Anyone else enjoying "The Long Way Round"?

[Mark Darlington]

I know that they are riding GS bikes, but what a great advert for the boxer bikes in general, and a riveting TV programme in my opinion.

I assume that behind the scenes they are carrying out the servicing to schedule. No way those KTM bikes would have made it :D

We're also learing good social skills by watching. Now if we find ourselves in a strange home where the host comes downstairs with a guitar in one hand and a Kalashnikov rifle in the other, we pay attention real close and clap dementedly when he's finished playing....

I can't wait until next week's episode......

Cheers,
mark
PS - apologies if this doesn't make any sense - you have to have watched it!

[MikeH]

Yes, it's quite entertaining and isn't as staged as I thought it would be with a couple of actors in the lead roles. It seems like quite an adventure and experience. I think that being a well known film star obviously pays dividends - I can't imagine that the average traveller would find such ready hospitality everywhere, but who knows.

Charlie Boorman seems to fancy himself as a bit of a stunt rider - standing on the seat and pulling numerous wheelies :yo: I don't think that Ewan M could believe it when that guy came down the stairs with the AK-47! :eek:

I rather liked it in Prague where they stopped at that luxurious old hotel and asked if there was secure parking for the bikes. The manager told them to drive straight in the main entrance and park them in the lobby! Brilliant! but there's no way we would get awat with that.

Just remember though if you head East into Russia, that you've got to pay for the gas before you fill the tank - And it don't stop flowing until you got the lot - with a couple of gallons on the floor for good measure. :laugh:

Watching it has spurred my enthusiasm. Anyone fancy a trip? :)

[cat0020]

:mad: It makes me angry to see that wealthy film stars can get free tool chest that's engraved with their names, free tools including digital troque wrench, free motorcycles to ride, etc... :swivel:

Hardly "roughing" it when you have three 4x4 vehicles following behind that carry everything you you can possibly need to go on a motorcycle trip.

:dunno: Who hired that Swiss-photographer that did not have his passport nor motorcycle license, even worse he could not pass a motorcycle license test?

It's good that it's getting attention or ratings from "Surviver" or other reality shows.. even though it's not really a documentry of a true motorcycle journey that most of us can do, but it's entertainment that's out of the norm.

[MikeH]

It was all in the aid of the charity Unicef, and I don't think the actors charged for their services. :dunno: So good luck to 'em. :yo:

I wouldn't knock anyone that's a true biker. They were only living a dream - which most of us would jump at, given half the chance.

[Stitch]

I agree with Mike, and what's more, I reckon it's excellent entertainment.

[philsil]

I cannot look at Ewen Mc without saying,



"get oot ma swamp"

He's great entertainment. Why didnt BMW let them loose on the R1200gs?

[BMW-K]

Helluva show! Truly enjoying it.

[TrevorW]

It's great entertainment, for sure, both Boorman and McGregor are funny. I like the way it's obviously made for the MTV generation, no incident gets dwelt on too long, and you get a real sense of the journey unfolding.

[andys]

"long way round" is currently the book of the week on radio 4. You can listen to the various episodes on http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/book_of_the_week.shtml

[Oil cooled]

Mixed feelings. A great adventure for them and good TV for me, somewhat diminished by blagging the best of everything for free, and the extensive 4x4 support. (When I see what those guys had, makes me wonder how I, like numerous others, managed on an air-cooled GS two up in Europe, carrying camping and cooking gear etc!)

On the first point, I hadn't appreciated that there was a charity angle, and I guess if you can get bikes and equipment for free, why not?

On the second point, still a great adventure, but perhaps not quite as "out there" as the everyday guys who do their own planning, use their own equipment and just go for it.

If anyone is interested in overland travel, take a look at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/index.shtml if you haven't already. Loads of info and inspiration. Also recommend books like Jupiter's Travels.

[dickybeau]

Along with others I have been visited by the green of envy watching this show. Having seen the recent episode about Kazakhstan, I can see that these guys need the support of 4x4s to keep going. Some of the surfaces were brutal given that they were riding main highways. Good luck to them if they can blag what's going. I don't feel that BMW did them any real favours given the publicity that the company is getting out of this. Maybe the 1200GS couldn't have stood up to the trip :dunno: :eek: :D

[Skyenet]

Ricky

Could you possibly tape this programme for me as I don't have access to Sky or Cable TV, I only have Freeview for Skye's CBeebies.

