Wrong way down?
 

Well here we go again - just saw the first episode on TV. I'm so starved of overland/bike films I was happy to watch. And again, I have such mixed feelings about this venture. The guys seem very likeable, the media circus definitely not. Yet without this team of 2 support vehicles for the crew, we wouldnt see an overlandy film.

None of us has a secretary devoted to visa work for the riders. We dont have free bikes and a big warehouse to prepare in, etc etc. Im very disappointed that no reference is made to the Africa overlanders who've gone before -its as if these two were the first to do it.

Im quite unsure about this trip (and the last one )from our actor friends. I still dont know if its a good thing or not.....

[QUOTE=Caminando;156622]None of us has a secretary devoted to visa work for the riders. We dont have free bikes and a big warehouse to prepare in, etc etc.QUOTE]

You're kidding right?? Without my warehouse, secretaries and my BMW and Snap-On sponsorship, I'd probably never have done my trip.

Actually, I thought it was very touching that Charlie left anyway just after finding out his wife's lung had collapsed...

Think yourself lucky that you've only watched it on tv. In a moment of weakness I've just bought the book (in mitigation it was half price!).

Did they make a reference to Ted Simon or am I imagining it? Ray Mears seemed to make a brief appearence so I was surprised that Chris Scott didn't get consulted (or maybe he did and just hasn't mentioned it here)

Does anyone know if it is going to be on TV in the U.S.?

Well, i look at it this way, although they did it their way, which isn't very atractive to most of us, they still did it. Good for them. I look foreward to watching their adventure. The way they travel is not for me, but who cares? It's just more mental masturbation for the masses!

Hi Earl

Put it this way -BMW has a lot of bikes to sell in the US - I'm sure you'll see it soon!!!!!

But American TV can still miss it, even despite BMW's desires.

Watching Ewan and Charlie is better than anything on TV.

[QUOTE=MikeS;156623]I thought it was touching to see Ewans face when his wife said she would join him on a bike - but she cant drive a bike....theyre giving her lessons now......

Fak me Mike -thats a very tasty trip you show on your blog....lubbly jubbly!

You could always download it at isohunt.com just type long way down in the search box :thumbup1:

Just remember they reportly made 3.3million pounds from the first series...

Poor dears, split two ways that was less than many a football player; maybe the BBC will pay them more.

I certainly felt that the "contrived circus" element of the show was evident, even at this early stage, but this will hopefully diminish the further on they go.Interesting also that they've had to buy the support cars (or did i mis-hear that?), no freebees from Mitzi this time!How much are KTM kicking themselves at this stage, i wonder...:cool4:

- ad nauesuem , I imagine ,just like Long Way Round .

Their travels are great publicity for motorcycling generally. This contributes to making what we enjoy doing (riding our bikes) a little less threatening; a little more acceptable to others.

I think its great to have 2 known personalities who are likable types publicizing adventure travel. It provides a little balance to the news stories on outlaw gangs being busted for smuggling guns or dealing drugs; especially when our politicians always end up grandstanding on the 1%er problems.

Without the media circus and support, the average (non-motorcycling) Joe Public and his impressionable children, would not be exposed to this type of riding/travel and so it helps differentiate it from the bad elements.

We also shouldn't forget the charitable contribution they apparently are making through this.
Cheers

Well said John!!! I totaly agree with your comments. Joe Public always makes mention of the Long Way series whenever I stop at a servo or suchlike. That can only be good for motorcycling.

Just got it from there and am watching it now. Seems very like the last series.... not a bad thing....

Regards

Nigel in NZ

Hi All, Well spoted John!:thumbup1: I was hoping that you and i wern''t the only ones to see the benefits of this motorcycling publicity, what ever way and how they did their jurney.......it's got to be good news for us, It may even stop a few idle bigits (in govenments etc) :censored: from helping to put a "hang mans noose" around our motorcycling necks, to see some good come from riding two wheels anyweres in the world, with added benefit to charitys:cool4:
Afterall there's more to life than reading about it:rolleyes2:
Cheers all TDMalcolm

Trans-Africa was always one of the great overland adventures for the pioneering 'little guy'.

It's kind of depressing to see something like this branded, 'celebritised' and shrink-wrapped next to Jamie Oliver in HMV.

Good for adventure travel? It'll get the masses in that's for sure!

So the next guy to offer you loads-a-money to do what you like doing best, will get a kick up the arse and be shown the door. Yes?

Send 'im round my house, I wouldn't mind a pit of prostitution:whistling:

I think it's good TV and I'm with all the others that see it as positive. Mind you, I would have been as pissed-off as Charlie if my mates missus had said she wanted to ride with us!!! He looked gutted.

