The long way round

Did anyone watch the programme last night where Ewen McGregor and his bike partner were travelling across Kazasakstan the long way round to New York?. They spent a day and a half driving out of their way as there was was some holdup when they could not get across a river. Seems to me that a journey to Mongolia via Finland and the Noth Pole is another long way round! Frightening, Man. Did you see the roads they had to negotiate? I know they were on motor bikes and so did not have to use the full width of the ?road. What road?? I hope Steve's hard work on Bella was worth it, as there were obstacles in the road every few yards. It must have been heaven when they could drive on metalled roads. One thing though the people were great. I only hope that the boys can stand it. G&G