It sounds as if i am missing some interesting entertainment. Talking of 4x4's, here is a link to some recent photos (and a 1 minute mpeg video clip) of my 4x4 in a mud hole. Don't think I woudl have chanced my F650 through it though

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/skyenet/4x4/mainmenu.html


Cheers Iain

[MikeH]

I don't have access to Sky or Cable TV, I only have Freeview for Skye's CBeebies.You can watch it on Sky Travel on Freeview with the Digibox. Wednesday and Sundays at around 9.30 pm I think.

[JimVonBaden]

Good luck to them if they can blag what's going.

What the heck is blag? Sorry, I can get a context, but I sense there is more to it.

Jim:cool:

[MikeH]

from the online English - American dictionary:-

blag v. To wheedle something for free, in a context like "I managed to blag a ride to work". Perhaps if I sat for a bit longer I'd think up a better example. Hey ho. It is, I'm told, derived from the French "blague", meaning a tall story. Americans apparently use "mooch" and "moocher" in the same context.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I was initially sceptical (that's the correct spelling in the UK!) about the free gear and 4x4 support. However:

in order to make the movie they need a lot more equipment than the average Joe, so getting bikes and camping gear free too is a natural extension;
the 4x4s aren't with them day-by-day.
From their web site (http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.htm):
Although Ewan and Charley wanted to do this adventure alone, the nature of the production meant that a film crew needed to travel the same route, but never alongside them. The film crew keep a distance from Ewan and Charley and rendezvous at key points along the route. These meetings serve an important purpose. First they need to hand over recorded tapes (rushes) and replenish themselves with new stock so they can carry on filming. Secondly, the 'Fourth' and final cameraman is James Simak... I believe that when Ewan, Charley or Claudio get stuck in the mud, they have to pull their own bikes out. When camping, they put up their own tents. When stopped by the cops, they negotiate their own way out. OK, so they gain benefits that many other RTW riders don't get... a police escort across Kazakhstan... official welcomes at towns and cities... free bed-and-board at hotels and Mafia bosses... I'm not sure if Ewan and Charley wanted any of these!

On the other hand, bear in mind these are rich guys who could spend their lives going around the world from one cocktail party to another with the movie-making luvvies, not through the mud on a half-ton bike! More power to them for getting off their arses and doing it. Puts many a bar-room boaster to shame!

And good publicity for motorcycling can't be a bad thing. I predict that 2005 and 2006 will see the launch of thousands of long-distance motorcycle adventures... mostly aboard BMWs! NigeS and I were discussing a ride to the Czech Republic only last week. But my heart is set on Morocco. Who else is up for it?

If you haven't a clue what we're talking about, check out:
http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.htm

[Skyenet]

You can watch it on Sky Travel on Freeview with the Digibox. Wednesday and Sundays at around 9.30 pm I think.

Mike

Looks like you are indeed right, thanks a lot for the info. Will check it out later tonight :)

Iain

[bdaman]

You all on the other side of the pond are an episode or two in front of us. It airs in the US on Thursday night at 10:00 and it just started last week.

I enjoyed the first segement and am really looking forward to the rest of the series. While their celebrity status has helped make this possible, I for one would trade places in a heartbeat to get a chance to ride around the world.

Good for them.

[lorazepam]

Spending that much time away from home, and in those conditions, even with the 4x4 team would be tiring on anyone. I am sure they have backup help in case they get in real trouble. It still would be an adventure I would love to take.

[thencamebronson]

What the heck is blag? Sorry, I can get a context, but I sense there is more to it.

Jim:cool:


Jim,

Thanks for asking, we are two countries separated by a common language!

I think this is what motorcycle programs on television should be like, real bikes on a real trip, not the Orange County Choppers bike assembly mini-drama drivel the masses are eating up. Don't get me started on the whole Jesse James thing. I lost hope on that when he took off for Sturgis and the seat on his chopper blew off. Real craftsmanship.

