Balancing Life on and off the Bike – Interview with a GOREWEAR Dad

From early morning commutes to weekend family time, Christian O. knows what it means to find balance. As a father of two daughters, supply chain leader at GOREWEAR, and passionate cyclist, he shares how he juggles it all.

Let’s start with the basics—tell us a bit about your family and your cycling background.

I’m married, have two beautiful daughters, and work as a Supply Chain Leader at GOREWEAR. I’ve been riding since 2017—mainly road and gravel. You can find me on Strava.

How do you balance being a father, a full-time supply chain leader, and a passionate cyclist?

My priorities are clear: family comes first, then work, then cycling. I love riding, but I know it’s just a hobby—and there are far more important things in life. Cycling helps me stay healthy, destress, have fun, and connect with friends. It’s something I enjoy deeply, but I always keep it in perspective.

What does a typical week and weekend look like for you? 

My goal is to ride around 8–10 hours per week. I usually get on the bike up to five times per week, but rarely for more than 1–2 hours a day. I commute by gravel bike 2–3 times a week (usually Tuesday to Thursday), leaving at 5:45 a.m. and getting home around 6 p.m. When I’m working from home, I start working about an hour before the kids wake up. After that, I get them ready and bring them to kindergarten and school. On these home office days, I often fit in a one-hour indoor ride during my lunch break.

Weekends are mostly dedicated to family time. But I try to find small compromises—if we’re going to the zoo or visiting grandparents, I’ll ride there or back while my family drives. It’s all about staying active without cutting into quality time.

How has becoming a father changed the way you approach cycling?

Our first daughter was born in 2018, and I only started riding in 2017—so there wasn’t much “before kids” time on the bike. Still, becoming a father shifts your whole perspective. The birth of my two daughters were the best moments of my life, hands down.

Have your daughters shown any interest in cycling or sports in general?

Luckily, both girls are super active and love being outdoors. They’re into biking, climbing, and anything to do with water. Lately, I’ve been running more—because my running pace matches their biking pace pretty well!

As a dad, I try to stay flexible with which sport I do. It’s all about finding ways to stay active while keeping the family involved.

What values or habits do you hope to pass on to them — from both your role as a father and as an athlete?

My wife is very creative and even more athletic than I am. We don’t push our kids into anything—but we try to lead by example by staying active and spending time outdoors. I love seeing them grow and develop. I once read that you spend 80% of your total time with your kids by the time they’re 12—and that really stuck with me. Time flies, and you don’t get it back.

Sport, to me, is full of life lessons. You learn that hard work pays off. That consistency and discipline matter. You learn to get back up when you fall. You learn how to deal with stress and connect with others—and you stay healthy. That’s why I believe sport is so important.

Does your role in supply chain influence how you think about cycling gear—especially what you choose to wear or ride with?

Definitely. My work gives me a lot of insights into the cycling industry. I really appreciate when premium materials, timeless design, and durability come together in products that perform in all conditions—and help create unforgettable cycling moments.