Boris's Book Review
 

This might not last long, but it may be amusing to some.

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cheers

alec

Not even a single bite! Whats going on out there?

OK, I’ll bite.

I was put off by the ridiculous overkill of the preparation, training, free bikes (spare seats, indeed!) and the whole concept of getting the public to pay for an extended holiday. I think the reviewer describes it as a wankfest.

I didn’t go out of my way to watch the DVD but I saw it last week and I really enjoyed it once they started travelling. The first episode is tedious.

The review raises some truths about obtaining free equipment and having an over-the-top support team. They could even have given some of the money they spent (e.g. to have a doctor along with them) directly to UNICEF instead of asking us to contribute.

Ultimately the whole thing was about selling product. If not, they would have done it on the quiet.

What I enjoyed was the 3 travellers on bikes aspect and the fantastic scenery. In that respect, it succeeds as entertainment and possibly inspiration. I can’t comment on their ability to write. I haven’t read the book and won’t be buying it.
Stephan

I don't think that they saw Mondo Enduro or Terra Circa. If they did they did not get it.
The film was the goal, the book was to accompany it.
Consider their backrounds. Film, big budget.
An Epic Journey must have the best equipment, two or three of everything. Nothing must be left to chance.
Then just like Hollywood someone else will supply the money and equipment.
As the number of motorcycle world travel books increse so will the demand for films of these travels.
Did they profit from the film and the book enough to have other investors outfit them for another trip ?
I had never heard of them before the film came on TV. Are there any other actors who could or should do this ?
John

I think some people are over analysing 'The Long Way Round'. I believe them when they say that it started out as a simple bike trip and escalated into the bohemoth that transpired. It would be natural for actors to want to make a film about their experiences, film being their passion too. I think they let it get out of hand, but who wouldn't take tens of thousands of pounds of free kit and a couple of 1150 advs if offered? And yes, they didn't leave anything to chance like would be the case on a 'true' adventure, but lets face it, if they'd got to Paris and had a total breakdown on one of the bikes no-one would ever have forgotten it with the public eye so much on them. Look at that twat Mark Thatcher. Before he tried toppling governments all anyone knew of him was that he got lost in the desert. It may have even had an adverse effect on their careers, so linked to 'looking cool' they might be. Jings, my first trip I got to Peebles before I had to turn back but nobody remembers 'cos I'm not famous! Yeah, it may not be the pure form of adventure motorcycling that is in Mondo etc. but they did ride a long way on bikes, see a lot of cool stuff and, it would appear, push themselves to their own personal limits so fair play to them. I don't think they ever claimed no-one had ever done it before and compared to banal antics of most of the 'glitteratti' I thought it was cool enough to spend a bit of time watching it with a few beers on DVD and quite enjoyed it. And if they come across a little melodramatic or moany, bloody hell, they're ACTORS what do you expect, SAS style stiff upper lips and a refusal to crack under pressure!
One thing that impressed me was that they did not try to hide the blubbing and mini tantrums. It would have been easy to edit them out and reshoot with them heroicly laughing off their troubles and whistling a merry tume when the going got hard. They come across as ordinary guys, not particularly tough or cutting edge, maybe not that eloquent and with as many faults as the next guy but big deal, so am I, and if someone drives up to my flat with a truck full of money, kit and a BMW adv I'll say 'Muchos Gracias', sell the BMW (I've got an XT, thanks) and let them film me as much as they like! (Then use the cash to fund a big trip on my own!)
I hate the celebrity culture and generally would rather shoot 10 actors than 1 ordinary person but I think maybe as a community we could be a little more accepting and see this for the bare facts: They ride, they travel, and at their own level, have an adventure.
Matt

Trey Parker and Matt Stone: "We hate actors, every single one of them."

[This message has been edited by Matt Cartney (edited 28 November 2005).]

To be honest, Boris' review of the book seems more like whining than the book did! Personally I enjoyed the film and the book. There is so much on TV that is utter garbage (whether it is custom bike building or a reality show about people eating worms) that having a show about what I LOVE to do (motorcycle travel) is very refreshing. The book on its own might have been a bit weak but I found that it complemented the TV shows quite well.

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Ekke Kok
Redwood Meadows, AB
'89 R100GS
'03 R1150GS Adventure

Brilliant. Where do I get a subscription to AMCN?

I did buy the book and read it.
Its not that bad.
The Long Way Round DVD
I ordered it from amazon.com and then I found out that is the 2 disc set in the U.S.
I canceled it and ordered it from amazon.ca
They will have the 3 disc set in January, and will deliver to the U.S.
I don't understand why they did that ?