BBC | LongWayDown | Road Log

Amalfi Coast! Fantastic!

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:13:19 GMT

Beautiful guys, I'm jealous. You two gents are responsible for me going out and getting my licence after a 10 year hiatus from riding since owning a little XR75 at age 11. It's something that has lasted inside, so thanks for inspiring me and rekindling my biking spirit.

It Has to Be...

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:41:25 GMT

Song 2 by Blur! Enjoy the trip, and please keep the other riders you meet in it this time. Not everyone can get the support and sponsorship you guys can, and it would be nice for their folks to see 'em.

KEEP YOUR HUMOUR

Thu, 24 May 2007 13:35:46 GMT

YES ITS HARD BUT SOMETIMES YOU WILL BE WORN DOWN WITH BUAUROCY AT BORDERS, ARMY BOYS WANTING MONEY ,LACK OF SLEEP BUT AFRICA HAS THE BEAUTY FOUND NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD .DANCE WITH THE WORLD AND THE WORLD WILL DANCE WITH YOU

Good luck lads

Thu, 24 May 2007 13:59:09 GMT

Cant wait to see the show, Loved the long way round. It's the breakthrough that got my girl into motorcycling.... Perfect.... have a safe trip guys....

Just missed you

Thu, 24 May 2007 14:42:12 GMT

Looks a great trip. Two of us just rode from UK to Italy over the Alps. just missed you guys! Left on 16th May and got back this morning. I bought my bike three years ago as a direct result of your LWR trip. I had never riden a motor bike before, but at 51 years old was inspired by your trip. Thanks. 'Keep it wide', and good luck.

Favourite biking track

Thu, 24 May 2007 15:05:16 GMT

Bona Sera by Dean Martin--try it some time on twisty roads in great weather. Of course, love it whenever Long Way Round by Stereophonics pops up on random play in my ipod. Born to Be Wild? It doesn't really fit anymore,does it?

Biking Track

Thu, 24 May 2007 15:39:18 GMT

My favorite track to listen too while in traffic would have to be "Spybreak" by the Propellerheads or "Battle without Honor or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei. They help when trying to avoid crazy drivers.

Tweedie

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:05:37 GMT

Can't wait to see you again on the telly but will have to make do with the radio and online. I was in SA in February ending up like you in Cape Town. Fab but not as exciting as your trip. Take care you two and come back safe & sound. LOL Eileen x

Stop by the Isle of Capri

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:10:55 GMT

I just saw that you are on the Amalfi Coast. My husband and I are huge fans and we loved watching the Long Way Around. I studied in Italy for a sememster in college, and the Isle of Capri is still my favorite memory... it is amazing and worth the stop if you have time. You can take a boat over to the island and there are roads to the top. Have fun and be safe!!!

eyes

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:30:21 GMT

a dream i could never do or achieve. but only see through your eyes so show me the lot boys.look far and wide take in all there is to see.good luck live to ride and ride to live

Great

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:45:11 GMT

Hey guys, I only want to say: move on and have fun!

Wohoo!

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:46:49 GMT

Nice trip again! Long way round was amazing trip and I think that this trip will be too!Good luck!

Excitement and anticipation!

Thu, 24 May 2007 16:54:49 GMT

Received an e-mail yesterday from the LWR site that the trip had started. What a delight to be able to follow along as it happens! Thanks to everyone involved in making this possible. Be safe and have fun guys! Hope that Dai and Jim are called on as little as possible for their safety and security skills. ;) (Favourite driving track: "Learning to Fly" by the Foo Fighters or anything by RUSH.)

have a good trip

Thu, 24 May 2007 17:05:09 GMT

allright guys i love the long way round i have whached it about 20 times and the race to dakea with charley but i hope u have a grate trip and god speed and have a good time and stay safe thanks ollie

Superb!

