Though he's never officially announced his retirement from acting, Boorman realized he could ride bikes for a living, a very good living, and he began to consider new trips and adventures.īut something else equally important happened. The trip took them from London, through Europe, into Kazahkstan, Mongolia, Siberia, then onto Canada and the US.

It didn't take much convincing for Boorman to join McGregor and the Long Way Round was born. Race to Dakar exemplifies what I love, and what ultimately attracts me, to the best travel literature - the stories of people awakening and changing from their contact with other cultures.Ĭharley Boorman - son of the famous director of Deliverance, best friend of Obi Wan Kenobi, and motorbike aficionado - was in the midst of a stuttering, mid-life acting career when Ewan McGregor talked him into taking a trip around the world on their motorbikes. It is an exhilarating and fitting sequel to Long Way Round. From Portugal through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, it also provides a unique look at the countries hosting the rally. His book details his extraordinary adventures and those of his fellow bikers, and also explores the history of this most dramatic and romantic of races. Supported by Australian champion biker Simon Pavey and experienced British biker Matt Hall, Charley attempted to do what many professional bikers have failed to do-to successfully compete in the Dakar rally. Racing in the Dakar had always been a dream of his, and so it was the obvious choice for a new adventure. After his celebrated trip round the world with Ewan McGregor, documented in Long Way Round, Charley was keen for another challenge. Taking part was a team of three bikers-Matt Hall, Simon Pavey, and actor and bike nut Charley Boorman. In January 2006, 230 people raced in trucks, cars, and motorbikes from Lisbon to Dakar in the 28th annual Dakar rally-the most challenging race in existence.

Charley boorman race to dakar