Great British Bike Ride diary – Day 3

What an eventful day the riders had today!
Bar the sun shinning and the stunning views across the New Forest, the road between Yeovil and Winchester was full of drama.
Our online editor Nick Verdier had to deal with two punctures in the first 200 yards of the stage before having to leave his bike in the mechanic van with a broken rear derailleur hanger.
He wasn’t the only one who had to deal with technical issues. Another rider had three punctures, another broke his rear derailleur after being involved in a crash with another rider.
The palm of the day came 50 yards from the finishing line when a rider fell off taking out two of his friends and injuring his shoulder.
But there is always a bright light at the end of the tunnel and today saw TNT worker Lynne Hinchliffe complete the whole 78-mile stage on her own.
She rode the first two days as part of a relay but went the whole way today and she couldn’t be more pleased with her personal achievement despite some sore legs.
“It was very tough but it was a great personal achievement. That was the most amount of miles I’ve cycled in a day,” she said.
”I’ve only been cycling for three months and I bought a bike just for this event. I also wanted to do something for charity and I think I caught the cycling bug.
“There was a lot of challenging hils today but with the help of Andy and Bill we’ve managed to make it. I wouldn’t have done it without their support.
“My legs are very sore but it was tougher mentally. It’s hard to function again after such a long ride. It’s a great feeling to have done it though.”
You can help Lynne raise money for Wooden Spoon here.