Everyone’s different but I commute 60 km / day, year round, and have never felt it “takes a toll on me,” only plusses. Aside from staying fit, the biggest plus is mental. It draws a line between work and home. It drives the stress of work out of your head, and I can come home and relate to my family better. The challenge of overcoming your own laziness is also helpful, looking out the window at 6 am and seeing pouring down rain in the dark and 5 degrees C is a bit depressing but as soon as you get rolling you are glad you did and turns a gray day into a good one.
I think that would be because youre very conditioned to cycling that distance and commutes are broken down into halves. unless youre the type of rider that wakes up earlier so they can have a more leisurely ride in to work. Most average joe's would struggle with even 5km in each direction. My commute is 25km a day and people at work think i am insane. 60km isnt too bad unless your route is pretty hilly, But i think it would eventually take a toll on me because i dont do slow and leisurely rides to and from work. my rides are always semi-intensive as i like to race other road users to and from work - Its the curse of having a road/racing bike.
@@alexwood3459 30min is easy. Just get out and ride more. Most of my rides even when not going to work range between 1-3hrs. 30mins isn't enough for me to break a sweat lol just get out there
@@Rose.Of.Hizaki it's not the mileage. I can ride all day without getting tired depending on my pace- I'd still break a sweat in summer but the climate means you break a sweat standing still. Like I said, I used to do 30mins but it just felt so annoying- I should've been clearer in my comment but I did say >30mins bike or not. I just hate the time commuting takes out of my life. I hate travel in general. If it takes me an hour to get somewhere I consider that a whole day trip 😂 like I'd save it for the weekend and try and do more than one thing there. Of course I'd choose a bike over any other mode of transport and it makes a 20/30min commute somewhat enjoyable but it still gets draining when I want to do things other than work. Luckily my climbing gym was on my way home from work so didn't take extra time to get there 😁 I do need to get over my resistance to distance if I want have more housing flexibility though 🙈
I commute 16km each way every day in Bangalore, India, through some of the worst traffic and road conditions imaginable, in all weather conditions including pouring rain and blistering sun - on my trusted 15 year old Giant hardtail mountain bike - equipped with mudguards, rack and waterproof pannier - carrying my laptop, office clothes, and lunchbox. I wear a N95 rated particulate filter mask to protect myself from the high levels of PM2.5. Agree with most of your points - costs money to change worn out parts frequently but you save money on gas and car maintenance. You save time - mine takes 45 min vs 90 mins by car. You get fit and lose weight. And you're doing your bit for the environment. But I don't get hungry and don't feel tired on the weekend, esp after I got used to this distance.
@@TwoWheelCruise Thanks.. of course you will get used to it, I guess you already are! Only thing, forgot to mention, get some upper body and core exercises regularly; over time I suffered from loss of muscle mass in my arms, chest etc due to most of the exertion going to my legs, and not doing any other exercise.
Two years ago I was working on a race bike delivery company, about 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the netherlands. The first weeks into that, the pain in my thighs was so strong I had to use my arms to climb stairs, but it felt great otherwise and (as Narasimhan said) pain eventually ceased. Six months after that my arms muscles were fine: toned but not Johny Bravo size,no loss of muscular mass at all. I wonder if that was because of the race bike handlebar which forces you to support part of the torso with the arms
2x 8km every day since the COVID lockdown. I started commuting by bike in order to avoid the metro, and now I'm really enjoying it. It used to take me 45 minutes to go to work with the metro, but with the bike it is around 30-35 minutes. I live in Greece.
Oh, our metro worked full that year as allways. Just new fear signs, red straps all around, and voice announcers about "covid, danger, 1.5m distanse, stay home" and all that shit. Their "lockdown" become just a fiction, people just got new obstacles and stupid rules. No one wear Mask (just complete tv zombies), no one stay at home, or hold 1.5m distance in bus or train, its impossible. Country budget lost tonns of money, many people lost work and buisiness. Someone says its danger - yes sir, no doubt, its danger.
I can totally relate. Daughter turned 16, gave her my truck. Was just about to buy a new vehicle when I decided to commute instead. Have a Cannondale Scalpel Mountain Bike. A little different than road bike but I turn the urban scene into an obstacle course. 8mi each way. Has changed my life abd mindset. I live in Las Vegas. Amazing what you miss on a daily basis trapped inside a car.
@@calinopincariu5530 you should see my route home. Cottonwood Canyon, to Angel Park trail, to Bonanza Trail, then home. All in the middle of the city. A great ride.
Great video, thanks for posting. I commute 2x12km every day in Athens, Greece with 100m steep elevation on the way to work. It is quite suicidal because there is virtually no infrastructure for bicycles in Greece and drivers recon bikers as targets. Still half of the way is by the sea with great views. Very rewarding especially in the summer. I always carry on my rack bag laptop, clothes and lunch. Also have a frame bag with spare inner tubes and tools. A year ago decided to leave my car on the garage permanently. It takes me 35 minutes to ride to work and 30 minutes to get back. By car it gets 25-40 minutes for this distance (depends on traffic) but it also gets me 10-20 minutes to find a parking spot and 5-10 minutes walking (total time 40 to 70 minutes). So it is faster and more fun to use my bicycle. Ride safe and keep posting great videos.
I am lucky of my 13 km commute only 2km are on city streets fighting traffic. The other 11 are on a well maintained lake front path with good bike lanes and beautiful views.
I used to do 28 miles per day (45km) round trips for my commute for a one-year contract. I recall to feel the same that you're explaining. It took me 6 months for my body to acclimatise to these 2 hours of daily commute. I was quite tired everyday. I used to have two breakfasts, one before the morning ride and after my shower in the morning at the office at my desk haha. You're right saying that winter is difficult but I think it is the season I preferred to commute in because of the environment. I have seen so much of wildlife on that cycle path between Bristol and Bath in England. This commute helped me to manage my stress levels from my work. Instead of paying a annual bus ticket, I preferred to pay myself a nice bike. And now I still have it and enjoy new commutes from my new job and some touring in England. Good job for doing it! You'll feel much better by doing so.
The more I think about it, I don't really have a preference for the commuting season. I like winter and I like spring and fall.. The peak of summer and rainy season I could do without though lol. But really, I like the diversity of it all and experiencing the changing of the weather and nature around me.
I am 15 and just started cycling for fun and exercise, its been a few months and ive found a good route, my active day is between 40km and 50km and my passive day is around 25km, the major difference is on my mental health, its been a massive boost to my overall happiness, and yes i do agree with you about feeling hungry most of the time.
Great vid thank you. Entertaining, informative. I've been commuting here in Switzerland for the last five years. I ride entirely to work sometimes or mix with the train. And yes, cycling keeps you fit : cycling led me to take part in short distance triathlons and to my first olympic distance this fall. I'm 62 now, teaching maths and yes, you're right, cycling 'boots me up' on a good mood each and every morning, even when it snows !
We have just had a campaign in Hungary to promote cycling to work. Some 20 people joined from my workplace and it was fun. These campaigns are held regularly, I think that is pretty good.
Müller Gyula sounds like fun! We did the same at work using an app called KAPPO! It is a mix between and cycling app and a video game, you get gold coins and gems for riding which you an use to “buy” gear in the app.
@@LP-sp4sf in some modern companies bike commuting employees obtain bonus money, or some priveleges among the others. Healthy personal is a great advantage for buisiness. But in our town and country every stupid dork by a car first, with best public bus transport, so we have completely blocked town for all. And i like to ride my bike along traffic jammed roads with happy face, it works i know), bike population slowly rises.
I commute by bike for the last 3 years. 30km a day and i love it. i dont care if it rains or snows. I am healthier then before and i a better mood when im at work. I start at 5 am and without cycling i would be pretty tired at this time. For me its the best way to commute
When I bike to work I always feel better than when I drive. But honestly, I prefer cycling on sunny nice days than cold rainy, snow-filled, dark and gloomy days.
I randomly ran into this video on recommended and I'm glad I did. Great motivation for me when I start my new job next week. I use to bike home from work about 15 miles had me in great shape and all of the above like you have explained! great video!
Fantastic! I have been commuting daily 40 miles round trip to my workplace since February last year. Mostly on a highway with very few stops for traffic lights, intersections etc.. Was a bit of a struggle at the beginning - sore legs by Wednesday already. Now it is a pleasure in the pain, so to speak as I am fighting for more watts (only fellow endurance athletes understand this concept I am afraid). My one hour threshold improved from 255w to 358w. A 20 mile trip takes me between 45-50 mins. depending on wind conditions and traffic.Body weight has gone down from 107kg to 77kg, while I still do a full body workout with weights usually on a Saturday morning. Funny thing is, all this cycling hasn't made me much weaker in the gym. The biggest drop in strength was at the bench press. Having a sitting 9-5 job this commuting literally saves me from becoming mentally miserable and hanging myself. I only wish my knees don't fail one day. Eating well helps with recovery very much. Every chocolate bar or ice cream calories replaced with steak, egg, butter, sardines, wild salmon, protein powder helps I think.
Wow, it sounds like commuting has really made a positive impact on your life. I've noticed a big increase in my FTP as well now that I'm getting all of the base miles in, and it certainly helps me to maintain my sanity :)
I totally agree with what you said about not doing long rides on your days off. I commute by bike too, sometimes i take the longer route home, but on the days off i simply use it for recovery and doing something different. I find doing that gives me the motivation to get on the bike when it comes to going back to work again on the bike.