In Kazakhstan this summer, we had a guy chase us down 'cos he said he had seen us on Discovery Channel:eek3: Must have been the BM's

John

Not knocking anyone – who's going to turn down £3.3million to pez around on a free bike and open a couple of beemer outlets?

Good telly I'm sure and cash in pocket for the production company and a positive impact on the 'adventure bike' industry.

It's just a bit sad to see Trans-Africa barcoded for the Xmas market Couldn't tell you exactly why.

Not my cup of tea either
 

You have my empathy Richard - but I don't like Christmas anyway!

Nor may such publicity be a wholly positive thing for RTW/Adventure/Dual sport (call it whatever) riding. Time will tell.

Do they have the copyright on that "Long way down/round" logo? Whatever next?

Like the show hate Charlie BORE'MAN wanna kill the gimp, in our house we still think he bailed off the bike in the Dakar as you could see he didn't want to do anymore, Beer with Euan tho seems like a great guy. And why doesnt Claudio show us the footage of him crashing all the time, I want to see fit from the Helmet Cam.

If they do South America next time I will kill em both as that's the only thing they haven't done yet :censored: I haven't just given them the Idea have I?


I think Kev and Julias Pan American films were just as good as Long way Around if not better for doing it all themselves, just as funny and informative with great views and full of larger then life NUDE people running about. But even that didn't compare to Kev falling off of that huge beast of his at the horizons bash,

YA HEAR THAT KEV YOU FELL OFF AND I WAS P*SSING MYSELF :thumbup1:

God I love that guy but I can never let him forget that day he was revving that huge throbbing adventure engine with all of the fanboys watching him in absolute complete awe, and then the huge wheel span up huge chunck of sunny ripley earth as the tire didn't bite and gracefull topple to the soakinh wet earth of man and machine in perfect harmony. :rofl:


Oh I forgot to say today I am mosty here :Beach:

Seems to be a bit elitist, or are you (I hope) voicing the opinion that it's a good thing.

Doin the Ewan thing?
 

After watching the latest and greatest of adventure motorcyclist (Ewan and Charley... snigger!) I have to agree with one persons reply saying that I'm a bit annoyed with them not mentioning any other people who have done the same and more, alone and unsupported.
I was en route to Morocco last Feb when asked at a petrol station "Are you doing the Ewan thing? Where's your support vehicle?" Good on 'em for highlighting Adventure motorcycling to the masses (Like me!) but it does take the shine off my RTW for next year when it's highlighted to the world that I'm supposed to have loads of cash, a support vehicle or two, 'Stereophonics' playing in the background and a camera man hiding in my panniers.
Was it really an adventure for them..? I mean when they broke down they had a fully equipped support crew on their RTW, a new bike for the cameraman, trucks etc for the Zilov Gap and a doctor for christ-sake!! I'd be lucky to get sponsorship from my local chip-shop! But they did teach me what bike NOT to get! Thanks Ewan!!

I agree with Geoff about doing it all YOURSELF, those that have visited my site know that I've not done to badly with the sponsorship side as people have been very generous and have not asked for anything in return for their kit. Even tho I do reviews and pimp the kit, but I have never asked for a peice of kit that wasn't of 100% benefit to my trip, so I absolutly needed it either for a price saving in the long run or as protection for me or the bike. I have purchased nearly all of the other kit, except things that have been donated by family and friends, nothing has been given to me without me activly pursuing any single item.

You wouldn't believe the begging and haggeling I had to do with BMW to get a small 15% cost reduction on a Rally 2 Pro suit (even with review and telling them that I'd be wearing the suit in all of my pictures, pimping it etc), but you have to ask yourself why this time E&C have gone with Belstaff and not BMW suits I mean they are both free in the end, if you know the answer to that one then post it here!

I think you can do a world trip with any bike by yourself you just have to know the basics of how they work and how to fix them, this should be learned in the preperation stage of any trip. E said it best during the LWR with all the people standing laughing at them when they had EVERY tool that BMW supplied but didn't know how to use them on the bike.

More tourists a good thing or a bad thing? No idea. Depends on who for I suppose.

When people see my on my travel bike or hear about my travels, they always say to me:

"Oh your copying that Ewan Mcgreggor arnt you. That sounds fun, id do that"

Like no one did this before them........... People think were trying to be trendy like the celebs :thumbdown:

Good thing or bad?
 

Wow,
So many comments, i thought that i just as well had to put my own.
I have only got three trips of any note under my belt, but even so, will never stop my passion for more. Be it by bike or car, solo or with friends, now i have the whole street ready and waiting for 9pm on Sunday.
My missus's best mate wants to do it, two friends of mine want to do it, and even my Aunt would have had a crack if she was still here!
Yes, it is a shame they travel with almost as much support as a mini Dakar rally, but good on the guys for getting it on the telly for everyone to see!
We all bring back fantastic memories, (sometimes not so fantastic), good photo's and blurred ones, even video. But the point is, they are the ones who make it what it is!
And those memories, will stay with them forever!

