Originally Posted by
Nachoman
One cup of coffee before my early morning rides and another after I get to work.
This. The pre-ride cup gets things moving so that I can make a successful voyage to my bathroom before my ride, the work cup gives me just enough anxiety about how far behind I am to motivate me through the afternoon.
Doesn't seem to affect my ability to fall asleep and I love the taste. I am not a snob about brands, but I definitely prefer a really nice fresh ground espresso over drip brew, and if it's drip brew I can't drink the flavored stuff like French Vanilla or Hazlenut or whatever. I don't think I've gone on a ride without some caffeine in my system for 2 or 3 years now.
I will also say that I miss the cheap cuban coffee I was able to get anywhere while in Miami. A cortadito is basically a little super-sugary shot of espresso with foamed milk. You could get one for a dollar or less at gas stations with espresso bars.