Four days to go until the greatest cycle adventure in the UK and I am lying face down in the road on London's Embankment. Just another statistic on Boris' cycling superhighways. I am second in a line of cyclist to hit a car that has just pulled across the traffic and cycle lane towards a petrol station. 40kph to zero in about 10metres.... The guy in front has less time and his bike is now in three pieces spinning down the road.

Don't move! The army medic who is on the scene tells me..... think I am ok..... arms move...... what about the other guy?

Ease gently up and legs are a bit stiff, blood is dripping down my face - but could be worse - just a few bumps and bruises. phew... luckily wasn't riding the Lejog bike.

By coincidence, a good friend pulls up and takes charge with sorting out details, getting e-mails, photos, phone numbers etc. A lady who jogs by from "across the road" starts patching me up with her first aid kit before the police and ambulance arrive.

The guy ahead of me seems remarkably fine after making a bigger dent than me and breaking the windscreen before hitting a road sign. Just a few stitches and a night in hospital (plus a new bike and he should be ok).

Lessons leaned - 0 (cycling in London is dangerous, after 7years I think I already knew that )

Beers Consumed - 0 (probably a bad idea)

New Bikes Required - 0 for me

Excited about Lejog - 2 - Just finished final route details and really excited......

Thanks to CJ for stopping and Mark for getting me back home safely and to Jens Voigt for the inspiration to carry on regardless.