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knew that I was pushing too hard and too soon. I slowed down and began to walk a little
every 30minutes orso. Ihad an added pressure in that Iwas expected at my sister-in-law's
family's home in Liskeard. So as the night grew darker, I kept telephoning them to give
them my location. I eventually arrived at their home around 10pm. What a joy it was to
find warm people, a hot meal, a hot shower and a warm bed waiting for me. It truly raised
my spirits.
In the morning, I woke up to the smell of a hearty English breakfast. They even
prepared me a lunch for the road. After the meal, we went to meet a local reporter and
photographer to take photographs with the mayor of Liskeard (who incidentally was my
sister-in-law's father.) As the final farewell took place, the photographer wanted an action
shot. So, I began to cycle out of the parking lot onto the road. I didn't notice the oncoming
traffic for the photographer was in the way. I entered the road and was almost sideswiped
byavan.AllIrememberwashearinggaspsofshockfromthoseIleftbehind.Ididn'tthink
I impressed anyone.
Days went by as I formed a routine. I woke up early and ate my food supplies for
breakfast. I then visited NAAFI outlets to receive an official stamp to prove I was physic-
ally there. I also religiously telephoned the two radio stations in Cornwall (Pirate FM on
Fridays and BBC Radio on Saturdays) to give live updates.
When I called Pirate FM for the first time, the announcer asked how everything
was. I told him about meeting the mayors of Helston, Liskeard and Plymouth. I also men-
tionedthatasIcycledoutofPlymouth,acarhitme.AsIwassayingthis,Iwasactuallyal-
most laughing. The Radio DJ wasn't sure how to respond and quipped that it mustn't have
been too serious. Well, I didn't say this but the reason I was laughing was because I was
recalling on how I reacted to the driver. In fact, I don't think I have ever sworn like that
before in my life. I did regret all the swearing afterward because his young son was in the
front seat.
The accident occurred as I was leaving Plymouth. The traffic was backed up but I
stillmanagedto cyclealongthecurbsideoftheroad.Aheadofme,atruckdriversignalled
an on-coming driver that it was safe to make a right-hand turn. However, the truck driver
failed to see me cycling up along the curb. Just as I passed the truck, I saw the car and in-
stinctively cycled head-on into the car (I didn't want to get hit at an angle for it could have
warped the front wheel.) Ifell to the pavement as did the front panniers. At this point Iwas
calm. I just picked up my bike and walked it over to the curb.
However, just as I returned to retrieve the remaining pannier from the road, the
driver ran over it and dragged it under his car for at least 10 metres onto the side street. I
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