Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's Epic Electric Motorcycle Odyssey: Inside 'Long Way Up'
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman fans are in for a treat: the duo has launched another thrilling motorcycle expedition. In partnership with Apple TV+, we spoke with Boorman about their latest series, Long Way Up, documenting their 13,000-mile journey across 13 countries and two continents—from Argentina's southern tip through Central America to Los Angeles—aboard prototype electric motorcycles.
Their friendship sparked on the 1997 set of The Serpent's Kiss, bonded by a mutual passion for motorbikes. This evolved into landmark TV series like Long Way Round (2004) and Long Way Down (2007), both directed by David Alexanian and Russ Malkin.
After Boorman's severe 2016 motorcycle accident, requiring over a dozen surgeries and titanium implants, McGregor proposed a new 'Long Way' adventure for recovery. Spanning 108 days, it proved transformative for Boorman.
"Ewan is a fantastic travel companion; we've been friends for decades," Boorman shares with Lonely Planet. "Riding motorcycles again, immersing in the moment, was pure joy. Sharing it with Ewan made it unforgettable."
From Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico to Los Angeles, they piloted pre-market Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bikes.
Motivated by sustainability, they championed electric travel to cut carbon emissions and fossil fuel reliance. Charging every 150 miles (241km) posed challenges, as infrastructure was sparse—unlike past petrol worries.
"The incomplete charging network added thrilling uncertainty," notes Boorman, the English TV presenter and actor.
Harley-Davidson adapted bikes for standard outlets, while Rivian provided electric support vehicles for crew and gear, installing temporary chargers at hotels and stores—left for future travelers.
The odyssey concluded December 18, just before COVID-19 hit. "We sent editors home with suites; it was tough, but we're thrilled the series is out," Boorman reflects.
Perfect escapism amid lockdowns: relive their highlights. Costa Rica stole Boorman's heart with its welcoming vibe, renewable energy focus, and solar farm visit—charging bikes directly from the sun.
Motorcycles offered unfiltered immersion: Argentina's prairies with silent llamas grazing nearby felt magical.
Local cuisine dazzled—Argentina's barbecues, Peru's Japanese fusion. Boorman urges food lovers to explore these regions.
Electric bikes drew curious locals, fostering genuine connections—often oblivious to their fame. "My family keeps ego in check," Boorman laughs.
Along backpacker trails, they met diverse adventurers sharing the joy.
"I'm a Lonely Planet fan; its guides spark wanderlust across cultures—no need for remote spots," he says.
Their bond endures: after 12 years, they seamlessly reunited, united by adventure, bikes, and discovery. Challenges like grumpiness balance out—when one dips, the other lifts.
Long Way Up Trailer
Road hurdles yield epic tales: Bolivia's sandy, corrugated tracks were grueling then, cherished now. "Tough? Whose idea? Ours!" they'd laugh.
