All of this is so amusing. . . what do all of OUR negative responses hope to do. Stop a dangerous threat to bike travel? Prevent some unknowing "actor/travelor"from wasting 40 days? I don't think it really matters.

As someone with film making experience, I'm just puzzled by the whole thing. I believe one could expect to film this adventure with little expectation by oneself. Add a director who theoretically has ideas and the time it takes to create the piece will increase greatly.

Good luck Mike, enjoy your trip.

Bob
(p.s why don't you at least put your "complete profile" on your web site)

The Navaho people of southwest USA have a way with dealing with people. If someone says something offensive or completely off base for whatever reason...... they just look down and go do something else.

Mike,

Sometimes people get so caught up in their dream that they fail to remeber what their dream is. It seems to me that this is one of those situations.

People go on about freedom to be and do what they want, freedom to have and be blissful with their wonderful travelling life. And then a few of them get a little defensive when others start 'infringing' on the territory that was once only theirs'.

My advise is not to pay attention to that negativity that most of the people on this website do not promote or appreciate. If you want to travel, then travel. Do it on a bike! Film it! And have a great time doing it!

Buen Viaje.
-K

Hi Mike

Sounds great but you really can't be surprised there's a touch of mirth greeting your post. All expenses paid trip minus "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!)". So you're supplying 35 free plates of beans?? Plus the prize of possibly getting your head on tv?? I expect most people reading your message for the first time were thinking "great, I'd eat dirt for a free ride thru South America", but then it's not really free, is it? I couldn't really give a rats if its a sell-out or whatever, I haven't had a whole lot of existential angst since puberty, but if it's all a load of rubbish then Bogart's line "when you're slapped...you'll take it and you'll like it" probably applies.

If you are serious about this whole thing, I would suggest you spend a bit of time looking around this board and get to know the types. Then, change your name and re-post, asking for companions for the journey you propose. The main reason the LWR was a good watch was that the main players were *professional actors* (this is an important point - no, I mean really). If you want a couple of wankers with nice hair to do the trip with you this is probably the way to go about it. If you want a couple of unique personalities with those quirks of character that make them want to get dirty in the rain on motorcycles for weeks at a time in strange places, it might be better to promise payment in .

By the way, don't let this diatribe disqualify me from the contest - a few minutes before dusk, in a heavy fog, I can look pretty good on my left side. (I'll still need the incentive though...)

cheers
Brett

Matt,
1. I have Zero, zip, nada experience with film. But yes, I thought it to be a natural step to film the adventure. I am gaining a lot of information from the posts and emails that I have received.

Email Example: "Get one nice prosumer camera, like the top line Panasonic PV-GS for the stuff that you film off the bikes or that is shot from a stationary position. You want to look like an enthusiast, not a film crew, so you don’t get bothered (read-have to pay a bribe) by the police for working without permission."

These types of comments are real helping shape the way I would like to make this movie. I’m now leaning toward scaling down and making the adventure less like a Hollywood production. I also originally thought I had to have one of the new BMW GSA 1200's or couldn't do the trip. But know that there are a lot of options. This is a major redirect from were I started only four weeks ago. But the credit goes to all of you.

2. It does seem to be a suspicious kind of crowd. But that will change as things progress. I am real, and not just here to bash others. My response to Dan Walsh was only a bit of verbal sparring, but it ended up being to philosophical. Oh well, live and learn.

3. I've ordered both of these DVD's and wait with anticipation to view them. Actually preparing my response to Dan Walsh gave me a lot of new insights. I still have a ways to go, but am starting to understand what everyone is talking about when referring to not wanting another shite movie. So I've cancelled my Hair Transplant and liposuction appointments. But believe me; I really need the personal trainer, as my cardiovascular and physical fitness still needs major help!!

4. Maybe Dan would consider agreeing to a truce if I offering to send a free t-shirt?
Mike

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

Bob[/B][/QUOTE]

Please be Patience Forsellini, I won't have the website finished for at least a month. I know my blob is just a reprint of this opening post. The response to my post has been extraordinary and I am trying to keep up with all the emails and posts.

Your right. It was rude of me not to introduce myself first. I got so caught up in planning the trip and ecstasy of making a movie that I missed the point. It’s like someone just opened up the door to the odd house with me sitting there with a stupid grin on my face. I am working on a bio and will post it very soon.

