Training & Nutrition - Cycling and beer???

So I have heard it both ways; some cyclists say that the hops and barley in beer can be good for after cycling and others say that alchohol and cycling just don't mix (no punn intended). I was going to post this on the SS/Fixed gear forum, seeing that is what I ride, but I thought that the replies may be to one sided seeing how SS'ers love beer:) I figured here should be more nuetral. So, what is the truth about this? Beer and wine a no-no???

either in moderation is fine. Obviously be careful with the extra calories.

AFTER YOU RIDE? I always like a sixer before I hammer around my lake around 7 or 8. Kills my endurance and dehydrates me, but its only 3-4 miles and I can almost sprint the whole way.

The beer gut you might develop can hinder your ability to ride a road bike, you know. Seriously, when I go for a ride, I don't like to put the calories I just burned right back on --- not that I didn't do just that when I was younger.

Sad news, here:
http://outside.away.com/outside/bodywork/carmichael-20070614.html

What does Chris Carmichael really know anyway. :D

I read in Bicycling Magazine last year that Beer was the new sports drink. There are more good ingredients in beer than in Gatorade(sugar water). There are natural carbohydrates and folic acid, a good cramp reducer. It is rumored that the english have for years carried a second bottle with a pint of stout. From experience, I have found that two beers the night before a major ride (century, distance ride, etc.) helps in many ways. I sleep better, I use the carbs, I feel better in the morning, and have never cramped up even after 100 miles in just over 4 hours at 96 degrees. I enjoy a cold beer now and then, and maybe riding allows my body to enjoy it more. When I was a baby teething, my family doctor told my mother to put a little beer into the bottle at room temperature to help me sleep. As I allways told my friends, mother's milk. I am a 51 year old mesomorph and shall never look like a Biafran transplant. I lift weights twice a week and carry 12-15% body fat at all times. Normal is good..............................

Being afraid to drink a beer because we cycle and are afraid of the calories is just ridiculous. Ride, Drink and enjoy life.:) :)

If your worried about the calories in beer after your ride then you simply need to ride MORE....

I think the first responce had it....in moderation it is a good thing....I would like to build on that a little bit and say in excess it is a good thing too....good for some things...lol not for others...

I agree with the night before beers too....hell I just love beer..I can't find much wrong with it.....why would I want to? I would gladly give up Pop (I already have) for beer. most people drink a few pops in a day...some WAY more!! I will make a trade for beer any day. I don't drink Juice anymore either....more beer.....woooohooooo

The thing I am not giving up is Milk....Milk is good.......wine is also a good thing.....helps in many ways...

I love beer and yes, I like to have one the night before a long ride or after. As for the dehydrating effects of the alcohol, well, get a low alcohol/non-alcohol beer. No no no, not the "extra light beer flavored water" type. Look in good German markets and many specialty import shops. Erdinger makes a no-alcohol version of their awsome heff, and you really cannot tell the difference.

So, what is the truth about this? Beer and wine a no-no???The truth is beer never made anyone faster.

The bigger problem with any type of alcohol goes to mental focus and pain tolerance. Usually, people who imbibe often feel as if they are overcoming greater amounts of pain during a workout, when in fact they are simply engaged in a never-ending cycle of drying out. There's no scientific physiological aspect of moderate drinking being of any benefit to exercise capacity.

The truth is beer never made anyone faster.

The bigger problem with any type of alcohol goes to mental focus and pain tolerance. Usually, people who imbibe often feel as if they are overcoming greater amounts of pain during a workout, when in fact they are simply engaged in a never-ending cycle of drying out. There's no scientific physiological aspect of moderate drinking being of any benefit to exercise capacity.

Just like they think they sleep better after drinking....

(I like beer, BTW)

Ride, Drink and enjoy life.:) :)

I couldn't have said it better!

Alcohol is a very strong diuretic. It's metabolized as fat.

Al

See gears4beers.org (http://www.gears4beers.org/). A drinking group with a cycling problem.

See gears4beers.org (http://www.gears4beers.org/). A drinking group with a cycling problem.

LOL

Beer is Good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y39JehmZO4

Seriously though. I enjoy a cold beer after a ride. I usually eat first though. I've never noticed a difference good or bad the next day when I ride after consuming a beer. I do limit it just to one though. I have noticed anything over that and I don't sleep worth a darn.

When I was stationed in Germany, the MPs guarding the front gate would get a good laugh out of me when I pulled up on my bike to show my ID. I'd usually fall over when I stopped & if I could make it the first 10' without crashing when I started, I could ride fine. That was 20 years ago, now they would probable arrest me for DUI.

Don't lie to yourself, it's probably not helping. At the very least, it'll inhibit protein synthesis.

But, like everything else, if you enjoy it in moderation, you'll be fine.

About beer not in moderation, recently I stayed up till six drinking... between 12 and 24 (no way to know for sure, kegger). I woke up at noon, got out and started riding home. I could barely hit 20 mph, and prolly averaged 14. If I had a half hour and a gallon of water things may have been a little bit better. Too much drinking really messes you up.