BBC | LongWayDown | Road Log

This is what I've been waiting for

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:30:39 GMT

I'm excited to see the team finally getting well and truly stuck in to africa. who knows what adventures lie ahead. i look forward to seeing more of jim as he impressed me in Race to Dakar.

Escape the bubble !!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:28:47 GMT

Simple : Because there IS so much more to this world than this little "bubble" we live and breathe in. (Though I understand that bureaucracy can make you forget that!) Oh and by the way, if you need any of those travel games to pass the time - just let me know OK :) ?

A week of border crossings!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:33:26 GMT

OK a week of border crossings isn�t a lot of fun, 44 degree heat isn�t a lot of fun, falling of bikes isn�t a lot of fun, sandstorms aren�t a lot of fun and I�m sure there will be plenty more moments in the weeks in front of you that won�t be a lot of fun � but hey if you want to swap places I�m sure there won�t be a shortage of volunteers. Enjoy!!!

Hang in there!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:49:36 GMT

A week spent at border crossings - ugh! I've been enjoying the video clips (thanks so much for sharing them!) and just wanted to wish you good luck on your journey... You are all in my thoughts! :)

Getting sucked along into Ewan's Vortex...

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:53:28 GMT

...Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, there Russ! LOL! Not a bad idea at all...But really, you have to look at it like he says, it's there, and you can do it, so why not? I know how easy it is to get sucked into that whole "why am I here?" mentality, and how tough it is to shake that off as well. I do hope that the rest of the 36 (!!!!!) border crossings go somewhat smoothly for you all. So what is 44 degrees in farenheit anyway? I am gonna try and remember my conversion rates over here...(why is America the only one that uses farenheit? It would make so much more sense for us to be on par with, oh let's see, the rest of the world?) I don't know what it is but I bet it is hot!!

None of us need a reason

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:56:01 GMT

An integral part of human nature is to explore. Thus the answer to why we travel is simple: we all need to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go � well you get the drift (sorry, I couldn�t resist - hehe). That is the reason most people I know who ride motorcycles: to experience things that you otherwise could not by any other means of locomotion, as you almost become one with the road around you, and thus the people along the way. Why do I personally get away? Because it is a mini-adventure each and every time. I may not be crossing deserts on a regular basis, but the feeling is there none the less. Avoiding getting killed in traffic is just as exciting � if not as frightening. Richard T.

Beautiful

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:14:28 GMT

I've been out to Suadi Arabia so i know all about the heat, its tough. Even tougher with all the gear on and all the waiting about for the paperwork! It looks beautiful though. must be worth it just for that.

Relaxation and perspective

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:25:08 GMT

When I get away it's mainly to relax but also to forget the trivial minutiae and daily routines that I get caught up in. I'm a much happier person when I take a few steps back and get some perspective on work and relationships. I'm really enjoying your posts -- thank you for doing this!

to inspire others

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:53:18 GMT

Your book and dvd the long way round (I've just read the book in 4 days - after a hard days teaching) has inspired me to learn to ride a motorbike and go on my own adventures. You guys are modern day Shackleton's... You have inspired me and I'm sure thousand's of others... Need I say more? Other than thanks ;-) Safe travels

border crossings and toilets

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:23:30 GMT

I suppose border crossings and going to the toilet have at least one thing in common: It's never over until the paperwork is done.

Non-Stop Adventures

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:33:13 GMT

It seams that even when you guys are standing still your having adventures. Seamingly ever present border hassles! I just bought Charley's Race to Dakar DVD! For those of you out there in withdrawl after Long Way Round, appease your appetite with this DVD, and before you know it, we'll be watching Long Way Down in the Autumn! Ewan and Charley, we're all behind you both! Be safe and have fun!

Hot Hot Hot

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:36:46 GMT

I can empathize with you guys in that heat over there. I'm from Texas and it can get up in the mid-40s here in the summer too! Stick with it guys, we're all with you in spirit!

Why? Why not!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:40:55 GMT

It's not just about getting away, it's about what's next. Travel is the greatest gift you can give yourself, and the brilliant thing about it is that there will always be a "next." Besides, what better way to appreciate Surrey, to keep it beautiful and unique, than by sweating it out in Sudan. Keep those chins up and stay safe guys!