Nick.

P.S. Glad the are raising charitable causes too!!!

I was iffy about it but then my mum rang me up having watched it raving about the joys of adventure and why not do it and all of that. Now before everytime I mentioned driving Fiat Pandas to Beijing she kind of shut down on me and didn't want to hear about her baby (hey I'm only 38) driving off into the cuds. Now, she's all interested. So hey it gets people watching.

As for the support, well without it would we have the TV series? I doubt it, you do need those two cars to lug round those camera people and tape stock and all that lot in order to get a TV quality show out of it. We know every travel show we watch on TV has them, it's just this time we actually get to see them.

And what sealed it for me was accidentally stumbling across an adventure CYCLIST's blog who bumped into this lot in Namibia or somewhere very remote. Apparently they were as surprised as he was and stopped for a chat. Then before they left they dug into their emergency fund and gave the guy £1000 for the charity he's riding for.

So not so bad after all (says the man attempting to sell his soul to the same devil as E&C)

Reality TV
 

Alex,

Moto Mundo managed to make a far better product without the hangers on/professional camera crew etc; this is judging from the first episode of the LWD & the whole of LWR - Moto M was real reality TV, to use some jargon.
Those school teachers must be cringing at the antics of this lot.

I wonder if Claudio will be the star of LWD, as he was in LWR? :rolleyes2:

Oh yes, a donation to charity: £1000 - pocket money from the BBC expense account, and LWR made how many millions?
Surprised to find someone else out there? - my my.

"--------but you have to ask yourself why this time E&C have gone with Belstaff and not BMW suits I mean they are both free in the end, if you know the answer to that one then post it here! ------------ "




Belstaff are now Italian owned and into the fashion scene in a big way .

The "lovies" and the beautiful people can relate to Ewan and Charley and their choice of clothes .That is unless BMW start selling their gear in the fashion shops .Hence more sponsorship dollars [ or lira ] from Belstaff .

Why not have a go at Michael Palin for misrepresenting himself as one slighly odd ex-Python travelling all alone on a train or tramp steamer, instead of half a dozen people with maybe half a ton of luggage?

This all smacks of sour grapes: 'If you don't do it my way you shouldn't do it at all'. What then, of people who pay to let Kevin & Julia organise their trips with Globebusters? Should they also be castigated for not doing it all themelves?

Hi All,

From what I can gather from watching their great movie Kevin and Julia basically help you with the paperwork and shipping they don't do it all for you, and then just kind of guide you like parents do not hand hold you 24/7, and for them to have the truck following is because there are so many of them on the road 4 * the number of bikes, 4 * the number of failures, 4 * times the accident rate.
In the films we saw accidents, hospitalisations, and that twatty bloke that liked to wheelie kill his bike. LMAO

So you can't really compare their trips to E&C and Claudio a close knit 3 man team working together to get things fixed and sharing knowledge (on their 2nd mission together) which is how it SHOULD BE but instead we get.
Russ and the rest of the Muppets trailing along, no wonder Ewan wanted to take his missies I mean EVERYONE else was going?
But I have to draw the line at office staff completing ALL of their paperwork, get your FAT LAZY American arse over to the Embassy yourself if you want to visit the country don't get some poor office girls to go, if I was at the embassy I'd say NO just because they didn't go in person.

And then a Fixer for EACH country WTF that takes the fun out of border crossings, how many sites that we visit have pictures of our riders holding Rifles at borders and pictures of the guards on their bikes? Nearly all of them you don't say..... it's part of the adventure.

Then I was looking at what Ewan was taking on his bike and then looking at my own heavy little Dakar sitting outside the internet cafe and thinking yes because all your stuff is on the trucks, even your food. So again they are not getting the Experience because everytime I see them fall now I know their bikes are half the weight that we thing they are.


I don't mean to rant but it's the little things that get me, it's hard bloody work or else I wouldn't be out here doing it, I admit I'm lost half the time but I'm learning, and I'm meeting all sorts of really lovely honest people.
If my trip wasn't so Personal to me I'd take a camera and film it, but it's MY trip that I worked 18/7 to pay for, my trip that I've had to sacrifice for, and sell my home so I can be away for the next 2 years.

That's the difference.

Easy ride
 

Lets no mix private trip to opportunity, I myself finance most of my trip around the world and even sometime sweat to do it , I carry my own crap and do all the border,mecanic and others by myself, but lets say that an opportunity present itself to me or even you ,would you refuse it ???.I will not , they are doing a TV show which may bring other people on the road and also help traveller to explain the beauty of riding the world.Lets not judge others because of thier luck or we risk to look like the one who think that riding a motorcycle is similar to suicide( and I don't talk about fear of foreign countries...).Enjoy the show or don't watch it.By the way if KTM,Kawaski,yamaha...want to do one and are looking for volunter I am sure most of us will be ready to do the sacrifice.