Here is a little background on me which highlights my lack of experience:

I don't have any riding partner yet, no photographer, no bike, no sponsors, my website and blog are not functional, don't even have a riding suit. I have never made a movie or directed one, and don’t real care to. I'm NOT a director, just an average motorcycle enthusiast. I can’t claim to have much discipline, and like creature comforts (that will have to change!!) I don't have any route chosen, and don't even know what bike to take.

I don't have all the answers but I do have the initiative and bulldog tenacity to go with it. When I decide to do something, I always follow it through. I'm 41 years old. My dad was first generation from Lithuania. I live in the Detroit MI area. I have a Mechanical Engineering degree and have worked in the Automotive Industry in Quality Management for 13 years. I am a very loyal person and look out for my friends.

As a boy I worked on anything with a motor and a seat. I have been driving and working on motorcycles for 32 years. The last bike ride I took over 100 miles was on a 1983 Honda V45 Sabre from Ithaca, New York to Goshen, Indiana in March 1985. It was a cold wet trip, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t work the throttle and had to stop to warm them up. Otherwise, I haven’t gone over 100 miles on a bike in one setting. I have no overland experience. I’m a Newbie, a Green Horn. My riding abilities are very good. I have experience in most types of terrain. I am not affiliated with any groups or clubs. I have no sponsorships or financial backing, just my own monies.

If you send me your address and I will send you a free t-shirt, that is one thing that I have finished! It's nothing special, but gesture of kindness non-the-less!
Mike

JSherm,

1. Didn't think I would make money, but willing to invest anyway!

2. No. I have never traveled overland. That's why I thought it would be a great movie. Can you think of anyone else you'd rather be lauging at?

3. It was definately a grand announcement, and over the top. I don't want to sound like a recording, but I would appreciate your patience. I am a work in progress and learning a lot. I put my post out there to get feedback and it has been effective in that regard.

Mike


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

Revolucion,

1. I am also thinking that "Contest" is NOT the way to go. Besides I'm not some movie star or something, so why would anybody enter a contest to ride with me. But I don't think that a couple of green horns would make the best movie, as we would be lucky to even complete the trip!

2. Taking too much time to prepare is starting to make more sense. It's starting to sink in. My list of potential posts is shrinking daily....like I now know: "Taking a Satellite phone" equals Shite Movie! I think I'm getting it. Keep the faith.

Maybe I will look back on all this and laugh some day.
Mike

Thanks for the positive note Matt. I don't think that I could ever do the solo thing. My hat is off to people like you.

I am having a little problem understanding why there is so much animosity. Why are people so tense? If they are really doing what they love, it would seem they would go out of their way to build community.

I have taken the occasional Sunday drives so I can relate to smelling the land and the appreciating nature thing. I only hope to experience why overland travel is so rewarding.
Mike

I am a pretty new biker and have only recently joined HU but have enjoyed reading the travellers tales and posts. Especially ‘meeting a wanderlust partner of the opposite sex?’ <totally cracked me up>

Mike - I hope whatever you do you manage to pull it off. Today a friend sent me a quote that was quite encouraging for doing the unusal.

‘To express who you really want to be is one of the most challenging and exhilarating things to do, it can also inspire others - nothing leads like example.’

Ciao,
Annette

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

__________________
www.alaska2argentina.co.uk

Maarten,
Dan didn't make a comment. He made a personal attack. Go and reread his post. It didn't have a friendly tone. Besides, he's a big boy I'm sure he can handle it. You are right, my response may have been a little on the harsh side, but it was a disappointment for me to see a response like this from him. No hard feelings here. I appreciate you sharing your view! But don't give up hope....there is still a chance that I will get my act together.
Mike

Jedi,
Oh well, I wouldn't know what to wear in the death star anyhow.
Mike

Bob,
1. So does this mean you are interested in doing the filming?

2. Don't expect anything special. My earlier response pretty much sums it up.
Mike

Ciao,
I concur! Well said.
Mike

Dan, as eloquent as ever, has summed it up quite nicely from my point of view.

Just load the bike, pick a direction and see what happens...its the unplanned disasters, hassles, joys & delights that make the trip.

I saw LWR for the first time last week & liked it. It was entertaining, but exactly what you'd expect from highly sponsored actors on bikes.

The real world is a lot different.

------------------
Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://www.smellybiker.com

[This message has been edited by Happy Hacker (edited 11 February 2006).]

__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob