Location: Gibraltar -  in fact a campsite post Gibraltar a few miles up the coast.

Miles today (half day as we arrived at around 1pm): 45

Total miles for the trip (based on my cycle trip meter): 1238 (Duncan’s satnav suggests a little further)

Wonderful to have done it – the morning started in warm sunshine high in the Andalucian mountains and quickly became a series of downhill hairpins – 10 miles of downhill until Duncan’s satnav told us we were at zero metres. After the obligatory photos with the Rock in the background – Bill and I decided to do a victory lap around the perimeter of Gibraltar and then headed up the Rock having been told we were mad by various policemen (they seemed more impressed by our desire to cycle up the Rock than the fact that we had cycled from London). Bill and I can affirm – having cycled up the Rock – that it was by far the hardest cycle of the trip and, indeed, the hardest ride either of us have ever done. I must again mention the feast that Adrien has prepared this evening – we have just consumed a leg of lamb, steak, roast potatoes (some cooked with lamb’s fat and others not as Martin is vegetarian), cheese onion sauce, mint sauce, lamb gravy, peas, broccoli, runner beans and cauliflower. My roll call of thanks to:

1. Adrien and Martin for doing such a wonderful job supporting us – the cycle was easy compared with what they had to put up with.

2. Duncan for designing the route and keeping us on it – a critical job which he did so well that we rather took it for granted (apologies Duncan)

3. Bill for looking after the bikes and for his good humour and relaxed attitude to life which kept the team from coming to blows at times.

4. Kim for being our interpreter and guide with his masterful French and Spanish

5. Deb for letting me do it and for coping at home when I was needed most.

6. Kasper and his team for putting together the fundraising website and for uploading my daily blog.

7. Raj for inspiring me to support the Loomba Foundation.

8. Julian and Brian for the “arrival” arrangements in Gibraltar to raise the profile of the Loomba Foundation – more of which on Friday!!

9. Sue (my long suffering PA) who carried the burden of the upfront planning arrangements.

10. All the very kind people who have helped me raise over $184,000 for the Loomba Foundation – so far – I hope some more will come in.

An excited Duncan with the Rock in the background.

Team photo on the runway with the Rock in the background - Adrien, Duncan, Bill, Kim, me and Martin - all wearing our Loomba Foundation cycle tops.

Bill and me on the very highest part of the Rock visitors are allowed to get too. We were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves after cycling up until we met a trainee naval officer who had run up in 30 mins - he took the photo and had hardly broken sweat.

One of the classic views from the top of the Rock looking over Spain - I can even remember the view from the time I spent with my Grandparents on holiday in Gib 40 years ago.

Me with an ape - especially taken for my daughter Molly who was in Gibraltar in April with Deb supporting Ed on a rugby tour - Molly has mixed views of the apes as one of them took her toy yellow duck which was meant to be a central part of her school holiday project.

Location: Algatocin

Miles today: 58 (four mountains climbed today)

Total miles: 1193

Up and down the wonderful Andalucian mountains today – we could almost forget the pain as we could almost smell the sea – around 40 miles to go to Gibraltar which we hope to make by lunch time tomorrow (Monday). We have yet to find our campsite for the night as the long-suffering Martin and Adrien (they both deserve sainthoods for putting up with us) had to head back to our last campsite having discovered Martin’s passport missing. I don’t believe they had any real sense of how tough it would be to act as our support team – they have been complete stars.

Duncan, Martin and Kim at a viewing point in Ronda.

A view from Ronda.

A beautiful hotel perched over the cliffs in Ronda overlooking a ravine and waterfall.

Another peak at 1,000 metres - yawn yawn.

Duncan tearing down a hill. I am rather nervous on the steep descents but Bill is a complete lunatic and has just beaten his trip record of 46 mph by hitting 50 mph on this stretch.

Duncan, Kim and Bill sensing the end in sight - at Atajate.

Day 15

Location: Algamitas

Miles today: 80 (again)

Total miles: 1135

Having done miles of vineyards and miles of sunflowers, today was the day for olive groves. Hot and hills but the thought of nearly being in Gibraltar spurred us on – under 100 miles to go I think but with one or two Andalucian mountains in the way. Bill is keen that we press on and try and arrive tomorrow (Sunday) but the rest of the team think that is inconceivable. All being well though we should arrive on Monday. This has also been a good day back in London – Ed (my youngest son)played for the Dulwich College rugby first team and they beat Wellington College for the first time in years. I am a very proud Dad.