Aw hey! Self catering or package holiday? Both parties can enjoy the same country - just in different ways.

I'm sorry you seem to find nothing to enjoy about their television programs. I just don't understand why you feel that what they choose to do belittles your own efforts. To me, they're just direct and up front about doing things for themselves, for charitable reasons and, yes, as a comercial entertainment production. For the latter two reasons, they are willing and able to throw other people's time & resources at problems to ensure quick resolutions.

That doesn't mean I don't also have anything other than absolute admiration for the people responsible for going it alone. For Mondo Enduro, Terra Circa, Lois on the Loose, Jupiters Travels, Into Africa, the AMH or any other personal adventure you care to name, from canoeing the Atlantic to walking unsupported across Antarctica to the first climbing of Everest.

buh
 

I think what these guys are doing is a joke and an insult to the real adventure traveller

Noel

real adventure traveller
 

I didn't know we could find a definition for "real adventure traveller", they are actors having fun been sponsor for a trip/TV show, they are not Man VS Wild and are not claiming to be " real adventure traveller ".Its just a show and if we start putting sticker on people what we consider Off road with a large bike is a "joke " for MX rider and I am talking about adventure if you use a GPS , satellite phone...

It's just a show.

No offense

adventure travelling
 

True! Its not easy to define what is "adventure travelling".

But its easy to define what is not adventure travelling

Noel

I enjoy the shows don't get me wrong, but they show you ALL the wrong things, hands up how many people know that in some countries that the pumps only give out fuel in whole litres? I didn't until I was discussing the subject with Mick.

Or that petrol in barrels give rust and water vapor into your fuel? You know what how many people on this site say my bike isn't runny right and I just filled it up, quite a few. Right and these ARE the countries that were shown on the Long way round, all we got was Ewans eye full of Gas if I remeber correctly.

When I watch this sort of program I understand the Entertainment value to the man at home, but where's the sage advice. Ray Mears great show woudn't miss it and I learn from it, I know how to make a solar still, or cut out an ice shelf to get my cold body off the ground because it's knowledge, hopefully I will never have to use it but it's there now if I do.

What I don't want to see is Charley BOREMAN repeating Oh Sh*t a million times, aw man aw it's hard. I want to see what's out there that I might want to see, or how other people are living. That's why I'm doing my trip
to see what's out there.

Yes I would love more Sponsorship as could like everyone else, I do with the money, it means I can go further longer and see more, but there comes a point where Sponsorship gets in the way just check out their site and you will see what I mean.
Plus how do the Sponsors of all of the bits that Ewan threw out of his panniers feel about them now?

For those guys it's like a very well paid holiday, not even self catering because they have everyone doing that stuff for them, there was even a Joke about Ewan's butler joining them wasn't there.

There's a huge difference between what they are doing and what the rest of US, not just me are doing.

You see I don't get what people are griping about, they're being up front about what is happening by and large, they're not pretending they're going it alone while we all wonder who took the long shots, we know what's happening who's doing it and how. And yes it's still an adventure doing it. Why? Because they've still got to ride the damn bikes and drive the damn cars there, they're not airfreighting in for the photoshoot and then airfreighting back out.

So who cares if they blagged freebies, who in the world wouldn't if they had the chance? And fixersand office staff? Well there's a small difference between them and us, they're filming and making a TV series and that means they need permits to film as well as visas and carnets and all the rest.

And finally it's entertainment, it's not education, so it's designed to appeal to the masses, the arm-chair travellers, the people who quite frankly would be bored to ddeath if we had a ten minute exposé on how to change a head gasket.

Astounded
 

One thing which I find unbelievable is that a lot of people are prepared to buy a motorbike just because an actor rode one. I refer to the leap in sales for BMW. Fine bikes as they are, what a useless reason to buy one.

I mean how f****ing vacant can some one get? There must be loads of folk without a gram of individuality who just behave like sheep.

Noel, I think you are wrong there mate. It IS and adventure for them just the same as it is for the people that do the Peking-Frankfurt organised trip or the people that just get on there bikes and ride off with NO preparation.

Jesus, just going to work can be an adventure some days:mchappy:

They ARE having fun. They ARE making shed loads of money for their chosen charity. They ARE keeping a team of people employed (off and on) and they ARE getting the rest of us noticed.

Stop being a snob!

John

f****ing vacant??
 

So no one buys Yamahas because Rossi rides one Or a Ducati because Stoner is doing well at the moment.

Consider that a lot of folk's bought sports bikes (in the UK) because they were cool. Never mind the practicalities or competence of the pilots. Now its cool to have a big "adventure" bike. So what?

