SOUTH AMERICA MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE MOVIE:

Hello, my name is MIKE. I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts. This is a great site for adventure rider enthusiasts and I thought that it would be a great place to announce my contest.

I am producing a South America Motorcycle Adventure Movie that will be filmed in a similar fashion to the “The Long Way Round”, with a contest to select my riding partner and pick the motorcycle photographer. The selected riding partner and photographer will need to provide their own motorcycle, riding gear, shots, passport, and air travel & transportation to the departure point -- everything else will be provided (maybe a free bike depending on sponsership!). The trip plan is to depart from El Paso, TX on Feb 1, 2007 and ride to the tip of South America in 30-40 days.

How often do you get an opportunity to go on an all expenses paid 40 day adventure, star in a movie, and receive a professionally filmed memoir of your trip?

To help with the planning of this movie adventure, a topic will be posted each week for everyone to submit their ideas and suggestions. I need everyone’s help to make this production a success.

Here is a sample of the topics that will be posted:
What would the perfect Website include?
What qualifications should a riding partner meet?
What should contestants be required to submit?
Which motorcycle to use: Avantages, disadvantages, cost, comfort, reliability?
Is sponsorship really necessary?
What charities do we support?
The evil of marketing: Were do I sign?
Legal Consultant required?
Best Bike Modifications (Bike Bits)?
What to see & do?
Will just any motorcycle photographer do?
What route should we take?
What to take on the trip: Spare parts, equipment, gear, supplies?
Best videoing and filming strategy?
Is a Satellite phone really necessary?
Which shipping drop points for sending out film and getting new supplies?
What to eat and what to avoid?
What are the dangers: Diseases, sickness, accidents, theft?
What paperwork, visa, carnet, passports are required?
To Chase or not: Can the trip be successful without a chase vehicle?
Should a Life Purpose consultant be consulted?
Fitness trainer real needed pre-trip?
Health, Digestion, & Diet Consultant: Hollywood hype?
What to expect at Borders Crossings?

If YOU have questions, comments, or are interested in submitting a video audition for the SOUTH AMERICA MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE CONTEST, Contact Mike at:

Phone: 1-734-323-9616
Email: MotorBikeWithMike@att.net
Website: www.MotorBikeWithMike.com

FOR THE MORE PHILOSOPHICAL READ SEE BELOW:

I have just watched The Long Way Round DVD and am totally motivated to make a trip & movie of my own. The movie showed the spiritual side of having such an adventure. The personal accomplishment of meeting challenges along the way is an enticement for me. Were else could such camaraderie and adventure be rolled in to one. A trip like this brings out the good in people and leads the participants to face challenges that build character and spiritual enlightenment. Although I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for Ewan and Charlie, the journey really doesn’t portray what it would be like for the average motorcycle enthusiast. I am planning an adventure from El Paso Texas down to the tip of South America but with out the fan fare and celebrity theme. The trip will be filmed in similar fashion to the Long Way Round DVD. However, a riding partner will be selected from Video Auditions which will require a simple driving test & Q&A segment. The winning participants will be responsible for providing their own Motorcycle, Gear, Passport, Shots, and Transportation to the departure point. Everything else for the trip will be paid for. Each of us could ride a different motorcycle from Honda, BMW, and KTM. This will provide a comparative storyline and real world evaluation of the most common overland bikes used by world travelers today. My quest for a motorcycle adventure trip was sparked by Ted Simon’s book “Jupiter’s Travels”. I came across this book while perusing Amazon.com back in winter 2003. I couldn’t put the book down ending in a two day marathon read. This book brought new adventure over each horizon, spiritual renewal of youthful scars, and meeting new people. It led to a culmination knowing that I to would journey to another land via motorcycle. The Long Way Round rekindled this yearning bringing me to a place of soulful recognition of my heartfelt promise to journey on.

MIKE

Hi Mike,

Apart from the fact that I thought "the long way round" sucked big time, I was wondering if you were going to "race" from North to south? 30 to 40 day,s?.... And still have time to film?

I would sugest to do some rechearch before you start....

Luckilly, this is the right place to do your research, so you did come to the right place.

I have one request: Please make your movie a "true" and "realistic" movie... and not a "see me, how good I am" exgagerated piece of "cow dunk".