FANTASTIC EDITING ON SUNSET!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:39:11 GMT

Claudio, Jim, all y�all: Fantastic editing job on that sunset on the Khartoum, Sudan installment. Very nice way to close that out by speeding the sun's setting along. Re: "... reasons for getting away?" For me it's often just wanting a change of pace, scenery, etc. A break from the habits we all get into. In that respect, Sudan is definitely NOT Surrey I'm betting. ;-) You're doing great guys! Hang right in there. It's a genuine joy to get your clips.

Toss up

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:00:01 GMT

Russ, which would you really prefer: Waiting in rush hour traffic on the M25, or waiting at the border crossings in Africa? If it's not the latter - I'll offer to take your place on the next trip :-) Relax, expect the hold-ups - they're gonna happen! Take care in that heat guys - it can make you really ill before you know it - take care and ride safe.

Fellow Desert Rats

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:22:07 GMT

44 C...that's 111 F. I guess the next question would be; is it a dry heat? Have a great time! Keep drinking that water!

Fork Handles?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:22:04 GMT

I'm doing just that at the moment. Not just getting away, but making changes. A complete change of direction in fact, as I came to that fork in the road recently and realised that it's time to take the route less, or better still, untravelled. Have either of you guys ever read Joseph Campbell: Reflections on the Art of Living? I think you might both enjoy the read. There are some profound sayings in the book, "Where there is a way or path, it is someone else's path. You are not on your own path. If you follow someone else's way, you are not going to realise your potential." And one that is significant to your current journey, "Follow your bliss. The heroic life is living the individual adventure" and you are certainly doing that. As for my journey, I'll try and update you a little next time.

Reasons, who need reasons!!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:31:39 GMT

Well, like Ewan said, "because it's out there" That is reason enough for an adventure. Ewan, you are soooooo layed back!!!! Cool as a cucumber!!! Russ has done the math, and it's a shame that it's taking so long at the borders. But even the delays can be part of the adventure. Remember LWR and all the interesting and lovely people you meet while you were waiting at the borders. So try to keep cool, and hopefully the border crossings will go more smoothly as you go along. Ride safe and be safe.Char

Inspirational

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:33:52 GMT

I'm really enjoying following you guys on your trip. The heat and the border crossings don't sound like too much fun but it's all part of the experience.We can only dream of having the experience that ye are having on Long Way Down and the Long Way Round.Enjoy it all guys and keep safe.

Keep smiling!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:37:00 GMT

Hey Ewan, Charley, Claudio and Team! Hope Claudio is OK after his 'first major crash'! Oh yes, the carnet... As we all remember from LWR... What can I say? Just keep smiling, hold on tight to your dreams and please don't lose your great sense of humor!!! Best wishes to all of you. Stay safe and greetings from Switzerland! Angie

Space Station

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:11:19 GMT

EWAN, Will you try Space for your next Adventure?

focus focus

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:12:33 GMT

keep going boys! keep the focus and good luck. i always find a bit of mr pirsig can help. all the best from a biker in norwich.

Africa , hot?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:33:32 GMT

Well, I hope it's a DRY heat... ;p Lets make sure no one gets any petrol in their eyes this time! Keep cool.

You'll know why you're not in Surrey when ...

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:28:39 GMT

When you get back, you'll know why you left -- my guess is that this trip through Africa will change your lives, especially if you remain open and mingle with people!! Stay present and open as much as possible ... you'll miss it when you go home.

Chills

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:14:42 GMT

The last 10 seconds of that clip was so beautiful! The sounds of Africa put with the sunset footage gave me the chills. You guys are very fortunate to be in that place right now, savor every waking moment because it'll be over before you know it. Take care!

Adversity

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:25:35 GMT

I love following your adventures on the Long Way Down and wish you all the best but I have a sneaking suspicion that all of us at home are really waiting for the sandstorms, the border nightmares, weird food and dodgy situations. Sells telly, books and DVDs! Just as long as you come out of it OK of course. I've never done anything as adventurous as you but I prefer trips where not everything is planned to the nth degree and a few things are left to chance and inclination. It makes for a far more exciting experience and those dodgy moments, officious officials and unexpected and amazing sights are the things we remember the best. Keep on bikin' and keep on rockin'. Mandy

jealosy

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:41:41 GMT

weird that because i'm sitting in Surrey wishing I was out there with you.

