Howdy Webriders! Dr. VW here with your weekly Foreign Fridays! This week we’re going to talk about one of the things I’ve been trying to accomplish for a long time; and that a well known celebrity is getting to experience half a world away. Think of it as the ultimate road trip, the one you’ve always dreamed of. Hit the Jump to read about “The Long Way Down”.

The Long Way Down

Refers to a trip taken by actor Ewan McGregor (Obi Wan!) and friend Charley Boorman that was subsequently filmed and will be released for one night only in theaters across the US. The trip starts in Scotland and ends in South Africa, and like Che and his Motorcycle Diaries, the transport of choice is the fuel efficient two wheeling contraption we call the motorcycle. While not exactly a car, it still fits the bill of a “ride” and so is always welcome here at Webridestv! Anyway, their adventures take them to the Pyramids in Egypt, among other famous locations and exotic cities. The motorcycles of choice are BMW R1200 Adventures- I’m not making up the name folks. McGregor and Boorman had their bikes tricked out for long distance touring, and for both on road and offroad. These all terrain bikes were truly impressive workhorses throughout the trip. On the flipside the film crews rode in 3.0L Nissan Patrol Turbo Diesels. Now THAT is a truck! At any rate, its the kind of trip that every gear head dreams about: adventure and risk, ups and downs, and a truly Olympian accomplishment of over 15,000 miles under the belt. If only I had the greenbacks…

As I stated, an epic trip like that has always been a dream of mine, though I’d prefer to travel East-West, not North South. A circumnavigation of the globe by VW bus! Now I just need to figure out sails and rigging… Although you might be surprised to learn that McGregor and Boorman already beat me to the punch! This is their second “Long Way” trip, having previously gone from London to NY via Eurasia. Wonder if they’ll go diagonally the third time around!

Well Webriders, thats all for today, but if you’re interested in seeing the film, head on over to www.fathomevents.com for your tickets! Orrrr just wait for the DVD. Personally, I think it might be too “artsy’ for some, but if you liked the Jackass Gumball race and you’re a gear head (or Star Wars Fan) you might want to score some tickets! Be sure to come down and discuss in the forums if you do see it, or share YOUR dream of a transcontinental road trip! This is Dr. VW- out.