"I made new friends during these four days"

Mr Gärtner, you took part in the racing bike tour for the first time in 2023. What motivated you to do it?

I've been riding a racing bike for many years and had wanted to combine the sport with a social cause for some time. I just hadn't found the right field yet. Someone from our club, DJK Grün-Weiß Albersloh 1954 e.V., had taken part in the Rennfietsen Tour, and I read about it in the press and found out more. I actually signed up last year.

What was on your mind before you set off?

My wife took me to the airport in the morning and I wondered what was in store for me. After all, I had already experienced competitive behaviour, speeding and irrationality among cyclists. I just knew that the basic idea of the Rennfietsen tour suited me well. I didn't know a single person on site, it felt like an adventure.

How do you remember your first impressions?

I was completely blown away by how disciplined, supportive and attentive the participants were to each other from the very first minute. Everyone was warmly welcomed and briefed by the old hands who had already travelled with us several times. I immediately felt a bit of warmth and was sure that I wouldn't regret taking part.

You were on the road together from Thursday to Sunday. How did you find riding?

Taking part requires riding technique and fitness. Anyone can fall or hit a low and has to stay focussed on the rear wheel. Nobody in the group rides around whistling happily. Some could certainly be much faster, others have to struggle to keep going. The Rennfietsen Tour is organised in an exemplary manner in every respect. I take my hat off to the unparalleled commitment of the guides, for example.

What do you report on, for example?

I often mention little things: whether we had a flat tyre, whether we saw something special or funny and what the weather was like. I also tell them where the money we've raised will be used. That's because representatives of the two foundations that receive 100 per cent of the donations are on the tour. There's plenty of time to talk on the bike and we get more detailed information about how the donations are being used. This is all the more motivating. The suspense continues until the announcement of the donation amount. The thank-you speech that follows is also an introduction to next year.

Do people like to donate to the Rennfietsen Tour?

Yes, especially as it is not an anonymous donation. There is a person behind it, in this case me, who shows them that they are choosing a good option for their donation.

You are also involved behind the scenes of the Rennfietsen Tour, this time as the organiser of the Rheine stage.

I live in Greven and was born in Rheine, so I still have very good connections to my home town. A close friend of mine is the caretaker of the vocational college in Rheine, and when it came to reserving the triple sports hall for the overnight stay, all it took was a phone call. In 2023, at the Greven stage location, women from our circle of friends and the neighbourhood contributed some salads for dinner and two mates organised the seating. I receive great support from my wife Dani and my children Lina and Jana. I really appreciate any help and am happy to make use of it. If you spread the organisation over several shoulders, everything is easier.

More than 40 riders take part in the Rennfietsen Tour. What characterises the time spent together?

More than half of the participants are regular riders. What's interesting is that we only see each other once a year and then we're together for four days around the clock. The togetherness is totally pleasant. What counts and many people don't realise at first is that we are accommodated very simply, there is no comfort. Up to 60 people spend the night in a single sports hall with a few toilets and shower rooms. Sleeping on an air mattress for three nights can be challenging.

What is the thought at the end of each tour?

It is important to us to raise awareness for children in need, to do good ourselves and to encourage others to join in. And last but not least, it is a very nice feeling to have generated funds for these children. The goal of the story is always at the centre of the Rennfietsen Tour.