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May 17, 2008
Long Way Round
While waiting for the decidedly un-Seattle-like weather to break yesterday, I finished up Long Way Round, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's account of riding two BMW GS 1150's around the world - from London to New York.
It was an interesting book, in part because it was the first motorcycle travelogue I've read that didn't instill in me a deep desire to follow in their footsteps. I think part of the problem is that both of the principals are actors not writers - and it shows. But more fundamentally, they paint a picture of constant adversary, crappy riding conditions, and deep loneliness and homesickness that completely overshadows any positives that came out of the trip.
It seems likely that they wrote the book as a sort of foot-note to the documentary they made of their travels, but having read the book first, I doubt I'll make an effort to see the documentary. It was an impressive feat of perseverance and logistics, but not something I see myself ever aspiring to.
Posted by dberger at May 17, 2008 5:48 PM
Comments
Don't remember, did you ever read Neil Peart's "Ghostrider"?
I didn't see the entire series, but watched several "Long Way Round" episodes, and didn't feel much of an urge to try riding across Siberia myself, either. Finished the rest of "Feasting on Asphalt" last night though, and would definitely sign on for Alton's next road trip. Food Network has released the "Feasting" followup, "The River Run" on DVD, and while Netflix doesn't have them, BT does. :-7
Posted by: Hendel at May 19, 2008 5:06 PM