ewan n charlie
 

BBC - Long Way Down - Home love em or hate em there off again

So it appears they are heading in the same direction at the same time as us; we are just adding in the Middle East. If we meet along the way I'll be happy to buy them a beer...or help them repair a puncher :)

We have no strong opinion about their trip. They are just two more travellers (+ camerman) doing a trip who are going to have a great time doing it. But our knee jerk reaction is that we hope we stay ahead of them. If they go ahead of us the effect of their wave of celeb reaction and "paparrazzi" might linger at towns and border crossing which might escalate the anticipation of "a little help" from the next poor normal biker that comes along.

So when do they actually get rolling then??
And have a done a deal with the BBC to show the next series. I'm guessing it'll be on BBC2 since the BBC website has got section dedicated to them with videos, etc. A bit of a bonus for those of us who are too tight to pay for Sky.:thumbup1:

I can't see why some people have a problem with these guys - they're just doing what they enjoy doing and making some entertaining TV along the way.

They set off this morning from John O'Groats:mchappy: Lucky people:clap:


Trophymick

Hope they learned a few things from their last trip. A bit less moaning would be nice. Other than that those kind of docco's are always a good watch.

So they left yesterday; I thought they were leaving in September. I see they are aiming to take 3 MONTHS to do the trip. So by the time we leave, their trip will be a distant memory to the border posts but we will have to contend not only with the "You, you, you!!!" of Ethiopia but also the "Just like Ewan and Charlie!!!" the full length of our trip. ;)

Pics here. Long way down "start pictures " - Honda Trail Bike Forums

1200GS's for Africa ??? Is it just me whos thinking thats not the best job for that trip ?

Good luck to them anyway. Love em or hate em, I think they do a good job at promoting biker travel.

great advertising
 

What a great news,I know that many people are not big in this kind of ride , but for me I think that they are giving us riders a good image. I am sure that we will hear bad comments for month to come ( too much tech support , money...etc) .I watched the Long way round and loved it , they did a nice trip and never said that they were pure hard core adventurer and never used help, the guys seeems honest with their feeling . I myself travel alone most of the time but if I was offered the same type of sponsor I will not say no, would you.?

Most of us are just jelous !!

Taking me 2 years to save for my trip :rolleyes2:

So as far as I can see, its two media darlings, two big butch expensive bikes fully preped and bestooned this sponser stickers, a 4x4 support and crew, production team based in London, months of planning preperation and research, multi £Ks budget, then someone has the bright idea to cross the biggest, driest, hotest desert in the world in the middle of summer !!! Is it for dramatic effect, or so they dont have to take a lighting rig or has someone forgotten to check the H U weather info and when best to travel/stay in the shade. Either way I do hope the 4x4 has good air con, their gonna need it ! :Beach:

Well it's nice to see them off again.Even if they have a support truck and camera crew.Keeps us entertained.Good luck to them and ride safe.I wonder if they had ever checked out the H U website to get some information to help out with planning the trip.

I guess not. I have got impression that they think they are going something very rare, difficult and dangerous, and think they are some kind of heroes. So I like this 60-year-old lady much more. :lol2:

When most people’s (current company excepted of course) idea of adventure is doing the shopping on a Thursday night instead of a Saturday morning, then what they are doing is “very rare, difficult and dangerous” – we just know better.

My first trip in the North African Arab countries was back in 1976 and even then it wasn’t “very rare, difficult and dangerous”, I believe that it maybe even more dangerous now than it was then – who am I to make that comment.

But I do appreciate that they are creating new, exciting and interesting television programmes which gives the others a sense of what we see and the people we meet on a regular basis. To that I give them credit.

And yes they may have free bikes, support vehicles, interpreters, medical backup, have celebrity status and pots of money; but I for one would like to try there lives out on one of my trips – just to see how much of a difference it would make - because there have been times when I could have done with a little sponsorship or support.

I wish them both (all) good luck and look forward to see the end result.

I thought they were off in September too...I was only bumming about on my bike at the weekend anyway so would have gone up to see them leave if I'd known.

east or west?
 

anyone know which route they are taking?

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. :thumbdown:

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.

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.

IN the middle
 

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 :)

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 !!! :thumbup1:

Seconded
 

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!)

Has anyone met them?
 

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

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.

Emotive
 

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.

They look like the brady bunch !! :scooter:

Hehe, that's a great name for a charity project. I guess it gets right to the heart of the matter!

The good the bad and the ugly!
 

If they are doing it for the money........lucky bstards
If they are doing it for the experience ....lucky bstards
If they are doing it for the publicity....lucky bstards
the list goes on and on

latest
 

try again
 

BBC - Long Way Down - Route Map :oops2:

I like it
 

I have never got my head round all the negative press that they get from some people for their trips at the end of the day its all good publicity for the word of motorbikes and if they can make some cash for a good cause and a few bob for them self’s who am I to complain

Having said all that lets be realistic about this I’m sure if they had problems with the bikes in the middle of nowhere then they would keep BMW sweet by just sorting it out and not making a big thing about it and I expect the same would go for all there sponsors kit
I once had the use of a bike for a round Briton trip for Charity and didn’t like the bike very much but felt very reluctant to say so to anyone I didn’t lie about it but on the other hand I didn’t say what I thought

I for one will be keeping an eye on the blog and will get the DVD for Christmas

Claudio strikes again...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CytNSYwYAwo&NR=1

I would have thought Charlie would have learned his lesson by now about riding in the desert!!
I will also be getting the DVD, I enjoyed the last 2, they're nice guys,and fun, even if charlie didn't buy a copy of my book!
eBay.co.uk: Me, dad, and the Plymouth to Dakar suzuki expedition (item 150134372058 end time 20-Jul-07 00:51:52 BST)
Ok, so it's not the way some of us might choose to do it, but they are doing it, and making a decent wedge out of it too, and I wouldn't mind some of that. I suspect a lot of the negative comments are just sour grapes. I think being snobbish, inversley or otherwise, rather betrays the ethos of what travelling is all about.
Andy
TLC H60
Mitsi L200

Ewan and charley borman
 

I hope they do a nother trip they are awsome and i hope charley goes on race to dakar again.:scooter::scooter::scooter::scooter::thumbup 1:please repley to me Ewan and charlie:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::c lap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

they are awsome:thumbup1::thumbup1:

:scooter::scooter: please repley

Hey Race to Dakar man, guess what they don't want to know buddy, they have their new Book, DVD and Series their inflated pay check and they are happy.

Get whatever your favourite drink is and some nibbles, then sit and read these forums and any of the other good ones out there. Then you will see what other trips the REAL people that have done and how they did struggled to complete them, that's the SPIRT of what we are about.

It's about moving your personal boundaries and getting out of your comfort zone, about personal struggle and growth. It's not just the Start here and End here, it's about the Exploration and the Journey that is life.

I sound like a Raving Zen Muppit so I'm going to shut up now.

i guess your right they will never do that they would,ent find the time any way dakar is awsome
:(:(

hey dude do you like dakar its awsome theres a new one in 08:thumbup1::thumbup1:

He He He,

Yes the Dakar is an Awesome race, I will be over there watching it and cheering EVERYBODY on as those guys have balls to spare and really deserve our gratitude for p[utting it on the line.

But come on admit it from your writing style, I would say your Charlie aint ya come on say it your are arn't ya.

That's why your the RACE TO DAKAR MAN, but everyone in our house thinks you jumped off the Bike on the DAKAR coz you didn't have the balls and strength of character to continue. As you would have looked really lightweight you just bailed we could all see that you didn't have anything left, still at least you tried.

Oh we don't like wheelies or fartlighting either, but your beard rocks tho dude, you just needs dreads to really set it off.

what do you mean there awsome:cool4::thumbup1::scooter::clap:some one repley

it is me thats my name
 

i am charlie you figured it out:thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbu p1::thumbup1:

hEY
 

pictoral proof?
 

How about pictoral proof then? post your pic..taken in front of your monitor with this message visible......then we will believe you.
Otherwise we dont believe you.

If that is Charlie can you please stop second guessing me! As soon as I started sorting evrything out for a central asian trip LWR came out, I started saving for an african trip as soon as I got back and now I have to sit in this miserable place saving while I watch you lot swan around the desert. Its starting to make me look like a Mr Boorman wannabe!!

As with LWR LWD is certainly providing a lot of sour grapes in the biking community, but there isnt a single person here who wouldn't jump at the chance of either of those trips!

p.s. the roads in Kazakhstan are fine. I got stopped by a cop that stopped the famous duo and had a souvenir postcard for proof, they are inescapable!

