Five cyclists from Aberdeen have spent the last week undertaking the gruelling challenge of riding to the German town of Regensburg to celebrate the longstanding links between the two communities..
The team from the city’s YMCA set off last Friday and hope to arrive at their destination today.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Aberdeen City Council’s twinning partnership with its counterpart in Regensburg and the group are doing more than most to highlight the connection.
Gavin Begg, Brian Cruickshank, Ian Marr, Mike Will and Ali Michie were sent on their way by Lord Provost George Adam from outside Marischal College.
They are due to be welcomed in Regensburg by members of the YMCA in the German town.
Mr Will, 46, undertook a similar journey for the 50th anniversary of the twinning arrangement and was eager to get on the road again.
He said: “In 2005 we cycled on tandems from Germany to Scotland to symbolise working in partnership and celebrate the anniversary between both our cities.
“Ten years later – now that our legs have recovered from the first journey – we are fit to make the return cycle to Regensburg to celebrate the 60th anniversary.”
The link between the YMCA in Aberdeen and Regensburg is one of the strongest connections between the two communities, and Mr will was keen to highlight this.
He added: “The partnership between both YMCAs was started in 1994 and is the longest established partnership that exists within the 60 years of twinning between both cities.
“Aberdeen YMCA members, through the support of Aberdeen City Council, have for 21 years been able to act as ambassadors of the city and engage in exchange programmes to empower young people which has developed a greater understanding of each other’s cultures and strengthen the relationship between our YMCAs and cities.”
And he had a further word of thanks for the bike company whose support had made the demanding challenge possible.
He said: “In a small way, thanks to sponsorship from Tiso’s Alpine Bikes, we are able to do something symbolic to express our gratitude to Aberdeen City Council and the Council of Regensburg for all that they have done to promote global citizenship amongst our members to participate in unique international experiences which have developed them in body, mind and spirit.”
The friendship between the two organisations is also appreciated on the other side.
In 2013 the Lord Mayor of Regensburgh awarded his city’s partnership prize to the chairman of YMCA Regensburg, Ralf Osteroth, at a special ceremony attended by Mr Will.