Great video I also cycle to work everyday and the hungry all the time thing I upped my fats with almonds cashews and other nuts and it works really good
"You are not alone..." - your commentary almost exactly mirrors my own commute in Glasgow, Scotland; the reasons, the benefits, the motivations, the weather, your likes and dislikes. I can do my 10km in about half the time it takes by car, I feel epic every morning when I arrive, and I love the feeling of a hot flannel on my face when I wash off after I arrive. I love riding in the pouring summer rain storms, maniacally laughing at the poor lost souls stuck in their infernal tin boxes. I have only been stopped twice by the weather: once by 60cm of snow, and once by almost complete black ice the whole way to work. I had a conversation with a guy I worked with, who was ex-forces, and the basic premise was "you only find out what you can achieve, when you take yourself outside OTHER people's comfort zones": he understood what I was talking about, and I know you do too :)
I love getting out of my comfort zone, but it can then make it harder to talk to normal people lol 😅 the upcoming typhoons will be my biggest challenge, might drive on those days.. will see..
I do a small 7+7 commute every day on my bike, and I love it. I live in a rural area of Denmark, so a car would take 1/3 of the time. I'm a big guy (350+ lbs), so it's nice to get some exercise in on a daily basis. However, it's not been a cheap affair to get my bike up to snuff. Been cracking rims left and right, and finally invested in some Spinergy Z Lite Disc rims at a lovely cost of $800. But after 6 months of riding them, they're holding up nicely, so it was worth the investment. My bike, a 2017 Morrison Blackfoot 29, only cost around $750 when I got it, so it wasn't exactly kitted with top of the line parts. Took me about 8 months to wear out the crankset, but as every bit of the bike has needed to be replaced, I've upgraded for some proper stuff. Also changed up my gear ratios a bit, as the 22-34-44 just wasn't cutting it, so upgraded to 26-38-48, which is the highest you're going to get before having to switch to the road going groupsets like the 105 or Ultegra. Going with the Shimano T8000 series (high mid-end groupset designed for long trekking, but can also go off road) all around the bike, so it should last me quite nicely. The front derailleur is now up for a change after just shy of 2 years, so decided to do both front and back, and go from 9-speed to 10-speed at the back as well, and switching from 11-34 to 11-32 at the back for a slightly tighter gear shift. But when you're in my weight class, and you push 5-6000 km a year on the bike, it really pushes the limits of the components. Hopefully, it's all dialed in now, so it can last for longer runs, and I can go on some proper trips.
Oh gosh, this is extremely inspiring, so thank you! I commute for a short range and am rather curious although also paranoid to try a longer distance and to do such more frequently. Thank you for posting this and for everyone else who managed to respond about their own commute too! It might not mean much, but living in an area where bike commuting, although doable, is often overlooked or uncommon, it feels reassuring to see others' who also do the same! So once again, really, thank you.
ruclips.net/video/vzMFwVgX3Dk/видео.html Sorry to paste a link , but the bike is perfect , the commute not so much . I see you also have some hair raising bits of road , even in Japan ! There is a different culture here which may mean a driver doesn't even stop after a collision , yes , dragging the hapless cyclist under the car . This has happened in the area I commute . Stay safe :-)
@@raykrv6a I had the same problem and havnt looked back since I went electric 4 months ago . I've done about 1600 Km since Feb with only good results !
Here in the Netherlands, I have commuted to work every day for the last 13 years, be it rain hail or shine. It's a way of life the vast majority of Dutch embrace. Keep it up, you will be a better person for it.
Do you mind sharing any tips for commuting during rain? Waterproof clothes? Are you wearing a solid kind of helmet? I was working my way up to commuting to work by bike regularly but once dark cold wet months approached (Sydney, AU) I struggle to push myself out in wet weather.
I really miss those days when I used to ride my road bike just for commuting and, why not, for the pleasure of riding, in Japan!. Good video. Cheers pal. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽
I like the perspective through the arms and over the handle bar. The new camera makes it even better. It's also awesome how you can talk while cycling without getting out of breath.
About maintenance: one thing I just love in Sweden is the servicing for bikes, in a subscription base. There is a service which comes to house, you book them, and they do basic maintenance (for example, they fixed my flat for free, they do basic setup, lubricating and cleaning, adjusting, etc. One guy even changed my chain, I only had to pay for the chain itself). This goes as a subscription, as mentioned, you pay every quarter a fixed fee, and only the expensive spare parts will cost you extra, unless you have them yourself. All else is for free.
I have about 10km commute and have been using my bike for the last 4 years. The cold weather is not the problem, ONLY WET WEATHER!!!. I have NEVER been cold on my bike, and we get really freezing temperatures here, but getting soaking wet is what I hate!
I ride 16mi a day round trip plus run 10ish mi a day as a valet on maui. I can tell you it doesn't suck! I was 210lbs 2 pack a day smoker when I got here and hovering 170lbs now and smoke free. Bikes saved my life! Ride on!🤙
So, I’ve been bike commuting for the past month here in Phoenix. Arizona and I lOOOOVE IT! What I’d like to know from other commuters is how do you prepare for worst case scenarios? Flats, rain, heat etc. I just had a flat today and I knew it was coming that I needed to prepare for it. Best I could do was walk my bike back home 2 miles in my 5 mile (11km) commute. I’ve got my own ideas but would love to hear some others. My current is to carry a spare tube and a set of tools/pump. I originally thought I’d lock it up nearby and take an Uber but once it happened i wasn’t comfortable with that idea.
I live in Phoenix Arizona too and I am thinking about cycling to work if I get this job I am hoping to get. I dont have my drivers license and either way the traffic on the roads is really terrible in Phx. I would have to travel 10 miles to and 10 miles back. It would take 45 mins according to google maps but if I get good I think I could do it in 20 minutes.
Wow! 40 kms. everyday ride, shine, rain and winter, and those kinds of roads and terrains. That’s enough lifestyle trainings. So inspiring! Thank you as well for the tips and for economy that can give using the bike for commuting daily. You are a wise guy!
I also commute 40 km a day, but we have perfect bike lines without cars. I couldn't commute in this conditions with bad roads , cars and pedestrians. Lots of respect, dude!
Seriously jealous. I used to bike to work every day (approx 16 mile round trip) until I got knocked off my bike during a hit and run. Have been on my bike once since but I was so petrified I haven't been on it and sold the bike as too scared to get back in. The roads here (uk) are terrible for cycling and it's against the law to cycle on paths.
Love this, just started commuting on my bike and made a video about my experience (first RUclips video wohoo!). I had similar thoughts on the pros and cons! Keep up the great work:)
20km commute each way here too, but I only manage it once or twice a week when I’m in the office. 5 days a week I would be wrecked (and the washing machine would be constantly on!). Great video!
Mountain & Road bike looks cool, but are unpractical for daily use. I own mountainbike, and my arms are allways tired after 60km day trip to work, but not legs. On city bike you dont need to hold body weight on arms, you can relax and ride 15kmh whole day. Plus great water and mud protection.
Many thanks for the video! I've commuted 2x25km, 4 days a week for over 2 years; dropped 22kg fat off my body and kept it off. Am using the bike commute for mountaineering training. A cyclocross bike is perfect for me. Weekends are for recovery - Mondays I fly. FWIW age 57, Melbourne, Aus.
Love it. It is really great that you have the discipline to ride every single day! I have similar commute to work here in Northern Norway, about 21km one way but can't get myself to ride every single day, getting around 140km/week on average. But I guess the weather by the sea and above the polar circle here is more harsh than in Japan. Anyway I think I could ride more often! Nice to see somebody who has more discipline than me as a motivation.
i feel ya. i live 40km away from my work so i try commute 3 times a week and then do 3 1/2 hour MTB rides on the weekend. To get to work i go over to mountain passes. You can see them on my vids. one way if i go pretty fast on my mtb is about an hour and 30 min but if i take it easy its about an hour and 45 min. ALWAYS hungry and i agree it takes a big knock on you mind set as well. for me it helps to have a goal every month. and then a goal to the end of the year. one BIG 2 day MTB stage race. Good luck bro!!! thanks for the adventure!!
Hi! Thanks for talking about cycle-commuting in Japan - don't see that often. I've always commuted by bike, but the best has been my 18 yrs in Japan. It has developed to where I now have many different routes (variations of a theme) and cover c50kms a day. As a family man I don't have much time for weekend cycling but may manage one long ride a month. Yes, it's tiring but so much better than the train. And in my case quicker! I work with children and am on the move all day as well. Cycling helps as it gets me in that 'lively' frame of mind but I get SOOOOO hungry. It's always a battle of wills on the ride back when your stomach is rumbling as you pass a nice yakitori stand!!!! Being older, I have to be careful about how much I eat and am still working on finding the perfect solution. Commuting by bike has pros and cons but I feel the benefits by far outweigh the demerits for me. Keep spinning and keep on with the films!!!
I've got a commute bike to go to work around 6 years ago. It really changed my life. I feel more energetic, I want to bike most of the time, I use the bike trails mostly at the weekends when I can. I bike through the city and practically I used to move around through Washington, DC. My city
I commute around 880km every month to work and back for the last 8 years, come rain or shine. Over time we have established a regular commuting group that we organise with WhatsApp. This really helps to keep you motivated when the weather is really terrible or you are just feeling tired , knowing that there are other commuters waiting for you helps to motivate me to ride each day. I have also moved to commuting on a single speed as the mileage adds up very quickly and you wear through drive trains very quickly, which can get expensive. A single speed setup just makes sense if your terrain allows for this.