Even Charlie can spell better than this so sorry but Charlie you ain't.
But I still enjoy the programme.

how do you know Charlie can spell? I have a sneaking suspicion that a ghost writer was probably involved in their books.....

ghost writer?
 

probably a "ghost rider" as well when they arent filming!

"ooooooo ewan, im ******* ******* ********* with all this im off to the 5 star hotel, can someone send my helicopter now please?"

Well Charlie does have Dislexia that's why he became an actor type LMAO

But if you really are Charlie here's how you can prove it, how many toes does your wife Ev have?... I know this as I read an article about her freakish toes a few years ago and there was a picture that is forever burned into my memory.

COME ON DAKAR BOY I DARE YOU TO ANSWER

It's a trick question DB.
The answer is 10, trust me.

No, It's not 10 so I know your NOT Charley....

Come on dakar man how many, and lets just say she can't play this little piggy went to market?

Judadredd, the imposter may have read the article too......... the above is THE ONLY WAY we will believe!!!!!!!!!!

It's fine asking for a picture, But I really can't tell the difference between Boreman or a REALLY UGLY CHIMP.

So if he posts a picture of an UGLY APE I wouldn't be able to tell them apart, but the toes question must have him stumped as his not writen back yet

:innocent:

Come on, Lee, it's a trick question because Eve is Ewan's wife...

Or is there something in episode 5 that we should know about?
Stephan

What's with you guys spoiling my trick questions today, they were meant for the Dakar Muppet so we could trap him and uncover his true identity.

It's CLAUDIO isn't it LMAO

Or maybe that ANNOYING American who can't drive for Toffee.

The fact that he is stumped proves it is CB.. he is so stupid that he gets stuck on 3 each time forgets whats is next.. complains a lot about everything, makes a twat out of himself.. forgets where he was and has to start over.. it should take him at least 3 months to do it without back up of two 4x4s, a medic, several camera men, a security team, and a host of fixers...

LMAO do you think we should run an opion poll Charlie Boreman

Love him Hate him

No I'm Sparticus
 

No, see, I'm Charely and here's a picture that Ollie just took for me, sorry it's a bit blurred, but her wheezing fogged the lens slightly.

Damn real photographic evidence, yup I can confirm that that sure is Charlie Boreman, I remember him wearing the same suit to compete in the Dakar.

Hi, Charlie welcome to the HUBB, we ALL love the show and WILL be out buying the DVD and BOOK for each other for Christmas.

Can't wait for the WrongWayUp can we see some more fart lighting please, and wheelies we love wheelies, but can you do a STOPPIE.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...os/boorman.jpg
as you can plainly see both these photos ARE IN FACT THE SAME PHOTO IT IS CHARLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(actually if you look at the hands and the shape of the head, there is a disturbing similarity.....poor Chimp!!!!)

Martyn I bet you had that photo of Charlie on your harddrive didn't you come on admit it, come out of the closet so to speak and say...


'I love charlie, I'm his B*tch!'

Go on Say it.... SAY IT.....

sorry to dissapoint and all that.......
 

Had to Google it Im afraid. but I will admit to owning a copy of "The Long Way Round" if that makes you feel any better?

CHARLEY matey come back, we LOVE you really, we just ain’t impressed with your PERSONALLITY.

Charlies very best quotes this series

Freebies, I love Freebies

Big shiny BMW, me ride go vooommm

Awww Man

Sh*t man did you see the NUTTS on that Dog

I think Ewan’s upset dude

Awww Man, where are we going again?

Sh*t man did you see the NUTTS on that killer African Ant

Awww Man, it didn’t light

F*ck, f*ck, f*ck Man this ride is Haarrrdddd

Awww Man Ewan’s off again Man

Sh*t man did you see the NUTTS on that Gorilla

Look at that (farts) it lit Man WOW

Sh*t man did you see the NUTTS on that Elephant

Awww Man, but but but the people at home love my Wheelies....

Sh*t man did you see the NUTTS on that African President


Come on guys did I miss any?

This thread has made me laugh.. and I thank you for that...

