Two Wheels Through Terror: Diary of a South American Motorcycle Odyssey

by Glen Heggstad

Glen Heggstad is an adventure motorcyclist who seeks out and rides the most

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Motorcycle, Motorcycling, Memoir, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2004

Reviews

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting book, though somehow the author's style didn't entirely hook me. Or maybe it's more accurate to say I have a lot of trouble understanding his motivations for subjecting himself to so much continuing misery. Kidnapping, illness, riding in freezing snow and rain, crashes, and it keeps going from there! Given the grueling details of his journey, this isn't the kind of story that makes you want to hop on your own motorcycle and hit the open road. Despite all this, it's a fascinating story, and one that sticks with you after you've read it. And it's given me second thoughts about my "dream" of motorcycling through Mexico, so my wife would probably rate it five stars for that alone.

[Dieter · Rating 1 out of 5]

The whole book is about a self-centered male who travels not because of curiosity but because of ego. It is "I" and "ME" and I have learned a while ago that so-called travel writers who include photos in their account that to 99% includes them in the centre of the photos - are pseudo travelers. The worst photo ever must be him beaming and wedged between two custom officials who's facial expressions tell me all I need to know.

[Samayyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

so far, this book kinda blows. the author is totally an old, racist white dude that tells his story through a privilleged and pretty arrogant persepctive; however, i'll probably continue reading it because it's interesting learning about all of the details that go into planning and managing an international two-wheel travel experience.

didn't even end up finishing it in its entirety..it was just more of the same. disappointing.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I only read the first half...

[David Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the author's story of his solo motorcycle ride from California to the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego and back in 2001-2002.

From the comfort of my couch, I gained an appreciation of parts of Heggstad's trip.

Actor Ewan McGregor made a similar, though less ambitious trip. He rode an electric motorcycle from Ushuaia to California. This was detailed in the documentary series "Long Way Up". McGregor had a riding partner as well as a support crew. McGregor's trip was less than half as ambitious as Heggstad's.

A few years after the events of this book, the Dakar Rally went to many of the almost roadless places he traversed. (The Paris to Dakar Rally, originally from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal was relocated to South America due to war and terrorism in North Africa. It has now moved on to Saudi Arabia.) The Dakar is one of the most grueling athletic endeavors known to man. The motorcycle riders in the Rally are given good route guides and are bivouacked nightly. If they break down or get lost, there is support. Heggstad wasn't racing like the Rally riders are, nevertheless it boggles my brain that he tried this on his own.

The centerpiece of the tale is his abduction, imprisonment, and torture at the hands of revolutionaries in Columbia. For most people, this ordeal would be the climax of the tale. They'd go home and recover from the abuse, but Heggstad was determined to finish what he started. So he continued.

[Siouxzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about a man from California riding his motorcycle to South America in 2002 and getting kidnapped by rebels who tortured and starved him. I read it because I am planning a motorcycle tour to Colombia in April and I will be traveling through the area he was kidnapped in. I sure hope it is safer there now!

[Liz Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! From small moments of appreciation to fearful moments of intensity, Glen goes through everything. On the sort of trip I dream of, Glen explores Latin America intimately. He gets to know the quietness of the country, and its loud, human side. He gluts himself on its beauty and its exquisite foods. He survives its dangers only to live on and tell his tales.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of an American motorcyclist traveling through central and South America, eating pizza and fries along the way, acting as though everyone he meets is going to rob or jump him, and complaining about the lack of internet. End of story.

[Jeanie Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a man who rides a motorcycle from southern California all the way to the tip of south America and back up. On the way, he has lots of adventures, including being captured and held by the ELN for five weeks. I was fascinated through the whole story. Highly recommend!

[Thor Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rode a motorcycle from California to Panama City after reading this book. Didn’t continue beyond Panama due to this book :)

[Harry Alleva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I am a fan of adventure travel stories. For that reason and the fact that I was born in South America I was attracted to this book. The author records his travels, in diary form, from California to the tip of South America and back. There is a plentiful supply of braggadocio sprinkled through out the story on the part of the author. Early on on his journey he is kidnapped by the ELN in Columbia. He is held captive for five weeks and his life is threatened regularly. During one of the interrogations by the guerrillas he is told that the helicopters that were hovering over them the night before were supplied by the US to the Colombian government to kill the poor. To which the author reportedly replies "It was provided to the Colombian government to assist in the fight to curtail the cocaine flow that was poisoning our cities in America". Really? You are in fear of your life and you make a speech about America's good intentions in Latin America to the guerrillas fighting the US supported government? That said, what I found most disappointing was the lack of detail in the author's story as to his interactions with the locals as he made his way on his trip. Other than a generous amount of bragging about how easily the authorities were fooled by the author there is little else. Case in point, the author arrives in Buenos Aires on March 05th 2002 and the next diary entry is March 12th where the author states that he has spent a week of R&R in Buenos Aires rejuvenating. There is no story as to how he spent that time, who he met, what he did etc. etc. He does state, in the entry of March 12th that he doesn't want to say goodbye to his new friend in Buenos Aires. That saying "adios" to her in person is too tough so he does it by telephone after convincing himself it's time to move on. It would have made the story interesting had he expanded on this. It became redundant the abundant amount of time spent describing the weather, how it rained every day, how his clothing was wet and a detailed description of the roads. This story left much unsaid and in some areas, too much was said.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have fond memories of riding on the back of my dad's Honda motorcycle growing up. We took a few road trips on it, where the only things to worry about were dogs dashing out into the road or wet pavement (or me scalding my leg on the hot engine). The author of this book, Glen Heggstad, attacks his mid-life crisis with an amazing journey through South America. It is a well-written, engaging book about the lure of the open road.

