RIDE’S month in bikes
After 12 years, Ewan and Charley are back
CHARLEY BOORMAN HAS confirmed that plans are underway for a third series in the ‘Long Way…’ franchise. More than a decade since the pair’s previous adventure, Long Way Up will see him reunite with Ewan Mcgregor, as well as producer Russ Malkin.
Boorman first teased the idea on social media in early August, posting a photo of the trio with the hashtag #longwayup. Later that day he confirmed: “If all goes well it’s going to happen.” Weeks later he posted a photo from Long Way Down, saying that he was “Really looking forward to our next adventure.”
Having circumnavigated the planet for 2004’s Long Way Round, then ridden from John o’groats to Cape Town for 2007’s Long Way Down, the route for Long Way Up is still being discussed. Their expected plan is to ride ‘up’ the American continent — from Argentina to Alaska — reversing the traditional Trans-americas start and finish points. But the biggest unanswered question is what machinery they’ll use. Having ridden BMW GSS for the first two shows, it would seem likely this partnership would continue for a third time — especially given the timely rumours of a new R1200GS for 2019. However, this could pose a conflict for Boorman, who currently has an ambassador role for Triumph. So might the pair switch to the British brand? Or could it be a chance for KTM to finally make amends, 15 years after they famously declined to supply bikes for Long Way Round?
RIDE contacted several manufacturers, but none would confirm involvement in the project. So we phoned Charley and asked him directly. “Err, sorry, there’s someone at the door…”