Just over 2 hours later, we arrived at Liskeard. As we came off the A38 by pass, we were flagged down by a policeman standing beside a Panda car.

"Sorry folks!" he said, "The town centre is closed off for the cycle race. We don't normally go to such extremes, but we have the international cycling star, Jenny Bond, and her son Drew, who is the schoolboy national champion, coming. As a result we are trying to impress her. Tell me where you are headed and I will tell you how best to get there."

"we are headed for the market place, and the start of the cycle race." mentioned mum."You see, I'm Jenny Bond and this is my son Drew."

"Oh! s-sorry m-ma'am" he stuttered,"If you will follow me and keep close behind, I'll escort you in."

The police car pulled away, and we pulled away behind it. Then the driver switched on his blue lights and two toned siren..... cool !!!

As our mini cavalcade approached the town centre, a few people stopped to stare at us. The numbers increased dramatically as we turned onto the main street, and our escort had to force a way into the market.

Dad, and uncle John, went off looking for historical sites. Aunt Carol and Jules went off to look at the shops, and Maddy stayed with mum and I.

As I was in jeans and a plain top, it was decided to introduce me as Drew instead of Gaby. I was relieved cos' I didn't think I could think quick enough to keep up with that kind of change for long, not the way I was feeling.

Maddy was put in a good spot, where she could see everything that was going on. and as it was a hot day, she had a can of chilled pop from an ice cream van nearby.Mum and I were taken to the main office to meet the officials.

Mum gave them an abbreviated version of the accident, and explained that she would ride instead of me. It was agreed that I would act as the starter instead. Mum was given a choice of start positions and chose to go last,(that would give her chance to do her warm-up routine). The secretary of the local club loaned her a bike, not as good as her own, but not bad. We made our way to the starting podium, and mum gave a short speech apologising for me not riding, but explaining that she would ride instead.

The course was a big triangle, leaving liskeard along the A390 to a village called St. Ive, then a right turn onto twisting 'B' roads, which were quite narrow in places.Then at Landrake, another right turn onto the A38, and back into Liskeard. The race finished on the same main sreet as it started for the 250 yards to and from the market.

It was 2 PM and the race was due to start at 2.30 PM, so we had time for a drink before we made our way to the start point. There were 45 entrants and they were to depart at 1 minute intervals. As the time approached for each cyclist, the last 10 seconds were sounded on a beep counter, and I would drop the flag on the last long tone. The estimated time for the 25 miles was approximately 1 hour( mum said she would just cruise round, to let everyone see the yellow jersey). The first cyclist came to the start and we were away.

Finally it came to mums turn and, as the flag went down, she rocketed away.( So much for just cruising). By this time, I was getting tired and went to sit down next to Maddy. I had a headache, so I closed my eyes for a few minutes, just to rest.

....................................................................................................................

I woke up in bed, noticing an antiseptic type of smell, faintly, in the air.

"Ah! You've decided to rejoin the human race then?"

"Dad? Where am I? I had a headache and dozed off in the market."

"That was 3 hours ago." Said Dad, "It's 7 o-clock now and, according to the doctor, you were in a light coma. He thinks you still have concussion, and wants you to go back to Exeter tonight!"

"NO, DAD, PLEASE!!! I just have to be at the wedding! I'll do whatever I'm told afterwards, but please let me go to the wedding first."

" Let me go talk to the doctor, and we'll see what we can do. No promises though."

Five minutes later, dad came back with mum, Jules and the doctor.

"Well, young man, you look a bit better, how do you feel?" Asked the doctor.

"A bit of a headache , but otherwise O.K." I mentioned. "I think I got overtired."

"Well, we'll give you some painkillers for the headache. You may go to the wedding on the following conditions:~

1) You rest between now and then.

2) You remain in a wheelchair when not in bed.

3) Any severe head pains or unconsciousness, and you are in an

ambulance straight to Exeter.

4) After the wedding, you return to Exeter for further tests.

Those are my conditions young man, do you accept them?"

"Yes doctor." I whispered

"You can return the wheelchair on Monday, Mr Bond. You have my number in case of problems?"

"Yes,thanks doctor. Hopefully he will be O.K. now." responded dad.

"Let's hope so, enjoy your wedding folks." With that the doctor left.

"Come on Drew" Said mum. "Let's go home."