Saddlesore

20,000 miles on a BIG BMW (my dream bike) 120 days - ouch.

This book, "written" by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman and ghost written by Robert Uhlig, provides a greater degree of detail about the daily trials (or trails) of the three bikers. That's right - three bikers. Claudio von Planta, the cameraman, who got recruited the day before they left and was really the most reasonble and seasoned member of the trio gets very little mention in the book or the movie, but he is there. Some commentators noted that he may have slowed down Ewan and Charlie, but the book says that he has less accidents and problems than they do. Yes he wacks a rock in Khazakstan and cracks his pannier frame (which both the others do later in the journey - suggesting they may be overloaded... a bit) and is forced to ride a few thousand miles on a Russian street bike - which does admirably (at least considering it's $1000 price and it's limited reliability).

von Planta's experience globe trotting through war zones is rarely mentioned in the book, but his level head keeps the bikers somewhat focused as they are threatened, scared and otherwise harangued - not so much by the locals, but by "fixers", bureaucrats and other advisors.

In many ways the book story is a love story about motorcycles and freedom. Most of the motivation for the trip appears to have developed from a need to escape overwhelming fame (certainly more-so in Ewan's case... Charley who?). It takes well into the wilds of eastern Asia before this happens and even then brief annoyances occur. Ah, the joys of globalization. Their fame did allow them to undertake this long, arduous and at times very dangerous journey - almost at their whim so it can't be all bad. Ah, if only everyone had such opportunity, but alas life isn't fair.

The writing in the book hardly stands up to any sort of literary scrutiny, but is not necessarily bad. I have a feeling that the writer did extensive interviews with the actors, or at least got to watch all of the uncut tapes of the trip in order to get the feel for the way the two of them communicate. There is a distinct voice for both Charley and Ewan - the former a bit petulant and immature, and the latter more focused and at times egotistical (but not overly). There is also a very real sense that these two men missed their wives very much on this trip - which in a way is sweet.

The book is a nice read if you enjoy adventure travel, or motorcycles - or just want a view inside some moviestars lives. It's no Jupiter's Travels, but then again it's not as long (nor was the trip which took Ted Simon 4 years and covered considerably more distance).

The DVD is more worth the several hours that it takes to get through it - although there are many stories that are on the cutting room floor that get included in the book. Even Tara thought it was worth watching - and her standards are considerably higher than mine.

Thanks to Barb and Tab for a nice birthday gift! (they also gifted the aforementioned Jupiter's Travels too)

For more information, pictures and swag, visit the website.

And of course here's a funny clip of Ewan getting bitten by a dog.

UPDATE:
Charley competed in the Dakar rally this year - but failed to finish due to 2 broken hands (although he finished the whole ride the day he broke them) and has written a book and is producing another video about that too.... hint hint...

Also Ewan and Charley are planning on riding from Northern Scotland to Cape Town next year as a sort of sequel.