Click on the BBC link in the first post above - it'll tell you all you need to know.

They want to take eastern route and wow, also plan to jump into Congo DR from Uganda.

I hope the guys one day somehow show more self criticism as I can't see how the hell they feel it is proper to use "Two men, two continents" tagline for their coordinated and supported group effort.

All this blagging ???
C'mon guys, lighten up and get off the tall poppy knocking.
They're doing what most (if not all) of us would love to be doing.
I reckon they are haveing a ball, and showing what motorcycle touring can be like - forget that for you and I we'd never have the same trip.
Their first trip re-sparked my motorcycle enthusiasm, and for that, I'll enjoy watching this next round.

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Howie
V-strom 650, Transalp 650, DR-Z250

I don't think it's (entirely) tall poppy knocking. It's more the marketing machine behind it which creates all sort of dodgy claims, etc. It might even be outside of their control, who knows. Doesn't change it though.

If you're into those kind of DVD's you might be interested in these.

Aimimage Camera Company - The Shop

Aerostich sells them as well.

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Tacos Tyring Travels.com

Remember though, you are always in the middle somewhere. Someone is always doing it more extreme than you, and someone is always taking a softer option. And you can interperate that anyway.

I'd rather see these guys doing something like this than the behaviour of most celebs we see these days.

Keep it up is what I say !

p.s. I've never ridden more than a chicken chaser, so please ignore me

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Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009

From what I've read on the HUBB, its clear that there are two very separate opinions when it comes to Charley and Ewan and personally I find it irritating when people criticise them, in much the same way it irritates me with the 'my bike is better than your bike' syndrome - it somehow gives off an air of superiority which is unfounded. It's all down to personal choices at the end of the day.

But some of you out there really are missing the point. Instead of focusing on what they are doing and how they are doing it, focus on the people that benefit from it. I'm not talking about all the people who are taking part - they are making a living just like the rest of us. Instead, lets focus on the charities that benefit from the whole thing.

::..:. Missing Face .:..::
UNICEF - UNICEF Home
CHAS - Childrens Hospice association Scotland
Macmillan Cancer Support

High profile people have more of an impact on the public and why not have some fun whilst you're doing it? At the end of the day they are both family men with their own children trying to do some good.

So, for everybody who criticises them, and for everybody who supports them, put your hand in your pocket and donate to one of the charities. And for all you critics, could you really put your hand on your heart and say you would turn down an opportunity like the one they've been given?

Well said !!!

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I admit my biggest problem with Ewan & Charlie is the green eyed monster - if I could find someone to pick up the costs of my next trip I would tear their arms off (might be a problem when they have to sign the cheque though?).

I'd rather see E&C on TV presenting a very positive image of motorcycling to Joe Public and supporting some worthwhile charities, than the latest Reality TV show winning "celebrity" being a "victim" because someone was honest about their lack of talent.

I'll second Tedmagnum's "well said" for Dakota.

No doubt the sales of BMW 1200GS's will go through the roof , do you think the KTM man who wouldn't sponsor them for LWR is still unemployed ??? Anyway like people say it's a great adventure & good luck to them (lucky b*****ds!)

Just wanted to know if anyone has met them on their travels?
I would love to know how they interact with fellow riders/travelers (non-celebs) on their trips.
It must be difficult for these guys to "get away" as many of us I am sure like to do.
orrin

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVkdWnRKs4k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSo4j...eature=channel

I met Charley, Simon and Matt last year when they were doing the Dakar. And I've got to say that after a long days riding (ok it was the Spain part but there were lots of problems that day) they were the nicest bunch of people you could meet.

Charley seems like a really genuine guy and he took the time out to talk to us (me, the hubby and our 2 kids) for 5 minutes. And I'm not just saying that because we got a mention in his book!!! They could have rode straight past us, but they stopped for a chat before they got on the ferry and thanked us for supporting them.

They are what inspired me to sit my bike test. Ive wanted to do it since i had a scooter years ago but sort of forgot. After watching a couple of episodes it put the thought back in my head again.

They are currently with Richard Branson in Kenya delivering motorcycles to a charity project called 'Money', which enables health workers to reach remote villages.

Attached Images

 

It's a difficult one for me. My first reaction is a knee-jerk - not happy about the media whirlwind that surrounds the event and the fact that the average TV viewer now has the idea that overland motorcycle travel is all 'like Ewan McGregors' (Charlie's still working on his fame). Lord knows, I did my first trip a few months after the Long way Round, and 'if one more person mentions that again!!!'. And even stronger, the dislike for what that media whirlwind leaves behind after it has ploughed through Africa.

But, at the end of the day, they are doing more than most 'celebs' to actually earn a little respect. And, without the media, they wouldn't be able to raise awareness in the way that they are.

I suppose it's the thought that they are somehow going to stuff it all up for us.

... but it has been said, there will always be someone who does it with more support, more money, more something...

but that doesn't mean that their experiences will necessarily be bigger and better.

Somehow they manage to up the ante on competitiveness of travel (if you're honest, it's in there somewhere)... and that's just not for me.

It's a pretty emotive subject. But look how many people have looked at this thread!!

They certainly are able to create interest. I hope they do something useful with it.

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They look like the brady bunch !!

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.