That's awesome, I'd love to get a group together for the morning commute.. Also, good idea about switching to the single speed.. Definitely doable on this route, so I might do that..
Thanks for sharing - i'll be moving closer to my work soon and cant wait to primarily commute by bike. As you mentioned, I will have to prep to deal witg weather such as rain/snow.
I started doing 32km*2 commute to work through Moscow and I have a pretty similar experience, e.g. being constantly hungry, but still in a good mood and shape.
Great commute. Keep it up and your body will adapt. I’ve been commuting 35-50km every working day for 27 years, no matter what the weather and still go out mountain biking or a club ride at the weekend.
My commute is about 14.5 km round trip. It's nice length. I also have a nice little hill about halfway through the ride. I work until 10:00 PM, so I don't feel comfortable doing long rides at night. I wish I could build in a longer ride on the way home. New subscriber BTW.
Just started commuting to work (3-4km) find the worst part that still gets to me is dealing with the shit attitude you get from drivers. Have to learn how not to get involved and just go on with my day. Oddly enough haven't been too bothered with crazy wind or rain which I've already got caught in. Will see if I'll continue into winter once temps hit below 0°C.
Yeah, sometimes the best thing to do is to just move on. It can really put you in a bad mood for a while if a driver does something really reckless/dangerous. Someone pulled out in front of me yesterday without even looking to the left to see oncoming traffic on the bike path 😓
I really struggle with the anxiety I feel at the thought of having to deal with the bad drivers. I’ve been experimenting with mindfulness and meditation and it’s really helping with dealing the bad thoughts which are mostly imagined.
@@jwilly7032 Same but bike lanes/trails are far and few where I live. Unless you're in the downtown core. But nearly impossible to get from point A to B with out spending majority of the time on a road. I've just been trying my best to stick to smaller road where I can. Have a few biking vids you can see hard to find a dedicated lane. But not too crazy on most these road. Just the few drivers that seem to go out of their way to show how much they don't want you there.
I really needed this. I've been commuting to work the last 4 weeks about 28km round trip daily. I have found it to be really hard on my body though. Almost demoralizing at the end of the week. Hope this eventually gets easier.
My favorite purchase this year has been a bike bell. I used to make fun of them and the people who had them, now I love it. It's a polite way to say, "Get out of the way".
@@TwoWheelCruise your voice is annoying, but when you're on your bike, and we can hear the effort being put in to cycling your voice tone is OK .Just slowdown when your indoors narrating. Stop begging for likes . If people like your vlog they will LIKE automatically.
NYC here. Commute to Manhattan by bike. 18 miles round trip. Though we have many bike lanes I wouldn’t call the city as bike friendly!Thanks for the video! Miss Japan.
When I started commuting by bike, I had a 13km ride each way. I gave myself the rule to ride 3 days a week and rest my legs the other two. I was afraid of losing motivation if I rode every day. After some time, I increased it to 4 days a week. It is importaint to give yourself a chance to rest, both your legs and your head, and not make it a "Must do it every day, or else..." routine.
I’ve been commuting about the same distance 4 - 5 days a week for the last few months, and I can really relate to everything in this video. I live on the west coast of Scotland, so it’s really nice to see a cycle route from the other side of the world too. It was like I was on that route too. Thanks. 😀
I converted my old mountain bike for commuting. 18.5 miles round trip in the mountains of western North Carolina. Definitely quicker to drive, but this saves me the gas money of a pickup truck, I'm in better shape, and my mood is so much better! Started a few says a week like you suggested, and I'm contemplating getting the right clothing to continue when the temps drop.
Live in Northern California. Im lucky to have this great weather might as well take advantage of it so I decided to get into biking to get healthy and other multiple reasons. I got myself a nice giant from a local bike shop. Being 34 years old I'm a late bloomer, my goal is to ride to work.. Its 12 miles one way. Being a rookie I've been practicing after work. I'm nervous having this physical job and not having the energy to get home and I can't wait to see the reactions from my co-workers faces when I pull up in spandex shorts LOL anyways I preciate the video bud, keep it up..
Good to watch this video as I too struggled to comprehend how... 2 x 50 min daily rides was wearing me down,, & I too wanna ride with buddies on the weekends... One thing for sure I probably need to pace down, but it’s hard to gauge when you’re warm & pumping... I since reverted back to a 2-3 days week plus weekends (2 rest days) ... but your absolutely spot on with the benefits of health, feeling good & money savings...
I used to bike about 22 km one way to work, so 44-45 km on the daily commute. I think you just need to get some time to get used to the added distance. And yes, you'll be constantly eating. You'll eat more if you're doing intervals or long rides on top of the commute. I did stop doing weekend rides for a while when I started bike commuting like that. I was just wasted. But after a couple months or so you get used to it and then you're just like, "100 km? only? Well, I guess I have the morning..." The commute is kind of a chore of starting and stopping and being careful and so on. It's really refreshing to get out to the country and just grind out the miles without anything or anyone much stopping your momentum. At a 25kph average (30 kph cruising - positively leisurely!), you'll do a 100 km run by lunch on Sunday! I even used to do club rides before I went home once I got half a year of commuting done, so I was doing 100km days back to back, plus some "short" 60 km rides on the weekends, just to get around and see some sun.
I fully agree, but honestly the distance isn't a problem for me. I actually usually feel better when I do more longer rides back to back and get in a good training/riding routine. The biggest problem for me though is if I choose to do those longer rides, it takes up more time and energy, so I'll have nothing left to edit videos after work/riding. Sacrifices have to be made somewhere, but I'm trying to find the right balance :)
I commute on my bike to work on my bike every day for the past year. out here in San Jose, CA working every delivery gig job I can do on my bike. Was 102f out here on Monday. Would love to ride in Japan. Thanks for the video.
I have been doing a 20km(single), 40km(roundtrip) commute for the past 1.5 years now. In the morning I do it fasted. Recently had a serious accident though. Previous bike is totaled now, back on a 26" wheel mountainbike. The bad thing about doing it every day is even if your legs feel bad u still have to do it.
Sorry to hear about the accident! I mostly don't eat anything before my ride, but then I eat my protein cookie or shake when I get to work and it holds me over until lunch. Legs are usually there, but the double headwind days are rough
Cycling specific frame bags are definitely useful. My bike doesn't have the necessary ports for mounting pannier racks and I used to commute (20 Km one way) with my regular laptop backpack earlier and my back used to heat up due to all the sweat buildup! About a year back, I bought the Deuter race exp air bag and it has completely transformed my commute! It's small and lightweight, but big enough to hold a 15" macbook pro, a change of clothes, towels, etc. The frame ensures the bag is lifted from my back and it gets proper airflow and ventilation. Even the straps are made out of a mesh so that there's no sweat build up in the contact areas :)
Have you ever considered something like a hybrid, just for your work commute? I do understand the pleasure of transit bikes, as you can still go pretty fast even on your laziest days, but there is no way in hell i would do your commute without a hybrid/mountain bike. Anyway, cool video, thanks for sharing the experience, Japan looks like a great riding experience.
I also found that when I was feeling down about my commute for whatever reason--tired or a little sick--thinking about the alternative of extra cost and double the time on public transit or in a car made it easier to see the bike as clearly the best option.
My commute to work is 12,5 km. I could choose a shorter route but this route is nicer and safer. I have a gravel bike because I ride all year round. At my workplace I have a locker where i can store my clothes and take a shower. I change my clothes after 3 days so in between I travel light. I’m using a saddle bag for my clothes. Before that I used a Vaude bikepack. I had the same experience with the fatigue from a daily commute. This year I want to travel to Paris. It will be a 5-day trip, avg 100km per day. In order for me to do that I train (mainly in the weekends). Longer distances and more intense towards the date of departure. I’m using a wahoo bolt and monitor my heartrate to keep it in my feetburning zone. When combined with my work commute, my body still needs to recover after my training days. Luckily my work allows me to be flexible with regards to where I work. So by working from home my body can recover and if I stil need to be at the Office, Public transport is nearby. Good luck with your daily commute. I’m also interested if the protein bars work as a solution of fighting off the fatigue.
I had a similar experience for 1 month. I got a new Internship 20 km away from my house and there was a direct train connection. On the day I started my job, they closed the line for maintenance... The replacement bus took 2 hours and cycling only 45 min. I had decent fitness. In 1 month I lost 7 kg weight and improved my fitness. After that Internship, I started to do 6 days/per week sports. At work, everyone was sleeping and I was the most energetic person there because of the cold wind :D
your comment about motivation is very important. and, in the morning, don't think about the commute, the weather or distance. just put on the right clothes, get your bicycle and hop on.
When I used my bike to get to work I was the fittest I had been since I was at school, I really miss it. As for feeling hungry all the time I found adding more fat to my diet helped. :)
Ahhh hisashiburi. I visit Yada Gawa almost everyday as Okasan lives down the road. My wife and I visit here every year. I ride MTB but currently in Japan only Okasan's Mama-churi. It would be good to come down to Yada Gawa to say Ohayo, I'll be on the Mama-churi. I am here for another week then back to Australia, back to work! Kepp up the interesting videos and good to see another biker in Nagoya!
Sounds to me like the challenge of the changes in work day is taking a bit of time to get over, rather than the commute ride itself? Apart from the early ped path section, and intersections, it looks like a lovely relaxed ride! When I was in Melbourne, I rode a route almost 95% car-free shared paths along the river, which made it about 15km rather than the shortest street ride of about 7km which would have meant far many incident points and stress. Money saving and feeling fit was a strong motivation for me as well, also the section times and ride quality as seen on Strava at the end of the day. My ride was easy as I commute on a steel gravel bike which is good on bumpy stuff. I find Osprey backpack really breezy and easy on my shoulders, but a pannier would be a consideration for a longer ride as you said... Safe ride sir, as the rains hit us!
