Ep 1. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

Long Way Down is a series that follows Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they travel through Africa on their motorcycles. In the first episode, titled Gentlemen, Start Your Engines, the two friends begin their journey in Jon O'Groats, Scotland. The anticipation is high as they prepare to ride almost 20,000 miles through 18 countries on their BMW motorcycles.

As they start their engines, McGregor and Boorman are joined by their support team and camera crew. The two motorcyclists are immediately struck by the beauty of Scotland and the breathtaking scenery. However, they know that the journey ahead will be far from easy. They are embarking on a challenging trek through harsh terrain, hot temperatures, and extreme weather conditions.

The first leg of their trip takes the duo through the Scottish highlands, where they battle the elements and the treacherous road conditions. The rain is relentless, and the winds are strong, making it a difficult ride. As they reach Inverness, they stop to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings, adding a lighter tone to the episode.

From Inverness, they head to Glasgow, where they meet up with their friend Claudio the mechanic, who will accompany them on the journey. They also meet Ewen, a local motorcycle enthusiast, who is impressed by their journey and joins them on the next leg of their trip.

Their next stop is England, where they ride through the Lake District, one of the most beautiful parts of the country. As they make their way to Liverpool, they visit the Triumph factory and meet the company's employees.

After a brief stop in Liverpool, the Long Way Down team heads to London, where they face their first real challenge - getting their motorcycles onto a plane. The challenges don't stop there, as they face delays, language barriers, and cultural differences. As they land in Tunisia, the true adventure begins.

The first episode of Long Way Down sets the tone for the entire series. McGregor and Boorman are passionate about motorcycles and adventure, and their excitement is contagious. The friends are on a quest to discover Africa, and the journey is more than just a physical one. It's a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and culture.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines captures the anticipation and excitement of embarking on an epic adventure. It's a thrilling start to a series that showcases the beauty, challenges, and cultures of Africa. The first episode sets the stage for the incredible journey that McGregor and Boorman experience as they travel through the continent. This is a must-watch for all adventurers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and fans of the Long Way series.