Ep 1. Preparation

Long Way Round is a motorcycle adventure documentary series that follows actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they embark on an epic journey from London to New York on their motorbikes. In the first episode of season 1, titled Preparation, Ewan and Charley begin their journey by meeting with their team and every necessary preparation for the long and grueling trip ahead.

The episode opens with Ewan and Charley discussing the idea of a long motorcycle trip that would take them across the world from London to New York. It's an ambitious plan, and Ewan has some reservations about whether it's even possible. They quickly realize that it's going to be a complicated process that requires a significant amount of preparation.

The initial part of the episode is all about preparation. Ewan and Charley have a meeting with their team, which comprises of Russ, Dave, and Claudio. Russ is an experienced rider and mechanic, who is responsible for keeping the motorcycles in good working order during the trip. Dave is the cameraman and will be documenting the entire journey for their documentary. Claudio is the logistics coordinator, who is responsible for plotting the route and arranging visas for the various countries they will be passing through.

After the meeting, Ewan and Charley get to work preparing themselves and their bikes for the trip. They receive some expert advice from world-renowned motorcyclist and friend, Simon Pavey. Simon helps them pick out the right bikes, ensuring that they are suitable for the ride ahead. Ewan and Charley also undergo extensive physical conditioning in preparation for the long stretches of riding that awaits them.

The episode takes a deeper look at the challenges that Ewan and Charley and their team might face on the road. They will be passing through countries with challenging terrain, weather conditions, and cultural differences. They have to be prepared for anything that comes their way, from dangerous roads to mechanical issues. Ewan and Charley will have to stay sharp and alert throughout the journey.

The team then tests out the bikes and equipment to ensure everything is in good working order. They also do a mock run, where they ride around the city of London to get a feel for the bikes and their capabilities. This experience gives them confidence and allows them to recognize what they need to tweak and improve before setting off on the actual journey.

The episode ends with Ewan and Charley sharing their excitement and nervousness about the journey ahead. They both feel a sense of pride that they are undertaking this adventure together, and they are ready for whatever challenges the road holds. They've put in the necessary preparation and are confident that they can successfully complete this expedition, no matter what the road throws their way.

Overall, the first episode of Long Way Round is an engaging and exciting introduction to the epic journey that Ewan and Charley will undertake. It does an excellent job of showcasing the hard work and preparation that is required to embark on such a challenging adventure. The opening episode sets the foundation for the rest of the series and captures the excitement and anticipation that Ewan and Charley feel as they prepare for their adventure of a lifetime.