Long Way Round: Epic ADV Adventure from London to Siberia, Alaska & New York

Long Way Round is one of the most influential motorcycle travel documentaries ever made. In 2004, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set out from London to reach New York by motorcycle—the long way around.

Their journey crossed Europe, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Siberia before continuing through Alaska, Canada and the United States. The adventure covered roughly 20,000 miles and lasted around four months.

What makes Long Way Round special is that it is more than a motorcycle travel show. It combines ADV motorcycle travel, friendship, remote roads, local cultures and unexpected challenges, helping introduce a new generation of riders to the possibilities of adventure touring.

Long Way Round

🌍 The Long Way Round Route

London to New York Across Continents

The original route started in London and traveled east through Europe before entering Central Asia and Russia. Major sections included London, Central Europe, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the United States, eventually ending in New York.

The route was not completely continuous. The riders used trains to bypass some of the most difficult Siberian terrain and flew from Magadan to Anchorage before continuing their journey in North America.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the series: long-distance motorcycle travel requires flexibility. A good route is not necessarily one that can be followed exactly as planned. Weather, road conditions, mechanical problems and border restrictions can all force riders to change their plans.

🏍️ The ADV Motorcycle Culture Behind Long Way Round

Why Adventure Motorcycles Are Built for Exploration

McGregor and Boorman rode BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycles, supported by extensive preparation and off-road training before departure.

BMW R1150 GS

The trip helped demonstrate what makes an ADV motorcycle different from a conventional touring bike. Adventure motorcycles combine long-distance comfort with the ability to handle gravel, dirt roads and rough terrain.

However, Long Way Round also shows that a large adventure motorcycle can become difficult to manage when fully loaded. For riders planning their own adventure motorcycle trip, choosing a motorcycle based on the actual terrain is more important than simply choosing the biggest engine.

🌍 Europe: Where the Adventure Begins

From Familiar Roads to Remote Landscapes

The European section of the journey gradually introduced the riders to longer distances and changing road conditions before they entered more remote regions.

This is a useful approach for modern motorcycle touring. If you're planning a long trip, use the easier sections to test your motorcycle, luggage, navigation system, riding position and daily mileage.

Europe

Europe also offers excellent opportunities for scenic motorcycle travel, with mountain roads, historic towns and well-developed infrastructure.

🐎 Kazakhstan and Mongolia: The Heart of ADV Travel

Open Roads and Remote Landscapes

Kazakhstan and Mongolia brought a completely different type of motorcycle adventure. The riders encountered huge open landscapes, dirt tracks, rivers and long distances between services.

Mongolia is particularly attractive to ADV riders because of its vast grasslands, mountains, remote settlements and limited paved roads. Instead of following a traditional tourist itinerary, riders can experience the landscape itself as the destination.

Mongolia

For remote motorcycle travel, fuel planning, navigation and self-sufficiency become increasingly important. Offline maps, basic repair tools, tire-repair equipment, extra water and emergency supplies can make a major difference when help is far away.

❄️ Siberia and the Road of Bones

When Motorcycle Travel Becomes a Real Challenge

The Siberian section is one of the most memorable parts of Long Way Round. The riders faced mud, difficult roads, river crossings and extremely remote terrain while heading toward Magadan.

The experience highlights an important principle of adventure riding: preparation reduces risk, but it cannot eliminate uncertainty.

Siberian

For modern riders considering remote routes, motorcycle maintenance skills, spare parts, navigation backups and emergency communication are particularly important. Riders should also understand that conditions can change quickly, especially in remote regions.

The original route should be treated as historical inspiration rather than a route to copy directly today.

🏔️ Alaska, Canada and the USA

From Wilderness Back to Open Highways

After reaching Magadan, the team traveled to Anchorage and continued through Alaska, Canada and the United States before reaching New York.

This final section provided a dramatic contrast to Siberia, with mountain landscapes, forests, wilderness and long paved highways.

Alaska Highway Road Trip

For riders planning a USA motorcycle road trip, the North American section offers plenty of inspiration. Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and scenic western highways can all provide incredible adventure touring experiences without requiring an expedition as extreme as the original Long Way Round.

🌄 The Scenery and Culture Along the Way

Why the Journey Feels Different on a Motorcycle

One of the biggest attractions of Long Way Round is the changing scenery. The journey moves from European villages and historic cities to Central Asian steppe, Mongolian grasslands, Siberian forests, Alaskan wilderness and North American mountain roads.

Motorcycle travel allows riders to experience these changes gradually rather than simply flying between destinations.

The people encountered along the way are equally important. Adventure riding creates opportunities to meet local communities and experience places beyond traditional tourist attractions. For modern riders, respecting local cultures, following local regulations and traveling responsibly should always be part of the journey.

🗺️ How to Plan Your Own Long Way Round Adventure

Use the Journey as Inspiration

You don't need to recreate the original 20,000-mile journey to experience the spirit of Long Way Round.

Start with a realistic route and divide it into manageable sections. Before crossing borders or entering remote areas, research current visa requirements, road conditions, insurance, fuel availability, weather and local regulations.

Avoid planning every day around maximum mileage. Two hundred miles of difficult dirt roads can be much harder than five hundred miles of highway.

Most importantly, leave some flexibility in your schedule. Adventure motorcycle travel is often about dealing with unexpected situations rather than following a perfect itinerary.

🎧 Essential Gear for ADV Motorcycle Travel

Stay Connected and Prepared

Modern adventure riders can benefit from practical communication and navigation equipment. A reliable Helmet Communication, Bluetooth Intercom, or Motorcycle Intercom can help riders communicate with travel partners and receive navigation instructions during long rides. Combine communication equipment with a certified helmet, protective riding gear, navigation tools, tire-repair equipment, emergency supplies and suitable luggage.

🧭 Lessons Every Adventure Rider Can Learn

The Journey Matters More Than the Distance

The biggest lesson from Long Way Round is not that every rider needs to cross Siberia. It's that adventure begins when you leave your normal routine and explore somewhere unfamiliar.

A weekend ride across your state can provide the same basic experience: choose a destination, take the scenic route, accept unexpected changes and learn from the road.

At the same time, riders should know their limits. Long-distance riding, difficult terrain and extreme weather can quickly cause fatigue. Stop when you're tired and never continue simply because your itinerary says you should.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Long Way Round

What is Long Way Round about?

Long Way Round follows Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their 2004 motorcycle journey from London to New York through Europe, Central Asia, Russia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and the United States.

What motorcycles did they use?

They rode BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycles and completed dedicated off-road training before beginning the journey.

How long was the journey?

The trip lasted approximately four months and covered around 20,000 miles across multiple countries and continents.

Can you ride the exact Long Way Round route today?

Not necessarily. Roads, borders, regulations and regional conditions have changed since 2004. Anyone planning a similar international adventure should research current travel and safety information.

What can beginners learn from Long Way Round?

The biggest lessons are preparation, navigation, motorcycle maintenance, adaptability and knowing your limits. Beginners should start with shorter ADV motorcycle trips before attempting long-distance or remote adventures.

🏁 Why Long Way Round Still Inspires Riders

Long Way Round helped popularize ADV motorcycle travel and inspired countless riders to explore beyond familiar roads.

Its lasting appeal isn't simply the motorcycles or spectacular landscapes. It's the idea of experiencing the world at motorcycle speed—slow enough to notice the scenery, meet people and deal with the unexpected.

You don't need to ride from London to New York to capture that spirit. Start with a road you've never traveled, prepare your motorcycle, pack intelligently and leave room for adventure.

The best motorcycle journey isn't always the longest one. It's the one that gives you a story worth telling when you get home.

Rodney L

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.