Long Way Down: An Epic Journey by Motorcycle from Scotland to South Africa

Additional Long Way Down: An Epic Journey by Motorcycle from Scotland to South Africa Information

Eighteen countries. Five shock absorbers.
Two bikers. One amazing adventure...

After their fantastic trip round the world in 2004, fellow actors and bike fanatics Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman couldn't shake the travel bug. Inspired by their UNICEF visits to Africa, they knew they had to go back and experience this extraordinary continent in more depth.

And so they set off on their 15,000-mile journey with two new BMWs loaded up for the trip. Their route took them from John O'Groats at the northernmost tip of Scotland to Cape Agulhas on the southernmost tip of South Africa.

Along the way they rode some of the toughest terrain in the world -- and met some of the friendliest people. They rode their bikes right up to the pyramids in Egypt and visited Luke Skywalker's house in Tunisia. They met people who had triumphed over terrifying experiences -- former childhood soldiers in Uganda and children living amidst the minefields of Ethiopia. They had a close encounter with a family of gorillas in Rwanda and were nearly trampled by a herd of elephants in Botswana.

Riding through spectacular scenery, often in extreme temperatures, Ewan and Charley faced their hardest challenges yet. With their trademark humor and honesty they tell their story -- the drama, the dangers and sheer exhilaration of riding together again, through a continent filled with magic and wonder.

What Customers Say About Long Way Down: An Epic Journey by Motorcycle from Scotland to South Africa:

Its great that two guys like Charley and Ewan are so passionate about their bikes that despite their careers they take the time to do a trip like this. I read the book during my own motorcycle trip down to Guatemala. I read their first book, Long Way Round, a couple years ago and it inspired me to make my trip. It is also nice to see them take time to help out with various charities during their journeys. Now I need to order the DVDs.

What an excellent read, found it hard to put down, so I ended up reading the entire book in 4 days. You don't have to enjoy riding motorcycles to enjoy the book, but it sure helps. I loved it and am looking forward to reading the first book of the travels, "The Long Way Round".

I am a fan of Ewan and Charlie. Their trip around the world in Long Way Down inspired me to replace a Harley with a BMW. For anyone who is a fan of motorcycles and has a dream of riding in foreign lands, this book offers great enjoyment. Now most of us won't have a support crew and sag wagon, but these guys still manage to keep it real and this fun read shows you that not all movie stars are spoiled hollywood brats.

It's so honest and humble, yet funny and appropriately opinionated at the same time. Due to scheduling complications with the ferry for the first 1/3rd of the trip, Long Way Down (LWD) had a rushed and more stressful feel to it in comparison to Long Way Round. The quality of the book - the editing, the photos and the writing are superb in their natural style.The fact that they take time to do charity work as well as show the world things that most choose to ignore is wonderful. This led to a slightly less enjoyable experience for the reader/viewer in my opinion.Nevertheless, this voyage is still Ewan and Charley at their best. These guys enjoy motorcycling and traveling on them so much that they make the best out of any situation.The way they document the trip is so honest, and really opens you up to their personalities - something you rarely get to see with famous people. Plus, like the LWR trip - it's an incredible way to show the beauty of our world and politeness of so many of the people in it. The books and movies are true magic on film - whether or not you like motorcycles or not (i am obsessed), it is nearly impossible to not fall in love with these two guys and their journey of a lifetime.

Story too rushed, deadlines forcing abbreviated adventure. Too bad they didn't take their time and tell the full story. Experienced bikers know mistakes were made, making the trip more hazardous and difficult than necessary. Nonetheless, it was a sometimes heartwarming and sometimes frustrating read about an expedition few would undertake.