Thu, 24 May 2007 17:37:01 GMT

Fantastic that you are off on another adventure boy, top job! I'm just back a trip around Arizona on 1200Gs's, we left the same time you guys did! Keep safe, enjoy and spare a thought for the "Long Way Up afterwards"!! ;-)

Best of Luck

Thu, 24 May 2007 17:57:59 GMT

Hi guys, I wish all the best to all of you! Damn you passed by my house...I wish I had known that before....;-)) Be safe and make me dream even more than with LWR. WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!! Hope to meet you somewhere, ITALY is with you!!!!!!

Keep safe

Thu, 24 May 2007 17:58:37 GMT

SO pleased to hear you are journeying once more Ewan & Charley! Can't wait for the show, book, dvd, t-shirt, coffee mug etc....!!! LOL Keep safe and enjoy!!! Your wives must get frantic no? Sazfab xx

Long way Up

Thu, 24 May 2007 18:18:19 GMT

Ewan- After Long Way Round I invited you to ride with me to the Grand Canyon. We can do that when you do Long Way Up and come through Arizona! Stay safe and have too much fun!

Long Way Down

Thu, 24 May 2007 19:20:25 GMT

Being touring motorcyclists ourselves, we wish you a fantastic adventure. Ride safe. Anne and Dave Pardoe

Holy Island

Thu, 24 May 2007 19:32:39 GMT

Met you guys on Holy Island - thanks for letting Oscar sit on your bike Ewan, just a shame Daisy was bawling in my arms so I couldnt get a pic of him. It made a great start to our holiday. Have a great trip guys.

Italian Drivers

Thu, 24 May 2007 19:56:13 GMT

Hi Guys, What a fantastic trip. My husband and I did a similar route to Venice in our mini last year. There are some fantastic roads and sights to see, but watch out for the italian drivers! Good luck xx

Amalfi

Thu, 24 May 2007 20:01:55 GMT

Hi guys, are you spending a great time here in Italy? I really hope that! Your photo on the Amalfi Coast is fantastic! Will you pass also in Reggio Calabria and Messina? Someone answers me!!!!

Best of luck

Thu, 24 May 2007 20:28:49 GMT

all the best with your trip guys, loved the last one, enjoy every moment and remember, these ar'nt the bikes you're looking for, you don't need to see there pass, move along, move along!

Inspired.

Thu, 24 May 2007 20:33:17 GMT

All the best lads! Your last trip inspired me to get a 125c.c Chinese bike and having never riden a bike before(52) headed off for Scotland and Northern Ireland on L plates - scared stiff but brilliant.

Good Luck!

Thu, 24 May 2007 20:54:06 GMT

I loved Long Way Round and now I'm waiting for the Long Way Down dvd!!! Great trip, great adventure!!! Good Luck and be safe!!!

Moyles' Show

Thu, 24 May 2007 21:06:11 GMT

hey it must have been great to talk to people back here in the UK, but its probably upsetting aswell. i went away for a week and missed my family, so you guys are incredibly brave!! have a safe journey, you're doing great so far, Alison x

Music

Thu, 24 May 2007 21:15:12 GMT

My favourite tune for riding around the Bay of Naples has to be 'On days like this', the opening number from The Italian Job, when the Lambo is winding it's way around all those bends. Try humming it. Have fun.

Chris Moyles show

Thu, 24 May 2007 21:35:20 GMT

Hi guys heard you on the show today...you sound like you are having a great time!!! Wish I was with you in person not only in spirit!

Russ

Thu, 24 May 2007 22:43:55 GMT

Russ - Following the fun..take care ! Tim

the best lads in the world !!!!!!

Thu, 24 May 2007 22:57:22 GMT

both of us want to wish you all best on trip down!!! we think all the team are brilliant!!! and we love trials and adventures and we also love all your fun and sad times together!!! all the best love t&d x

Thanks

Thu, 24 May 2007 23:33:56 GMT

Good luck on your journey..i've traveled all over the world and your story inspired me to become a biker.

