One of the joys of riding a bicycle to work is that when I get there I'm alert, lively, and ready to go! No coffee required!

Unfortunately, these last few weeks it has lost it's effect on me for some reason. 4 years into bike commuting! I'm seemingly just as tired when I get to work as when I roll out of bed. Sometimes I wonder how I even got to work! 11.5mph yikes. (360' climbing, 4 stop signs, 10 traffic lights in 7.2 miles)

I guess I need to start drinking coffee?!

I never stopped drinking coffee. If anything, I drink more now.

I will sometimes have a shot or two of some strong coffee before I leave. I've been making cold brew coffee recently: I'll make it so that it's ready Sunday night, put it in the fridge and then each morning for the week (in the fridge, it'll last) have the equivalent of a double expresso (in size) before I head out.

last summer 2013 I did not drink as much coffee

In 2014 I drank the same amount of coffee all year. I carried my 12oz almost everyday I rode.

has you diet gone down hill?

how old are you? ANY LARGE AMOUNTS OF STRESS? Getting good recovery/sleep/food/alternative exercise/stretching/strength training? Take a couple of days off and see how you feel.
V

Coffee gives me secret turbo boost powers.

Sounds like you need a new bike!

I climb ~425 feet in 9 miles on the way home, but I have experimented with a less safe route that is 7 miles. It was a tough slog as the average incline was steeper. If this is something recent You may have a virus. Also, you may want to look at your sugar and carb intake. I find coffee effective to help me get going in the morning, but also I will listen to podcasts; and I find listening to news and political podcasts from sources I disagree with is almost as effective as coffee for keeping my system revved. I also think I do myself a favor by listening to opinions I disagree with. It challenges me to constantly re-evaluate my own opinions, often strengthening them. If you feel fatigued for more than a month, see a doctor.

Drink a home brew/micro-brewed beer or two each night. There are a lot of nutrients that will keep you going strong the next day.

Or... try supplementing some Vitamin D. No-one gets enough, especially in the winter months if you are in northern climes. Also, if you are up late with the TV, computer, phone, iPad, whatever... this can affect your sleep.

+1

but the coffee is in the UK is crap (even worse than the US).

i think it has to do with the water, which is really good for tee in the UK.

excellent point.

these were quite common in Stockholm.

[MENTION=200073]acidfast7[/MENTION] ^^^ have one in my office, kitchen, bathroom, and on a timer in my bedroom. They make a big difference. A lot of people get extra freaky up here in the winter due to lack of light, activity, and exercise.

When I worked at Stockholms Universitet (SU) we had a room with Vit D lights, TVs, black leather message chairs and coffee/snack/drinks.

It made a big difference.

I went through a divorce my first winter in Stockholm (wife stayed in the US). I can be quite an *******, but I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. However, what doesn't kill one, makes one stronger. I find central European partners much more to my liking as they're quite mentally robust (like Alaskans!) I also enjoyed everyone I met in Anchorage (the first time I played proper German board games, in fact!) with Air Force guys.

That's rough... went through something similar when I lived in Fairbanks, during the middle of winter, when we get about 2.5 hours of light a day. I think my summation of those years is much like yours (only making one stronger). Not to sidetrack the OP's discussion, but we seem to have the same affinity for Europeans. I was raised by a Brit, and have spent quite a bit of time in Frankfurt, and in Munich as an adult. Tried to find work there when I finished university, but hibernation experts (literally) don't seem to be in high demand.

As is everything in Europe, it's all luck/connections, much more than US/CA. For better or worse. The only people I've seen (and can somewhat understand) better at making/using/enjoying connections are the Russians.

The market is much more open now depending on educational level/citizenship ... perhaps give it a shot again.

Thanks... might set-up for another go when things slow down a bit here this winter.

Vitamin D has done wonders for my energy, alertness and sleep.

Praise be the D

It's all about sleep for me. If I feel really sleepy, it's not a good thing. If my stomach is empty & I'm hungry, I cannot push myself nearly as hard.

In the morning, some organic cereal+milk or veggie patty on potato roll with a pint of whatever tea seems appropriate, sugared & milked to taste.

Its funny though, because of how my brain works, tea calms me down & later at night helps me get sleepy.

- Andy

+1. My girlfriend and I have recently cut out foods and drinks with added sugar, and this has had the effect of boosting our energy levels throughout the day. I will sometimes have a cup of coffee in the morning, but no longer need or want any after that!

I took coffee on my ride this morning. It was great. But there have definitely been days where I have felt like I don't need coffee to wake up. I usually ahve some anyway, cause I like the taste. Have you changed up your routine at all? i know when mine changes, it takes a little bit to get into the swing of things.

I drink coffee and take Ritalin.

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