The town of Espejo - our first coffee/coke/toast/ham/peach/orange break of the day.

Some of the tens of thousands of acres of olive groves we passed today.

The view from our mountain-top camp site this evening.

Bill in his "mankini" photographing some wild boar at the campsite.

The view up the mountain from the campsite with the mothership in the foreground.

Location: Montoro – Andalucia (not the best part!)

Miles: 80

Total miles: 1055

Almost too tired to blog – 80 miles up and down the Spanish plateau in the blistering heat. Be careful what you wish for – a change of scenery – but tough going with long long ups. Bizarrely the downs were almost as challenging as the ups as the hot air from the plains came shooting up the valley roads creating massive headwinds as if blown from a furnace.

Another peak on the Spanish plateau (if that makes sense on a plateau) - 902 metres - as high as we were in the Pyrenees.

Does this give you any sense of the terrain??

Kim shortly before being served a bacon and fried egg baguette by the wonderful Adrien.

My bacon baguette with HP sauce brought with us from London by special request.

Is that a better picture? - note the mountains in the background.

In order to reduce team costs we are currently holed up in the Hostal Montoro - a motorway view and sounds come as standard.

Inside a "deluxe" room in the Hostal Montoro - I must not complain as this is usual accommodation for Spanish lorry drivers bored of their cabs - shame they also smoke heavily in the 8 by 6 ft space. My wife would not be with me I can assure you. Talking of whom - Deb has been a complete star as usual and both Sam and Ben are now in situ in Manchester and Leeds Unis respectively.

Location: Aldea del Rey

Miles: 80

Total miles: 975

Another long hot day in the saddle but going fairly flat – scenery rather monotonous though – will be good to have a change of landscape tomorrow. A difficult morning as we had the first falling out of the ride – all fine now though. Now at a campsite – luxury to have showers and toilets. We will cross 1,000 miles tomorrow.

This wonderful man - called Rodolfo (with Kim, Bill and Duncan) was that rare thing - a bike shop owner passionate about cycling and for whom running repairs were no trouble at all - we had to force him to take money after dealing with buckled wheels, loose lower brackets, slipping chains and gear adjustments. We are fortunate not to have had more problems as there are almost no bike shops in rural Spain.

This rather unusual sight is an example of our twenty minute siesta after lunch - we don't mind where we sleep - in this case on the pavement outside someone's house.

Location: Estella Cristo de Villajos

Miles today: 80

Total miles: 895

If you want brown knees and brown arms I recommend cycling to Gibraltar. Our bodies are starting to feel the everyday effort – a day job sitting at a desk does not best prepare you for 8 hours in the saddle – but still hanging in there. Surprisingly much of the plateau we are cycling over is higher than the Pyrenees route we followed. Clear blue skies again and a hot sun but a cooling breeze (sadly blowing in our faces for much of the day).

Just in case anyone is interested in what the Eric "Spiderman" gear looks like from behind - calves starting to look like Sir Chris Hoy's?

This is Marie who works in the cafe in Garcinarro - she showed great initiative and imagination when we asked for jam with our bread - no jam but an omelette was served up in our baguette - not what we were expecting but a good combination of carbs and protein.

One of the lovely places we stopped at for a snack (this time - Carrascosa de Campo). Always head for the church in the centre of the village or town to find the only cafe (or indeed shop) that is open.

A new experience for all of us tonight - no camp site or hotel - so we are parked up roadside. Like a campsite but with no facilities. Pretty rugged.

Location: Sacedon

Miles today: 62

Total miles: 815

Lovely cycling through the lakes today (in the region of Mar de Castille) – but the sun and 35+C have taken their toll and we have pulled up at Sacedon after 62 miles – it is good to be back in a camp site. The village of Las Invernais will be talking about the strange men in lycra for years to come – the bar owner knew all about client service – when he saw us arrive he pulled out one of his chairs onto the street and then sat down on it himself! We are all indebted to Kim who is fluent in both French and Spanish and has been our mouthpiece throughout.

Here is a glimpse of the lakes at Mar de Castille - the only issue is their proximity to a nuclear power station which may explain the fluorescent water.

Here I am in my full Eric "Spiderman" gear - probably not for wearing in London when I return.

