Do Cyclists Enjoy Beer? Exploring Beverage Preferences

Cycling and drinking have long been associated with each other. In the past, it was common for professional cyclists to drink alcohol during races, with beer, wine, and champagne being popular choices. However, in recent years, the sport has evolved, and cyclists no longer consume alcohol during races or training periods. While some still indulge in a drink during the off-season or to celebrate a victory, excessive drinking is avoided as it can negatively impact performance and recovery. Interestingly, there has been a recent trend of professional cyclists drinking tart cherry juice, which is said to aid in muscle recovery and reduce inflammation.

Beer is a good recovery drink

While there is no healthy amount of alcohol, beer has been touted as a good recovery drink for cyclists, with some cyclists drinking beer before, during, and after races. Beer is said to have several health benefits, including stronger bones, a healthier heart, and extra antioxidants. It is also said to be a great way to socialise with fellow cyclists.

Beer has been shown to be a good recovery drink, especially after endurance sports. A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that light beer could be a decent recovery aid post-exercise, and may even be as good as water in some aspects. Beer is said to be a good hydrator, as it contains carbohydrates and some sodium, which can be beneficial post-exercise. It is also said to have antiviral plant compounds that could keep your immune system strong and reduce the chances of respiratory infection that can be associated with heavy training.

Non-alcoholic beer, in particular, has been found to be beneficial for performance, recovery, and overall health. It has been shown to be a good recovery drink, providing water, polyphenols, and carbohydrates, which can aid metabolic recovery. It is also useful for hydration, as it can help maintain electrolyte homeostasis during exercise. A 2012 study found that non-alcoholic beer drinkers had lower markers of inflammation and a better immune response compared to those who drank a placebo.

However, it is important to note that the benefits of beer as a recovery drink decline once the alcohol content goes over 4%. Additionally, drinking more than one or two 12-ounce low ABV beers can lead to issues such as higher water loss, reduced muscle gains, and an increase in body fat. While beer can be a good recovery drink in moderation, it should not be consumed in excess, as it can lead to negative health effects.

Beer has health benefits

While there is no healthy amount of alcohol, drinking beer in moderation may have some health benefits.

Beer contains a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It is one of the few significant dietary sources of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Beer also contains more protein and B vitamins than wine, and has significant amounts of phosphorus, folate, and niacin.

Drinking beer in moderation may also:

• Lower your risk of diabetes: A study found that men who drank between one and six beers per week had a 21% lower risk of diabetes.
• Make your heart healthier: A study found that moderate drinkers had slower declines in HDL ("good" cholesterol) and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Build stronger bones: A review found that moderate beer consumption increased bone density in men.
• Boost brain power: Beer drinkers are less likely to develop Alzheimer's and dementia. Beer also raises good cholesterol, which improves blood flow to the brain.
• Reduce inflammation: Hops, an essential ingredient in beer, has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Help you live longer: A study found that people who drink moderately live longer than those who don't.

While drinking beer may have some health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to negative health consequences, including cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, and risky behavior. It is important to drink in moderation, which is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Cyclists should also be mindful of the effects of alcohol on athletic performance, including dehydration, impaired glycogen uptake, disrupted sleep, and inhibited protein synthesis.

Beer is a great reward post-cycling

Drinking beer after cycling can also help your muscles recover. The alcohol in beer helps relax your muscles and, in combination with cooling-down exercises, can even reduce the risk of muscle injuries. Beer also increases your body's muscle tone and bone strength, enabling you to cycle for longer.

Beer also has several health benefits. It can give you stronger bones and a healthier heart, and it contains extra antioxidants. Research has shown that beer does not dehydrate your body but instead rejuvenates it. So, if you are preparing for a race, you need not worry about drinking a beer or two.

In fact, the tradition of drinking beer after cycling goes way back. In the 1900s, cyclists who participated in the Tour de France would drink beer before, during, and after the race. They believed it made the experience more enjoyable and reduced their fatigue. So, if expert cyclists grabbed a beer, why shouldn't you?

Beer supports local biking communities

Beer and bikes have a long history together, and breweries have been supporting local biking communities for years. In fact, some breweries actively support cycling events and biking advocacy organisations.

For example, Bikes & Beers, a US-based company, hosts cycling events at breweries across 20 states, with over 100,000 participating cyclists. Each event benefits a local cycling charity, with the aim of improving cycling policies, laws, and infrastructure in the area. The company believes in building communities through human interaction and connection, and what better way to connect than over a beer?

Craft breweries are also often located near bike trails, providing the perfect pit stop for thirsty cyclists. These breweries tend to cater specifically to the cycling crowd, offering amenities such as bike tune-up stations, bike racks, and even allowing cyclists to bring their bikes inside. Some breweries have even been known to sponsor race teams, providing kits for cyclists to wear during their races.

Beer can also be a great motivator for cyclists. The promise of a cold beer at the end of a long ride can be just what a cyclist needs to keep going. And with the social aspect of drinking beer, it can also help foster camaraderie and friendships within the cycling community.

So, the next time you're out for a ride, why not stop by your local brewery and support their efforts to promote and improve the cycling community? Cheers to that!

Beer is a good social lubricant

Drinking is a common activity among cyclists, with some sources claiming it to be a tradition. Beer, in particular, is a popular choice for cyclists, with many believing it to be the best drink to have post-ride.

Beer is often regarded as a social lubricant, facilitating interactions and helping people feel more comfortable in social situations. This is especially true in pub culture, where beer is the most common drink. Drinking beer together can enhance social bonding and stimulate conversations, making it a great choice for cyclists looking to relax and connect with fellow riders.

Cyclists often meet at breweries before and after riding, and drinking beer is considered a social activity that helps create a sense of community among riders. It can be a great way to wind down after a long ride, and the act of sharing a drink can lead to deeper connections and stronger relationships within the cycling community.

In addition, beer has several health benefits that can be particularly beneficial for cyclists. It can help with muscle recovery, increase muscle tone and bone strength, and provide hydration, which is essential for those cycling long distances.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects, and drinking should always be done in moderation. While beer can enhance social interactions, it is not the only factor contributing to the sense of community among cyclists. The shared passion for cycling, the enjoyment of being outdoors, and the sense of accomplishment from completing a ride are also important aspects of the cycling culture.

Overall, while beer can be a good social lubricant for cyclists, it should be enjoyed in moderation and complemented by other social activities that do not revolve around alcohol.

Frequently asked questions