I also enjoy the British series, "A Bike is Born", shown here in the Colonies on the Discovery Home channel. The only problem is there are three series, a resto of a vintage H-D, a Bonneville, and a VW trike. Then they repeat. Maybe I should ride more and watch less TV.

Can some of our UK members tell us if there are any other episodes?

[dickybeau]

Don't think, at the moment, there are any other episodes. Certainly not many classic Brit bikes left to build given that they are all being marketed new :laugh: . Some programmes on an aeroplane and classic and kit cars have been done. done to death at Christmas by playing ALL day.

[Mark Darlington]

I visited the national motorcycle show in the NEC Birmingahm yesterday. They had one of the bikes from The Long Way Round. Paying careful attention to the video clips, it looks like it was Charlie's bike rather than Ewan's.

I felt awed to be in the presence of the bike - absolutely fantastic - plus they hadn't cleaned it up or anything so it looked like it had been round the world!

The other interesting thing is that I felt there was a real void on the BMW stand because there was no RS on display. Plenty of the new K1200S, and a few RT's to sit on.

Oh well.....

Cheers,
Mark

[GlosterChris]

Have a close look at that GS if you go to the bike show - looks like it's spent a little time in the make up department to me. Is that a new swingarm on it? What are those new cable ties holding next to the subframe repair welds?
I'm sure it is the real one - well most of it anyway, I just can't help thinking because it's on the BMW stand, they're only letting you see what they want you to.
I must learn to trust people more :kiss:

[MikeH]

I watched tonight's episode with the duo travelling through some difficult terrain in Mongolia - lots of mud, crossing rivers and dropping the GS's every 5 minutes it seemed. Although a great workhorse for covering lots of miles on roughish roads, the GS is not the best choice for true off roading like that. The camera man, who terminally damaged his GS, found the going much easier on a little Russian 2 stroke, until the gearbox packed up.

Ewan seems to be more the optimist with his boyish enthusiasm, compared to Charley who was generally more negative when under pressure. Still very entertaining.

[DougM]

I watched the Ewen McGregor Show, er Long Way Round, last night for the first time. Wasn't too impressed. Other than the bike riding shots, which were cool, the rest of the show seemed mainly to focus on Ewen and Charley and their "trials and tribulations." Have these guys never been out in the real world before?

Ok, the roads are muddy and have potholes, and locals want to meet with them even when they are tired, and the food is different, but what did they expect? And the hardships... I mean, if a bug bite on the forehead caused so much consternation and discussion, I'd hate to see if, God forbid, something serious happens.

I'd like to see less camera on Ewen/Charley (they get enough of that anyway) and more on the sights, people and riding they are experiencing. Less whinging and making fun of what is different. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a couple of prima-donna actors...? Maybe the next episode will be better.

Should I take that job as a TV critic? :D

[Dee Duble Yuh]

No, but you could try that job as a round-the-world biker.

[DougM]

No, but you could try that job as a round-the-world biker.Give me a free bike, gear, supplies, support vehicles and then film me and pay me handsomely (I'd imagine) for it, plus toss in the book rights, and I'll take that job in an instant. Heck, I'll even ride my own bike!

One reason I'm a bit jaded with the show is that we have *so* many "reality TV" shows here in the US that I hardly turn on the tube anymore except for football ('Mer-cun) games and CNN. Unfortunately I don't get Speed Channel... Anyway, the one Long Way Round episode I saw smacked of just another "reality" show, except of course with motorcycles, and at least it's no secret that the actors are really actors...

Gotta go.... my favorites show--Dog, The Bountry Hunter--is on.... :D

[Dee Duble Yuh]

A big difference between so-called "reality" TV shows and LWR is that the former are filmed in nice warm TV studios. Ewan, Charley and Claudio were on their own in the middle of a strange continent, and really stuck in mud up to the axles. I won't spoil the Mongolia episodes for you, but it gets serious. No TV studios, no helicopters to winch them out, no fancy hotel rooms for the night.