That way of looking at it is probably more correct, it's likely the work that's tiring me out more than the commute (with the addition of late night video edits, so mainly the combination of everything) And I'm the same, I'd rather ride the long safe route than the shorter but more dangerous roads. I would love a steel gravel commuter bike, but my carbon CX bike does the trick (though I'm on aluminum road today) Cheers man!
Good effort! I do 22km each way each day on a recumbent in sunny Surrey UK. Laid back riding. Bitter in winter and dark both ways. My jersey still has the holes from getting to cosy with the tarmac on icy days... Feel like I have earned the sunny mornings of June and July by now. I meet some guys at the lights who do the full trip into central London from out here - 35 miles each way. Some fit guys.
I'm lucky, my school is only like 5km away, about 10 min to get there on road bike but to make it easier, I normally use my mountain bike . For awhile I was doing near 300km a week because I'd cycle after school and I was also in the cycling club.
I like this blog format a lot! And to do the riding and the talking praises your good physical condition! Perhaps, to invest in a cheaper bike to do the commuting is wiser. However the BMC AlpenChallenge 02-1 with the dedicated fenders and belt drive could be the right ticket for such a commute! I wish they could be found in Costa Rica! Cheers from Costa Rica!
Wow You and I really look a like.. Works and live in Japan, married to Vietnamese woman.. Love Cycling... Greeting from Osaka.. (Sorry about my English, I`m Indonesian)
this is awesome.! i average about 7kms roundtrip on my previous work commutes. now i just have to find a decent bike parking spot on this new workplace. bike commuting has a LOT of benefits
I used to commute 20km round trip every day, but since I moved to Barcelona my commute is 54 km and I can only do it 3 times a week by bicycle due to several pains (I. e. hand, knees and groin). I also used to do 80km a day for 1,5 years as a bike messenger in Paris, but sadly I think my 80km a day days are gone (and I'm only 30 but that's life).
I ride to work everyday. But I’m only riding a few miles. But still if I drive to work I always fell sluggish during the day. But when I ride to work I’m ready to start the day off.
I did the same thing for two and a half years! 21km each way, 200m of climbing each way. 5 days a week, rain or shine, sleet or snow. I feel the exact same way you do about it. Sometimes just kills my motivation, other times I'm so happy I'm not driving! The one other disadvantage is living in Philly, every day I would see at least one reckless driver on my commute. I've since moved out to the suburbs, and do half the distance (but still 200m of climbing each way!). Overall, I don't regret a single day!
@@jwilly7032 It's nothing to do with cars. It's about lazy fuckers who cannot be arsed to pedal for themselves. You have the choice. Normal bicycle without a motor where you HAVE to pedal or a motor bicycle with a huge battery. Where do you think all these motors and batteries are manufactured, in the clouds? They are massively polluting. Then E bikes rely on the huge electricity grids to charge the batteries. They are not environmentally friendly in the slightest.
@@alexmorgan3435 I don't get this hate for ebikes. If it gets more people on two wheels, surely that's a good thing? I have in-laws know their seventies that do 50k+ rides because they know they have help if needed.... and I know people with ducky knees that are able to get out on two wheels. I've ridden for forty years now and if I need an ebike to continue (fucked knees) I'll get one. Anyway, safe riding, dude.
I appreciate this review. I got a bike, and I'm planning on doing something like this--although I think my route will be a little shorter. I'm hoping to use this to get in better shape, so I like hearing from someone who's done it beforehand.
This is great! I started to commute by bike in Scotland over a year ago and have loved it despite the awful weather we have and terrible roads. I typically ride 3 times a week, 16 miles round trip each day, mostly up-hill there, on a 15 y/o trashed Giant Escape 3 and occasionally on a Triban RC520. At the weekend I go out for a 2 or 3 hour ride. For 2 of those commute days I was using the gym at work for 20-30 minutes which wich added up over time, especially at my age and fitness level (nearing 50s, not fit), so time to home-gym. Seeing other's commute plans and reading about them in the comments, and reading how they overcame issues is great! Great vid!
I also commute by road bike 40km for a round trip. About seven years have passed by this year. I was scared many times, so be careful with the accident! But thanks to that, it was much faster than when I started.
Thanks for the videos, I have been enjoying your perspective on commuting. I also commute rain or shine as well. Here in the US, drivers can be very rude, and some intentionally come within inches of hitting you. Some cities better, some cities are worse. Portland is pretty bike friendly, but not so much in Salem. I'm cringing watching your ride through the city, my internal sirens are screaming right turner, left turner, watch out, lady shooting across multiple lanes out of a stop sign, etc. Take care.
Nice video! And the scenery is great. I recently learned to ride a bike and didn’t get the chance to ride one in Japan, when I return it’s one of the first things I will do. And regarding the commute, I used to make 20-30 minutes, I changed jobs and now make like 15, I miss a longer distance but still love it.
Everyone’s different but I commute 60 km / day, year round, and have never felt it “takes a toll on me,” only plusses. Aside from staying fit, the biggest plus is mental. It draws a line between work and home. It drives the stress of work out of your head, and I can come home and relate to my family better. The challenge of overcoming your own laziness is also helpful, looking out the window at 6 am and seeing pouring down rain in the dark and 5 degrees C is a bit depressing but as soon as you get rolling you are glad you did and turns a gray day into a good one.
I think that would be because youre very conditioned to cycling that distance and commutes are broken down into halves. unless youre the type of rider that wakes up earlier so they can have a more leisurely ride in to work. Most average joe's would struggle with even 5km in each direction. My commute is 25km a day and people at work think i am insane.
60km isnt too bad unless your route is pretty hilly, But i think it would eventually take a toll on me because i dont do slow and leisurely rides to and from work. my rides are always semi-intensive as i like to race other road users to and from work - Its the curse of having a road/racing bike.
Mah nigga
@@Rose.Of.Hizaki My commute was
@@alexwood3459 30min is easy. Just get out and ride more. Most of my rides even when not going to work range between 1-3hrs. 30mins isn't enough for me to break a sweat lol just get out there
@@Rose.Of.Hizaki it's not the mileage. I can ride all day without getting tired depending on my pace- I'd still break a sweat in summer but the climate means you break a sweat standing still. Like I said, I used to do 30mins but it just felt so annoying- I should've been clearer in my comment but I did say >30mins bike or not. I just hate the time commuting takes out of my life. I hate travel in general. If it takes me an hour to get somewhere I consider that a whole day trip 😂 like I'd save it for the weekend and try and do more than one thing there. Of course I'd choose a bike over any other mode of transport and it makes a 20/30min commute somewhat enjoyable but it still gets draining when I want to do things other than work. Luckily my climbing gym was on my way home from work so didn't take extra time to get there 😁 I do need to get over my resistance to distance if I want have more housing flexibility though 🙈
I commute 16km each way every day in Bangalore, India, through some of the worst traffic and road conditions imaginable, in all weather conditions including pouring rain and blistering sun - on my trusted 15 year old Giant hardtail mountain bike - equipped with mudguards, rack and waterproof pannier - carrying my laptop, office clothes, and lunchbox. I wear a N95 rated particulate filter mask to protect myself from the high levels of PM2.5.
Agree with most of your points - costs money to change worn out parts frequently but you save money on gas and car maintenance. You save time - mine takes 45 min vs 90 mins by car. You get fit and lose weight. And you're doing your bit for the environment.
But I don't get hungry and don't feel tired on the weekend, esp after I got used to this distance.
That's awesome! Hopefully I can get tougher as I get used to my commute over time :)
@@TwoWheelCruise Thanks.. of course you will get used to it, I guess you already are! Only thing, forgot to mention, get some upper body and core exercises regularly; over time I suffered from loss of muscle mass in my arms, chest etc due to most of the exertion going to my legs, and not doing any other exercise.
Luckily work in a warehouse, no shortage of upper body work 😉
@@bikelad I have started commuting to work everyday with my bicycle. Whitefield to Richmond Town. We should catch up for a ride sometime.
Two years ago I was working on a race bike delivery company, about 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the netherlands. The first weeks into that, the pain in my thighs was so strong I had to use my arms to climb stairs, but it felt great otherwise and (as Narasimhan said) pain eventually ceased.
Six months after that my arms muscles were fine: toned but not Johny Bravo size,no loss of muscular mass at all. I wonder if that was because of the race bike handlebar which forces you to support part of the torso with the arms
2x 8km every day since the COVID lockdown. I started commuting by bike in order to avoid the metro, and now I'm really enjoying it. It used to take me 45 minutes to go to work with the metro, but with the bike it is around 30-35 minutes. I live in Greece.
Do you use a road bike or a mountainbike?
@@nailen9193 road bike but with a flat bar
Oh, our metro worked full that year as allways. Just new fear signs, red straps all around, and voice announcers about "covid, danger, 1.5m distanse, stay home" and all that shit. Their "lockdown" become just a fiction, people just got new obstacles and stupid rules. No one wear Mask (just complete tv zombies), no one stay at home, or hold 1.5m distance in bus or train, its impossible. Country budget lost tonns of money, many people lost work and buisiness. Someone says its danger - yes sir, no doubt, its danger.
I do 2*13 k in India
It's amazing how clean the streets are. Not a single piece of paper flying around, no graffiti on the walls. Amazing country! Great video as well.
