"Long Way Down" R1200GS Adventure at The Legend of the Motorcycle

Exclusive "Long Way Down" Exhibit at
The Legend of the Motorcycle: International Concours d'Elegance
Saturday, May 3, 2008, Half Moon Bay, California

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their BMW R1200GS motorcycles

In keeping with the spirit of adventure, the celebration of motorcycling and the acknowledgment of its legends, Legend of the Motorcycle is proud to announce a limited engagement photo exhibit of the epic motorcycle journey the Long Way Down, by friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, created exclusively for display at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance by renowned celebrity photographer Timothy White.

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episodes I, II & III, Moulin Rouge and The Island) and English actor Charley Boorman (Deliverance, The Emerald Forest and Excalibur), both die-hard motorcyclists, first undertook a 19,000-mile around-the-world ride known as the Long Way Round in 2004. Then, this past summer, they completed another grueling three month-long adventure, the Long Way Down, riding from the northernmost top of Scotland to southernmost bottom of South Africa. Traveling off the beaten path through dozens of countries, the daring partnership experienced the countless hardships and wonders of Africa, all documented by live and still footage.

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in Egypt on BMW R1200GS Adventures

Photos from this incredible journey, provided by Long Way Down producers David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, are being curated by celebrated New York City-based photographer and motorcyclist Timothy White (recipient of numerous awards including 2004 International Photographer of the Year) into a special exhibit exclusively for Legend of the Motorcycle. Of his collaboration in the project, White says "My interest in motorcycling combined with photography, traveling, and my fascination with the art of the exhibition has attracted me to this work. Charley and Ewan's trek has inspired many of us and these pictures will reach even more like-minded people. Motorcycling is such a sensory experience, and this photography has a visual impact that makes the viewer feel like we were along for the ride. You cannot look at these pictures without feeling like you were there...or want to go". The photo exhibit will be accompanied by video footage as well as Boorman's actual expedition motorcycle, a BMW R1200GS Adventure.

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman BMW R1200GS Adventures

All three men - McGregor, Boorman and White - have been past participants in Legend of the Motorcycle. McGregor presented the Steve McQueen Award along with Peter Fonda in 2006, Boorman presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Willie G. Davidson of Harley-Davidson in 2007, and White showcased a special exhibit of portraits from his book Indian Larry last year. BMW R1200GS Adventure Says Boorman, "Both Ewan and I really enjoyed our time at Legend of the Motorcycle and I think it's great they have organized this exhibition of our Long Way Down. We had an incredible adventure through these places and, as much as people think it's a potentially dangerous place, it (Africa) is a beautiful and safe continent and these pictures are a few examples of our time there." Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman Sponsored by BMW Motorrad USA, the Legend of the Motorcycle's Long Way Down Exhibit will be open to attendees of the Saturday, May 3rd event, which takes place at the ocean-side Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco). For tickets and more information on this world affair, go to www.LegendoftheMotorcycle.com. For comprehensive details on the Long Way Down, visit LongWayDown.com. For more information on Timothy White's extensive work, go to TimothyWhite.com.

This feature originally appeared in April 2008 - Updated: 04/26/08