Reason?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:33:38 GMT

I just love to see new places. The excitement of treading on new ground, trying new foods, learning different customs, meeting new people. There's nothing quite like it. And, then you get go home and really appreciate what you have there too. I don't envy you in that 111+ heat! Hang in there! As always, be safe!

customs

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:51:16 GMT

Getting away is awesome. I recently flew in a small 4 seater plane, (a piper arrow), from British Columbia Canada to southern Brazil. It was amazing, but a lot of work! I can relate to these guys, especially in terms of customs, the long waits. It's a headache but the views along the way are worth it! Travel on guys, you're awesome! Truly inspiring...

Fantastic!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:06:09 GMT

Yeah, fair point to 'Peanut'. I know where I'd rather be! lol. I really wamt to go to Africa I'm definately going to go one day! Good luck with the rest of your trip! Looks fantastic so far! x

In Ewan's vortex

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:08:20 GMT

A week's worth of border crossings to go :/ Good luck guys. And in that heat. Hey instead of paper stone scissors, why not tell the border guards you are doing a survey for the BBC to find the quickest border crossing in Africa. They realise it is being filmed... Have fun and keep your cool.

Cold Refreshment

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:32:52 GMT

After the cooled water goat skins at the "donkeys" through the desert, hope you found a cold kalibar at the Acropolis refreshing enough after a long days ride. Make sure you catch the dervishes in khartoum before you leave - amazing!

think yourselves lucky

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:57:08 GMT

You guys are what is keeping me going at the moment. You are out on a adventure and I am stuck in the day to day grind of work and home. I look forward to the updates and I have even had dreams about being with you lot on the trip. Keep me posted. Danksy

Killer Clip!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:00:11 GMT

Claudio and Jimmy's filming have been awesome! The sunset sped up was EPIC! That should make final cut!

This could be you're last chance

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:03:43 GMT

I jump at the chance to visit anyplace that I've never been to just because, with so many places in the world, the chance to go there one time could always be your "once in a lifetime" oppurtunity to visit that place and enjoy all of the unique experiences and sites that it offers. I've traveled as far as Valpariaso, Chile and as close as Carisle, PA for just that reason.

my reasons..

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:38:47 GMT

I think for me it is just the feeling of freedom on the one side and curiosity on the other side...

Riding The Vortex!

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:42:36 GMT

"We�ve got sucked along in Ewan's vortex" Yes Russ we have! Thank you for supporting Ewan and Charlie right from the start. They would have done all this anyway I'm sure - but this way we all get to be entertained and inspired as well. Hang in there and look after each other :D xx

eye-bound petrol

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:10:13 GMT

it seems as though the back up team is almost always riding along with Ewan and Charley. How much time are they really riding and going to be riding alone? or is it just too dangerous to be separated for too long? ps. please beware of eye-bound petrol!

The Great Escape

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 02:29:30 GMT

I just went MIA to Boston for a week to escape the unnecessary presures from family and friends. Only my husband was in on it. We do this every few months in order to escape the crazy and reconnect.

Heat

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:57:09 GMT

Don't complain about the high temperatures right now, guys. It was 10C here this morning, and even less down at Cape Agulhas, so make sure you store up a little bit of the sunshine for use here in August at the 'Tip of Africa'!!

Old girl turned Bikie

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 07:00:32 GMT

After watching Race to Dakar earlier this year it inspired me to get my bike license after 25 yrs of saying i wish i had my bike license, it has opened up a whole new world to me. Today I was surfing the net and found out about your latest trip (Australia is always last to find out anything!!)& will be following your website closely. All the best to the team ride safely. Sally

Borders

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:08:23 GMT

Now that doesn't sound like much fun, stuck at a border. Hay guys, no borders to get caught on in Australia. Go round em, lol. Stay safe guys, stay upright.

YOU'RE GREAT!!!

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:11:47 GMT

Hi guys, how are you? I hope you're having fun! I'm reading your book "Long Way Round" and I think it's amazing!!! I'm enjoying it so much, it' great!!! Congratulations, you're great!!! Good luck for Long Way Down, have a lot of fun and be careful!! Ewan, I think you're indeed a wonderful person, I'm sure you're very sweet!! Eve is so lucky!! Kisses, Roberta.

25hrs in a plane (economy section)!!