One of the greater points of living here :)
yes its scary having no freedom
@AG Coarseman north korea isnt the country with the high suiciderate.
@AG Coarseman sure they are, look at the suiciderates, theyre lower.
@AG Coarseman dumbass
I can totally relate. Daughter turned 16, gave her my truck. Was just about to buy a new vehicle when I decided to commute instead. Have a Cannondale Scalpel Mountain Bike. A little different than road bike but I turn the urban scene into an obstacle course. 8mi each way. Has changed my life abd mindset. I live in Las Vegas. Amazing what you miss on a daily basis trapped inside a car.
Awesome! I don't think I can ever go back to car commuting :/
Las Vegas?? Don't you get cooked alive half the year?
@@SlowCarToChina only a couple months, but its dry heat. drink lots of water. Busses have A/C too if you need to cool off.
Man, that bike is not for commuting... that is for races.
@@calinopincariu5530 you should see my route home. Cottonwood Canyon, to Angel Park trail, to Bonanza Trail, then home. All in the middle of the city. A great ride.
Great video, thanks for posting. I commute 2x12km every day in Athens, Greece with 100m steep elevation on the way to work. It is quite suicidal because there is virtually no infrastructure for bicycles in Greece and drivers recon bikers as targets. Still half of the way is by the sea with great views. Very rewarding especially in the summer. I always carry on my rack bag laptop, clothes and lunch. Also have a frame bag with spare inner tubes and tools. A year ago decided to leave my car on the garage permanently. It takes me 35 minutes to ride to work and 30 minutes to get back. By car it gets 25-40 minutes for this distance (depends on traffic) but it also gets me 10-20 minutes to find a parking spot and 5-10 minutes walking (total time 40 to 70 minutes). So it is faster and more fun to use my bicycle. Ride safe and keep posting great videos.
Interesting topic in this one! Surprised by how much there is to talk about! Keep up the good content!
Thanks man, I surprised myself with how much I could talk about it lol 😂
I've been enjoying your topics lately as well :)
🇺🇲❤️🇹🇼
I am lucky of my 13 km commute only 2km are on city streets fighting traffic. The other 11 are on a well maintained lake front path with good bike lanes and beautiful views.
I used to do 28 miles per day (45km) round trips for my commute for a one-year contract. I recall to feel the same that you're explaining. It took me 6 months for my body to acclimatise to these 2 hours of daily commute. I was quite tired everyday. I used to have two breakfasts, one before the morning ride and after my shower in the morning at the office at my desk haha. You're right saying that winter is difficult but I think it is the season I preferred to commute in because of the environment. I have seen so much of wildlife on that cycle path between Bristol and Bath in England. This commute helped me to manage my stress levels from my work. Instead of paying a annual bus ticket, I preferred to pay myself a nice bike. And now I still have it and enjoy new commutes from my new job and some touring in England. Good job for doing it! You'll feel much better by doing so.
The more I think about it, I don't really have a preference for the commuting season. I like winter and I like spring and fall.. The peak of summer and rainy season I could do without though lol. But really, I like the diversity of it all and experiencing the changing of the weather and nature around me.
I am 15 and just started cycling for fun and exercise, its been a few months and ive found a good route, my active day is between 40km and 50km and my passive day is around 25km, the major difference is on my mental health, its been a massive boost to my overall happiness, and yes i do agree with you about feeling hungry most of the time.
Awesome! Keep it up!
Hope you’re still cycling wee man 😎
2x 30km all workdays everyday every season. Plus club rides = 17000 a year.
52 year old.
Awesome stuff!
Michael Davis he deserves one.
Same here, 60km round trip 5 days a week all year round, 48 years old. Started out fat last June now I’m a sex god
All praise sex God! 🔥
Respect!
Love that dynamic road path. I'm planning to commute 70km. 35km in morning& 35km after office
Great vid thank you. Entertaining, informative. I've been commuting here in Switzerland for the last five years. I ride entirely to work sometimes or mix with the train. And yes, cycling keeps you fit : cycling led me to take part in short distance triathlons and to my first olympic distance this fall. I'm 62 now, teaching maths and yes, you're right, cycling 'boots me up' on a good mood each and every morning, even when it snows !
That's awesome man!
We have just had a campaign in Hungary to promote cycling to work. Some 20 people joined from my workplace and it was fun. These campaigns are held regularly, I think that is pretty good.
That's awesome! Definitely would like to see more of that
Müller Gyula sounds like fun! We did the same at work using an app called KAPPO! It is a mix between and cycling app and a video game, you get gold coins and gems for riding which you an use to “buy” gear in the app.
@@LP-sp4sf in some modern companies bike commuting employees obtain bonus money, or some priveleges among the others. Healthy personal is a great advantage for buisiness. But in our town and country every stupid dork by a car first, with best public bus transport, so we have completely blocked town for all. And i like to ride my bike along traffic jammed roads with happy face, it works i know), bike population slowly rises.
I commute by bike for the last 3 years. 30km a day and i love it. i dont care if it rains or snows. I am healthier then before and i a better mood when im at work. I start at 5 am and without cycling i would be pretty tired at this time. For me its the best way to commute
Awesome man, I feel the same way! :)
I just don't like cleaning my bike 😂
I do 30 miles a day lol
When I bike to work I always feel better than when I drive. But honestly, I prefer cycling on sunny nice days than cold rainy, snow-filled, dark and gloomy days.
In bike paradise Netherlands or Finnland its safe and fun to ride in winter, i beleive. "Not just bikes" channel makes me envy of their life.
Makes me want to dig the bike out, thanks for the inspiration. Best wishes from Glasgow.
I randomly ran into this video on recommended and I'm glad I did. Great motivation for me when I start my new job next week. I use to bike home from work about 15 miles had me in great shape and all of the above like you have explained! great video!
Awesome, good luck with the new job / commute!
Fantastic! I have been commuting daily 40 miles round trip to my workplace since February last year. Mostly on a highway with very few stops for traffic lights, intersections etc.. Was a bit of a struggle at the beginning - sore legs by Wednesday already. Now it is a pleasure in the pain, so to speak as I am fighting for more watts (only fellow endurance athletes understand this concept I am afraid). My one hour threshold improved from 255w to 358w. A 20 mile trip takes me between 45-50 mins. depending on wind conditions and traffic.Body weight has gone down from 107kg to 77kg, while I still do a full body workout with weights usually on a Saturday morning. Funny thing is, all this cycling hasn't made me much weaker in the gym. The biggest drop in strength was at the bench press. Having a sitting 9-5 job this commuting literally saves me from becoming mentally miserable and hanging myself. I only wish my knees don't fail one day. Eating well helps with recovery very much. Every chocolate bar or ice cream calories replaced with steak, egg, butter, sardines, wild salmon, protein powder helps I think.
Wow, it sounds like commuting has really made a positive impact on your life. I've noticed a big increase in my FTP as well now that I'm getting all of the base miles in, and it certainly helps me to maintain my sanity :)
I totally agree with what you said about not doing long rides on your days off. I commute by bike too, sometimes i take the longer route home, but on the days off i simply use it for recovery and doing something different. I find doing that gives me the motivation to get on the bike when it comes to going back to work again on the bike.
Exactly! I'd much rather just extend my commute and rest on the weekends now :/
Great video I also cycle to work everyday and the hungry all the time thing I upped my fats with almonds cashews and other nuts and it works really good
"You are not alone..." - your commentary almost exactly mirrors my own commute in Glasgow, Scotland; the reasons, the benefits, the motivations, the weather, your likes and dislikes. I can do my 10km in about half the time it takes by car, I feel epic every morning when I arrive, and I love the feeling of a hot flannel on my face when I wash off after I arrive. I love riding in the pouring summer rain storms, maniacally laughing at the poor lost souls stuck in their infernal tin boxes. I have only been stopped twice by the weather: once by 60cm of snow, and once by almost complete black ice the whole way to work.
I had a conversation with a guy I worked with, who was ex-forces, and the basic premise was "you only find out what you can achieve, when you take yourself outside OTHER people's comfort zones": he understood what I was talking about, and I know you do too :)
I love getting out of my comfort zone, but it can then make it harder to talk to normal people lol 😅 the upcoming typhoons will be my biggest challenge, might drive on those days.. will see..
Give this man a standing ovation! Straight away your proving you have brains ! BE SEEN BE BRIGHT BE VISUAL.
I do a small 7+7 commute every day on my bike, and I love it. I live in a rural area of Denmark, so a car would take 1/3 of the time. I'm a big guy (350+ lbs), so it's nice to get some exercise in on a daily basis. However, it's not been a cheap affair to get my bike up to snuff. Been cracking rims left and right, and finally invested in some Spinergy Z Lite Disc rims at a lovely cost of $800. But after 6 months of riding them, they're holding up nicely, so it was worth the investment.
My bike, a 2017 Morrison Blackfoot 29, only cost around $750 when I got it, so it wasn't exactly kitted with top of the line parts. Took me about 8 months to wear out the crankset, but as every bit of the bike has needed to be replaced, I've upgraded for some proper stuff. Also changed up my gear ratios a bit, as the 22-34-44 just wasn't cutting it, so upgraded to 26-38-48, which is the highest you're going to get before having to switch to the road going groupsets like the 105 or Ultegra. Going with the Shimano T8000 series (high mid-end groupset designed for long trekking, but can also go off road) all around the bike, so it should last me quite nicely. The front derailleur is now up for a change after just shy of 2 years, so decided to do both front and back, and go from 9-speed to 10-speed at the back as well, and switching from 11-34 to 11-32 at the back for a slightly tighter gear shift.
