This past weekend I had the opportunity to watch the 2-disc dvd of “Long Way Round” that featured actor Ewen McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman (also an actor). It was shown on the Discovery Channel back in 2004 but I never got a chance to watch it. Boy, did I miss out.
Here’s the background: Ewen and Charley decide they want to go on a motorcycle adventure together (on BMW R 1150 GS duel-sports) from London to New York: by going the “long way ’round.”
Their trip would take them from London to France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada before arriving 115 days later at their final destination, New York City. Their trip that often took them through some of the most beautiful countries, also took them through some of the most treacherous and unrideable terrains.
I was exhausted after watching all seven episodes in a row! The most extensive road trip I’ve done was almost 1,000 miles in two days-and that made me a little cranky. I can’t imagine doing it for almost 4 months, although I’m sure the longer you’re on the road the more acclimated you become to it.
But what an adventure they had! And, I never had much of an opinion about Ewen McGregor before but he is the cutest!
December 18th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
How can I get my hands on a copy of the dvd’s?
December 19th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I have a Netflix subscription and I got them from the site. Maybe you could try your local video store if you just want to rent them or if you want to buy them you could try amazon.com.
December 19th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Thanks! I will check out the video store tonight.
December 22nd, 2007 at 12:09 am
That looks like one crazy trip.
December 22nd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
I’m watching the first disk now. It great so far. Can’t wait to get the second disk from Netflix.
Thanks for the recommendation!
December 26th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Micah: I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
January 5th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Long Way Down is now out too…..The second trip they’ve made…
January 6th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Hey Pete-thanks for letting me know! It doesn’t appear that Long Way Down is readily available on DVD here (Netflix doesn’t have it yet and Amazon.com is out of stock). I will definitely keep my eye out for it! Have you watched it?
February 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I found the two disc set of Long Way Round at a Cycle Gear Store in Greensboro, NC. I thought I was dreaming. It was the last one left and it was marked down to $19. The first rhee episodes has made it worth it. I am watching it a piece at a time. Great so far. There is a special edition dvd, with THREE more episodes on them (the complete series as it is called) so apparently quite a bit was cut from the original Discovery Channel/BBC run of the show. I am also trying to get my hands on Long Way Down and Race to Dakar (just Charlie Borman this time). I’m glad to have found other people that love this series of bike trips.