In the morning, I had a long talk with Ralph about travel through South America in the 4WD. Although cycling comes first and foremost for me, different ways of travelling and the logistics of it all interest me. For example, I can see many advantages to travelling with a 4WD and I wanted to compare it to travel by bicycle.

In terms of flexibility whilst actually moving, then the 4WD probably wins out. They were able to go to more remote areas of countries than myself on the bicycle, and tours to sites which would for me be down a ´one way dead end road´ were easy for them.

For wild camping, a vehicle and bicycle are probably on the same level. Whilst its easier for me on the bicycle to find somewhere unobtrusive and hide away from view of the road, the 4WD is a mobile home, and wherever they park, is where they can sleep.

For traditional accomodation, the bicycle probably just about comes out on top. I can wheel my bicycle into any hotel room, where as with a vehicle, they would need to find somewhere secure to park it.

Running costs - The bicycle is cheaper to run, all I need is food!

Repair costs - Now this is an interesting one. Depending on what goes wrong with either the bicycle or 4WD, and whether it can be fixed by the rider-driver. Overall, I think the repair costs by comparing our two trips were probably even.

Initial costs - Well, the bike was cheaper!

Getting the bicycle or vehicle overseas - For my bicycle as additional luggage cost me a total of 100 pounds. To get their 4WD from Germany to South America in a shared container cost somewhere in the region of 700 pounds.

Crossing borders - Riding a bicycle, I seem to fall into the gaps when crossing a border Neither a foot passenger or car owner, i am waved through most times easily. With a vehicle, although there is now no longer a carnet to pay at each border, there is more paperwork, and much longer is spent there.

Additional insurances - I don´t need any for the bicycle. In every country, insurance (3rd party) needs to be arranged for a vehicle. Not costly, I might add, but another thing to think about.

Day to Day costs - The 4WD wins out here. By being able to buy food or drinks in bulk and keeping it in the 4WD, they avoid paying slightly higher prices in the out of the way places... It all adds up!

Ralph and Corrinas website is at http://www.tortugadelmundo.blogspot.com . It is in German, but if English speakers would like further information about travel by 4WD or their trip, I am sure they would be able to answer any emails in English as well!

I found it interesting comparing travelling by bicycle and 4WD. Of course, I have travelled around Australia by car for 10 months, and so know what it is like to travel using my own vehicle, but I was still surprised as to how relatively cheap it is to travel by 4WD. Once the initial vehicle costs, and import have been discounted, then really, its probably only an extra 20 pounds a week for fuel that is the overall difference. Its something to think about for the future for me. I still plan to make my next trip a cycling one, but the one after that... who knows!

Talking of bicycles - In the afternoon, i finished cleaning and oiling the bike, and worked out a route for the next 5 days to the next main stopping point.