How many film actors do you know who got off their arses and did a real adventure. They could spend their lives going from one Holywood cocktail party to another, but they didn't. As for being paid handsomely, the adventure was operated by their own company, LWR Ltd. It's called entrepreneurship. I think any money they earned from the investment and effort they deserve.

Give me a free bike, gear, supplies, support vehicles and then film me and pay me handsomely (I'd imagine) for it, plus toss in the book rights, and I'll take that job in an instant. Heck, I'll even ride my own bike! Set up you own company, contact the bike, gear and supplies companies for sponsorship, ride around the world, write the book, and I'll buy a copy.
:Beer:

Any TV programme that shows motorcycling in a good light can't be a bad thing, in my opinion. You are entitled to your own opinion.

[DougM]

Ok, you're right. Not since Steve McQueen has there been tougher riders than ol' Ewan and Charley. I mean, they actually set up their *own* tents and slept on the ground! And they got stuck in the mud. And fell down and picked up their own bikes (well, it took two of them...). And survived bug bites. Aside from the production crews, sound crews, camera crews, support vehicles, helicopters, police escorts, sightseeing cruises, etc, these guys are really out there "on their own" roughing it in the real world...

I'm just yanking yer chain... :D Anything that promotes motorcycles in a good light is a good thing. I'll watch the next episode, I'm sure it will be fraught with adventure and danger. If not, I'll just click over to Survivor IX - Lost in Swamps of New Jersey.

[BMW-K]

I am truly enjoying the show. This isn't planned froma "reality show" perspective. I like that Ewan and Charlie are being shown as real people, completely out of their natural element. They have problems, challenges, and issues - lonliness and desparation, and the like.

Can you say you wouldn't have the same issues if you were alone on the road for months?

The visuals of Mongolia are stunning. I wish I could be there, but then, that just doesn't seem to be in my cards any day soon.

Good show and good for them for doing it.

[Mark Darlington]

I think the next episode shows them trying to traverse the road of bones in Siberia. Looks like a real challenge for them.

I've already dropped hints that I'd like Santa to buy me the book for Christmas.

Those bikes seem to be taking a huge amount of punishment, which is great PR for BMW. Clearly from the trailers they made their way to New York. I wonder how KTM feel about their decision to pull out in hindsight?

Cheers,
mark

[thencamebronson]

Did I understand right? Claudio ditched the GS and went to the 2 stroke Russian bike because his ABS was bad? I would think the ABS would be switched off given the "roads" they were on. Also, welding to a bike with electronics like the BMW should be done either with the piece being welded off the bike or at least disconnect the battery. Maybe they should have taken me along as a "know it all and technical advisor" :laugh:

[BMW-K]

Actually, I seem to recall Ewan telling Claudio that they had warned him about his "reckless riding style" several times now, and now he is paying the price for it. Tore the pannier off the rail, busted the subframe, and then welding the bike blew out the ABS somehow!

I sure wish BMW would offer the GS with the old style ABS brakes instead of the servo powered ones.

But yeah, you are right, those bikes are getting beat up but good. Dropped a bunch of times, lots of clutch abuse. I think KTM pulled out because they just didn't think their bikes would last through the trip (and not that trumped up excuse they actually gave).

BIG props to BMW. Makes me want to go out and buy a GS, or slap knobbies on my RSL...

[MikeH]

They blew the electronics with the arc welder, but as it was an EVO system, I don't think the brakes were working at all - regardless of ABS.

Claudio seemed to be a lot happier on the small Russian 2-stroke, which as a complete learner isn't surprising.

The content seems to be getting better with each episode. Good entertainment, even if they are all 'Luvies'. :laugh:

[Dee Duble Yuh]

There was a telling phrase where one of the "stars" (Ewan) realised that Claudio hadn't fallen off his little Russion bike once even though they were struggling big time with the GSs. I'm not so sure it shows the BMWs in a good light: too unwieldy and too many breakages.

From the start of the series I was thinking they should have taken F650GS Dakars, not R1150GSs. The Dakar has plenty of power and is much lighter. Most adventure bikers who ride rough trails prefer bikes with single cylinder engines of about 600-650 cc.

It also becomes apparent at one point that the guys had taken way too much luggage. They threw a lot out but only after breaking a second sub-frame.