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:32:51 GMT

Why would anyone want to do that you ask? ..... well hopefully to see EM in Othello,if it isnt sold out. It takes that long to get there from Perth WA. LWR taught me to think big, so why not take the longest plane trip I could find...I can feel the boredom setting in already.

Theme tune...

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:49:34 GMT

There's already a great song called "Long Way Down" by Pete Yorn... sure the stereophonics could re-record it for the series!! Good luck!!!

Service

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 09:59:30 GMT

I may be a little thick but how do you get the bikes serviced in Africa.I wish you all the best,and hope you feel alive and free,like i know those kind of journeys can make you feel.

reasons for getting away

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 10:12:29 GMT

44 degree heat! It's absolutely pouring down here, the back roads are flooded - my blinkin essay still needs finishing, the dog has fleas so I've got to spend out at the vets for flea killer, beach hut needs painting, gotta revise for the hated end of year nursing course test, I'm working shifts for no money, my daughter is throwing an almightly strop because I have said no to the church sleepover to raise money for `aids orphans' as it's on a school night, so doors are being slammed as we speak etc etc......... arghhhh!!!!! still, we are going to Dublin at the end of the month. why? to celebrate out silver wedding anniversary (I was a child-bride!) and to get away from all this stuff!!!!!! sometimes you just need to get away to appreciate what you have got. Lots of love to all of you - especially the love-god that is Charley Boorman A x

Why travel out of my comfort zone?

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:27:41 GMT

Because what's the point of life if you don't? We all work hard at our jobs, and have family responsibilities, and that's great. I love my family and love my job. But if you have the opportunity to do something fantastic that may be difficult as well, and you pass it up, you may seriously regret it when you're older. I haven't biked across Africa, but I have driven in a car across the USA, twice, with children. A difficult adventure that I wouldn't have missed for the world.

Rain rain rain !!

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 12:58:59 GMT

Guys, you don't want to be in Surrey at the moment, all it's doing is pouring down with rain !! Enjoy the trip while you can, good luck !!

Very Hot

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:29:18 GMT

Uau!!!! It is too hot. Even I, a brazilian womam, would complain about the temperature. How many tubes of sunscreen did you bring to this trip?? Please take care. See you soon God bless youi

stopping by, anything I can bring?

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:31:27 GMT

Hi guys, great to see you off on your adventures again. I doubt our timmings will fit but I am heading to Victoria Falls and the Chobe National park next week. Do you want me to bring a couple of copies of the lates MCN?

times tables

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:05:01 GMT

Hey Russ, re your border crossing calc, 2 x 16 = 32 lol

a relatively small request for you

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:13:46 GMT

Hi guys I've followed your journey with interest and enjoyed watching your blogs. I have found it really inspiring and it has made me want to go travelling myself to experience these places first hand. All I can say is enjoy every moment because it's one of those once in a lifetime trips for all of you. I have one rather selfish request for you. Please, please, please can you delay/lenghten you trip by a few days so that my best friend in the world, Lucy Trujillo, can come to my wedding on the 4th August. Thanks guys, Jo x x x x

Getting away..

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:15:53 GMT

..is what life is about!! To see the world in all its glory! We have a long way o catch up with you guys! next..the moon!

Big Admiration

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:00:20 GMT

Big fan of long way round, keep going you are all doing great, my husband wishes he could have been your mechanic as he is a huge fan and great mechanic and motor bike fan. Saw Ewan in Guys 'n' Dolls, but have to comment 'wheres the mole on the forhead gone?'- after getting it bitten on your last trip, regards and keep going Love from the Bloor family xxx

Jim's Jedi Mind Tricks

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:17:06 GMT

I love the way Jim handled the Boarder Patrol. Yes, it reminded of Obi-wan and Luke at the Stormtrooper boarder patrol. Sorry, but the dialogue fit.
Jim: You don't need to see their identification.
BoarderPatrol: We don't need to see their identification.
Jim: These are not the bikers your looking for.
BoarderPatrol: These are not the bikers we're looking for.
Jim: They can go about their business.
BoarderPatrol: They can go about their business. Jim: (to Charley & Ewan) Move along.
BoarderPatrol: Move along. Move along.

