Hi James,
Im awfully sorry to hear about this incident. While I was in Antigua I was warned by locals not to ride this road but to take the tour by bus-boat as armed robbers were using a stakeout and radios -ahead of the robbery point- which allows them the advantage of immediate surprise and choosing their victims.

Torria

I just rode my bicycle 828 miles all around Guatemala (except El Peten)over the past 2-1/2 weeks. Much of it in semi-remote areas such as Momostenango, Chicaman, across the desert to Chiquimula, past the Quetzal biospere, etc, and elevations of up to 9400 feet. No problems whatsoever, everyone was totally friendly and helpful. I did have two policemen on a Honda Pacific Coast escort me along a section of CA2 (Pacific Coast Road) which they told me was dangerous due to bandits and maras. It just looked like pretty countryside to me.

I broke my leg on that stretch of road. The local people were fantastic and getting me mobile (ish) again.

Very glad no-one came at me with a machete in my hour of need.

BTW muggings like this are not at all uncommon in Guatemala. Many backpacker type tourists are told *never* to leave the well trodden path, and if they do, will rarely go without a guide.