Il brew magnifico
Current ride time : 4hrs50min Location: Mt. Mitchell summit 6800ft
Coffee makes me happy
The Sun beating down, bathed in salty sweat, my open jersey fluttering in the breeze, my legs rhythmically turning over the pedals. Speeding along scenic Blue Ridge Parkway I approach the 6700ft summit of Mt.Mitchell. The world is silent save my labored breathing as a soft breeze now cooler at elevation chills my dampened kit. Anxious to set off once more before my muscles stiffen, I take a moment to drink in the scene laid before me. Beaverdam gap, French Broad River, Craggy Gardens, all wrought in a tapestry of forest green.
I turn, gazing distantly west across the mountains to the city of Asheville where I suddenly remember – it’s coffee time. Without a second thought I launch my steed down the mountains at a brisk 70km/h enjoying a 1 hour decent and the lustrous rewards of a hards day “work”.
If there is one thing that fits hand-in-hand with cycling culture, it’s coffee and caffeine. Coffee (and more notably – espresso) has a unique way of calling all cyclists, whether a cup in the morning to kick of the day or a brew to unwind post ride. I’m doubtful whether any conclusive scientific data has been published revealing why we cyclists inherently consume caffeinated beverages so profusely. I just believe caffeine is simply an element we need flowing through out bodies as cyclists. It is truly faux pas of cycling etiquette should a lycra clad rider refuse a coffee, shame on you!
The lifestyle of a diligent amateur cyclist can be difficult, the training hours long, the coin purse never heavy enough, a social life lacking in in depth and sustainability from time spent away from family and friends. Often a simple coffee neath the arches of a small cafe or the notorious Starbucks, can be the only social reprieve for time spent alone training and recovering. Small talk with nearby locals have revealed many entertaining bouts of conversation and good friendships have bloomed. Time is also spent relaxing with team mates over a cup discussing upcoming races and training rides without timing our words through abbreviated breathing.
Scientific research had proven a positive relationship with caffeine and endurance sports. Caffeine has a wide range of effects on your body, especially the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. In very general terms, it is a stimulant that prepares your brain and body for “action.” As such, some general effects include an increase in heart rate, dilation of blood vessels to ease blood flow throughout the body, and generalized excitation of the central nervous system and its sensitivity to stimulation. These attributes provide a small,very small increase in Vo2max/power levels while training, although don’t expect to break any records from a few “doses” – train more.
I now find myself arriving at the rides finale, a coffee shop I know not the name of, here in downtown Asheville. Strolling to the entrance I realize my footfalls err in normalcy looking upon people passing by, their walking normal compared to my gauche footsteps, lacking any remote sense of grace. Paying my pecuniary of a meager $1.29 I seat my tired soul comfortably outdoors beneath an awning along the sidewalk. Legs extended, cup in hand, I recapitulate the days journey. The wind, weather, how the engine felt during lactate efforts and of course the ever more occuring attacking evil turkey militia who run across the road mere seconds before I ride by.
Idealistic setting
Feeling relaxed and eager to return home for dinner I venture off once more with slightly heavy legs for the twenty minute ride back home to Arden. Looking forward to the next day of suffering and a new brew that awaits…
Take care eh
-EuroG
What an amazing cycling treatise. Does it get any better? You’re living the good life kicking back after an incredible ride and we get to share in the afterthoughts.
I almost feel like I was there. That must’ve been a tough 20 minutes back home, but you can take solace in the fact that for alot of people, 20 minutes would be a definite physical challenge but for you it’s like a raindrop at the end of a shower. Haha.
Thank you so much for this wonderful glimpse into all things cycling! What you have shared is something that one can only experience first-hand or be lucky enough to have an artist paint the picture vividly, as you so well did. But again, you’re a great cyclist so you forged the work on your physical achievement. The words were an afterthought more or less. But special they were!
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