A shipping agent was found and discarded at the last minute as they tried to double the price when I had reached the point of no return. But finally I had tracked down JJ Mari - shipper extraordinaire and also a bike rider himself - he made the shipping a straightforward and easy process (virtually unheard of in S America) and then before I knew it, having once more battled with the downtown Venezuelan traffic; I was strapping Thelma down on a pallet at the Lufthansa warehouse and saying goodbye to her.

A few days later and Thelma and I were reunited at Heathrow Airport where the customs guys rolled their eyes at my excitement at seeing Thelma there - on time and in one piece - a first with ALL the shipping I've done.

Of course as I left Heathrow I promptly drove on the wrong side of the road - whoops I thought as I noticed all the signs seemed to be backwards!
I didn't quite head straight home though as I popped in on the GS Club UK guys' annual Hog Roast (which was on my way). I was persuaded to go for a quick off-road ride with them and managed to break my wrist in the process.
So, the finale to all my travels this time was me having to go home with my arm in plaster and leaving Thelma in Hampshire (still 300 miles from home).

I have so many people I want to thank who have helped me out on this journey - I think I'll be listing them another time. Also thanks to all those who have been in touch through the HU site - it's amazing to realise that so many people are rading about my travels. Hopefully, I will get the book written...
It's great to be home with family and friends, but somehow I know that my feet (and Thelma's tyres) will be itching again before too long.