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Jan 15, 2021gloryb rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Charley and 2 other friends (not Ewan) join to ride the motorbike race to Dakar in West Africa. This 2 week race that Charley participated in 2006 began in Lisbon. The 2 disc set, each with 4 episodes, shows the preparations involved, the strenuous conditions of the dusty and rock track riders followed in North Africa, problems that the support vehicles had during the race, and, most importantly, the dangers of the race to riders. The episodes show the daily routine during the race where bikers got up before the crack of dawn and rode over 500 km on dusty, rocky paths often over sand dunes to past dusk until they reached the designated camp. 250 bikers started the race but only 90 finished. The second disc shows how riders on the race get hurt with bruises to arms, hands, legs as they tumble over bikes or have mechanical trouble with their bikes on the route. One participant has an accident that leads to his death. The bikers come from all countries, each keen to test their riding skills on this dangerous and demanding course. The riders and support people do not interact with locals and the scenery the bikers film while riding is the barren desert. Temperatures are up to 45 degrees but colder in the early mornings. Although enjoyable to watch, the race must have been grueling for the participants. Last episode shows the bikers crossing the finish line and their celebration with families reunited in Dakar. Waiting to view "Long Way Up" - Charley and Ewan's motorbike ride from the tip of South America to LA. completed in 2020..