Have you commute to work by cycling? My workplace is 17km per trip, is it consider a normal/doable distance for bicycle commute? Havent done it before
If you are in a decent condition it’s likely doable from the get go.
It’s definitely doable for almost anyone via gradual distance increase.
For reference:
I’m your average, feeble programmer. My only interest in biking is exchange of temporary suffering for a good chance at longer and comfier life. Also cheaping out on public communication tickets.
I was slightly overweight when started biking (25.5 BMI). I have 6km to work. Had to do round trip and back (so 18km pretty much your distance) one day a few weeks after starting bike commutes (I forgot something and had to do a round trip right after arrival).
At 6km at the start I was pretty spent and almost at the point of needing a shower.
At 12km I was exhausted, in pain and absolutely needed a shower.
At 18km, with a 15min break for a shower at home I was fucking dying (figuratively).
So if you never biked I suggest feeling out your limits and gradual acclimation. But it’s definitely achievable.