A BROKEN rib did not stop a Warwick cycling enthusiast completing the last 150 miles of a charity fund-raiser.
Simon Storey, along with five friends, cycled the entire length of wales in one day in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
The 185 mile journey from the north western town of Caernarvon started off well until a long descent and a series of sharp bends caused Simon to skid from the road at around 30mph.
The dad-of-four got straight up after landing in a ditch – more concerned with his bike than the pain in his ribs.
He told the Observer: “When the crash happened it was like slow motion. I saw and heard everything but when I finally came to a halt, I got up on feet almost in one motion. I knew the bike was damaged in someway or other, I just had to assess how badly.
“My mates were more concerned with if I was hurt, they saw it after all – it must have looked quite spectacular really!
“Once we realised it was just the wheels that were damaged and that one of the lads had brought spare wheels in the mini bus, I was more relieved.”
The cyclist took painkillers as he waited for the wheels, before continuing his journey which included over 16,000ft of climbing and nearly 14 hours in the saddle. He added: “I still had over 150 miles to go but I was determined to carry on, to finish it, to earn that sponsor money. It was only when we stopped for water and food that I started to stiffen up, so I just kept moving.”
Simon and his friends completed the fund-raiser, bagging some £6,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. The charity was chosen since one of their number had been affected by the illness.
It was only in the following days Simon realised there was something wrong and sought medical advice. To his surprise, the rider discovered he had cycled most of the race with fractured ribs.
He added: “If you said to me ride 150 miles with fractured ribs I’d laugh at you. But at the time I was determined to finish and the euphoria of riding with my mates on such an epic ride saw me through.”
The friends are hoping to reach a further target of £7,000 for the charity.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walesin1day to donate.