Good luck

Fri, 25 May 2007 01:03:33 GMT

Watched LWA on the advice of a friend. Love it - own it - watch it often! Just wanted to tell you guys to have fun, be careful and God's speed!

have a great trip

Fri, 25 May 2007 03:04:00 GMT

Loved the last show, can't wait to see this one but for now will follow online.Safe trip guys

Thats it......

Fri, 25 May 2007 04:37:13 GMT

Having watched "Long way Round" last week and then stumbling across your new adventure "Long way Down" while reading up on what is going on back home, I have decided to get my motorbike licence over here in Canada. I feel an East to West trip is in order... well you guys can't have all the fun! Take it easy and safe riding guys!

keep on movin

Fri, 25 May 2007 06:20:39 GMT

It looks like you are covering some ground. Amalfi looks a mystical place. The atmosphere in the pictures posted are really great. Looks like everyone is having fun aswell as working hard. Hope the journey gets even better. best wishes jane

Inspiration

Fri, 25 May 2007 07:53:31 GMT

Thanks to LWR a best mate and I just returned for a trip through the Aussi outback and thats just the start. All thanks to the fire in the belly you lads created. Ride safe.

Biking Track

Fri, 25 May 2007 08:17:22 GMT

My track is "More Than A Feeling" by Boston. To me it sums up what biking is about, freedom, independance, being yourself etc. Its actually hard to put in to words which is why this song say's it all, its more than a feeling when you're on your bike.

good luck have fantastic time

Fri, 25 May 2007 08:49:03 GMT

you guys have inspired me and i am planing a trip to new zealand! it's something that i have always wanted to do and now i am going to do it because i know it can be possible to do something like this! cheers guys! have fun and be safe!! watch out for idiots diving cars behind you! xxx

Music?

Fri, 25 May 2007 09:01:48 GMT

For fast riding - Ejection by Hawkwind. For cruising - When the Music's Over by The Doors. I hope this series is as hard to make as LWR because that made for some of the most riveting, enjoyable programmes I have ever seen. I even bought the book! Good luck guys :)

Suggested songs

Fri, 25 May 2007 09:25:37 GMT

Hi guys, loved your last show have a blast this trip! "Aint no easy" way by Black rebel motorcycle club And for something reflective sounding, anything by "I am kloot". take care!

Freedom

Fri, 25 May 2007 10:56:44 GMT

You two guys have given me strength and inspiration I never knew I had. Push through the hard times � you only live once. LWR and Race to Dakar were magnificent � we are lucky to have as much as we do when others have nothing. Best of Luck from Down under.

Funny

Fri, 25 May 2007 11:23:51 GMT

I�ve loved the interview made by Chris. They seemed be very happy, aren�t they? See you soon Good bless you

Keep it up guys

Fri, 25 May 2007 11:42:16 GMT

Just to let you knows you have inspired me to take my bike test and just purchased a GS. Done the safari rally so know how tough it can get. You inspire us all

Just remember how lucky you really are

Fri, 25 May 2007 11:47:14 GMT

when you think it can't get any worse and you want to jack it all in. What a wonderful experience and opportunity. The very best of luck to you both and I look forward to watching it. Slange var!

Claudio!?!

Fri, 25 May 2007 14:09:00 GMT

Just listened to the audio interview, and learned of Claudio's further licensing problems! Did he wait until 2-3 days before this latest trip to get it sorted? And it's GREAT to hear the show will be on in November! I hope I have BBC2 as one of my cable channels!

ace

Fri, 25 May 2007 14:07:41 GMT

lwd will be ace it lookes really good carnt wait until dvd comes out

Great to meet you

Fri, 25 May 2007 14:19:45 GMT

Ewan / Charlie It was great to meet you in Siena. Thanks for having your photo taken with us. We all think what you guys are doing is absolutely fantastic.

