Scientists at the Universityof California have now conclusively
proven that a diet rich in beer and curry can enhance the performance of elite mountain
bikers by as much as 35%.
Ok,I made that up but wouldnít it be great if it was true!.It would vindicate the
typical diet of the average mountain biker in an instant. It would also cause mayhem
to the digestion of the elite “race snakes” as they tried to cope with
this new diet regime. The ensuing collapse in form would narrow the gap between us
“lardy arses” and the “snakes” making us even happier.Well we
live in hope donít we.
So whatís the truth about beer and its role in the life of a mountain biker?.
Well speaking as a professional beer drinker, I work in a brewery after all and while
you are sipping your double shot, skinny latte with organic cinnamon flakes I am
met by “Mad Mort” our brewer at 8 am with a glass of foaming ale and invited
to taste the days brew – itís all downhill from there, no pun intended.
Lets start with the facts, your average pint of pukka English ale is around 93% water
with a nutritional profile of 200 calories,3 grams of protein,18 grams of carbohydrate
and a bit of potassium and sodium thrown in.The really good news is THERE’S NO FAT
AND NO CHOLESTEROL!!.(no need to mention the 3~7% alcohol among friends).
So as long as you’re drinking fresh natural beer from your local micro brewer and
not dodgy,fizzy manufactured drinks,you are drinking a pretty good food source.Donít
forget in days of old (no even further back than pre- suspension) monks would live
on beer alone throughout Lent.It’s liquid bread!
Oh and if you’re reading this in the USA or Australia,yes you have better weather
than us but it’s a shame about your beer!
The problems with beer is what you eat with it, itís the late night kebab and five
packets of crisps/peanuts that pile the pork on.So try to load up on pasta or all
that good stuff instead then you can drink guilt free.
And remember the “race snakes” may beat us during the race but we have
more fun after it, who wants to live on lentil soup and energy drinks, mountain biking
is all about having a laugh with your mates then discussing who had the best wipe
out over a pint of foaming ale.
Beer, it’s your friend! Don’t let it become a stranger.
Cheers,
Toddy.
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