In Germany, the 1150 GS was was the biggest selling bike for 3 or 4 consecutive years when it came out and C & E had not been heard of! How did that happen. Simple. Its a more "ridable" bike for a lot of people.

John

I am guessing the answer to my question is "no one knows if it will be on TV in the U.S." ?

I read somewhere that it will be on discovery channel

Episode 1 is already flying around as a bittorrent to download now.

I was just as tortured after watching Episode 1 LWD...should I hate them for doing what their doing the way their doing it?


E&C are part of adventure motorcycling whether you like it or not for the following reasons...

1. Adventure is relative and they are still riding the ride...
2. Adventure motorcycling allows us to be as creative as we want to be, and point #1 is the impetus...

So at the end of the day...take your hats off to E&W for at least making an attempt...and don't forget why you did your trip and for whom...

I did it for those perfect moments...

As Jeremy Kroeker explained to me...those moments are rare and place you where you are supposed to and want to be...on your bike riding, with the biggest smile on your face ever...a smile so big that if Gisele offered you a roll around, you would defer til AFTER the ride...

So if you must...don't hate the player...hate the game...

On the other hand, it was here at HUBB, where some people got quite excited when someone pointed out that Arai released replica Long Way Down helmets... :mchappy:

Maybe the key thing to keep in mind is that this is a preplanned commercial entertainment venture with the intent of being monetarily profitable.

This type of project could be done with virtually any tour that provided such backup and logistcal support.

Why sweat it?

Remember your parents advice.
 

That's right. Come on guys, how many times did your parents tell you as a kid..... "Don't worry about it. It's on TV, it's not real..."

Regards

Nigel

Rebaseonu,
That was typical British sarcastic, self-deprecating humour, not to be confused with the real thing - cynicism. :thumbup1:

How could BMW let them down like that??
 

Those guys are so uncool, riding those great lumps of 2007 technology.
They need to get traded up to this!!

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...w-f800gs-30294

I can't see anything on their website, but you can sign up for a newlsetter there and almost certainly you can bet that when it does air in the US they'll be telling you by newsletter. I seriously doubt after the success of the first one that it won't be shown, after all it's all more cash in their coffers, and that of the Beeb too.

You're right there John - "simple" is what these people are, buying a bike (even very good ones like the BMW GS series) just because a "star" has one. How vacant can they get?

Or perhaps it goes more like this:

"Hey, look those guys are having fun, and look at their cool bikes, look better than a sports bike to me"
"I wonder what make they are?"
"Oh they're BMWs, theyre cool and I only thought they were for old people"
"Hmm, might nip into the BMW dealership tomorrown they serve a nice cup of coffee"

Cos the fact is there's plenty of BMW dealers about, and plenty of BMW drivers too, so finding your dealer is easy and doesn't involve going into slightly strange bikeshops full of people who all know everything and have a confusing range of stuff. BMW are dare I say it, more approachable, and I don't know about anywhere else, but over here BMW will sell me a package which includes lessons up to bike test, and then the bike after. And if I don't manage to pass I don't have to buy the bike.

hahha hahah
 

I nearly split my colostomy bag laughing !

"----"Oh they're BMWs, theyre cool and I only thought they were for old people"----"


Nice one !

My son met a guy last year who bought an 1150 GS and followed Ewan and Charley's route after seeing the tv series .
Apparently he hadn't ridden much before .
My impression was that he was a bit of a "been there, done that , got the T shirt" kind of guy .
Not that there's anything wrong with that of course .

But it does go to show that it does happen ,thanks to tv and celebrity worship .

I must admit I find the level of pomposity in this thread truly amazing. A lot of if it is not done my way it must be a shame. Get real folks there are lots of ways to do a trip, not just your way.

Lwd
 

:ban: Poor Charley, told not to pull wheelies in Africa...What will he do for amusement now, apart from lighting farts.


Inevitable 8 guys on a trip are bound to 'fall out''(Quote) F:censored: k me, they have only just got into Tunisia Have these guys never seen MONDO ENDURO or TERRA CIRCA...Real motorcycle..low budget..Highly entertaining films??:funmeteryes:

Episode 2
 

I got the impression that they are getting on each others tits, already.

Hi All,

I can't bloomin comment right now as I'm stuck in an Internet cafe in Italy downloading part 2 to play on my Video iPod (Aradi Tracker - Index), my Laptops shaken to death at the moment, Love Technology Compaq say week after next and I can have it back.

Please tell me they are fighting please, light saber in hand for Ewan and C*ck in hand for that complete plonker Charlie. Kill him Ewan KILL HIM....

Oh on a brighter note Touratech delivered my other Dual Bottle Holder on Friday (10 days late), so 2 of those my TT Chain Guide and my Steel Brake Lines should be meeting me in ROME next week, God I love fixing up up my ride.

