Unfortunately at 24.4 miles on the A20 I was passed by a car that was in somewhat of a hurry and didnt really have room to get past, so I was sideswiped by his wing mirror and, as I believe they say in professional cycling circles, I promptly went down and, "left meat on the road". My shoulder was in agony, and my leg, and thank god I was wearing a helmet because that split when my head hit the road.
The car must have been going somewhere really important because he failed to stop, unfortunately no one got his number. If you see a black Merc, with a scraped side and damaged wing mirror then clobber him (or her).
After some time in Maidstone A&E I was discharged with a broken collar bone, my ride over. Right now the sense of dissapointment is worse than the pain, especially as so many have sponsored me to do this event and having really "bigged it up" I feel ashamed to have only made 24 miles.
I will be in touch with those who have given money, hopefully I can do the event again next year and pledge this years funds.
My bag was already on the ferry to Calais and will make it to Paris, so all is not quite lost; perhaps "Bag on Lorry 2 Paris" rather than Pedal 2 Paris?
Thanks to the various Royal British Legion Staff, Police, Ambulance men, doctors and nurses who helped me out.
James