But there I go, being the armchair critic once again. :rolleyes:

[thencamebronson]

They blew the electronics with the arc welder, but as it was an EVO system, I don't think the brakes were working at - regardless of ABS.

Claudio seemed to be a lot happier on the small Russian 2-stroke, which as a complete learner isn't surprising.

The content seems to be getting better with each episode. Good entertainment, even if they are all 'Luvies'. :laugh:


For us Colonials, what are "Luvies" or what is a "Luvie"?

In the future, please post in english, not bringlish!!! :)

[lorazepam]

So bronson, are you saying you wouldnt know if a lorrie had a boot? And if it did where it would be?

[JimVonBaden]

So bronson, are you saying you wouldnt know if a lorrie had a boot? And if it did where it would be?
It doesn't, but if it did, it would be on the bob and loaded with fags!:laugh:

Jim:cool:

[thom_boles]

I cannot believe that no-one is talking about that HUGE kettle of BALLS... (sheep, goat and bull) That almost made me sick..

[rdfarr]

Belatedly caught the last two programs. The GS is not a real off-road vehicle: far too heavy, too complex. Even that crummy Russian streetbike they bought was better in the gravel, dirt, and mud. What if there were only one rider alone on that terrain. He could not keep picking the bike up as many times as they did.
I still like the GS, but I'd keep it on the hardtop.

[MikeH]

For us Colonials, what are "Luvies" or what is a "Luvie"? :)Why ? . . . Actors of course! Always kissing each other and telling themselves how wonderful they are, Darling! :kiss:
What's the expression in Hollywood then? :dunno:

Actually if this had been made as a home movie by some nondescript travellers, it wouldn't be quite so entertaining. One thing that Ewan and Charley know is how to play to the camera - each line and ad-lib delivered with professional timing.

I cannot believe that no-one is talking about that HUGE kettle of BALLS... (sheep, goat and bull) That almost made me sick..Yes, that put me off my food for a while. The Mongolian nomads were stuffing huge bowlfuls down themselves. Obviously a local delicacy equivalent to Guinness and oysters?

[philsil]

Anyone @ this forum done an RTW trip? I've always thought to do it a modular fashion and have an approprate bike for each area to save the import:border:jonny foreigner hassles. A Ural for Russia & Mongolia, a Harley for Jesusland, an RS for Europe and N America, a GS (with as little luggage as poss) for S. America, Australia & NZ, one of those unique rice rockets in Japan, anything I can find in each African country, a Royal Enfield in India and a Honda C90 (with chickens) for SE Asia

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I cannot believe that no-one is talking about that HUGE kettle of BALLS... (sheep, goat and bull) That almost made me sick.. What went through my mind was that the pot apparently contained 200 of the things. You can't creat a meal like that every day. In fact it must have been a "highlight of the year" kind of meal for the family, a bit like turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas. I know the guys did their best to swallow the stuff, but the fact that only Ewan had the balls must have been upsetting for their hosts. :dunno:

(Notice the deliberate play on words, there?)

Anyone @ this forum done an RTW trip? I've always thought to do it a modular fashion and have an approprate bike for each area to save the import:border:jonny foreigner hassles. A Ural for Russia & Mongolia, a Harley for Jesusland, an RS for Europe and N America, a GS (with as little luggage as poss) for S. America, Australia & NZ, one of those unique rice rockets in Japan, anything I can find in each African country, a Royal Enfield in India and a Honda C90 (with chickens) for SE Asia Nice idea. You might have difficulty getting insurance in each country, though, because you aren't a national so obviously can't be trusted!

[philsil]

"Nice idea. You might have difficulty getting insurance in each country, though, because you aren't a national so obviously can't be trusted!"

First stop Nigeria & get papers for everywhere!:laugh:

[thencamebronson]

So bronson, are you saying you wouldnt know if a lorrie had a boot? And if it did where it would be?


This whole thing reminds me of the scene in "Goldmember" where Austin Powers and his father are talking and they have subtitles! A truck doesn't have a trunk, loaded with cigarettes, maybe. On the bob, I don't know, but Bobs your uncle, when you have a cuppa.