Rain

Fri, 25 May 2007 15:06:50 GMT

Hi guys Sorry to hear that its been raining quite a bit. When you get into Africa you may be glad of it. Have a GS 1200 a myself, great bike, hope it holds together for you ok All the best Ride Safe

Long Way Round Scotland

Fri, 25 May 2007 16:47:35 GMT

Fife Bikers are doing their own Long Way Round (Scotland) for one of Ewans Charities - (CHAS) Childrens Hospice Association Scotland We are leaving Kinrosshire on 6th July and finishing at Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond on the 9th July visiting CHAS hospices enroute. Ewans dad (Jim) is seeing us off and riding part of the way with us. We have companies sponsoring Hi Vis vests that we will wear on the way round. We will be staying at Inverness, Ullapool and Oban - if you see us give us a wave Unclekev - Fife bikers

TODAY'S FUN TIPS...

Fri, 25 May 2007 16:54:20 GMT

Suggested road song: "'Runnin Down a Dream" by Tom Petty. Traveling Tip: When traveling by motorcycle try to keep bags, etc. packed within the 'Load Triangle', (i.e.), a triangle shaped area defined by the center of the front axle to the top of the driver's head to the center of the rear axle. Doing so will more safely balance the weight. Fun Geography Fact: "Italy ... contains two of Europe's five microstates. The first of these is the Vatican City, which most people know about, and the second is San Marino, which is a little less well known. A microstate is a very small, independent state and the Vatican city is the smallest microstate in the world, which makes it very small indeed." As taken from Fun Facts! Happy trails all! Troy

All The Best

Fri, 25 May 2007 21:09:42 GMT

just wishing you ALL good luck and the best... Please Please don't meet another "numptie" like the young lad who tried to make Ewan an Ex-Ewan in America. Cant wait for the TV prog/DVD/book.. you both (sorry, all the team ) inspire me, thankyou.

Good luck!

Fri, 25 May 2007 23:25:47 GMT

Stay safe you guys. Ewan,let us Know if Africa looks like Scotland! ;)

Loved The Interview

Fri, 25 May 2007 23:58:11 GMT

So funny The guys are happy like children.Look like they'll never grow up..Good for them.

Travels

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:45:24 GMT

Good Luck on your trip Ewan and Charlie !! You are an inspiration to all of us !! Bob Taylor

Wish I were you 2

Sat, 26 May 2007 07:55:09 GMT

Love all the series so far and can't wait until this one comes out on DVD. My choice for music band "My Chemical Romance" album "The Black Parade". Have fun and keep safe from Tiny

Best of luck

Sat, 26 May 2007 10:50:30 GMT

Hi guys, What an inspiration you two are, since seeing Long Way Round the biking is a brand new experience to me. I have seen the video many times and not to talk about the book. You two have done it and so so so glad that u are doing it again. I cannot wait to add the �Long Way Down� DVD in to my biking collection. (will another book follow the DVD set this year?) It�s being my dream now to do something like you guys are doing it (but on smaller scale for start � from London to Skopje, Macedonia home country and back). I have custom 125cc which is on sale and with a bit of saving I hope to get something bigger and better so my dream will be achieved. All I can wish right now is a good luck to both of you and your crew and safe journey. Best of luck Your truly mad fun Nik

TODAY'S FUN TIPS ...

Sat, 26 May 2007 12:39:41 GMT

Suggested Song: "Born to Run" by B. Springsteen. Motorcycling Tip: For off-roading 'spoked' rims fair better than solid rims because their design allows them to more easily absorb/distribute impact forces. Fun Geographical Fact: "The Majardah is Tunisia's ONLY river which DOES NOT dry up in summer. It crosses from west to east and flows into the Gulf of Tunis." per http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Know-More-About-Tunisia-135634.html. Onto the 'cuds boys! ;-) Troy P.S.: Suggested Reading: "Oh the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Suess

Keep Trucking

Sat, 26 May 2007 13:05:24 GMT

Well done lads, keep up the good work. You might like to check out www.kilkennytocapetown.com to see how a lone, mad irishman made it through the wilds of africa over the last few months on a dakar 650.

Thanks for the posts!