But when you're in my weight class, and you push 5-6000 km a year on the bike, it really pushes the limits of the components. Hopefully, it's all dialed in now, so it can last for longer runs, and I can go on some proper trips.
Awesome stuff man, keep it up and enjoy the ride!
Oh gosh, this is extremely inspiring, so thank you! I commute for a short range and am rather curious although also paranoid to try a longer distance and to do such more frequently. Thank you for posting this and for everyone else who managed to respond about their own commute too! It might not mean much, but living in an area where bike commuting, although doable, is often overlooked or uncommon, it feels reassuring to see others' who also do the same! So once again, really, thank you.
It's a bit of a change but better than any other form of transportation by far 🙂
@@TwoWheelCruise Of course and is definitely worth it!
I think my 12 + 12 KM every day on my e bike is just right for me , I'm 60 so don't want to stress myself too much :-)
Sounds like the perfect amount and like you got the perfect bike ;)
ruclips.net/video/vzMFwVgX3Dk/видео.html
Sorry to paste a link , but the bike is perfect , the commute not so much . I see you also have some hair raising bits of road , even in Japan ! There is a different culture here which may mean a driver doesn't even stop after a collision , yes , dragging the hapless cyclist under the car . This has happened in the area I commute . Stay safe :-)
I'm retired and considering buying a RAD Power bike. Knees aren't good enough for running anymore.
@@raykrv6a I had the same problem and havnt looked back since I went electric 4 months ago . I've done about 1600 Km since Feb with only good results !
@@raykrv6aAt 69 I just didn't need the back pain from 40+ years of running so I made the transition to an e-bike and haven't regretted it.
Stumbled upon this old video. Man, We need you guys back in Japan!
Here in the Netherlands, I have commuted to work every day for the last 13 years, be it rain hail or shine. It's a way of life the vast majority of Dutch embrace. Keep it up, you will be a better person for it.
Thanks man! I feel like a better person so far :)
Do you mind sharing any tips for commuting during rain? Waterproof clothes? Are you wearing a solid kind of helmet? I was working my way up to commuting to work by bike regularly but once dark cold wet months approached (Sydney, AU) I struggle to push myself out in wet weather.
I made a whole video about it, check cycling in rain tips two wheel cruise
I really miss those days when I used to ride my road bike just for commuting and, why not, for the pleasure of riding, in Japan!. Good video. Cheers pal. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽
I am with you, Dude! Commuting the same distance in Berlin, but only on 3 days/week. Great opportunity to collect training miles!
Exactly! Keep it up man!
I like the perspective through the arms and over the handle bar. The new camera makes it even better. It's also awesome how you can talk while cycling without getting out of breath.
Glad to hear it! I was always a bit chatty during races 😅
20 miles round trip in north Dallas!
About maintenance: one thing I just love in Sweden is the servicing for bikes, in a subscription base. There is a service which comes to house, you book them, and they do basic maintenance (for example, they fixed my flat for free, they do basic setup, lubricating and cleaning, adjusting, etc. One guy even changed my chain, I only had to pay for the chain itself). This goes as a subscription, as mentioned, you pay every quarter a fixed fee, and only the expensive spare parts will cost you extra, unless you have them yourself. All else is for free.
Gonna start my bike commuting next week and so excited after preparing my physical body to do it. Cant believe I love cycling and cant stop cycling 😺
Awesome, enjoy! :)
Nice video, my bike commute is 16miles each way during the warmer season, from NYC. ❤️
I cycle 52km a day, and I love it! Even despite feeling tired, hungry, battling the weather, I wouldn't want it any other way. Good luck!
Exactly and thanks! :)
I have about 10km commute and have been using my bike for the last 4 years. The cold weather is not the problem, ONLY WET WEATHER!!!.
I have NEVER been cold on my bike, and we get really freezing temperatures here, but getting soaking wet is what I hate!
Yep, cold weather is no problem. Rain is also OK, but puddles are the worst 😬
I ride 16mi a day round trip plus run 10ish mi a day as a valet on maui.
I can tell you it doesn't suck! I was 210lbs 2 pack a day smoker when I got here and hovering 170lbs now and smoke free. Bikes saved my life! Ride on!🤙
Very nice video ; I`m commuting 30 to work and back every day here in Brussels (commuting from Overijse). I feel great.
Thanks! Keep it up :)
So, I’ve been bike commuting for the past month here in Phoenix. Arizona and I lOOOOVE IT! What I’d like to know from other commuters is how do you prepare for worst case scenarios? Flats, rain, heat etc. I just had a flat today and I knew it was coming that I needed to prepare for it. Best I could do was walk my bike back home 2 miles in my 5 mile (11km) commute. I’ve got my own ideas but would love to hear some others. My current is to carry a spare tube and a set of tools/pump. I originally thought I’d lock it up nearby and take an Uber but once it happened i wasn’t comfortable with that idea.
I live in Phoenix Arizona too and I am thinking about cycling to work if I get this job I am hoping to get. I dont have my drivers license and either way the traffic on the roads is really terrible in Phx. I would have to travel 10 miles to and 10 miles back. It would take 45 mins according to google maps but if I get good I think I could do it in 20 minutes.
Carry duct tape on you.
Wow! 40 kms. everyday ride, shine, rain and winter, and those kinds of roads and terrains. That’s enough lifestyle trainings. So inspiring!
Thank you as well for the tips and for economy that can give using the bike for commuting daily.
You are a wise guy!
I also commute 40 km a day, but we have perfect bike lines without cars.
I couldn't commute in this conditions with bad roads , cars and pedestrians. Lots of respect, dude!
It can be a bit chaotic at times, but it's not too bad 🙂
netherlands?
Seriously jealous. I used to bike to work every day (approx 16 mile round trip) until I got knocked off my bike during a hit and run. Have been on my bike once since but I was so petrified I haven't been on it and sold the bike as too scared to get back in. The roads here (uk) are terrible for cycling and it's against the law to cycle on paths.
Love this, just started commuting on my bike and made a video about my experience (first RUclips video wohoo!). I had similar thoughts on the pros and cons!
Keep up the great work:)
I live in Edmonton Canada btw, not the most bike-able city but my commute is only 13ish km round trip!
20km commute each way here too, but I only manage it once or twice a week when I’m in the office. 5 days a week I would be wrecked (and the washing machine would be constantly on!). Great video!
Awesome! And yeah, my weekly laundry has increased considerably
Mountain & Road bike looks cool, but are unpractical for daily use. I own mountainbike, and my arms are allways tired after 60km day trip to work, but not legs. On city bike you dont need to hold body weight on arms, you can relax and ride 15kmh whole day. Plus great water and mud protection.
Many thanks for the video! I've commuted 2x25km, 4 days a week for over 2 years; dropped 22kg fat off my body and kept it off. Am using the bike commute for mountaineering training. A cyclocross bike is perfect for me. Weekends are for recovery - Mondays I fly. FWIW age 57, Melbourne, Aus.
Awesome stuff man, keep it up!
Love it. It is really great that you have the discipline to ride every single day! I have similar commute to work here in Northern Norway, about 21km one way but can't get myself to ride every single day, getting around 140km/week on average. But I guess the weather by the sea and above the polar circle here is more harsh than in Japan. Anyway I think I could ride more often! Nice to see somebody who has more discipline than me as a motivation.
Thanks! I've struggled with being disciplined the last few years, but thinking about the financial savings help a lot :)
i feel ya. i live 40km away from my work so i try commute 3 times a week and then do 3 1/2 hour MTB rides on the weekend. To get to work i go over to mountain passes. You can see them on my vids. one way if i go pretty fast on my mtb is about an hour and 30 min but if i take it easy its about an hour and 45 min. ALWAYS hungry and i agree it takes a big knock on you mind set as well. for me it helps to have a goal every month. and then a goal to the end of the year. one BIG 2 day MTB stage race. Good luck bro!!! thanks for the adventure!!
Always good to have a goal and something you're working towards :)
Hi! Thanks for talking about cycle-commuting in Japan - don't see that often. I've always commuted by bike, but the best has been my 18 yrs in Japan. It has developed to where I now have many different routes (variations of a theme) and cover c50kms a day. As a family man I don't have much time for weekend cycling but may manage one long ride a month. Yes, it's tiring but so much better than the train. And in my case quicker! I work with children and am on the move all day as well. Cycling helps as it gets me in that 'lively' frame of mind but I get SOOOOO hungry. It's always a battle of wills on the ride back when your stomach is rumbling as you pass a nice yakitori stand!!!! Being older, I have to be careful about how much I eat and am still working on finding the perfect solution. Commuting by bike has pros and cons but I feel the benefits by far outweigh the demerits for me. Keep spinning and keep on with the films!!!
Thanks man! Definitely a mixed bag, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Definitely better than the train or car :)
I've got a commute bike to go to work around 6 years ago. It really changed my life. I feel more energetic, I want to bike most of the time, I use the bike trails mostly at the weekends when I can. I bike through the city and practically I used to move around through Washington, DC. My city
I commute around 880km every month to work and back for the last 8 years, come rain or shine. Over time we have established a regular commuting group that we organise with WhatsApp. This really helps to keep you motivated when the weather is really terrible or you are just feeling tired , knowing that there are other commuters waiting for you helps to motivate me to ride each day. I have also moved to commuting on a single speed as the mileage adds up very quickly and you wear through drive trains very quickly, which can get expensive. A single speed setup just makes sense if your terrain allows for this.