While on the journey, Glen is taken captive by the E.L.N. His perseverance is admirable and inspiring. His martial arts background gives him mental strength to deal with the physical devastation that he is put through. He is able to use the skill of detachment to separate physical pain from his mental capacity to strategize his escape.

During the course of his journey, he also takes note of the poverty that surrounds him. Here is one of his memorable observations: “If there is dignity in wealth, it lies in disguising it and utilizing it to help others. How there can be billionaires while masses starve is an issue that needs to be considered, now more than ever. Acknowledging the legitimate need for certain sectors of the human race to bolt to the top should also beg the question --how much is enough?”

This was a good read. I did struggle, as a parent, in the choices the author made. He chose to take routes, alone on his bike, that went through extremely dangerous areas--knowing that he had a daughter at home. He often seemed to make selfish choices. He also spent a fair amount of time describing the equipment on his bike and the failure of said equipment. I wish he had spent more time telling us about the amazing people he met along the way. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure.

[Nadir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Given the materials the author lost to thieves (notes he secretly took while held captive) and a laptop with 2,000 hi-res photos, one is dumbfounded at the book this *could* have been. Despite those tragedies, the author successfully transmits the draw of the open road, the authenticity of the road less traveled, and the real fear associated with confronting the unknown, both in nature and in man. More so than other long-distance travel authors Heggstad makes one yearn to know the peoples of the regions through which he passed. He also makes it quite clear what a challenge this sort of travel truly represents, even when equipped with the latest in gadgetry.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read causing all sorts of varying emotions. We live in a horrible and beautiful world with people to match and this book does a pretty good job of conveying that. The second half of the book seemed rushed and not so vibrant, but I guess that is completely expected, and partly the point, after the ordeal he went through. Helps me realize many things I am grateful for and, like others, often take for granted or can't fully appreciate because of lack of experience. It kindled the desire for more adventure and exposure to the world and less exposure to the media. I am glad I read this.

[Paulr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book insightful. Glen has such a great attitude towards traveling and life. I never found him pretentious or a " racist dude". It took me awhile to purchase this book because of the poor reviews. I should have bought, and read this book years ago. He is on a pod cast called "adventure rider" where he discusses his book and traveling in general. A positive attitude is the key to his success.

[Leeann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Glen's story allowed me to experience locations I would not be brave enough to visit. His relaxed and easy going manner helped him through some tricky situations. I admire his determination to carry on despite his harrowing experience and the worry of family and friends. Glen knows what he needs for his happiness and he makes it happen.

[Douglas Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glen keeps you on the edge of your seat as you travel with him especially when he is captured and tortured for weeks by Colombian guerillas. For a motorcycle and martial arts enthusiast, Glen's writing is very good. I highly recommend this book as it is a real life adventure that travels from one end of South America and back again (via two different routes), with many twists and turns.

[Nick Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad but a tiny bit repetitious. Unlike similar books (McGregor's "Long Way Down) which inspire you to go places this one almost frightens you away until you realize the author did it the hard way.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although motorcycling is not for me I really enjoyed this one. Captured by 'terrorists' in Columbia he goes on to complete his journey. He's a tough cookie both mentally & physically and is still lucky to be alive. A gripping narrative.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all travel books this one makes me want to get out there and get lost for a while. I will skip being takening prisoner in Colombia but still it was a great book and looking forward to reading more from glen and to get out there on my own as well.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible tale of survival and adventure.

[Sean Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good so far. As I motorcyclist myself,I relate to the adventure. That being said, the book contains an awful lot of the author's voice, which is great, but not totally agreeable at times.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapters on his actual captivity after being kidnapped were very good. Was a captive in Peru of a Leftist radical army of Campesinos.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Glenn is a gifted writer with poetic prose and charm. I think you have to share his personality and restless spirit to appreciate his written account of this journey.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet finished this book, but I did find is that the beginning of the book is very repetitive, but once I got to the part of his capture I literally could not put this book down.

[Wudnabob · Rating 3 out of 5]

started good..

[Cws]

918.04

[Rhonda]

Reading Challenge: A book recommended by a friend, 2 of 5