ride through colombia

[strikingviking]

I arrived in Bogata Nov. 3, 2001 and have my bike and ready to ride around, heard all the warnings etc. Does anybody have any current reliable info on riding to Cali then onto Ecuador?
Thanks,
Glen
check out my travel site www.strikingviking.net

[Susan Johnson]

For those who may not have heard Glen's story, and anyone who may be contemplating a similar route:

"November 6, 2001,

While enroute from Bogotá to Medellin, Colombia on a desolate stretch of the Autopista, I was stopped at a military style roadblock by a group of heavily armed young men in black uniforms bearing Chinese assault rifles. (AK-47) I was ordered off my bike with shouts and gestures with their weapons.

For a brief moment, I considered making a run for it but several gun barrels jabbed in my body and seeing others with radios changed my mind. There were more ahead and behind, the moment I had been dreading had arrived..."

Glen was kidnapped by the guerrillas and held for 5 weeks.

For more of Glen's story, and links to the newspaper articles about his ordeal, see the Jan, 2001 Newsletter. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/new...02-01-01.shtml

Thankfully, Glen was released.

"22 December, Just wanted to say happy holidays and thanks again for your help. Am safely out of Colombia, although I did not want to leave. Now that I'm out, feel free to include my journal entry about the hostage ordeal if you wish. I hate to speak negatively about traveling anywhere, but it is something bikers thinking about Colombia should consider."

In our opinion, due to the current political situation and risk, Colombia should be avoided if at all possible. If you must go, contact our Colombia communities in Cali and Medellin to get the latest information and let them know you're coming - and take great care! NEVER ride at night, and only ride the roads recommended to you. And remember the situation and dangerous areas change frequently, and quickly.


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Good luck and safe travels!

Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com


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