, dubbed Long Way Down, will premiere on BBC in Autumn/Winter 2007, but those of us outside of Britain (or without fancy satellite television systems) might have to wait for the DVD release.
You can sign up for email alerts on LongWayDown.com, as well as view some video of Ewan and Charlie talking about the upcoming trip.
Related: Talking Travel with Lois Pryce (she roder her motorcycle from the northern tip of Alaska to the southern most point of Argentina -- 20,000 miles in 10 months, passing through 14 different countries)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Luna May 10th 2007 11:37AM
I thought Long Way Round was brilliant! Can't wait for this one.
Kraig May 10th 2007 12:05PM
Long Way Round did air in the States on A&E I believe. I watched every episode and loved it.
Long Way Down has been in the rumor/planning stage for quite some time, so it's nice to see that they are finally taking off. Of course, they're not the first to do it on a bike. Check out Lois Pryce's African adventure vis motorcyle here:
http://www.loisontheloose.com/africa/index.html
Her book Lois On The Loose is also a run read as she rode her bike from Alaska to the tip of South America.
Justin Glow May 10th 2007 12:04PM
Hi Kraig -- yes indeed, do check out Lois Pryce. You'll notice at the end of this post I offered up a link to our interview we did with her a few months back.
Scott May 10th 2007 2:10PM
I can't wait for this new series to come out. Its a good book and a good documentary.
Tom G. May 10th 2007 2:56PM
Interesting to see that they are sticking with BMW's for their next adventure. What an endorsement.
Alex G May 16th 2007 12:46PM
The BBC are showing the series in the UK, and they're covering the trip live online - www.bbc.co.uk/longwaydown/
Giles Jun 1st 2007 2:57PM
Charley also compeated in the 2006 Dakar rally, unfortunatly didnt finish it due to breaking both arms mid race but has written an excellent book about it, in a similar tone to 'The long way Round' called 'The Race To Dakar'.
In my opinion it's an extremely good read, if you liked 'The long way round' you'll like 'The race to Dakar'
LINDA KYLE Jun 5th 2007 1:18PM
GREAT! Just found out your doing another bike ride it,s got me watching long way round for the third time cannot wait to see the next one and read about it.
LINDA KYLE Jun 5th 2007 1:24PM
GREAT! Just found out your doing another bike ride it,s got me watching long way round for the third time cannot wait to see the next one and read about it.
andy carter Jun 13th 2007 6:22PM
Carrot Cake really is such a wonderful and a beautiful example of what cakes were born for.Simply majestic!
Mariska Aug 27th 2007 2:45AM
I think your trip through Africa was so great!Would love to do that myself one day.Keep up the good work!
david emberson snr. Sep 2nd 2007 10:51AM
read the book long way round and saw it on tv thought it was excellent, am now waiting for the bbc to screen the long way down. I am a long time motor cycle fan.
DE
ian lowndes Sep 6th 2007 6:25PM
long way round brilliant book race to dakar as good watched both dvd,s i think reading book first is best it fills in alot when you watch dvd,s. my dream to do the same one day. ian
italia el mahgiub Nov 19th 2007 5:30PM
Wonderful!!!! I love Ewan. His semplicity and kindness are so refreshing!!! Thank you!