Morning Fog
Vermont Covered Bridge
1930's Ford Model "A"s
At the moment I am in New London, New Hampshire, on my way to listen to a talk given by Glen Heggstad, AKA "The Stiking Viking". http://www.strikingviking.net/ Glen will be at MAX BMW in North Hampton, New Hampshire on Saturday Sept. 20, 2008 to talk about his adventures and misadventures while riding solo around the world.
In late 2001, Glen started out on a solo motorcycle trip from his home in California with the intention of reaching the southern tip of South America. After reaching Panama, Glen had his bike flown from Panama to Bogota, Colombia. (there is no road between Panama and Colombia) Four days later, Glen started out on a ride from Bogota to the city of Medellin. Six hours into the trip, he says, guerrillas wearing ski masks and carrying AK-47 rifles blocked his path, seized his motorcycle and motioned for him to accompany them into the mountains.
Heggstad says he tried to resist, shouting at the rebels in his limited Spanish, but complied after one guerrilla pulled out a pistol and fired a warning round.
The rebels led the American and several other hostages snared at the roadblock into the mountains of western Antioquia state.
While being led down a steep path from the road, Heggstad remembers seeing cars' lights fading in the distance and wondering whether he would ever come out. "It was a terrible feeling," he says.
Heggstad says that during his captivity, he befriended some rebels -- mostly teenage boys and girls -- debated politics with them, taught them judo flips and Thai boxing moves, and even hugged some goodbye when he was finally turned over to the Red Cross on Saturday.
But he also described terrifying experiences. One surly rebel would periodically lead him into the woods and click the safety off his gun, Heggstad said, leading him to fear he was going to be killed.
Heggstad estimates he hiked at least 100 miles through steep and slippery terrain. Constant rain left him cold and soggy at night. He slept in the open or in crude huts.
Why Heggstad was freed is unclear. He says no ransom was paid. The rebels, who are seeking international support for peace talks with the government, may have released him as a political gesture to strengthen their case.
After Heggstad was freed, FBI agents flew to Medellin and returned him to Bogota, where he was issued a new U.S. passport.
The rebels led the American and several other hostages snared at the roadblock into the mountains of western Antioquia state.
While being led down a steep path from the road, Heggstad remembers seeing cars' lights fading in the distance and wondering whether he would ever come out. "It was a terrible feeling," he says.
Heggstad says that during his captivity, he befriended some rebels -- mostly teenage boys and girls -- debated politics with them, taught them judo flips and Thai boxing moves, and even hugged some goodbye when he was finally turned over to the Red Cross on Saturday.
But he also described terrifying experiences. One surly rebel would periodically lead him into the woods and click the safety off his gun, Heggstad said, leading him to fear he was going to be killed.
Heggstad estimates he hiked at least 100 miles through steep and slippery terrain. Constant rain left him cold and soggy at night. He slept in the open or in crude huts.
Why Heggstad was freed is unclear. He says no ransom was paid. The rebels, who are seeking international support for peace talks with the government, may have released him as a political gesture to strengthen their case.
After Heggstad was freed, FBI agents flew to Medellin and returned him to Bogota, where he was issued a new U.S. passport.
If I had to guess, Glen has quite a few stories to tell.
