Oh Lord – Van, Damn!!

I was hoping this blog would be all about my successfully finishing this weekend’s London to Amsterdam bike ride in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

My training had gone superbly. I lined up at the start of the ride feeling strong, confident and determined to finish after a cycling injury last year had stopped me from taking part in this great event.

But now along with my two friends Simon and Jerry and joined by 250 other men and some women I was 110% ready and raring to go.

I felt great and flew out of the traps leaving the traffic in London and enjoying the Essex countryside. Then disaster struck. At a mini round in Brentwood, about 20 miles into the ride I was crashed into by a van.

Sent sprawling across the tarmac I was helped into a hairdressers called Spargo where a medic patched up a deep gash in my knee and delivered the devastating news that my ride was over and I needed to go to hospital. The driver said he didn’t see me and admitted liability. Quite how you don’t see someone who is 17 stone, built like a small car and wearing a bright yellow jersey is beyond me. 

To say I was gutted is an understatement. On a scale of 1 – 10 my disappointment was 12! I went to hospital was given six stitches and some strong painkillers and made my way to meet the others in Harwich.

I was our team’s organiser and that made me determined to be in Amsterdam to support Jerry and Simon get over the finish line and be there when they did.

They did it and we enjoyed a night out in Amsterdam and on the way home had an enjoyable train rides. We were kept company by some great people from Colchester, Ipswich and former international footballer and all round gent Matt Holland.

We also got a mention during an interview Matt gave to TalkSport radio today (Monday 15^th).

I don’t believe in quitting so I’ve already signed up for next year’s event. I am determined to finish this. For me it’s third time lucky and I’m more motivated than ever.

Thanks to all of those that sponsored me and the team. We appreciate it deeply and I just wish I had finished this ride.

Thanks for reading,

Nik