It's no wonder BMW has sold more than 100,000 of their rugged GS motorcycles; considering what Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman put their GSs through on their first pan-global journey and the fact that they chose the same model for their latest 15,000 mile odyssey, it's safe to say the bikes inspire serious loyalty.
"Long Way Down" is the new documentary which follows the duo as they ride their Beemers from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost tip of South Africa, and according to McGregor, "There is something liberating about just having what you need, on your bike. A tent, a roll mat, a little bit of food, a bit of petrol in your tank and a vague idea of where you’re going..."
I haven't seen the doc yet (which premieres August 2nd on Fox Reality Channel, and makes a one-night-only appearance in movie theatres at 7:30pm on July 31), but if the first installation is any indication, I have a feeling I'll come down with a strong impulse to load up my saddlebags and hit the open road.
Photo © Fox Reality
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Yes Ewan & Charlie did well, even though the GS’s keep breaking on both trips.
Better still is Nick Sanders’ global trip Parallel World 55.000+ miles in 5 months on a Yamaha R1 even through the same deserts as Long Way Down did thruogh Africa.
(see http://www.nicksanders.com)
Steve,
Nick Sanders must have been certifiable to use an R1… but hey, that’s the spirit of adventure, right? Did you read about the guy who rode through Africa on a Benelli TnT?
Can’t wait to watch “Long Way Down” tonight!
Basem
“There is something liberating about just having what you need, on your bike. A tent, a roll mat, a little bit of food, a bit of petrol in your tank and a vague idea of where you’re going.” And a big fat bank account don’t hurt niether…
Amen, Pete… must be nice, huh?!
wish I had had more notice, I didn’t hear about the one night showing till 7/31 10pm
Wing,
Wish I had more notice, too– I almost missed it!
Just got back from the theatre, enjoyed the show… plenty of thrills and multicultural adventures… and sure enough, I’m suddenly in the mood for a long ride.
Basem
Nick Sanders does not have all the back up crew and fixers. He does all filming etc. as he is traveling. Look on youtube search amanlikemike for the pod casts. Nick should reach the USA in about 18-19 days time, traveling up to Alaska then back down to New York.
See, http://parallelworld.hein-gericke.com/
100,000 bikes sold!? Boy, I hope someone at KTM is reading this–what a mistake turning down Ewan and Charlie was, eh?!
Well, the first show was great–looking forward to this one!
Basem,
Thanks so much for mentioning this yesterday. I immediately went to check local showtimes after reading this, and got to see it last night. There were only about a dozen of us in the theatre, so a little more publicity wouldn’t have hurt. What a fun film, although from what I understand this was only about a third of what they’ll be showing on tv (6 1-hour episodes?). The variety of sights, sounds, creatures, and cultures they came across were enough to make me wonder why I’m waiting so long to do some great touring like this! It really did seem like a pretty personal film, and you get to see a side of Ewan Macgregor that’s actually quite fun. I never saw the first film, but I definitely want to now. By the way, anyone notice the slightest glance of the KTM dealership they ride past as they roll into Cape Town with a hundred Bimmers in tow? It truly was the little moments that make this movie great. I highly recommend it for any motorcyclist or nature lover. Thanks again, safe riding.
MDeuce,
Glad you could make it!
I enjoyed the 2 hour theatrical version, though now I’m curious about the 10 episodes; I’m sure they had to cut lots of good stuff for the theatre.
Loved how things just got more and more exotic as they traveled south (until S.A., of course)… didn’t catch the KTM dealership, but man they must be bummed!
Basem
“Look at the horse, its just standing there!” As opposed to what, break dancing or doing jumping jacks…? YouTube, “I’m with Busey”, much better choice…
I had to watch it with the volume muted, those commie accents was killing me…
“Burt Ward says:
I had to watch it with the volume muted, those commie accents was killing me… ”
‘ere mate…watch it! I’m a Limey and I’m also so far to the Right, I could fall off the edge.
Traveling with a bunch of cars behind you is easy no matter where you want to go. The real trick is traveling alone with a slim bank account.
Yup…. another adventure…. and KTM might have made the biggest mistake going as far as marketing goes in not sponsoring these guys… but have you had a look at the latest recall notices on the GS… Will you be one of the lucky ones that does not have those rear drive problems…. Something is definitely wrong with the way that BMW Motorad deals with the consumer/customer.
Still, getting to see the world through someone elses eyes is great…. gives you an appetite for doing some of your own wandering… but be wary what you try on a limited budget.
I agree with Gomez comments nr 14….