border crossings

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:15:03 GMT

Some of my best travel memories consist of border crossings. Crossing from Algeria into Niger took one very long bureaucratic day. Since I was the only one who spoke french in our group, i was the one who had to do all the talking with the officials, frustrating yes, but i also learned the fine art of diplomacy.

struggle

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:19:30 GMT

At my last birthday, my daughter gave the LWR-DVD as a gift to me. And I enjoyed it so really much. The best scenes are your struggling with the roads in Mongolia and Far East Siberia and your stamina. Now you have to struggle again, with heat and sand. For sure, it isn't the last struggle on your trip. If the going gets tough, I'm saying to myself: If it were easy, than everybody could do it. So hold the line, stay health and hurry up with the LWD-DVD, because my next birthday is in December.

A week?!

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:01:00 GMT

A whole week sitting at border crossings! I'd be so frustrated with that, I don't know how Ewan always manages to stay so upbeat about everything but it's nice to have a person who can see the good things in bad situations. For Jen in Marshfield, a rough way to convert celsius into Farenheit is to double the number and add 30, so 44 C is roughly 118 F! Brought my first bike home, 51 plate Bandit, I'm so excited! And it was LWR that inspired me, thank you for opening my eyes to a new way of life! Love Shellie

Fathers Day

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 07:33:28 GMT

Hey Ewan, Charley and all the guys...just thought I would wish the dads out there a Happy Father's Day today! I know your loved ones will be thinking of you today! Take care. Am enjoying watching your advernture immensely. Can't wait to see it on tv!! xxxxx

How are the knees?

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 08:33:09 GMT

With a lot of rough stuff are you spending much time stood on your bikes and if so, how are the knees? I see you've changed the seat for a breathable version. What is the comfort of the bike like over this distance?

44 deg c heat!

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 09:51:59 GMT

IT could be worse, weather wise, its 11 deg c here and pooring it down! There was even frost on my car last week!! I'm enjoying following your progress and can't wait for the TV series. Good luck!

The beautiful Africa

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:22:56 GMT

Africa is the sort of continent you have to return to over and over again. The smell of wood fires, exotic foods, different animals is something never to be forgotten. Savour the moment - you will soon be fed up with Surrey once you return home!!! Best of luck. Keep safe. You are doing a wonderful job.

Its all worth it.......

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:03:25 GMT

Hey guy's, great to hear all about your challenge, I am currently travelling through the America's on a 1150GSADV on my life long dream, the borders can be a real frustration as we know but my god its worth the hassle, keep up the hard work so it makes the hard play feel so much better, your a motivation to all two wheel travellers, Rob, www.thebigbiketrip.com

Local Delicacy Question

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:31:21 GMT

How's the food this time round guys? I remember the horse penis you sampled in LWR raising a few giggles and loved the look on Charley and Russ's faces as they wretched on the mongolian testicle soup. Have you sampled anything quite as revolting this time around?

busy little posters

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:28:23 GMT

just checking in on "my boys" as i have been gone this last week! WOW! i can tell that the ride through egypt has really had an effect on all of you! and russ - i love your witty humor!- getting sucked into ewan's vortex can't be ALL that bad! LOL!

Defy the Odds!!!

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:39:04 GMT

Truly enjoyed Long Way Round and Charley's's Race to Dakar. All the best for Long Way Dowm. I'm sure all of you will defy the odds and arrive in Cape Point feeling on top of the world.

Why do it?

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:33:03 GMT

It is all about living the dream...

Lads

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:01:13 GMT

Lads. I am in an off road motorcycle club called the Titty Twisters based in Plett in SA, although i live in Ireland, and have driven all over SA on the dirt and fully intend to ride from Dublin to Plettenberg Bay before I'm 50 in 3 years time.So go on , enjoy the ride you lucky lucky men..

Inspired

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:21:18 GMT

Longway round, amazing and the main reason i'v just bought my first bike and taken my cbt test, wish i'd done it years ago, only a 125 at the mo but that should change before the end of the year, thanks to Ewan and Charley and the rest of the team. Stay safe and enjoy..

where next

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:39:40 GMT

hi the long way round was fantastic, cant wait to see this trip what is the worst thing u have eaten on this one so far?, do you think you will do more after this one and if so where next??? good luck x

Kids Are My Reason

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:16:31 GMT

My reason for getting away is to spend time with my family. In this stressful, work all the time world we live in now, I don't get to see my husband and children enough. I love to see the world through the eyes of a child. It is so wonderful, yet simple to hear what they say. Kids see things in a different light than an adult. My family was at Lake Tahoe in CA looking up at the mountains with snow covered trees. One of my boys said, "Hey, Mom look at those trees with snow, they look like broccoli with your cream cheese dip on them." That's the world of beauty through a child's eyes. Be safe Ewan and Charley. Happy Father's Day to both of you. Know you are missing your little ones right now too. Take care, guys.

