From RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson: One Man, One Bike, One Incredible Journey

After cycling solo to raise funds for Mission Motorsport, we caught up with Simon Griffiths to talk all things RAF Gibraltar to Benson:

After three months of planning and three intense weeks of execution, the journey is complete — and what a journey it’s been. What began as a passing conversation with Mark (Mission motorsport Ops Manager) at Three Sisters Circuit back in October quickly turned into something much bigger: a solo, unsupported cycle from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson, covering over 1,500km, climbing 60,000 feet, and turning the pedals more than 330,000 times.

When Mark didn’t immediately run for the hills, I took it as a “yes” — and so, the challenge was born.

The Ride Begins

I set off from RAF Gibraltar on a grey, windswept morning with a warm send-off from the local team and a final goodbye to my wife. After a quick interview with BFBS Gibraltar (who became a running companion throughout the ride), it was time to hit the road.

The route wound up the western spine of Spain, skirting the Portuguese border. I broke it into roughly 100km days to keep it manageable, but I hadn’t accounted for just how much the weather would test me. Spain’s interior is a high plateau, rarely dropping below 2,500 feet — and occasionally climbing above 5,000. That first day was a steep welcome into what would be a physically and mentally demanding few weeks.

Spain is a late-eating country, so breakfast often happened en route, and I’d roll into the next hotel mid-afternoon. Sharing daily updates, videos, and stories on Instagram became part of the rhythm — and I genuinely enjoyed that moment of connection each evening. It helped drive support, engagement, and, most importantly, donations.

The Highs and the Lows

Not every day was smooth. There were tough, wet, and lonely stretches — especially on empty roads under grey skies. There was one evening I watched back my own Instagram story and genuinely considered hailing a taxi. But none came, and so I pushed on. The motivation? The incredible beneficiaries of Mission Motorsport — and the unwavering support of friends, family, and strangers who kept cheering me on from afar.

But for every low, there were highs that made it all worthwhile: snow falling at 5,000 feet on the Puerto de Piornal; the warmth of strangers in cafés offering food and coffee; and the ever-changing beauty of the Spanish landscape rolling past.

Evenings were reserved for recovery — fuelling and sleeping became sacred routines. There wasn’t much time (or energy) for sightseeing, but the purpose behind the pedals kept me going.

A Journey That Moved People

As the donations rolled in, so did the messages of support. Some came from people I barely knew — all driven by the mission to support those who’ve served. One particularly wild moment came in Portsmouth, after cycling off the ferry. I stopped at a bar near the Premier Inn and ended up chatting with two strangers — one of whom had been following my ride every day via BFBS Gibraltar. What are the chances?

The final push included a 110km dash to Streatley to meet friends and family, followed by a 10km “victory lap” to RAF Benson, where I was welcomed with open arms.

£7,754 Raised – And a Heartfelt Thank You

Thanks to nearly 200 generous donors, the ride raised an incredible £7,754 (inc Gift Aid) for Mission Motorsport. I can’t thank my wife enough for her constant support throughout the challenge, nor can I forget to thank Jerry at Falmouth Yacht Brokers and Jonny at Runway Simulators, who stepped up to sponsor the challenge shirts without hesitation.

To everyone who followed the journey, donated, or sent words of encouragement — thank you. This ride wasn’t just about the distance, the altitude, or the weather. It was about proving that with the right motivation and support, we can push through any challenge.