Best guess at present was that I was out of the saddle accelerating downhill, when the gear jumped (possibly at the end of the micro-adjuster limit). As the pedal dropped from under me, I would have been pitched over the bars with hands behind me, so unable to prevent the inevitable! But still subject to confirmation by the Police whether any other vehicles involved.

Luckily it was on the A6 at Kibworth, and a passing ambulance stopped. I came to while they were dressing my wounds. After transfer to another ambulance, I was taken to LRI where I spent the night under observation – that means having a light shone in the eyes hourly – for which I was very grateful!

Despite an 8 cm gash down the left side of the forehead, I suffered no headache; “Where there’s no sense, there’s no pain”. X-rays did however reveal several hairline fractures of the pelvis, which is why I am using crutches to hobble around; I can confirm that a groin injury is painful! The bruise on the thigh is testimony to the strength of my femur.

I’m hoping to get going on the rollers when not too painful. But expect it will be May before I’m out on the bike again.

Thanks to those who have offered their comiserations.