The cycling group sets out from Guantou village on March 20. [Photo/sxrb.com]

A volunteer cycling group set out from Guantou village, an old revolutionary base area in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province on March 20, according to Shanxi Daily.

The group consisted of 16 cyclists aged from 60 to 77. The cyclists will cover around 1,200 kilometers on a journey that will take them from Guantou village to Beijing.

"The two-week journey is a way of challenging ourselves. It is also our way of conveying our best wishes and a warm welcome to the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games," said Qiao Jiyu, leader of the group during the send-off ceremony.

As one of the sponsors of the activity, Yang Shiming, president of Shanxi Laonong Group, revealed the reason for holding the ceremony in Guantou village.

"The area holds great historical significance. It witnessed people's struggles and triumphs during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. And it is embracing a bright future with the growing nation," said Yang.

"The cycling activity combines Chinese revolutionary spirit with the Olympic spirit, which inspires people to realize their Chinese dreams," added Cen Chuanli, president of Chinese Outdoor Sport Association.