:mchappy:

Soap operas have a plot and a plan.
And these are very popular with some people. :)

...be careful and don't knock over that bag of potato chips....

An apt quote, perchance?
 

"Truth is a river that is always splitting up into arms that reunite. Islanded between the arms, the inhabitants argue for a lifetime as to which is the main river."

Cyril Connolly

Yes, the same Cyril Connolly from the Monty Python song "Eric The Half a Bee".

Regards

Nigel in NZ

I asked Austin Vince (One of the Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa crew) about Ewan and Charley and he said not only had Ewan and Charley seen Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa but they had asked advice from Austin and the crew before LWR.

They just chose to ignore it.

I'm going off the pair of them ... they seem to be a little stuck up their own a***** ... the comment to the Swiss couple that there were doing 'more' in terms of their route ..

What the hell was that 'briefing' on the ferry to Tunisia??? Hadn't they already gone through enough SAS training etc .. maybe if they didn't have sooo many support vehicles there would find that they wouldn't be so much of a threat ..

The whole thing is unbelievable .. I just hope that next week they experience the 'real' thing alone

Kira

PS. Anyone watch Top Gear just beforehand??? Maybe Clarkson et al could teach them a thing or two ...!!!

That bike hating right wing Clarkson needs a good shafting with a wire brush...

Entertainment
 

TV is supposed to be entertainment. I think the Long Way Down is just that, a TV show with a director, a camera crew and all.
I am happy they have a TV show like that. I rather see some BMW's doing off-road then all the other soaps my wife likes to see or the Ophra Withney show:-)

Don't take it to seriously. They do that themself already so why should you ;-)

Hi All,

Well sat and watched it last night on my iPod, Glad the Yanks got turned away from Lybia 'look if you can't get your lazy a*se to the Embassy yourself then you don't deserve to get into that country'.

Nice to see the chaps all falling out already, maybe next time they will go it alone to ease tensions, Charlie being told off for Wheeling loved it but I want him to get hurt so let him do it, fart lighting should have burnt his b*lls that would have been worth watching.

Do they have multiple layers in their clothes? as they were whinning alot about the heat it's still hot where I am but it's ok, beats rain anyday.

All in all didn't learn a thing, didn't see anything worth doing a 10 mile detour for to see for myself, and was pretty bored 4/10, hopefully it will get better once Ewans misses turns up and we get to watch SHADOW TENT PORN from Charlies point of view.

That's not needed Judda....dont confuse ordinary US citizens with their scuzzy Government...

R-i-i-i-i-i-p-p-p-p-p-p-ley!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The purpose of the series is not toeducate but to entertain. As with any TV series the tension must be heightened to ensure the audience numbers are retained or increased. Hence the farcical brief on board the ferry about potential life threatening hazards.

Although the likes of Mondo Enduro were more realistic, I think even they would agree the production values fell far below those of LWD. I do not criticise Mondo Enduro, due to my interest in motorcycle travelling I prefer their efforts, however the BBC must appeal to your average couch potato and maximise viewing figures. To achieve the TV company's aims and objectives, it requires all the additional baggage, in the widest use of the term.

It may appeal to the fashion victims to go out and purchase a particular make and model of motorcycling, but for real world day to day motorcycling, I would argue it has done no favours whatsoever. How many young adults wishing to take up motorcycling are now met with "Look what happened to Ewan Macgregor, he was knocked off and broke his leg" from concerned parents; it has merely reinforced the image of motorcycling being a dangerous activity.

If the detractors do abhor the programme, why watch it? Is it only to vent your anger on this and other motorcycling forums?

Eh????...................

Isnt that what actors are supposed to say anyway?

Hi Caminando,

Ok here's the thing as I feel I have to expand on the subject, I'm currently in my 4th month away from home on my round the world trip (2 years) so I've done ALL of my own paperwork and have most of my Visas for my trip.

I really want to do Russia, now when obtaining this visa I had a lot of problems mainly because they do a very harsh background check (major KGB style check), what they turned up on myself was that I'm an ex squaddie (12 yr) and that I served alot of my in time in Germany right on the border so I got asked to attend an interview at their Embassy in London.

Fair enough I live in Derby as many of you know, so

Day 1: 150 miles later and I'm at London, got told after waiting that the chap I was going to see was too busy.

Waited a week for my new appointment.
Day 2: 150 miles later and I'm at London, waited 3 hours the chap had to go out on an urgent meeting.

Waited 2 weeks for my new appointment.
Day 3: 150 miles later and I'm at London, got to see the chap, got turned down.

Waited 3 days for my new appointment.
Day 4: 150 miles later and I'm at London, got to see the chap pleaded like you wouldn't believe, got accepted on my own merit as a person.