Normaly I would not speak up like this, but I know so many "real travelers" that were very pissed off by "the long way". They really DID it on there own.. and suddenly they are a bunch of pussy,s becouse they did not "experiance all the problems" bla bla bla...

So, I know I speak for many: Make a good movie, not theatre.

Good luck and most of all: HAVE FUN!

Maarten


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- www.maartensworld.com -

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maartensworld.com
beyond-anywhere.com

MMaarten,
You make some very good points, this is why I have come to this forum. It's people like you that will make this project a success. My email was the just first step, as I have never been to Central & South America, don't know what route to take, etc. As stated in my initial post questions will be added each week to get direction from this site. I don't plan on making this a film about ME, but a motorcycle adventure of what is expereinced by the average overland rider. You mention a few items, but what else would make this a GOOD movie to YOU? Thanks again for your comments, keep the bashing coming, it may hurt now but will save a ton of headache later.

PS I would like to spend 3 months but just don't have the time. I can be gone up to 40 days but that is all the time off I have most riders don't have unlimited time). I was figuring on about 250 miles per day total of 7500 miles, not counting weekends), and we wouldn't have to go all the way to the tip of S. America. Does 40 days make it seem a bit more reasonable. Maybe my mileage estimates are off, lol would'nt be the first time, as I usually get lost ten miles from my house!! I haven't locked in the final route yet, heck I don't even know which cities to see. Thinking it is necessary to do the Darian Gap?, Amazon River, AndeMountains, Rain Forest, etc.

PSS KEEP THE GREAT COMMENTS COMING!!!


[This message has been edited by motorbikewithmike.com (edited 09 February 2006).]

Hi,

I just returned from a trip to Copper Canyon. We were riding on BMW F650s. Ventura, CA to La Paz took the ferry to Los Mochis went through Copper Canyon back to Durango and Mazatlan. We also stopped for filming and picture takeing and it took us a full 2 weeks pushing it to the point it was not fun anymore. I believe 40 days for Central and South America might be too tight of a schedule to do some quality filming and traveling.

Good luck with your venture,

Harry

I think it would be better to use the system that was used on Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa.
That is where every rider has a hand held camera. A motorcycle photographer will only get one view.
If it is his camera and his equipment and the extra work of filming the others he could own the copyright.
Remember that Claudio was paid and that "Long Way Round Limited" owned the film and the book.

Right, someone has to say this. Sorry Mike, but that's the most upsetting post I've ever read on the HUBB.

'Chase vehicles'
'Video auditions'
'Fitness trainers'
'Legal consultant'
'Should a Life Purpose consultant be consulted?'

I'm sorry, but you're ****ing kidding, right? You're not, are you? Jesus Christ, what have we become? How many other HUBB travellers have even heard of a 'life purpose consultant', let alone considered talking to one without laughing and pointing? 'What to see and do?' Are you really that lacking in imagination that you have to ask how to have an adventure? 'What would make this a good movie to you?' We don't need your film, we're living it. 'Perfect website?' We already have one, thanks to Grant and Susan - real travellers.

Motorcycle travel is not 'The Next Big Thing'. This is not pilates. This is not kabbalah. This is about getting away from the bluffers and wankers that clog up modern capitalist society. This is about escape. This is about self-sufficiency. This is about seeing how and who we are away from the safety nets of sat phones and breakdown trucks and travel guides.

This is a way of life. We're happy whores and we don't need a pimp. Live it, don't fake it for the cameras. Don't ask us to do all your research just so you can sell us the shite results for profit. And maybe, just maybe, you should re-read Ted Simon - cause you seem to have completely missed the ****ing point.

Now sling it.

Dan Walsh.

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Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...

...and relax. (As I believe the pilates types would say.)

Mike,
You strike me as a guy who loves filming. Like I love taking stills. When I leave next week on my big trip I'll have a pannier FULL of camera gear (and some over spill into my 'personal kit' pannier!). So I think I know where you may be coming from. It seems the most natural thing in the world to record your big trip, yes?
You'll upset quite a few people hereabouts who reckon Ewan and Charlie have taken what they love most and turned it into a shallow media circus, and I sympathise with them. However, you'll also find folk who will enthuse with you all the way, as long as you are genuine.
The first good thing is you want to make a film about the experience of the average guy, not the superstar. That's where I agree with those above who reccomended Mondo and Terra. Superlative films both.
Dan, maybe you should cut this guy a break until you know what type of person he is, maybe even until you've seen his film?
Matt

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http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Wow!
In addition to the sense of being "put on" or sadly "not put on" I just check out the mike.com site. Hmmmmmmm.

