its grim up norfff

where do i start. A wet morning and we set off a little later than usual, about 9.30 so we were all feeling as good as could be expected. The first 20ish miles were good and we put in a few quick miles. The rain was coming down but it was light and nothing as bad as the weatherman promised. We then hit the canal tow paths and initially they were ok, similar to many previous days. However the going soon got rougher and Rob got the first puncture of the trip, a mere 840 miles into the trip. We soon got back underway and were all hoping not to get another puncture, the track was getting rougher. No punctures for the next few miles and all was well, then CLANK. I looked down and something was very wrong. I stopped, got off and saw my rear mech was stuck in my spokes. The rear mech hanger, a bit of metal about 4cm long had sheared in 2. My bike was well and truly nackered, i was gutted. We rang helen and within an hour she was with us and i changed to the spare bike. During the hour wait it rained so the 3 of us got snuggly in a phone box to keep dry. This was only 25 miles in, still 80 miles to go. So we set off again and hit loads more mountain bike trails on our road bikes. The 5 miles on the trails was terrible and took ages. Then we got back on the main road and knew we still have the 1200 foot climb. The climb was long and steep, but we made it and after a little wait for rob, we then all flew down the other side. We stopped at a pub and had a quick pint and a bag of crisps, that was lunch done. After lunch dave had a puncture and had more problems with his seat post, his seat is only just hanging together. We carried on and hit inverness, which was very busy. We headed out over the bridge with 30 mph side winds, it was horrible. We carried on and finally made it to alness at about 6.30. We are staying at the station inn pub. Well its a bed for the night, but i'll be glad to move on asap in the morning, never thought i'd say that. Its been a tough day for all. A hilly day tomorrow and then a quick trip on wednesday and we're done.