Reviews
The first lesson 11 novice motorcycle adventurers learned when they assembled at Prudoe Bay in the Arctic Circle for The Ride of a lifetime, was that an Alaskan brown bear can do 0-60 mph in four seconds. That’s a bit quicker than a fully laden R1200 GS. The riders just had to make sure they had a head start.
Mentored by motorcycle royalty Kevin and Julia Sanders, the motley collection of Brits was about to embark on an adventure that would cover 29,000 kilometres over all kinds of terrain; take them through 12 countries and across two continents. The Ride would finish five months later in Patagonia at Tierra del Fuego (off the southern tip of Argentina). Backup was minimal – one van with sundry tools and spares. In addition, there was a professional cameraman who would document their riding (good and bad); invade their privacy; and film from the back of their bikes just when they didn’t want him to.
The six-part DVD entitled ‘The Ride – Alaska to Patagonia’ is a chronicle of agony, joy, despair, laughter, camaraderie, and wonder. It will become a motorcycle classic just like Long Way Round but will not suffer by comparison. In fact, in many ways The Ride is better. It has more variation and more understanding of the many countries, people and culture it touched. The dramas are more intense because the viewer knows that there can be no ‘celebrity rescue’. If the riders encountered a problem they simply had to solve it themselves.
And they did encounter problems: such as having to cross the world’s most scary railway bridge riding on nothing wider than a plank of wood; getting caught in a mountain landslide; coping with Guatemala gun culture; suffering the individual agonies of a broken leg, fractured wrist, cracked ribs and debilitating illness; the horrible misery of a written-off bike; and the laying bare of every facet of the human psyche. Despite all that, only one rider failed to make it (a double broken leg) and team spirit remained astonishing intact.
To give some idea of how addictive The Ride DVD is, I watched all six half-hour episodes in one sitting. Yes, I know, I should get out more – but in a way I did. I rode every mile with those 11 determined riders and then shared their elation at Tierra del Fuego. What an achievement. I envied them big time.
Of course, you can watch The Ride free if you have satellite TV and are able to receive the National Geographic channel (Sky 526). Superbly filmed, edited and produced by Cambridge Film & Television Productions, The Ride will be transmitted sometime in September (watch the bike press or TV schedules for dates). However, if you can’t wait, or want to own your own copy, just logon to www.globebusters.com and pay £17.99 by plastic. If you don’t like internet shopping, call GlobeBusters enquiry line 08452 304 015 and purchase a copy that way.
Rating: 5/5
Vic Barnes
Vic is a well respected freelance motorcycle journalist who over his many years has had numerous articles and photographs published throughout the national bike press.