"The Long Way Round rekindled this yearning bringing me to a place of soulful recognition of my heartfelt promise to journey on." With deep stuff like this don't you want to know more about Mike and his film making/directing. Check out his "complete profile" for this information.
Bob

To borrow from the Economist's warning in its Classified Section, "Readers are recommended to make appropriate enquiries and take appropriate advice before sending money, incurring any expense or entering into a binding commitment" in relation to a HUBB post.

Mike may be completely genuine and a really terrific guy, but Bob is right that his website doesn't really provide any background whatsoever.

Remembering the days when I still went on blind dates (before I met the love of my life), based on what is known about Mike, I would want our first meeting to be in a very public place where I could leave quickly if it didn't turn out well

Anyway, that's my two pence worth.

Susan



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Susan Johnson

'One world, two wheels'
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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Susan Johnson

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Harry,
40 days is all the time I have and will have to come up with a strategy to make it work.
Mike

John, Very good points indeed.
1. I am hoping to use on board cameras with monitors to make it simpler to film from the bikes, unless it is too expensive.

2. My plan is to pay the photagrapher and retain the copyrights. Otherwise I would'nt be paying for the trip costs. I might however be willng to offer a share to my riding partner depending on their contribution. I may even contact Claudio and see if he is available.
Mike

[This message has been edited by motorbikewithmike.com (edited 09 February 2006).]

Chris,
1. I couldn't find it but want to see it. Is there a direct link?

2. So it is possible and feasible to make the trip in 30-40 days and film it to. That gives me a bit of hope! Maybe my map reading skills are OK?

3. I havn't been able to find the US version (NTSC) of the Mondo/Terra dvds. Were can I buy them???
Mike

I got Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa from the UK
but now Aerostitch has them at ---
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...p-2-c-295.html

John

I'm with Dan.

It sounds like you are just doing this to make money from selling the film. Have you ever traveled overland. If that is all the time you have an love to travel there are better ways to do it. I think many of us do not desire publicity. If you want to travel and film it that's your business, but this grand annoucement from someone who just join this group is foul. Now if you guys want to start a thread about motorcyle movies that is something else (it would complement the book thread )



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Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/
Photos
http://www.jacobsherman.com/

"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

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Prevously known as JSherm
My blog: http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/sherman/ I will up date this soon, really Grant, I will....
"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

Dan,
I feel privileged that you responded to my post (although the other posts have much more depth). Believe it or not I have heard of you. In fact I read your article in Bike magazine last week. I don't understand half of what you say but enjoyed reading it just the same. I'm not sure whether you’re a literary genius or just spend most of the day thumbing through your pocket dictionary.

Your comments almost come across as what I would characterize as a "Dream Krusher", MikeBike Dictionary Def: "One who taunts and superimposes outlandish unsubstantiated societal expectations on another’s dreams for self actuating purposes"

It could be said that quitting one's job, hopping on a bike, and skirting all responsibilities in the absence of planning, and common sense is adventurous. Or it may be characterized as selfish and shallow. Is my approach better; Plan, gather information, search for the right riding partners, solicit other more experienced riders for help? I can't really say, but I have my approach, you have yours. Would it be righteous to criticize you just because you take a different path? I would argue not. I applaud your adventure, and would step up to help your cause in a moments notice if needed. Dan, your a ball crusher and that's why many of us are enamored with your writing. One thing that I like about you Dan, is that you speak before you think. Come to think about it that is how I am. Man do we have a lot in common. I am extremely stoked to see your response to my post....and believe we might very well travel together some day, and we could even exchange witty idioms!

1. You know what they say: "Better to be known for something, than never known." I guess my work is done here. LOL.

2. I take it that your comment is a form of writers’ comic relief. NO, I'm not kidding, this is me, my style, what you see is what you get, my humor might be dry, and make you cry, but it’s not arid extra dry, see the service desk for your refund, guy!

3. This is strait up. I did meet to talk with a "Life Purpose Consultant". Her name is Nancy. She says you may have a lot of problems to work through too. Bottled up anger, repressed child hood, you know all that physiological mumble jumble crap.