That's awesome, I'd love to get a group together for the morning commute.. Also, good idea about switching to the single speed.. Definitely doable on this route, so I might do that..
lots of cool ideas-I wish single speeds were an option in the alps though, lol
Thanks for sharing - i'll be moving closer to my work soon and cant wait to primarily commute by bike. As you mentioned, I will have to prep to deal witg weather such as rain/snow.
Enjoy the new commute. Some good prep goes a long way, don't be like me 😂
I started doing 32km*2 commute to work through Moscow and I have a pretty similar experience, e.g. being constantly hungry, but still in a good mood and shape.
Awesome! It's not a problem as long as you got enough food to satisfy your hunger :)
@@TwoWheelCruise true, besides loosing a few kilos wouldn't hurt me :)
Great commute. Keep it up and your body will adapt. I’ve been commuting 35-50km every working day for 27 years, no matter what the weather and still go out mountain biking or a club ride at the weekend.
So true. Most people only ride their bike once a week.
No good mountain biking nearby and club ride starts at 6:30am. I like to sleep in and then ride on the weekends 😅
My commute is about 14.5 km round trip. It's nice length. I also have a nice little hill about halfway through the ride. I work until 10:00 PM, so I don't feel comfortable doing long rides at night. I wish I could build in a longer ride on the way home.
New subscriber BTW.
Thanks and welcome!
I love the late night commutes since no one is out on the roads :)
Enjoy watching your videos, good stuff. My commute is 12 miles one way but find it hard to motivate myself to bike at 4am. Greetings from Michigan!
Thanks! I motivate myself with a cookie when I arrive to work 😅
Just started commuting to work (3-4km) find the worst part that still gets to me is dealing with the shit attitude you get from drivers. Have to learn how not to get involved and just go on with my day.
Oddly enough haven't been too bothered with crazy wind or rain which I've already got caught in. Will see if I'll continue into winter once temps hit below 0°C.
Yeah, sometimes the best thing to do is to just move on. It can really put you in a bad mood for a while if a driver does something really reckless/dangerous. Someone pulled out in front of me yesterday without even looking to the left to see oncoming traffic on the bike path 😓
I really struggle with the anxiety I feel at the thought of having to deal with the bad drivers.
I’ve been experimenting with mindfulness and meditation and it’s really helping with dealing the bad thoughts which are mostly imagined.
@@timboha8191 I've been a lot better doing something similar but sometimes it just boils over.
I go far out of my way so I can stick to bike paths and avoid roads.
@@jwilly7032 Same but bike lanes/trails are far and few where I live. Unless you're in the downtown core. But nearly impossible to get from point A to B with out spending majority of the time on a road. I've just been trying my best to stick to smaller road where I can. Have a few biking vids you can see hard to find a dedicated lane. But not too crazy on most these road. Just the few drivers that seem to go out of their way to show how much they don't want you there.
I really needed this. I've been commuting to work the last 4 weeks about 28km round trip daily. I have found it to be really hard on my body though. Almost demoralizing at the end of the week. Hope this eventually gets easier.
It should get better the more you do it. Also, it helps to be more conscious about eating better food and getting a good sleep schedule
35 km in Belgium 4 out of 5 days because Wednesday I don't have to work. That rest day is crucial.
That rest day sounds nice!
My favorite purchase this year has been a bike bell. I used to make fun of them and the people who had them, now I love it. It's a polite way to say, "Get out of the way".
I want to get one, but they're technically illegal in Japan.. :/
Love your videos really. Maybe you should change the route everyday to show us different places in your videos. Greeting from Argentina!
Thanks! Planning to do some different routes every week or so :)
@@TwoWheelCruise your voice is annoying, but when you're on your bike, and we can hear the effort being put in to cycling your voice tone is OK .Just slowdown when your indoors narrating. Stop begging for likes .
If people like your vlog they will LIKE automatically.
Good idea! Grets from Germany
NYC here. Commute to Manhattan by bike. 18 miles round trip. Though we have many bike lanes I wouldn’t call the city as bike friendly!Thanks for the video! Miss Japan.
When I started commuting by bike, I had a 13km ride each way. I gave myself the rule to ride 3 days a week and rest my legs the other two. I was afraid of losing motivation if I rode every day. After some time, I increased it to 4 days a week.
It is importaint to give yourself a chance to rest, both your legs and your head, and not make it a "Must do it every day, or else..." routine.
I’ve been commuting about the same distance 4 - 5 days a week for the last few months, and I can really relate to everything in this video. I live on the west coast of Scotland, so it’s really nice to see a cycle route from the other side of the world too. It was like I was on that route too. Thanks. 😀
Glad you enjoyed! 😀
Best sentence ever said "cool there's a cat"
😅 I know the best words
I converted my old mountain bike for commuting. 18.5 miles round trip in the mountains of western North Carolina. Definitely quicker to drive, but this saves me the gas money of a pickup truck, I'm in better shape, and my mood is so much better! Started a few says a week like you suggested, and I'm contemplating getting the right clothing to continue when the temps drop.
Awesome, keep it up!
Live in Northern California. Im lucky to have this great weather might as well take advantage of it so I decided to get into biking to get healthy and other multiple reasons. I got myself a nice giant from a local bike shop. Being 34 years old I'm a late bloomer, my goal is to ride to work.. Its 12 miles one way. Being a rookie I've been practicing after work. I'm nervous having this physical job and not having the energy to get home and I can't wait to see the reactions from my co-workers faces when I pull up in spandex shorts LOL anyways I preciate the video bud, keep it up..
Thanks man! Never too late to start, good luck!
Good to watch this video as I too struggled to comprehend how... 2 x 50 min daily rides was wearing me down,, & I too wanna ride with buddies on the weekends... One thing for sure I probably need to pace down, but it’s hard to gauge when you’re warm & pumping...
I since reverted back to a 2-3 days week plus weekends (2 rest days) ... but your absolutely spot on with the benefits of health, feeling good & money savings...
Good to hear we're not alone :)
I used to bike about 22 km one way to work, so 44-45 km on the daily commute. I think you just need to get some time to get used to the added distance. And yes, you'll be constantly eating. You'll eat more if you're doing intervals or long rides on top of the commute.
I did stop doing weekend rides for a while when I started bike commuting like that. I was just wasted. But after a couple months or so you get used to it and then you're just like, "100 km? only? Well, I guess I have the morning..." The commute is kind of a chore of starting and stopping and being careful and so on. It's really refreshing to get out to the country and just grind out the miles without anything or anyone much stopping your momentum. At a 25kph average (30 kph cruising - positively leisurely!), you'll do a 100 km run by lunch on Sunday!
I even used to do club rides before I went home once I got half a year of commuting done, so I was doing 100km days back to back, plus some "short" 60 km rides on the weekends, just to get around and see some sun.
I fully agree, but honestly the distance isn't a problem for me. I actually usually feel better when I do more longer rides back to back and get in a good training/riding routine. The biggest problem for me though is if I choose to do those longer rides, it takes up more time and energy, so I'll have nothing left to edit videos after work/riding. Sacrifices have to be made somewhere, but I'm trying to find the right balance :)
I commute on my bike to work on my bike every day for the past year. out here in San Jose, CA working every delivery gig job I can do on my bike. Was 102f out here on Monday. Would love to ride in Japan. Thanks for the video.
Nice, sounds like quite the life :)
I have been doing a 20km(single), 40km(roundtrip) commute for the past 1.5 years now.
In the morning I do it fasted. Recently had a serious accident though. Previous bike is totaled now, back on a 26" wheel mountainbike. The bad thing about doing it every day is even if your legs feel bad u still have to do it.
Sorry to hear about the accident! I mostly don't eat anything before my ride, but then I eat my protein cookie or shake when I get to work and it holds me over until lunch.
Legs are usually there, but the double headwind days are rough
Cycling specific frame bags are definitely useful. My bike doesn't have the necessary ports for mounting pannier racks and I used to commute (20 Km one way) with my regular laptop backpack earlier and my back used to heat up due to all the sweat buildup! About a year back, I bought the Deuter race exp air bag and it has completely transformed my commute! It's small and lightweight, but big enough to hold a 15" macbook pro, a change of clothes, towels, etc. The frame ensures the bag is lifted from my back and it gets proper airflow and ventilation. Even the straps are made out of a mesh so that there's no sweat build up in the contact areas :)
Thank you! :)
Have you ever considered something like a hybrid, just for your work commute?
I do understand the pleasure of transit bikes, as you can still go pretty fast even on your laziest days, but there is no way in hell i would do your commute without a hybrid/mountain bike.
Anyway, cool video, thanks for sharing the experience, Japan looks like a great riding experience.
Thanks! It's quite comfortable on the CX bike, but I am considering to get a alpenchallenge belt drive commuter bike.
I also found that when I was feeling down about my commute for whatever reason--tired or a little sick--thinking about the alternative of extra cost and double the time on public transit or in a car made it easier to see the bike as clearly the best option.
Exactly! My motivation comes back quick once I think about the cost of driving or trains and extra time
My commute to work is 12,5 km. I could choose a shorter route but this route is nicer and safer. I have a gravel bike because I ride all year round.
At my workplace I have a locker where i can store my clothes and take a shower. I change my clothes after 3 days so in between I travel light. I’m using a saddle bag for my clothes.
Before that I used a Vaude bikepack.
I had the same experience with the fatigue from a daily commute.
This year I want to travel to Paris. It will be a 5-day trip, avg 100km per day. In order for me to do that I train (mainly in the weekends). Longer distances and more intense towards the date of departure. I’m using a wahoo bolt and monitor my heartrate to keep it in my feetburning zone.
