diff --git a/build-aux/speedo.mk b/build-aux/speedo.mk
index 761f7c070..f3abc16c1 100644
--- a/build-aux/speedo.mk
+++ b/build-aux/speedo.mk
@@ -400,8 +400,11 @@ gettext_ver = 0.18.2.1
 
 
 # The GIT repository.  Using a local repo is much faster.
-#gitrep = git://git.gnupg.org
-gitrep = ${HOME}/s
+ifeq ($(shell [ -d ${HOME}/s ] && echo yes),yes)
+  gitrep = ${HOME}/s
+else
+  gitrep = git://git.gnupg.org
+endif
 
 # The tarball directories
 pkgrep = https://gnupg.org/ftp/gcrypt