Long Way Round, by Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman
From Hollywood star to globe-trotting adventurer, Ewan McGregor's journey in Long Way Round is an exhilarating tale of friendship, endurance, and the call of the open road. It all began with a quiet daydream. McGregor, known for his blockbuster film roles, found himself pondering the possibility of circling the world on a motorcycle. This fleeting thought quickly transformed into an ambitious plan, as McGregor enlisted his close friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman for an adventure of epic proportions.
In 2004, the duo mounted their sturdy BMW motorcycles and set off on a staggering 20,000-mile odyssey. Over four grueling months, they traversed 12 countries and 19 time zones, facing challenges that no film set could have prepared them for. Long Way Round invites readers to experience every thrilling mile of their journey. The bone-deep fatigue of endless days on the road, heart-stopping moments crossing treacherous rivers and barely-there roads, and tense encounters with armed strangers in foreign lands – it's all captured in vivid detail.
Yet amidst the hardships, moments of wonder and unexpected beauty shine through. McGregor and Boorman's travelogue is punctuated by awe-inspiring sights: the haunting Church of Bones in the Czech Republic, the somber Mask of Sorrow monument in Magadan, Russia, and even the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore. Through candid diary entries and striking photographs, the two friends bring their incredible adventure to life on the page. Their unwavering bond, tested by exhaustion and danger, forms the emotional core of this remarkable story.
Long Way Round transcends the typical travel narrative. It stands as a testament to human perseverance and the transformative power of pursuing audacious dreams. Motorcycle enthusiasts, armchair adventurers, and lovers of compelling true stories will all find themselves captivated by this tale of two friends who dared to turn a "what if" into an unforgettable reality.
Long Way Down: An Epic Journey by Motorcycle from Scotland to South Africa
After their epic globe-trotting adventure, McGregor and Boorman couldn't resist the call of the open road once again. This time, they cooked up an even crazier idea: to ride from the frigid tip of Scotland all the way down to the sun-baked shores of Cape Town. Their wild journey, captured in the book Long Way Down, saw them zigzagging through Europe before plunging into the heart of Africa. Sure, they were a bit savvier this time around, but let's be real - nothing quite prepares you for the chaos of African highways and byways. From dusty desert tracks to muddy jungle paths, these two adrenaline junkies found themselves in some seriously hairy situations that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
Interesting Facts & Links:
Ewan McGregor is a Scottish actor known for his versatile roles in film and television. He gained international fame for playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and later reprised the role in a Disney+ series. McGregor has also starred in critically acclaimed films such as "Trainspotting" and "Moulin Rouge!"
Charley Boorman is an English TV presenter, travel writer, and actor. Boorman has also participated in various motorsport events, including the Dakar Rally.
Go to the official Long Way series website to learn more, to read their blog, and to buy a t-shirt. Or even better, visit the site to help support UNICEF and other charities supported by the team.
McGregor and Boorman were inspired by motorcyclist Ted Simon's book Jupiter's Travels. They met with Simon in Mongolia.
This book is one of our favorites for those who enjoy adventure and exploration. Click here to see our full list of recommendations.
Long Way Round, Special Feature: The First 5 Days with Ewan McGregor
Some funny moments from the Long Way Round trip, captured candidly with actor Ewan McGregor.
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