Training & Nutrition - Alcohol and Recovery

Back in April I wore my HRM 24x7 for four weeks and I noticed some interesting HR results where alcohol was introduced (see http://laneclosedracing.atspace.com/alcohol/index.htm).

I'm currently looking into 'safe' levels of alcohol intake, particularly with respect to recovery. I've found some generalised info at the AIS site, and some medical research info. Does anyone know of any good information relating to alcohol and its impact on training and recovery on the net?

All I know about alcohol and cycling is that having a hangover before you ride makes you feel like you are hauling 100 pounds of **** behind you.

I would say to keep it to a minimum. If you're training, putting poisons in your body probably isn't the best thing to do.

I like a couple of whiskey's myself, but if I've gotta get up early to ride, I'll really watch the alcohol intake. Sucks to want to go up a hill and can't.

I like a couple of whiskey's myself, but if I've gotta get up early to ride, I'll really watch the alcohol intake. Sucks to want to go up a hill and can't.

Guess I'll be on the hunt for some flat courses then! :D

It's not scientific evidence, but I can make several beers disappear very quickly after a long, hot summer ride. For me, more than about 2 beers (24 oz) seems to cause muscle soreness (DOMS) , or causes it to take much longer to go away. I would assume that all aspects of recovery are similarly impaired.

For me, more than about 2 beers (24 oz) seems to cause muscle soreness.

Don't ya hate it when guys lay the boot in when you collapse in a drunken stupor!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. :)

Trouble is, rocky, I think everyone is missing the point. Alcohol is a dehydrator of the worst form. Hence the hangover after a binge. Downing a few beers after a hard, hot ride is probably not the best thing to do unless it is matched by double the volume of water.

Someone posted on a list elsewhere the (unsubstantiated but believable) assertion that the body uses twice the amount of water to metabolise beer than the amount of beer actually drunk.

I haven't got any scientific resources to offer you, but God knows I've done enough drinking in my time to know what the effect is. Just last Saturday I was recovering... errr... never mind.