Commuting by Bike: Why I Still Ride 33 km to the Office
Lessons learned, gear I swear by, and tricks to keep the ride fun all year round
For the past two years I’ve been riding about 33 km each way, twice a week, from the west side of Munich (Puchheim) to the research campus in Garching where SAP Labs Munich sits (typical ride to and from the office tracked). The first year was a lot of trial‑and‑error—testing different routes, even some slow gravel roads, and constantly watching my average speed. By the end of the second year I settled on a single, battle‑tested route that gets me there fast and reliably. Coming home is still the tougher part, so I mix things up a bit on the way back.
(Video: I initially had fun exploring routes, including gravel…)
Below are the practical tips that have kept my rides fun, safe, and sustainable.
Don’t chase speed
Making “be the fastest” the goal forces you to weave through traffic, cut corners at lights, and add unnecessary stress. I track two numbers on my Wahoo bike computer: time in motion (pretty steady) and total elapsed time (varies with traffic, weather, holidays). Focus on staying in motion, not on shaving seconds.
Skip the bike when the weather turns nasty
Early on I vowed to ride in any condition, but I quickly realized that a rainy commute isn’t worth the discomfort. On days with a high chance of rain—or when it actually starts pouring—I either work from home or hop on public transport. Most of my meetings are hybrid, so I can stay productive without getting soaked.
Add a little variety on the return leg
Coming home feels harder, so I break the monotony with a quick stop at a local beer garden. Sometimes I detour through downtown Munich, meet friends, and then take the train with my bike. The extra ticket cost is small compared with the mental boost.
Use hands‑free tech
A smart helmet or bone‑conducting headphones let me listen to podcasts or take calls without pulling out my phone. Staying focused on the road while staying connected is a win‑win.
Invest in good gear
Quality cycling clothing makes those 33 km rides far more comfortable and serves as a motivation booster. I keep a spare set at home so I never have to wash the same outfit twice in a row.
Store heavy stuff at work
My office has lockers, so I leave my shoes, spare clothes, and even sometimes the laptop there. Packing light means less weight on the bike and a smoother ride. My backpack is also minimal, an Ortovox skiing backpack, which sits snugly on my shoulders.
Keep snacks and hydration handy
A 33 km ride burns roughly 900 kcal. I store nuts, fruit, or an energy bar at my desk for an afternoon snack, and I always carry a filled water bottle—especially in summer. Staying fueled prevents the dreaded “crash” on the way home.
What’s the biggest challenge you face when trying to make a long‑distance bike commute a regular habit? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you tackle it!