When combined with my work commute, my body still needs to recover after my training days. Luckily my work allows me to be flexible with regards to where I work. So by working from home my body can recover and if I stil need to be at the Office, Public transport is nearby.
Good luck with your daily commute. I’m also interested if the protein bars work as a solution of fighting off the fatigue.
Thanks man! Jealous of the being able to work from home. I've found good protein intake helps with the fatigue
I had a similar experience for 1 month. I got a new Internship 20 km away from my house and there was a direct train connection. On the day I started my job, they closed the line for maintenance... The replacement bus took 2 hours and cycling only 45 min. I had decent fitness. In 1 month I lost 7 kg weight and improved my fitness. After that Internship, I started to do 6 days/per week sports.
At work, everyone was sleeping and I was the most energetic person there because of the cold wind :D
It’s so impressed that your biking skill; the nasty route , I may just slipping 😄😄
I have to visit Japan one day! I have a similar distance from home to work but with 700-1000 height meters in between (depending on the route)
Sounds like some good elevation gain for that amount of distance!
@@TwoWheelCruise well, switzerland an alpine country :-)
I ride a Scott Silence Evo (commuting/urban bikes)... super confortable...
your comment about motivation is very important. and, in the morning, don't think about the commute, the weather or distance. just put on the right clothes, get your bicycle and hop on.
Exactly, just gotta do it
When I used my bike to get to work I was the fittest I had been since I was at school, I really miss it. As for feeling hungry all the time I found adding more fat to my diet helped. :)
Guess I gotta try some more fatty foods
Ahhh hisashiburi. I visit Yada Gawa almost everyday as Okasan lives down the road. My wife and I visit here every year. I ride MTB but currently in Japan only Okasan's Mama-churi. It would be good to come down to Yada Gawa to say Ohayo, I'll be on the Mama-churi. I am here for another week then back to Australia, back to work! Kepp up the interesting videos and good to see another biker in Nagoya!
Thanks! Bet you're excited to go back to the MTB after all that mama-chari riding ;)
Sounds to me like the challenge of the changes in work day is taking a bit of time to get over, rather than the commute ride itself? Apart from the early ped path section, and intersections, it looks like a lovely relaxed ride!
When I was in Melbourne, I rode a route almost 95% car-free shared paths along the river, which made it about 15km rather than the shortest street ride of about 7km which would have meant far many incident points and stress. Money saving and feeling fit was a strong motivation for me as well, also the section times and ride quality as seen on Strava at the end of the day.
My ride was easy as I commute on a steel gravel bike which is good on bumpy stuff. I find Osprey backpack really breezy and easy on my shoulders, but a pannier would be a consideration for a longer ride as you said...
Safe ride sir, as the rains hit us!
That way of looking at it is probably more correct, it's likely the work that's tiring me out more than the commute (with the addition of late night video edits, so mainly the combination of everything)
And I'm the same, I'd rather ride the long safe route than the shorter but more dangerous roads. I would love a steel gravel commuter bike, but my carbon CX bike does the trick (though I'm on aluminum road today)
Cheers man!
Good effort! I do 22km each way each day on a recumbent in sunny Surrey UK. Laid back riding. Bitter in winter and dark both ways. My jersey still has the holes from getting to cosy with the tarmac on icy days... Feel like I have earned the sunny mornings of June and July by now. I meet some guys at the lights who do the full trip into central London from out here - 35 miles each way. Some fit guys.
Awesome, keep it up and hopefully those sunny mornings come soon :)
I'm lucky, my school is only like 5km away, about 10 min to get there on road bike but to make it easier, I normally use my mountain bike .
For awhile I was doing near 300km a week because I'd cycle after school and I was also in the cycling club.
Sounds like me in high school.. but I didn't do every day lol
I like this blog format a lot! And to do the riding and the talking praises your good physical condition!
Perhaps, to invest in a cheaper bike to do the commuting is wiser. However the BMC AlpenChallenge 02-1 with the dedicated fenders and belt drive could be the right ticket for such a commute! I wish they could be found in Costa Rica! Cheers from Costa Rica!
Wow You and I really look a like.. Works and live in Japan, married to Vietnamese woman.. Love Cycling...
Greeting from Osaka.. (Sorry about my English, I`m Indonesian)
Haha, very few of us 😉
this is awesome.! i average about 7kms roundtrip on my previous work commutes. now i just have to find a decent bike parking spot on this new workplace. bike commuting has a LOT of benefits
Thanks and good luck finding a new parking space ;)
Good stuff!! I've been doing about a 40km commute every day for about 8 years. We should talk!
Wow, that's dedication!
Two Wheel Cruise - Crazy, right? I can’t imagine life without my commute! ^_^
Same! I've actually commuted by bike to work my entire adult life, but my commute was only 1-5km until recently 😅
I used to commute 20km round trip every day, but since I moved to Barcelona my commute is 54 km and I can only do it 3 times a week by bicycle due to several pains (I. e. hand, knees and groin). I also used to do 80km a day for 1,5 years as a bike messenger in Paris, but sadly I think my 80km a day days are gone (and I'm only 30 but that's life).
Definitely risk burning out by doing a bit much 😥
Love this video! Thanks for sharing your experience and I love that I can see your commute! 👍
Thanks! :)
I ride to work everyday. But I’m only riding a few miles. But still if I drive to work I always fell sluggish during the day. But when I ride to work I’m ready to start the day off.
I tried driving once and hated it. Felt like crap the whole day
very nice to see a different environment. i really like watching you bike in those Japanese streets keep it up! greetings from brussels.
10 years but short commute (25min) Portland has decent bike lanes
Awesome commitment! I bet they have some nice bike lanes there!
I did the same thing for two and a half years! 21km each way, 200m of climbing each way. 5 days a week, rain or shine, sleet or snow.
I feel the exact same way you do about it. Sometimes just kills my motivation, other times I'm so happy I'm not driving! The one other disadvantage is living in Philly, every day I would see at least one reckless driver on my commute.
I've since moved out to the suburbs, and do half the distance (but still 200m of climbing each way!). Overall, I don't regret a single day!
Ups and downs, but wouldn't trade it for anything :)
yooooooo cruise have you thought of getting an E BIKE for work . :) less tired for work and you still do that monster weekend rides
Would love to get one, but the assist limit is really low in Japan, so not worth it.
E bikes are for lazy fuckers who don't care about the environment.
Alex Morgan or people who care about the environment and don’t want to drive a car.
@@jwilly7032 It's nothing to do with cars. It's about lazy fuckers who cannot be arsed to pedal for themselves. You have the choice. Normal bicycle without a motor where you HAVE to pedal or a motor bicycle with a huge battery. Where do you think all these motors and batteries are manufactured, in the clouds? They are massively polluting. Then E bikes rely on the huge electricity grids to charge the batteries. They are not environmentally friendly in the slightest.
@@alexmorgan3435 I don't get this hate for ebikes. If it gets more people on two wheels, surely that's a good thing? I have in-laws know their seventies that do 50k+ rides because they know they have help if needed.... and I know people with ducky knees that are able to get out on two wheels. I've ridden for forty years now and if I need an ebike to continue (fucked knees) I'll get one. Anyway, safe riding, dude.
I appreciate this review. I got a bike, and I'm planning on doing something like this--although I think my route will be a little shorter. I'm hoping to use this to get in better shape, so I like hearing from someone who's done it beforehand.
Awesome, good luck!
40 + 40km everyday work commute on my roadbike, 400km per week, 1600km per month.
ça te prends combien de temps? (le trajet)
Impressive!
Wow! 32+32 is not so easy for me, I can imagine 40 is super tough. How long does it take you?
This is great!
I started to commute by bike in Scotland over a year ago and have loved it despite the awful weather we have and terrible roads.
I typically ride 3 times a week, 16 miles round trip each day, mostly up-hill there, on a 15 y/o trashed Giant Escape 3 and occasionally on a Triban RC520. At the weekend I go out for a 2 or 3 hour ride.
For 2 of those commute days I was using the gym at work for 20-30 minutes which wich added up over time, especially at my age and fitness level (nearing 50s, not fit), so time to home-gym.
Seeing other's commute plans and reading about them in the comments, and reading how they overcame issues is great!
Great vid!
Awesome and thanks!
I also commute by road bike 40km for a round trip. About seven years have passed by this year. I was scared many times, so be careful with the accident! But thanks to that, it was much faster than when I started.
Awesome, keep it up! Hopefully I survive my first year 😅
Thanks for the videos, I have been enjoying your perspective on commuting. I also commute rain or shine as well. Here in the US, drivers can be very rude, and some intentionally come within inches of hitting you. Some cities better, some cities are worse. Portland is pretty bike friendly, but not so much in Salem. I'm cringing watching your ride through the city, my internal sirens are screaming right turner, left turner, watch out, lady shooting across multiple lanes out of a stop sign, etc. Take care.
Oh, when you're cycle in Japan, delight!
Cycle in Japan, be tight
Cycle in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Cycle in Japan, alright!
Wish I had music editing skills, this would make a sick channel intro 😂
Gonna have to do a cover like this at my next karaoke night..
Bravo! I look forward to your comments. Rhyme on.
Nice video! And the scenery is great.
I recently learned to ride a bike and didn’t get the chance to ride one in Japan, when I return it’s one of the first things I will do.
And regarding the commute, I used to make 20-30 minutes, I changed jobs and now make like 15, I miss a longer distance but still love it.