Long Way Down

[XF650]

Saw a bit of Charlie & Ewans African trip on Sky recently. All a bit contrived really, especially after seeing our own Kiwi hero's do it unassisted on the African Odyssey.
Anyway there was one scene where they camped in the bush for the night (the ant incident). One of the tents is actually pitched on the track, which I had read somewhere is a big no no in Africa - wandering elephants & stuff.
Next morning they are filmed riding off, leaving their camp fire burning, in the dry African bush!!!!! Now I know that there's a third rider (the invisible camerman) & he (hopefully) put the fire out. But I still think it's irresponsible to film it that way.
It's ironic that the next night they are filmed admiring a sun set & there in the distance is a bush fire burning...........

[bart]

Tossers eh. It'd be nice to be a squillionaire, draw a few lines on a map, pay a team of people to organise the trip, and just turn up and ride.

Perhaps I'm a bit hard on them, but there are a lot of people around who've done a lot more, with a lot less, (and didn't bitch and moan the whole way).

[EJK]

Is that a jealousy?

Well overall the dvd (TV series) was an entertainment purpose (hired good cameras, professional editors, song writers etc etc)...

[Tank]

Im sure that even the folk who do more on less still have grumpy ass days.

All in all - take the series for what it is - they have made a business out of something they love doing - its entertainment.

I really enjoyed it.

[Tank]

Is that a jealousy?

Hell - yeah - Id love to do it.

And to make $$$ doing it - even better.

Still think my wife's hotter than Charlies tho'

[Cross Rider]

Is that a jealousy?

Well overall the dvd (TV series) was an entertainment purpose (hired good cameras, professional editors, song writers etc etc)...

You gotta wonder how KTM feel about BMW doing so well out of it. It has motivated heaps of people to start riding again.

[Balrog]

I think its a great show.

I didn't even consider adventure riding until I saw the Long way Round.

Now my sports bike is for sale, and I can't think of anything else more engaging than getting out on my adventure bike.

Ewan & Charlie

[BMWST?]

You gotta wonder how KTM feel about BMW doing so well out of it. It has motivated heaps of people to start riding again.

KTM turned them down on sponsoring the long way round....prolly wshed they hadnt now....I find it enjoyable,and they arent shy in showing the troubles they have,and they (esp Ewan sp??) dont claim to be the worlds best riders...

[XF650]

I think its a great show.

I didn't even concider adventure riding until I saw the Long way Round.

Now my sports bike is for sale, and I can't think of anything else more engaging than getting out on my adventure bike.

Ewan & Charlie

I get annoyed when people assume I'm into adv riding simply because of Ewan's & Charlie's exploits. I agree though that their doco's have been great for encouraging people into our sport. It's still the best way to see the real NZ.

[Tony W]

I get annoyed when people assume I'm into adv riding simply because of Ewan's & Charlie's exploits. I agree though that their doco's have been great for encouraging people into our sport. It's still the best way to see the real NZ.

I empathise with you XF. What they did is not adventure riding as we know it.
It's similar to a Harley owners' club experiencing "freedom" by riding in large groups, not overtaking the leader, all dressed similarly, followed by a support BUS, ffs ! So much for "individuality" and self sufficiency on the "road".

I find it amusing how some have fallen for the hype on TV.
I'm sure some people think "reality TV" is real.

I myself have been "adventure " riding since 1976, well before it was invented, I'm sure.

[Balrog]

Fair enough

For me, riding around the world and down through the middle east and africa would be a fantastic adventure.

Anybody who goes on big trips like that, gets my respect.

[Tank]

KTM turned them down on sponsoring the long way round....prolly wshed they hadnt now...

Indeed - I read that the 1200GS was the highest selling bike in the UK last year. (not counting scooters etc)

[Tank]

I think its a great show.

I didn't even consider adventure riding until I saw the Long way Round.

Now my sports bike is for sale, and I can't think of anything else more engaging than getting out on my adventure bike.

Ewan & Charlie

Me as well - I got the V-Strom within a week of watching it. OK - I admit Im more the 'entry level' adv rider - but I love it!!!

[bart]

OK, I admit, I did enjoy the DVD.

My argument is like the Richard Branson deal. Is he the greatest explorer of all time???? Perhaps, but if you throw a pile of cash at anything, it becomes watered down and easy.

[-easy--rider-]

yeah i saw that episode and noticed the fire to. whats the point on them putting all that gear on there bikes when they have a truck following them. to make it seem real i guess?