'Long Way Up' Episode 2: Untested e-Harleys and Rivians in focus as McGregor and Boorman begin journey
Traveling 13000 miles over 100 days on electric bikes from Patagonia in Argentina through South America and North America to Los Angeles in the United States is hard to imagine. Ewan McGregor and Charles Boorman find out how challenging their mission is as they embark on a journey on prototype Harley Davidsons and the Rivian trucks. The first obstacle is electricity. While parts of the city have no problems with charging the bikes and the trucks, the countryside is where the duo face issues.
The focus in 'Ushuaia' is primarily the charging of the bikes especially in areas where's there's just or not enough juice to get the bikes on the road. The episode sees them delay their start by three days as the Harleys' phase one charging crops up with an issue. The break helps them prepare better as the two stars start off on the fourth day and pass through Chile. The biting cold and rough terrain pose a challenge, but McGregor and Boorman navigate with skill and there are dollops of fun and breathtaking scenery.
The real trouble starts as the bikes and trucks run low on charge. The Rivians try their tow-and-charge to see how far they can go until one of the trucks gets enough power to tow the other with still a good eleven miles ahead of their next charging point. Quite simply, the crew and the hosts get a clear idea of how these vehicles perform in extreme conditions. For starters, freezing cold means the Harleys wouldn't so much as blink despite being plugged in.
McGregor and Boorman push their bikes inside the hotel and charge it as the machine warms up slowly. Just when they feel they could plan their next move, there's a power cut. 'Ushuaia' is a fun episode and is insightful at the same time. As motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to e-Harleys and planning long rides, the series gives a complete look at the potential issues that could plague optimal performances of these mean machines.
The takeaways are simple, no amount of planning can predict how nature operates and no modern tech can withstand its challenges at some point. It is fun to see the hosts worry, but somehow lighten up the situation with their wit and sense of humor. With practically no electricity, it's interesting to see how these vehicles fare and what's in store in the upcoming episode.
'Long Way Up' Episode 2 is currently streaming on Apple TV+
