Oct 9, 2020 • 7 min read
Fans of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman will be delighted to learn that they have embarked on a new epic motorcycle trip. In conjunction with Apple TV+, we sat down with Boorman to discuss their latest series, Long Way Up, which follows the pair crossing 13 countries and two continents from the bottom of South America through Central America and up to Los Angeles on electric motorcycles.
The duo became best friends after meeting on the set of The Serpent’s Kiss in 1997, discovering a shared love for motorcycles, which in turn blossomed into epic journeys that inspired their popular television series, Long Way Round in 2004, and Long Way Down in 2007, both directed by David Alexanian and Russ Malkin.
In 2016, after Charley suffered the first of two serious motorcycle accidents, he underwent over a dozen surgeries and required a significant amount of titanium to aid his recovery. Recognizing the need for some spiritual rejuvenation, Ewan suggested embarking on another “Long Way” adventure. This incredible journey spanned 13,000 miles and took 108 days, and Charley found it to be immensely fulfilling.
“Ewan is a wonderful person to travel with, and we’ve been friends for such a long time,” he shares. “The opportunity to jump on bikes again and do what we love was such a great thing. Getting on the back of a motorcycle is something really special; when you ride, you often forget about everything else and just focus on the moment. Sharing this experience with Ewan was wonderful.”
During their travels through various countries like Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, Boorman and McGregor rode prototype electric Harley Davidson motorcycles that had not yet been released.
The decision to use electric bikes stemmed from their desire to explore technologies that lessen carbon footprints and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. They faced the challenge of needing to charge the Harley-Davidson LiveWire bikes every 150 miles at charging ports, which were not always conveniently located along their route.
On previous adventures, the emphasis was on locating petrol stations, while on this trip, the main concern was running out of charge. Charley reflected, “We had an additional element of adventure because the existing infrastructure isn’t quite there yet, adding an extra thrill to the journey.”
One benefit was that Harley-Davidson equipped the motorcycles to be charged from standard electrical outlets. Furthermore, Rivian, a company specializing in electric adventure vehicles, provided two all-electric test vehicles to transport the crew, supplies, and camera equipment, facilitating the installation of charging points along the route, typically at local hotels or stores. They left behind the charging stations for future travelers to benefit from.
The 108-day adventure concluded on December 18, as Boorman acknowledged their good fortune in finishing filming before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed, “We returned to a world that had changed immensely. We had to send the editors home with editing suites, which posed significant challenges. I’m incredibly pleased that we managed to release the series in the end.”
While many travelers are currently limited in their explorations, we can still experience Ewan and Charley’s adventures vicariously. Reflecting on their journey, Charley shared, “Every country offered extraordinary experiences, but I was particularly captivated by Costa Rica. The positive energy from the people was infectious, and I truly fell in love with the place.”
He spoke highly of Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly during a visit to a solar farm. “We plugged our bikes in there, letting them charge while we toured the facility, harnessing energy straight from the sun, which was incredibly impactful,” he noted.
Arriving at destinations on bikes offered them an intimate experience of the sights and scents, unfettered by vehicles’ barriers or the distractions of radios. Charley reminisced, “Riding through the open lands and prairies in Argentina was extraordinary. Stopping along the roadside to see llamas nearby was magical, and their calm presence, undisturbed by our quiet bikes, made it even more special. Encountering indigenous wildlife is always a remarkable moment.”
Exploring local cuisine is another thrilling aspect of travel, and this journey introduced them to some “incredible” dishes. Boorman advised food enthusiasts to savor the culinary delights of Mexico, Central America, and South America, particularly the legendary Argentinian barbecue and Peru’s exquisite food influenced by Japanese cuisine.
Interacting with locals was a significant highlight, as they noticed the electric bikes sparked considerable interest. People were eager to greet them and lend a hand, often unaware of their celebrity status. When asked if this was a slight to their pride, Charley humorously replied, “Not at all; my family keeps my ego in check.”
Since their journey tapped into a popular “backpackers’ route,” they encountered many travelers pursuing similar adventures but under various budgets and approaches, uniting through the universal experience of travel.
Charley concluded, “I have always been a fan of iBestTravel; I’ve collected a multitude of guidebooks from countries I’ve visited. There’s always someone browsing through those books, contemplating, “Where shall we go next?” It opens one’s mind to diverse languages and cultures, and you don’t necessarily need to travel far to appreciate them.”
The bond between Boorman and McGregor serves as one of the most appealing features of their grand adventures. Despite a 12-year gap since their last significant trip, they seamlessly picked up their camaraderie. Charley, while joking about Ewan’s riding skills, expressed, “Our shared love for travel, adventure, and motorcycles keeps us collaborating in creating television shows that unveil new places and experiences.”
Every traveler knows that spending months on the road with the same individuals can present challenges. However, Charley and Ewan have mastered the art of navigating these dynamics, stating, “While traveling together can lead to ups and downs, we maintain a balance; when one of us feels down, the other usually lifts their spirits.”
Even seemingly difficult moments can turn into cherished stories. Charley fondly recalled challenging times, including navigational misjudgments leading to late arrivals in freezing conditions. “Riding in Bolivia presented some of the toughest challenges we faced, with deep sand and uneven dirt tracks. Yet, those moments, while tough during the ride, became the stories we cherish fondly afterward,” he reflected.
“In those moments of difficulty, you simply look at Ewan and say, ‘This is tough,’ and he often retorts, ‘Yeah, and whose idea was this?’ Then we remember it was indeed our adventurous spirit that led us here!”
The first six episodes of Long Way Up are available now on Apple TV+, with new episodes released weekly every Friday.