Sat, 26 May 2007 13:38:14 GMT

Hi Guys! It is so cool that we can follow your progress and read about parts of your trip as you are making it. Loved LWR, watching it again now!! Got my first bike 6 months ago and love it. My husband and I look forward to doing some long trips, although not quite as long as yours!! Have fun and be safe!! God Bless

Thanks Lads

Sat, 26 May 2007 16:09:25 GMT

Thanks for Long Way Round & Race to Dakar. I can't wait for Long Way Down to come out. For people like me who can only dream of such adventures, these programmes make me feel like i'm there with you. (Or at least wish i was) Please don't ever stop!!! good luck & watch out for creepy crawlies.

good luck

Sat, 26 May 2007 16:30:48 GMT

good luck guys and thanks for doing this,great to watch,loved the long way round and paris to dakar(think you should try that again)be safe look forward to the show.

best wishes

Sat, 26 May 2007 19:53:12 GMT

Good luck lads look forward to the video/book

search for an African Paul Snr.

Sat, 26 May 2007 21:39:17 GMT

Good luck guys, it will have to be some trip to beat your first run. Maybee you will meet an African version of Paul Snr. And Ewan keep checking your mirors, as you dont want another fright like last time in the usa. Safe trip lads, and cant wait to see the show. May the 4th be with you, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th. Ha Ha.

love you ewan

Sat, 26 May 2007 23:45:09 GMT

I love you ewan my name ahlam22 from kuwait

Way to go...

Sun, 27 May 2007 03:48:11 GMT

You guys are truly an inspiration. You have become my personal heroes for doing what you're doing, and in such good humor. So exciting to see you two doing it again. Have fun, that's what it's all about right.

good luck

Sun, 27 May 2007 07:16:43 GMT

i have been riding for 15 years and whish i could have the time to do a trip like this good luck and try to fine all the bridges this trip taff

Fave bike tracks

Sun, 27 May 2007 07:14:06 GMT

Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd. No Particular Place To Go - Chuck Berry. BMW - Kenneth And The Knutters. The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan - Marianne Faithfull. Sultans Of Swing - Dire Straits. Scherzo For Motorcycle And Orchestra - John Williams.

good luck

Sun, 27 May 2007 09:53:34 GMT

good luck lads would love the chance to do what you are doing

I think your both great

Sun, 27 May 2007 11:19:37 GMT

Good luck guys your first trip got me into bikes i love them to bits hope it all goes well i will be watching your progress all the best

good luck

Sun, 27 May 2007 12:42:43 GMT

good luck lads good to see you still enjoy motorbikes!! loved the long way round and cant wait for this to be on DVD love you ewan and you're my favourite actor good luck with everything

TODAY'S FUN TIPS ...

Sun, 27 May 2007 12:43:40 GMT

Suggested Song: Virtually anything by 'Lady Smith Black Mambazo' Motorcycling Tip: Re: Crossing Borders ... *.) Remain calm and polite. *.) Be patient and smile a lot. *.) Never grumble or show unnecessary irritation. *.) Obey all petty instructions for searches and papers. *.) Accept delays and sudden "lunch breaks". *.) Never argue: bite your lip in the face of provocation. Try to remember that the glamorous benefits of a uniform and a machine gun soon pale when you're living in a tin shed far from your family and haven't been paid for six months, as is often the case in Africa. (As taken from "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" by Chris Scott) Geographical Fun Fact: "The highest temperature on Earth was 136�F (58�C) in Libya in 1922." (per http://www.hightechscience.org/funfacts.htm) Joke of the Day: Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them? -- George Carlin

London To ?

Sun, 27 May 2007 12:57:05 GMT

Watched the Long Way Round and am now on in Iran after 6000 miles and not sure where it will end. Destination Kasmir then make a tough decission - Cape Town or Bangkok! Enjoy while you can , life is too short!

TRIP SONG

Sun, 27 May 2007 16:01:19 GMT

A Brighter Beat by Malcolm Middleton. Ride by Cary Brothers is a romantic, mid beat favorite.

