After 3100 miles Wayne Davey is knocked of his bike with 27 miles to go!

A Penzance man and former Pirates hooker who was taking part in one of the world's toughest cycling challenges narrowly missed out on finishing after being hit by a bus.

Wayne Davey, 34, a paramedic, who works with 771 squadron at RNAS Culdrose, was part of a four man team attempting a mammoth 3100 mile ride across the USA for charity when he was hit by a school bus just 65 miles from the finish line at Times Square, New York on Wednesday.

After his brush with a bus, Wayne Davey was posted on Twitter, barely able to grasp a pint of Guiness!

Wayne broke his arm and shoulder blade in the crash but said it was "insignificant" compared to what could have happened.

Mr Davey said: "It's pretty close to the finish, but we've had a chat about it and I was pretty close to going under the back wheels of the bus, so the injuries that I've sustained are pretty insignificant to what could have happened." Justin Morgan, a Royal Marine at RNAS Culdrose who was also part of the group, which set off on 24 September, witnessed the incident. He said: "We were overtaken by a school bus which made an immediate right turn and basically rode straight over Wayne."

Shortly after the crash outside of New York, Justin Tweeted: "The trip is over for me and Wayne! Wayne is currently in hospital after being hit by a bus! Broken shoulder but ok." Following the accident comments have been flooding in from well-wishers concerned about Wayne. Kim Hopkins, who lives on Bryher tweeted: "?@Bryher_Kim @3100miles so sad for wayne, hope he isnt hurt too badly! hope the rest of you make it there safe and sound! not far now!"

Since then the team have posted a picture on Twitter captioned: "Wayne with his clipped wing and pain relief!!" Showing the cyclist's arm in a sling but holding a pint of Guinness.

Wayne is no stranger to tough challenges. In 2008 he was part of a team that attempted to break a 3,200-mile, 55-day rowing record from New York to the Isles of Scilly. The Scilly Boys capsized in stormy weather 650 miles off the US coast and had to wait eight hours before being rescued by an oil tanker The remaining members of the cycling team, Ben Carthey and John Williams have now completed the 3,100-mile (5,000km) route, which started in San Diego. 

They were aiming to complete the gruelling challenge in to raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance and two other Cornish charities – Children's Hospice South West and The Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.
Follow the team's progress on Twitter @3100miles or visit the website at www.3100miles.co.uk.

Story courtesy of the Cornishman and ThisisCornwall.