My Journey to Becoming a Mike’s Bike Tour Guide
The Beginning: From Austin to Würzburg
One of the first pictures taken of me at the shop.
Hi, my name is Kyle. I’ve been working at Mike’s Bike Tours for almost 15 years. This is the story of how I ended up at this amazing company.
In the summers of 2007 and 2008, I was immersed in academic life at The University of Texas at Austin. My love for German culture and history led me to participate in an exchange program in Würzburg, Germany. This city has a rich history and is famous for its Baroque architecture. It is also home to the beautiful Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Little did I know, this experience would change my life forever.
One weekend in July, I decided to hop on a train to Munich. Like many tourists, I wanted a good city tour to get a great first impression of the city.
That’s when destiny brought me to Mike’s Bike Tours. It was the perfect blend of fun, history, and adventure. The tour mixed fascinating stories with lighthearted jokes, and we even stopped at the Chinese Tower Biergarten for lunch. I still remember the guide sharing a beer with us. At that moment, a seed was planted in my mind: Maybe I could be that guide! I realized I could combine my History and German degree with my love for storytelling and adventure.
The Move: Southern California to Germany
After graduating in 2009, I returned to Southern California, where I endured two years stuck in the infamous traffic jams that are anything but fun. By 2011, I was ready for a change and decided to head to Germany in search of work.
My first choice was Berlin—a vibrant city full of history and culture. However, Berlin wasn’t hiring at the time, so I had to pivot.
That’s when I remembered Mike’s Bike Tours in Munich. I sent an email to Mike, asking if he was looking for new team members. His response? “Come on out, we’ll get a Bier in you and get you started.” That was all the encouragement I needed.
Becoming a Guide: Trials, Training, and Triumphs
I arrived in Munich in May 2011, just as America was abuzz with news of Osama bin Laden’s capture. I began my journey at Mike’s Bike Tours as a sales and marketing intern, while also training to become a tour guide.
I quickly realized how much I liked the job, so I followed the senior tour guides, soaking up their techniques, and made sure to brush up on my history. I realized that the chance to lead my own tour might come soon. I wanted to be ready for it. In June, serendipity struck. A scheduled guide missed his flight, and I was the only one available to take the tour. It was my moment to shine, and from that point on, I was officially a bike tour guide.
My Favorite Stop: English Garden
One of the highlights of the tour is the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Created in 1789, the garden’s designer took inspiration from the informal English-style gardens that were popular at the time. Today, it’s a beloved spot for both locals and tourists to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the lively Biergartens scattered throughout the park.
I love taking a ride through the park with my guests. It’s a peaceful moment on tour that is briefly interrupted by a beautiful Biergarten visit. One unique aspect of Mike’s Bike Tours is that we’re one of the few city bike tours with permission to ride through the park. This is not only a fantastic experience for the tourists, but also for us guides who cherish this part of the route. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to share this beautiful city with others.
Stories From the Saddle
I followed several of James’ tours to be prepared for mine!
One of the most memorable aspects of my job is the stories—both the ones I tell and the ones I experience. And let’s be honest: when you’re giving bike tours in Munich, things don’t always stay PG.
Stag Party Nudity
While biking through Munich, we passed through a section of the English Garden where nudity is not uncommon (it’s a well-known part of the park’s culture). A stag or bachelor party group was determined to get the bachelor naked and have him jump into the Eisbach, where you can also find the park’s famous surfing wave. Watching their antics unfold was equal parts hilarious and chaotic—a perfect example of the unpredictable nature of this job.
I met Harry Potter
Elliot, Me, Jack, Shane and Daniel Radcliffe
And then there was the time I met Harry Potter! Well, not Harry Potter exactly, but Daniel Radcliffe himself. He was literally walking in front of our shop. We recognized him almost immediately, and he was kind enough to stop and take a photo with us. Here’s the proof that anything can happen at Mike’s Bike Tours, especially with The Mandarin Oriental Hotel next door.
I Was Freddy Mercury
Being head tour guide is not my only job here at Mike’s Bike Tours. I am also the official Freddy Mercury impersonator of the company. It’s an honor to be Freddy. Many people don’t know that Munich was his home for a few years. It is also where he celebrated his famous 39th birthday party. This year, we chose to team up with our friends at Hard Rock Cafe in Munich. We decided to honor him by visiting the places he used to frequent here in the city.
If you do not believe me check out this reel!
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It’s moments like these—hilarious, unexpected, and sometimes surreal—that make this job so unique. You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s part of the magic of guiding tours in Munich.
Why I Love This Job
MBT team ready to Rock!
Despite the occasional hiccups, I can confidently say this is my dream job. Sharing Munich’s rich history—from the majestic Marienplatz to the grand Residenz—is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I get to meet people from around the world, share laughs, and celebrate Bavarian traditions.
If you’ve ever taken a tour with me over the past 15 years, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you! You’ve been a part of my journey, and I’m truly grateful for every conversation, laugh, and memorable moment we’ve shared.
Beyond the job, Munich has been life-changing in more ways than one. This city gave me the chance to meet my incredible wife, and together we now share two intelligent and beautiful daughters. This job and this city have given me and my family so much, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Closing Thoughts
This is why I feel so honored and excited to celebrate Mike’s Bike Tours’ 30th anniversary. Being part of this incredible journey has been a wonderful ride—both literally and figuratively! From my first day as a trainee to now celebrating this milestone, it’s been an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful to have played a role in the story of this amazing company.
So, the next time you find yourself in Munich, grab a bike, enjoy a “Bier”, and I hope I get to take you on tour!
Book a tour with us, maybe it will change your life as it did mine!