Another adventure

Sun, 27 May 2007 16:09:39 GMT

See you at the book signing Charlie, looking forward to the show airing - hope the KTM boys realise how much business they've lost for being wimps. BMW rules!

equipment

Sun, 27 May 2007 16:59:45 GMT

Hi,a friend and i have done a few trips to slovakia ,ukraine ect,but i was wondering what camera equipment ewan and charley use?.We have another trip coming up in july and it would be great to get some better camera equipment than we have already which is tried and tested?.Good luck lads make some great memories. mike

.. fantastic

Sun, 27 May 2007 20:40:10 GMT

Cheers guys, LWR was brilliant and got me back into biking after a break. Recently bought a 1200 adventure am planing to tour Patagonia in 2009 on it. Andy

Claudio

Mon, 28 May 2007 06:07:06 GMT

I bet Claudio losing his licence didn't phase him one bit, and everyone else was panicking!!! Listening to you guys on the radio was great you sounded like you are really enjoying it! It is excellent getting so many updates I feel like I am taking this trip with you! Enjoy X

first i've heard about this!

Mon, 28 May 2007 15:12:50 GMT

Hey guys! first i have heard about this, i got your LWR DVD for xmas 2006, and as a result decided to do a solo tour of western europe. I am currently in Bilbao, in 3 days time i catch my ferry back to uk. Good luck with the rest of the trip guys, can't wait to watch your new trip

Daker

Tue, 29 May 2007 01:48:00 GMT

Lads hope all is well with the trip,Charley hope the hands are holding up,have you managed to talk Ewan into doing the daker? All the best, god speed to you both

What a trip 'again'

Wed, 30 May 2007 09:46:19 GMT

Hey guys, My friends just left 5 days ago to tour Australia for 12 weeks on KTM 640's. We are all huge fans and you were an inspiration for them. We are following your trip and their trip on the internet with daily excitement and enthusiasm. I hope more bikers can have the opportunity to experience the freedom on travelling on bikes. you can catch up with my friends on their website

Best song

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:55:42 GMT

How about "Don't Follow Me (I'm Lost Too)" by Hanoi Rocks...just in case the GPS doesn't work! Good luck!

Just heard!

Thu, 31 May 2007 08:40:38 GMT

Just heard your doing another trip..you have made my year..atleast now I know there is something good on the box come November! I always wanted to do the trip your doing..but only got to do Capetown - Harare...still it was a great experience, have the most amazing time and tell us everything!! Namibia is the place to go to..beautiful and some awsome off road riding..LOL and take big care Kate

Good Luck!

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:56:26 GMT

I heard you guys were planning another trip; had no idea it had started though! Good luck guys and Ewan - wear some goggles at petrol stations! Take care.

WE WANT TO LEAVE TODAY !

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:22:06 GMT

Hmmm, starting songs would have to be "Good Times" by Tommy Lee...followed by "Blue Highway"-Billy Idol...Carving out a 5 week trip from Chicago to Vancouver down the coast and back home...watching you guys soak it all up and feeling more & more inspired & excited all the time !

On the road again?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:54:48 GMT

Wow! I missed this! So excited that you're doing it again.Like others before me in this thread, at the age of 44 I was inspired by Long Way Round to take up biking. Can't wait to see the prog.

It's the trip

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:04:01 GMT

Charlie, Thanks for fixing the footpeg on the off road course in wales. Saw you heading for the ferry a few weeks ago....very jealous. I've just finished the Dakar book. Superb! Don't forget what Ted Simon says.... It's the adversity and experiences that makes a trip, Not just sitting, riding and watching the 'video' go by. Hope the trips easier than the Dakar.

Next Journey- which Long Way?

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:51:55 GMT

A big congrats to the guys on the successful completion of their adventure through Africa! My wife and best mates loved Long Way Round and wait with excitement for the DVD of Long Way Down. Will they grace us with another journey after this? Perhaps Tierra Del Fuego (S. Amer.) all the way up to Dead Horse (Alaska)... the "Long Way Up" ?...