2pm Newbury

Couple I saw earlier meet me just outside Newbury - they are unsure of route.

We got to roundabout in one piece - A34/A4 junction is hazardous - cars aiming at you from all angles.

Am still following John.

Get to traffic lights and disaster strikes. I am over half way and my bike chain has come off. John comes back for me and puts the chain back on, but I am now condemned to riding in a single gear. Call for bike support. They are very busy at Theale fixing bikes/making adjustments. Start riding - they know how to find me and I can make at least some progress.

Am petrified that I'll have to call off the ride.

Owen comes back for me with the kids - another unscheduled stop while he checks bike and concludes that this may hold until Theale. Time plays heavy on my mind. All I can think of is all the people who've sponsored me.

Nicci, my colleague from work, is volunteering at the pub clearing away the lunch stuff. She texts to find out how I'm doing. She's been told the bike's broken.

My parents and sister are at a family barbeque in Angmering (Sussex) They've been following my progress through my text messages. They're all on tenterhooks.