The final few days across Florida had been hectic. Unrelenting rain on the final hundred mile push to the coast. But a little kindly respite once I’d reached the finish. Intersection of the 206 and the A1A. Not a photogenic spot I’d admit, but I’d not really cared for that. Just glad to be able to head off a short way to find Ron and Nancy, with whom I’d be spending a couple of nights. Hot shower beckoned.

I’d deliberately pushed hard towards the end. Eager to have a whole day off the road to sort out my trusty steed and all the kit, preparing it for the rigours of the baggage handlers. And a chance to have a sociable evening with Ron and Nancy. Mark the end of my fourth continent.

Next morning I’d started in earnest. Rental car. Free upgrade to something more practical. Thrift shop for a couple of cheap suitcases. Nancy had already found me a cardboard bike box from a local shop. It’d be tight, but I was sure I’d be able to fit my loyal companion in. She’d be in pieces of course. Lots of them.

Five hours sleep. Then the three hundred mile sprint south to Miami International. They’d said six hours. Made it in five. Including lunch. Two and a half litres and an Interstate had been fun. I’d half expected dramas dragging everything to Check-in, but in the end a few helpful souls from the rental car company had lent a hand. Soon where I’d wanted to be. Drinking coffee close to the departure gate. Three hours to kill.

A plan coming together… Return to my delightful Somerset village of Fitzhead. Riding back in at 2pm sharp Saturday 11 February 2012. A staggering 892 days and close on 20,000 miles since leaving. Makes me weep just thinking about it. Suppose that’s leather saddles for you. Things I’ll do for a generous slice of cake and a glass of bubbly. But staying off the kumus - fermented mare’s milk.

Very much looking forward to catching up with friends, I’d be absolutely delighted if you were to join me at the finish. Rumours even I might have a tear or two in my eye. No bear spray of course. And if you’re unable to make it, you should at least be able to listen online to yours truly chatting earlier in the day about the whole adventure with BBC Somerset’s Emma Britton. About 10.15 am – click here for a link to the BBC iPlayer.

Getting there….

The village lies roughly ten miles west of the county town of Taunton. If you’re coming from afar, it’s usually best approached from nearby Wellington, leaving the M5 at Junction 26, close to Taunton Deane Services. Use the Taunton exit only if you like to be ensnared in traffic…

Fitzhead is divided into roughly three parts, each with its own focal point – the old church, the manor house, and errr… the other bit.. The official finish is outside the (sadly now closed) Fitzhead Inn (on right hand side in photo above) - pop my TA4 3JP postcode into Google Earth and you’ll land on it.

[With especial thanks to Sue and Roger, Anton, Jon and Helen, Peter, Tony and Sarah and the Fitzhead Community Group, and Emma Britton at BBC Somerset]

Ken resorts to a final strong coffee to make sure he doesn’t miss his flight out of Miami and a return to the UK…

Ken heads south down the I-95 interstate to Miami.. Not all plain sailing, even with 2.5 litres under the bonnet..

Ken finally gets to glimpse Crescent Beach, on Florida’s Atlantic coast, in daylight… before plunging south in his rental car to Miami, and a flight back to the UK…