4. Keep in mind that I'm not just looking for an Adventure but a "soulful recognition of my heartfelt promise to journey on"; basically a Purpose in Life, a reason to get out of the house, to explore the world....as long as it doesn't take more than 40 days. Really now do I have to explain it to you. I don't want to miss the important stuff. I don't have time to read all the guide books cover to cover. I want to engage with other travelers, hear their tales, and become a WORLD TRAVELER. Besides, I only have one chance to see Central & South America, as my next trip will be to Africa!!!!!

5. So let me get this strait. You never go to the movies? You haven't seen ANY of the Motorcycle Adventure flicks? Have you been voted in as official HUBB spokesperson? How can you say "We don't need your film, we're living it?" Do you dare judge our adventure before you even see it? Shallow. SHAllow. SHALLOW. Maybe I can get You (DAN WALSH), Ted Simon, and Charlie Borman to make the run with me? Now that would be a movie worth seeing.

6. No disrespect to Grant & Susan. But they were the newbie once to. I'm sure they would agree that this website is far from perfect. All of us can improve, even if just a little. Of all the websites this one may score high in content but it needs a hearty dose of upgrade to be perfect. My site will likely not be any better, probably not even close...heck, I don't even have a functional website yet.

7. I don't get it! What are you talking about? How does Pilates apply here? I'm sorry to be the one to break the news to you:

a. Motorcycle travel IS the "The Next Big Thing"-The numbers of cross continent travel is growing each year and at a surprising rate. Well that's how I feel anyway. No facts, data or references to stand on; besides having official documentation would be veering too close to that capitalist thingy.

b. I think that motorcycle adventures could actually be the kabbalah, at least expressed by your words oh holy one. LOL. Never could picture myself as a monk either.

c. Come on, you write for Bike. What else clogs up the works and contributes to the Addictive System more than this sub culture? We buy bikes we don't need, travel where we don't have to go, waste precious natural resources bleaching, printing, and dumping a bunch of egotistical, corporate profit making, propaganda, pictures and words that do nobody any good.

d. If this is your concept of self-sufficiency then we are all doomed. Maybe you meant sustainability? But that hope burned up with the industrial revolution. Our cause today is Individualism not community. Which is what I hope our adventure movie will show. We are all in this together; let’s arrive with smiles on everyone’s face.

e. If you really want to see “how and who you are away from the safety nets of sat phones and breakdown trucks and travel guides”, then go and work five years for the Peace Corp, or perform some other dignified act. Driving around the world embellishing everything in your path isn't exactly a holistic and healing mantra.

8. If riding to self destruction is the adventure's way of life, I definitely don't want it. If you don't care about the cameras why do you write for Bike? Posing for pictures. The flight of uselessness. Purpose without reason. You can't get any closer to faking it than that. What do you mean “faking it for the cameras,” you give me too much credit. I'm not an actor, maybe a good extra, but nothing more. I couldn’t fake it if I tried.

9. If you don't want to contribute that's ok. I'll still buy Bike Magazine. Just wish they would list the bike specs in English System units, as I don't read Metric well. But let me pose a question: How does one make a Motorcycle Adventure Movie without riders; what movie doesn't have "Participants"? We don’t need another shite movie! Exactly my point, we don't want a shite movie that is why we won’t buy a camcorder, hop on our bike and expect it to be movie quality. It takes an idea, a theme, a story line, planning, patience, not bulldog tenacity. And as far a making a PROFIT, I don't even expect to even break even. I'm spending the money so that I have a video record of the adventure, of the life changing impact it will have, a record of the comrade and unraveling lust for life that will most definitely transpire.

10. It would be nice to get Ted Simon or other HUBB members to comment on my post. Is it really that whacked up and on par with dog dodo that it deserves this kind of lambasting? Not even ONE word of encouragement. Didn’t I say even ONE inspiring word? Irregardless, it doesn't matter as I have had more fun, laughs, and the more stimulating dialogue than I can ever remember. However, I may very well forget the whole thing and just throw in the towel now!

Any reccomendations on how to throw a towel?

Mike

PS How do you like your BMW Dakar? Doesn't seem to have the load carrying capacity that we will need but looks to be a very stout motorbike! Would you recommend it for our trip?

[This message has been edited by motorbikewithmike.com (edited 10 February 2006).]