Here is our camp site in Sacedon - Duncan and Kim each sleep in a tent with Dr. Bill in the "coffin" at the back of the mothership, Adrien and Martin up top and me perched at the back up high - Deb will need to get used to me sleeping at the top of our wardrobe when I get back to re-create my cycle adventure. Tonight, emerging from the mothership, courtesy of Adrien, is tandoori chicken and prawns (marinated for two days no less), chana masala, mixed vegetable curry, rice, raita, Spanish chapati equivalents and lime pickle. Can you believe it? We can't.

Ps. Just heard that the fund raising total for the Loomba Foundation is in excess of $184,000 – wonderful – and many thanks from me (and Raj of course).

Location: Siguenza

Miles today: 78

Total miles: 753

Don Quixote country – beautiful in parts and millions of sunflowers being farmed along the roads. All fine with the team but again no camping site so in a rather unattractive hotel in the wonderful town of Siguenza. Cycling good – mainly fast and very straight roads. Hot again – well over 30C – but nice breeze on the bikes. I clearly have an odd cycling style as I have now gone through 3 pairs of cycling shorts.

The main issue today did not involve Spain at all but rather my failings as a father and husband – with poor Deb trying to hold the fort at home. Not only did I manage to miss Sam’s 21st birthday (my support was required) and today – as the final straw – our Renault Espace broke down outside Birmingham leaving Deb, Sam and his girlfriend, Hannah, stranded en route back to Manchester Uni. Ben off to Leeds Uni for the first time on Thursday and I’m still not around. I will have some massive making up to do when I get home.

One of the long straight roads across the Spanish plains. On some of these we were able to cycle 20 miles in an hour.

Duncan en route to Siguenza sporting the Loomba Foundation cycle top. Duncan has realised that he has to eat and drink almost constantly to ensure energy levels don't drop too low. One of those rare times when eating at will is not a problem.

Duncan, Kim and Bill at the end of today cycling down the final hill with Siguenza in the background.

One of the beautiful churches in Siguenza - we are having a drink outside it now before heading off for supper.

Location: Agreda

Miles today: 73

Total miles: 675

Cycling through the Spanish plains today in temperatures that were mercifully cooler than yesterday’s 37C. Reached our highest point so far – photo to follow. Team a little fractious last night and once again today but nothing that a night in the Dona Juana Hostal won’t sort – Spain, unlike France, is a little short on camp sites so we have treated ourselves to a night in a hotel! Long discussion about stopping or not but Bill resolved the impasse by suggesting we pressed on for ten more miles up a long climb and then be collected by the “mothership” with our bikes and be brought back to the hotel – a reverse arrangement in the morning – everyone happy. Kim used all his charm and references to our charity ride to get a fantastic rate – 36 euros each for an en suite room, dinner and breakfast. It is odd not having to keep pushing the shower and the lights which are all on (short) timers in the camp sites. Witnessed bull running today – photos to follow.

Bull running in Peralta - in fact is was really bull baiting and not very nice. The bull running came later - young bulls chased down the street with brave/mad bull runners in front. This was a very large bull that no one would dare go to near.

The square in Peralta next to the bull running street. All the locals dress in white with red scarves.

Kim, Bill and Adrien eating churros (batter thingys eaten dipped in melted chocolate). A typical snack break when calories don't need to be counted.

Bill on a climb in front of some giant wind turbines - France has its fair share but Spain seems to be covered in them.

Me in my Herbert Smith Cycle Club kit under the sign for La Carrasca - I think the highest point of our entire ride to Gibraltar.

The last photo of today - Dr. Bill sorting our bikes as he does each day - Dona Juana Hostal (two stars) in the background.

Location: Mendigorria

Miles today: 67

Total miles: 602

Tough but lovely day climbing up and speeding down the Pyrenees – 6000ft of climbing – some photos to follow. Now firmly in Spain having travelled through Pamplona – no bull running though. Everyone is doing fantastically well not least given the age range – 40, 49, 57 and 59. We are around half way to Gibraltar.

A typical breakfast scene - porridge with honey, brown sugar and creamy milk - beautifully made by Martin (every morning)

Me at the top of one of the peaks in the mountains - sporting my Loomba Foundation cycle top.

We watched some Pelota (hand ball) at our morning coffee and croissant break.

This is why people visit the Pyrenees in the summer - absolutely lovely.

Bill, Duncan and Kim at one of the highest peaks.

Martin had created an Indian style tented encampment for our supper (the advantage of being an artist) - sadly it filled with wind and fell on my head whilst doing my blog.

Last one for today - I promise - but could not resist capturing Bill on top of the "mothership" undoing the India encampment.