Ten cyclists are starting the twelve-hour "Six to Six" tour – three of them will complete the entire route
An unusual idea, three cycling laps, and a total of 200 kilometers: The triathlon division of SG Arheilgen (SGA) mastered a special sporting challenge on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Under the motto "Six to Six," ten participants embarked on a gravel bike tour scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Three athletes completed the entire route, while the remaining participants opted for one or two of the 66.6-kilometer laps.
The idea came from SGA triathlete Guido Götz. While the autumn weather was still cooperating, he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity for an extended group bike ride. From this spontaneous idea, a sporting event developed where everyone could decide for themselves how many kilometers they wanted to cover.
Three laps of 66.6 kilometers each
For his idea, Guido Götz put together three different routes. Each loop was 66.6 kilometers long and started and ended at the SGA sports center in Darmstadt-Arheilgen.
This allowed participants to decide after each stage whether to continue their ride or end the tour. Those who completed all three laps covered a total of almost 200 kilometers – not including individual travel to and from the sports center.
Following a call for participants in the triathlon department's email newsletter, ten riders were found who wanted to take on the challenge.
Starting at six o'clock at sunrise
The group met at the SGA sports center at 6 a.m. The first leg of their journey, heading north, began while it was still dark.
During the 66.6-kilometer loop, the athletes were able to experience the sunrise. Afterwards, they returned to the starting point.
The second leg led eastwards. The sun had come out by then, but the temperatures, at around eight degrees, were still decidedly autumnal.
On the third and final stage heading west, the remaining participants were finally rewarded with glorious sunshine and more pleasant temperatures.
Three athletes complete the entire 200 kilometers
While some participants stopped after one round and others completed two stages, three SGA triathletes persevered until the end.
Guido Götz, Anselm Schüle and Richard Oberdörfer all completed three routes, thus achieving the planned total distance of approximately 200 kilometers.
The other participants also faced considerable distances: depending on the number of laps chosen, they covered approximately 66.6 or 133.2 kilometers.
According to the triathlon department, all ten athletes returned home healthy and satisfied.
Homemade cake and coffee for a pick-me-up
Besides the sporting challenge, the sense of community also played an important role.
Between the individual stages, the participants could refresh themselves at the SGA sports center. Homemade cake, freshly brewed coffee and other drinks awaited them there.
Food was provided by club members who did not participate in the cycling themselves, but supported the event in this way.
Thus, the unusual training idea became not only an endurance test, but also a joint club event.
The next challenge leads to the swimming pool
Following the successful gravel bike tour, the SGA triathletes already have further sporting challenges on their agenda.
A club-organized swimming event is planned for December 23, 2026. The plan is to swim 100 times 100 meters – a total of ten kilometers.
The next public event will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2027. The triathlon department of SG Arheilgen will then host its second winter swimming festival at the Arheilger Mühlchen.
Registration is now open. Those interested can register for various swimming distances.
The most important information
What: Gravel bike tour “Six to Six” by the SGA triathlon department
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Start: 6 a.m. at the SGA sports center
Planned time window: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m
Course: Three laps of 66.6 kilometers each
Total distance: Approximately 200 kilometers
Route: First lap heading north, second lap heading east, third lap heading west
Participants: Ten SGA athletes
Completed the entire route: Guido Götz, Anselm Schüle and Richard Oberdörfer
Next club event: 100 × 100 meter swim on December 23, 2026
Next public event: Second SGA Winter Swimming Festival on February 13, 2027 at the Arheilger Mühlchen
Register for the winter swimming festival here.
(DARMSTADT – RED/SGA)
