BY MARC POTTER

Global adventurer and TV star Charley Boorman launched his new book, Long Way Back, at a star-studded event at The Bike Shed in London last night. And insidebikes were in attendance.

The event was attended by friends, family and a few stars including Richard Hammond, who also suffered a near fatal accident after he crashed a jet car at 200mph, and wrote a book about it. TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle, and former F1 World Champion Damon Hill were also in attendance.

Charley’s new book, Long Way Back, tells the story of his comeback from a serious motorcycle crash.

In February 2016, at the press launch of the Triumph Tiger Explorer in Portugal, Charley suffered an accident after a car crossed in front of him. The crash caused him to shatter his left leg, breaking his hand and ankle. Despite reports at the time playing it down, there was a chance that Charley could have lost his leg, and he has been through a year of painful surgery to make his comeback. At times, he was unsure if he would ever walk again, let alone get back to what he loves most – riding motorcycles.

The book, Long Way Down, on sale now, tells Charley’s story of his return to health and the story of Charley’s life from child actor star, to being broke and a painter and decorator using his Ducati 748 with paint brushes strapped on the back before his eventual big break with Ewan McGregor and Long Way Round shot him to global stardom.

Speaking at the launch, Charley said: “We’ve been through an incredibly hard time, and want to thank everyone for their support, especially my wife Olivia, it has been a long road to recovery and it’s so lovely that so many people have made an effort to come along tonight and support us.”

Charley is now back on a motorcycle and continues his work with Triumph as an ambassador with some big trips planned this year as he eases his way into riding big distances again.