Guid effort !

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:34:06 GMT

Hi guys, Hope all is well ! Watched LWR and sold a sports bike, bought and old armstong mt500 thumper and went for a ride - unlikely go round the world but will have my own adventures. Watched Race to Dakar and thought "glad others do it so I don't have to". F@CK knows what will happen after watching LWD !?!?! Fantastic ...the best thing to happen to motorcycling since Ted Simon wrote Jupiters Travels. Stay safe guys ! Kind regards Graham K

Sunny in Scotland

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:24:38 GMT

Hey guys, you don't need to go to Sudan you know. We had a great biking trip over to the West Coast of Scotland at the weekend and the weather was fantastic! Any midgies in Sudan?

Border Crossings

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:52:18 GMT

My mom says Botswana border crossings are very friendly. They give you water. People must cross seperately to vehicles. However, SA border is apparently gun carrying and nasty and took 4 hours.

How hot is that?

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:39:02 GMT

I saw Jen from the USA asking how hot 44 degrees celcius was. It's 118 fahrenheit. What you do is double it and add thirty. Guys, keep it up. I lived in Africa for 25 years. It's a tough place but it's beauty will captivate you. I now live in the UK and all I remember is my experience of it's beauty and not the tough times. Enjoy.

Thanks 'fellas!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:18:05 GMT

I can't tell you what a treat it is to have a question one has composed answered by you guys. In some small way it really adds to the sense that, however simply, we're just that little bit more genuinely on the trip with the team. :-) Thanks and ride on!

Heading out soon!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:40:42 GMT

Thanks for all the great updates, it's really cool to see the trip in progress. I'm two weeks away from my own long ride, around northeastern Canada. It's not around the world, but still exciting! http://photos.3scape.net/sec/51

?

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:22:16 GMT

hi im 13 and love- long way, race to dakar and soon long way down its so inspirational to se two ordanary people do something like this well done

The Fun Of It!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:49:48 GMT

Remember it all comes down to the adventure and fun along the way, this is one envious Canadian following you along the way. Thank you guys!

WHAT EVER IT TAKES

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 19:13:23 GMT

THIS PAST WEEKEND I WATCHED FOR THE THIRD TIME, LONG WAY ROUND AND I KNEW THAT YOU TWO WERE FAR FROM FINISHED WITH YOUR JOURNEY. ENJOY YOUR TRIP AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE BOOK, LONG WAY DOWN. SAFE TRAVEL TO YOU BOTH. M. BRONSON

its a long way i know

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:50:32 GMT

my freind and i did this trip last year its a very long way and we lernt a little about africa its a fantastic place and a desaster at the same time. by thetime we got to any tarmace we had forgotten how to ride on it. good luck and be cerfule at the small road blocks.

Riding in the heat

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:49:27 GMT

Well done guys - and all in a good cause. Of course, there's plenty of people endured the same and worse on their own adventures and also for their own good causes (e.g. see 2ridetheworld, which I stumbled across and have been following)- but you are providing the profile that all such adventurers deserve. By the way once you get to Cape Town, the weather will be freezing - hold that thought - and as he has already been there with BMW, Russ will be able to tell you all about the fantastic riding. If you find the time (ha, ha!) in CT you might like to take my friend for a ride on one of the bikes - she loves them - and her office is a great location for filming at the waterfront.....keep the knees bent and keep rolling!

Enjoy!

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 08:19:06 GMT

As the father of Alan Brown who did the same trip on BMW Adventures with his pal Martin Williams in 2005 I wish you both a very enjoyable and safe trip. Given half a chance at the age of 68 I would join you tomorrow! Keep up the reports and good luck to you both.

Sudanese Food

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 06:41:32 GMT

I am absolutley chuffed Ewan thinks Sudanese food is damn good.