On paper I was the enemy, in our first face to face all he saw was the guy on the other side of the fence, it wasn't until I put a personal edge to the argument and really did plead that I got that little bit of paper. So if I can do 1200 miles just to get a visa why couldn't they get off their lazy a*ses to do the same when it was just across London?

All we saw was those two young office girls in the first episode doing the leg work, if you want it bad enough do it yourself, sending someone else to plead your case doesn't come close.

And for the Record if I got turned down again I would have gone back a 5th time and maybe even a 6th.

Judda - I'm only suggesting that US citizens are not like their hideous government(s).

And I know its annoying to see a Visa secretary when all of us break our bollocks getting these things - and get f****ed around on the way.

Don't get pissed off when I suggest it's not their fault if we get the runaround....

Good roadz!!!!!and have a great trip....it sounds fabulous --youve earned it too....Hey ...what a great surname you've got!!!!

Howvere unlike most of us, they have PAs to go to embassies because they're also making a programme about it and have other things to do to. Plus it makes good TV doesn't it to have a bit of office tottie. Falling out, well it's all in the editing isn't it? You can tell any story if you've got enough film to edit, and it makes better TV.

Charlie? I feel a bit sorry for the guy to be honest always trailing round in Ewan's shadow. I'm off to China next year with a Big Brother winner, and so as the non z-lister I'm in the Charlie position, and boy sometimes it pees me off.

FWIW, bittorent does NOT have the program.

Sighs and Shakes his head......

Go here Aradi Tracker - Index

Register with the site, then download the 2nd Episode I got it fron here last night, I think I did say where to get it when I left my comment.

That site is poop dredd, it wont authenticate my email address (iv tried 3 and not hotmail etc).

Its repeated tonight on BBC2 and 12.20 am. I'll have to set the video for that one as I need my beauty sleep :)

Good effort with the visas fella. Dedicated you are my young padiwan.

It pissed me off seeing the LWD guys just jump on their bikes with no idea about preperation, planning, risk or adventure..

I still think they are just on a "holiday". They could of bought what they're doing out the back on a motorcycle magazine.

I have been watching it, and I find I have to 'switch off' from the backside wiping and the feeling of two spoilt (especially Charlie) kids.
It is entertainment, and nothing more:thumbup1:
I am not knocking what they did (much), but it comes across as condensed (obviously) and sterile. I would not rush home from a wet weekend somewhere to watch it, just my thoughts.
Plus I am ever so slightly jealous :rofl:


Trophymick

I love how they're rushing to get an African ferry, expecting it to leave on time ! They'll learn, eventually !

You can't be looking in the right place. It did when I obtained it last week for a colleague who had missed it: a 350Mb .avi.

long way down episode 1 bittorrent - Google Search

I have no doubt that E and C are Horizons people and are noting down every bad comment - you won't geta "lovey" hug, backslap and kiss when you meet if you've slagged them off.

You could be forced, as a punishment, to spend the night in Charlie's tent - with Charlie. Think about it, and tremble.

Actually, they seem like normal good guys to me. I really like their enthusiasm...though they seemed a little bit distant from the Swiss couple who'd ridden Africa in episode 2.. Well, maybe it was the editing...

Ah, we better not show too much of that conversation - editor
 

Can you wonder. The Swiss couple are much older than our intrepid explorers and had ridden the LWD "hin und zuruck" - there and back - so about twice the distance across the dark continent without any of the backup crew and associated drama.

The guardian sums it up pretty well I think :)

Digested read: Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman | The digested read | Guardian Unlimited Books

Hey Ted,

Sorry you couldn't log on to Aradi it's really the best site on the web, they are the guys who actually go to the movies with the cams so I get to download things way before they are out in the UK :thumbup1: plus I get a steady 200k a second download.

If you miss the repeat, let me know and you can lend my login I would offer it to everyone but my stats are quite poor for uploading whilst I've been away, and they would kill my account if too many strange IPs where downloading from my account.

I liked the older couple and we should have seen more of them, I'd have glady missed Charlie ignighting his ar*e breeze for more of them.

Oh and the traffic is THAT bad in Rome, at the moment all I can hear is HORNS going off every 2 seconds.

OUCH! that Guardian article fairly sticks the boot in.........!

Well Judda, I wish you well on Italian autostradas - I hated them because of the Italian nutcase habit of drifting in REALLY CLOSE when they overtake a bike. The are lazy dangerous dogs...watch out....they'll have you off....never really liked the country actually......

Hi, this could be really good TV but unfortunately C&E are so far up their own arses it makes it cringworthy. Why not show the real people they meet and more of the place than have 5 minutes of the program showing Boreman lighting his farts

"Well Judda, I wish you well on Italian autostradas - I hated them because of the Italian nutcase habit of drifting in REALLY CLOSE when they overtake a bike. The are lazy dangerous dogs...watch out....they'll have you off....never really liked the country actually.."

