Three elderly riders — Li Tianci, 79; Zhang Jiaxiang, 64; and Liang Xingwang, 63 — take a photo in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Three elderly riders completed a 2,500-kilometer journey by bike to Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, in 25 days.

The three, aged 79, 64 and 63, are from Quanzhou, Fujian province. All are experienced bicycle riders and have taken many long journeys like this.

Starting from Yecheng county in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on June 12, they arrived in Lhasa on Wednesday night.

During the journey, they experienced many setbacks, including high altitude sickness and strong winds.

"Success came with perseverance," their friend Chen Riming said. "Long-distance cycling is not suitable for everyone. It creates high demand, both physically and psychologically." It only works with with passion, Chen added.