Jimmy Simak
"My Long Way Round highlight was having to strip down and wrestle a handful of heavyweight Mongolians"View the team log
Career highlight
Visiting my parents' house in Chicago during Long Way Round. It was the first time they had a chance to see what I do first-hand. I still don't think they've recovered fully. We also bumped into a kid I went to high school with while filming at the Lincoln Street Festival. I don't think he knew what to say — it was hilarious.
First bike
'77 Velosolex, Powder Blue 'Motor-Driven Bicycle'
Greatest Long Way Round moment
Having to strip down, totally out of shape, to a tiny red speedo-costume in the middle of a dirt stadium and wrestle a handful of heavyweight Mongolians in front of a massive crowd. Despite being verbally mocked by the Mongolian commentator, I came in second place (even though it didn't make TV...). I *then* fought Charley, which explains why I lost... Ha Ha. I demand a rematch.
Biking song?
'Lion Rip' by The Duke Spirit
'Four Kicks' by Kings of Leon
'Tales of Endurance (Parts 4, 5 & 6)' by Supergrass
Ambition for Long Way Down
To make it look even better than 'Long Way Round', while of course retaining the intimacy of the first trip. I've never been to Africa, but from what I hear it's one of the most visually and rhythmically inspiring places on earth — so I will do everything I can to attempt to capture that. And of course to make Charley look pretty, which can be a serious task.
What kind of traveller?
An obscenely lucky one! I'm really adaptable — I've lived all over the place and am very good with directions, languages & love to meet people & dissect new worlds. When I was a little kid I wanted to become a wildlife photographer and travel the world doing that — amazingly I've managed to succeed even beyond that, so I'm eternally grateful getting to do what I do.