You're right about the autostradas but Itally away from them is excellent, especially in the mountains, hospitable people, lovely countryside and good wine, what more could you want.

Interesting to see all the comments, the motorcycle forums are full. I can’t see they are going to do any harm so we should let them get on with it.

Sure they experience a little discomfort but nothing takes any effort from them so I find it difficult to see if they get any sense of achievement. Not only that I find it difficult to feel they have achieved anything.

When the Guardian starts to take the piss, I think they will want to take a look at how they are being perceived.

All good fun.

Steve

That's more like it Cami:thumbup1:

John

Is it me? or are they using the same script they used for wrong way round.

Listen to the ten minute intro to each chapter it is virtually verbatim.

By having the same production team I guess it was inevitable.
Still it is another million pounds (or more, what was that quoted figure for income from the LWR?) in the coffers so no problem really.

I have gradually come to the conclusion that the main thing that I don't like about this programme (reference many of the earlier posts for and against) is the very presence of the production team in the programme - for most/every/all documentaries (is that what it is, or is it a soap?) they stay out of sight.
In this case, it is a couple of 4x4s with some bikes tagging along - in quite a few of the scenes, the main player is someone or other who sits in the cars, especially those who hog the camera lens - you guys have named them earlier, I can't be bothered to learn their names!
Why, in heavens name, are those bikes riding in a convoy with a couple of cars in Europe?

Softy softly
 

Just picked up this thread, most amusing. Most of you writing seem to be 'travelled' folk so have a different perspective on it to the 'ordinary' biker. We have the privalage of the insight that the travelling has given us. Done all the research and paperwork ourselves and got the miles laid down.
I too get erked by the LWR comments I get as though they are the first m/c adventurers and love to thow Ted Simons journey into the pot, (am I any the less an adventure m/c traveller for having read his book and spoken to the man?) but also I have to appreciate that people don't think I'm on some kind of suicide mission now. After all it's on the telly so it must be ok.
The number of people who tell me that they would love to do a RWT is amazing, the number who will go is very small, so the LWR team are feeding their fantasy. Is that a good or bad thing? Donno

Me? I reckon sponsorship brings too many responsibilities with it, I just want to be free to do my thing.


And what about all that stopping and starting to get a shot of them coming round this bend or over that bridge, That would drive me nuts, I won't even stop to go back and take a photo if I've passed a good viewpoint.

So my guess is that we can all see it on two levels, the 90% hype and the 10% 'don't you just love it.' I think that causes these mixed feelings that I observe here. But what really matters about the HU fraternity is the encouragement that you don't need to be a TV star to get out and ride, be it to the ends of the earth or just down to the park. Talking of which I gotta go and find some food for tonight, if I have another McD I'll get BSE

Overnighting in Hurricane, Utah

PS not sure I've added anything to the debate, but I like to post when I can get a connection, makes me feel I belong at least somewhere nowadays:cool4:

Stagbeetle your never alone anymore. There's always someone online to talk to. I feel I belong and I'm at home drinking gin and tonic. You're on the road living the dream. You're the reason I log on. Think yourself lucky I've just finished an afternoon shift ! I'd trade places with "the actors" any day. Although I'd torch those following trucks.

Well I enjoy it anyway.
But it is of course a television programme that is aimed at a much wider audience than a few bike enthusiasts.

Torch the trucks?
 

Torch the trucks?. But what would poor Ewan and Charlie do if they get a puncture then ? They can't repair punctures, and the spare wheels with tyres would be ablaze...................Go for it !! :rofl: :clap:

Yes friends when you say that Italians are lovely.....I admit I havent checked that out properly. I think I am in a minority of one on my attitude to Italy!! I couldnt find ANYWHERE on the road up from Brindisi to do a spot of wild camping...I ended up sleeping behind an air/tyre pressure machine near the petrol pumps ... I was very grumpy in the morning as it was pissing down too. Then nearly pushed off the autostrada by every 6th car.....but I saw one bloke with Spada overboots which I coveted and so I got a pair back home and they're great and only £10...so its not all bad in Italy!

Hi D

Hope alls going well now - youre never alone on the HUBB! Good roads! The other D is in El Salvador I think!

Yes I cant help liking them - I like the daft humour too...thats the kind of stuff I do too...I also like the self mocking humour they show...they know the "luvvy" bollocks is silly and they make fun of it.....

But CB is terrifying to look at when he sticks his head out of his tent and yawns.....ugggggggh!!!! gag!!!retch!!!Looking down into that cavernous gob is truly revolting...his wife is a brave woman...

I think they should be invited to the next HU meeting to give us all a talk on how to do a trip down Africa.

B