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::c lap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::cla p:

hey u know they set off 1 yr ago .u do know that
:thumbup1:

hi im back so talk to u tommorw :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: :clap:

so you think charlie boormans a Bi*** keep trying to find out who i am:clap::thumbup1::mchappy::mchappy:

ok i ll answer u first my wife is ollie and 2 she has 5 toes does that answer that i dare u to reply:smartass::smartass::confused1::confused1::ee k3:
COME ON DAKAR BOY I DARE YOU TO ANSWER[/quote]

Is that 5 toes total?

[/QUOTE]

OK. I've read your posts, "race to dakar man", and I see that you claim to be Charlie Boorman.

This leaves me with a paradox...

Charlie Boorman has co-written at least two books.
So either you are CB, and you got someone else to write your books for you, or you are not CB at all...

Why? Well, because there is no way, by the beard of Zeus (to quote Ron Burgundy) that you could write a book with spelling and punctuation like that!!

For the love of all that is good and pure, man: type it in "Word" then spell check!!!

My eyes...they bleed!

apologies
 

for elbowing in this thread

but I have to say that real CB although rather articulate (well you know what I mean) when speaking in front or behind the cameras when he gets down to putting pen to paper, is rather less gifted than the average man,

I gother the ol'chap is rather dislexic, to the extend he asked how to spell "george" (when signing the DVD for me..!) and he got michael wrong



which makes me think that the race to dakar man may be the real CB or just another dyslexic

Tlak aoubt ktteel clainlg pan balk.
Wulod you lkie me to crorcet yuor lsat psot Goegre?

ha!
 

somehow I knew that was coming.. !

Although not quite there yet I am dealing with my own dyslexia and speech impediment rather well..

just don't get me to add up things..

alopogies
 

Srory Goegre
I smiply cloud not rsiest.

D'oh
 

okaaay then.... that would be a classic foot in mouth moment for me then......

(leaves quietly...)

If RTDM is in fact CB and has read the threads relating to the infamous duo's exploits then I am slightly ashamed to be an HU member. 99% of the slagging off has been totally unjustified and is probably all sour grapes that we don't get that kind of backing, or pure armchair criticism. Armchair critics really really annoy me - I don't think you have the right to criticise the way someone does something if you can't do it yourself.

People were willing CB to fail on the Dakar and when he did crash out they were SO quick to point out his weaknesses. I don't think anyone that has ever entered the PD would have said that it was a poor effort. IMHO anyone who has the balls to leave the start line deserves our respect. Interesting note, actual PD veterans do NOT slag off other entrants, they advise and discuss approach, offer consolation etc

Don't think we can expect someone to get a ghost writer to edit their posts either.

If this chap is Mr Boorman, then welcome Charley and I am sure that any one of us on this website would love to have had the opportunities that you have had, so good on you.

Well Mister Boorman I'm impressed by your ability to post on here whilst travelling in the middle of nowhere for "By Any Means", you would have thought you'd have other things on your mind, like Mungo for instance.

Personally I reckon it's someone pretending to be Charley - probably Ewan in a bored moment on set ;)

or the fact that Mr Boorman can post on here whilst in the middle of nowhere proves that whilst making these programmes they never are actually in the middle of nowhere and never far from the latest communications gizmos.

Did you hear about the dyslexic who sold his soul to Santa?:eek3:

did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic imsoniac??

He used to lie awake at night wondering if there was a dog!

So you remember?
 

Ok RTDM,

Just tell me who the woman was that you had in the Limo with you when you spoke at BMW Melbourne in November 2005? I do know that she wasn't your wife!!

Well, except for the ususal comments about they did not do it alone, but with a large support crew and a heap of spare parts(well with beamers you need em) I reckon it is a great series. Only watched up to Ep 3 so far down here.

My main complaiant is the outrageous distances and agenda they seem to have set themselsves. I mean, Ewan is complaining about not seeing anything and blames himself for the timeframe. Fair enough, well they should have taken more time and slowed down so they could actually experience the places they are travelling through. That surely is what travelling is all about isn't it? I guess it means different things to different people though.

Also, who in their right minds travel through a desert in high summer, just prior to a wet season? The build up to the wet would have to be so uncomfortable, I live in north Queensland, so I know a bit about it.

Anyway, regardless, I am enjoying watching them do it. A shame there is not more mention of the bikes setup though, the in depth technical details, that can mean a lot when others are doing similar things, exchange good ideas and bad etc

Cheers
TravellingStrom