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Coffee and Cycling – Myths, Disadvantages and Benefits.

For many cyclists, the perfect complement to a ride out is a caffeinated beverage. The most common of these is coffee, one of the most popular choices for professionals, cyclists and Americans everywhere.

But why do we have such a love affair with this liquidised bean? And are coffee and cycling a marriage made in heaven?

First, and foremost, a mid-ride coffee stop is a chance to encourage the social side of our sport. There’s only so many conversations you can have when out on the bike, and some of us need all the breath we can spare for those steep climbs! If you stop for a coffee not only do you get a chance to rest weary legs and catch your breath, but you also have the opportunity to have a chin wag about favourite rides, or your most recent gear upgrade.

However, there are several other reasons that a coffee could be beneficial, or even a hindrance, to your cycling progress. Let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions first, before diving in with the pros and cons.

Myths and Misconceptions

  • Dehydration and Diuretic Effects – It’s widely believed that coffee has a dehydrating effect on the body, predominantly because ‘it makes you pee more’. However, studies have shown that a moderate coffee intake – one cup in the morning say – has no more effect than one cup of water in the same period. Common sense dictates that the more you drink, the more you’re going to need the loo. Bare this in mind when out on the bike, as you don’t want to be the one holding the others up for your fourth loo break of the ride.
  • Coffee and Cancer – It’s been suggested that coffee can be related to cancer, but what hasn’t been these days? Thanks to studies in Norway and Hawaii, it transpires that regular coffee and tea intake doesn’t increase your chances of being diagnosed with cancer. Everything in moderation, however – eight cups of coffee a day will not be doing your body any good.

Disadvantage of Coffee on Your Cycling

  • Coffee crash – You know that feeling when you had your last coffee a few hours ago and now you feel more tired than you were before. This is because initially, the caffeine stimulates a dopamine and adrenaline release, so when this first hit subsides you’re left with a debt. Bare this in mind if going out on long rides.
  • The body adjusts – As with any drug, the more regularly you take it, the more your body adjusts to consumption. This is why you find yourself drinking more to notice the same wakefulness as before. It’s important to control your caffeine intake, and save it for when truly necessary. If you don’t think you need a coffee, don’t have one – you could go for a decaf alternative instead.
  • Calories – This depends on your preferred coffee incarnation. A black coffee without sugar is next to nothing on calorie intake, whereas a latte from Starbucks can be as much as 190 calories. However, you might end up being appreciative of those extra bits of energy for that steep hill climb coming up.
  • Timing – Making sure you have your timing right for avoiding a coffee dive, and feeling the performance benefits of a pre-cycle coffee can be difficult. It’s thought that the greatest advantages of coffee are felt in the first hour.

Advantages of Coffee and Cycling

  • Can increase performance – It’s been scientifically proven that caffeine can boost performance in athletes. This applies to those who consume little or no caffeine to people who consume at least two cups a day. For those seeking that ergogenic edge over their competition, a coffee could be just the ticket. It’s thought that performance can be improved by 3-5{9b4a2c8832b2482ca7eb937f6bfa363e1f3f7cb05e1b42927da41c9eadde8c32}, however, training improves performance by upwards of 50{9b4a2c8832b2482ca7eb937f6bfa363e1f3f7cb05e1b42927da41c9eadde8c32} – so prioritise!
  • Energy boost – Beyond the performance aspect, coffee can make you feel sharper and more alert, which can be of great benefit in a sport such as cycling. Especially when you might be feeling a bit groggy in the morning, a cup of coffee can set you up for the ride ahead.
  • Excuse for a break – Let’s not forget that it can get pretty tiring out on that bike. A short break can give the legs some much-needed respite, as well as give you the chance to have a proper chinwag with your ride companions. This is also great when out on a new route, it gives you a chance to stop off in a different place and maybe take in some scenery. By doing a bit of research on where your next ride is taking place, you can find some fantastic hidden gems for a mid-cycle refreshment. Take a look at this list The Birmingham Mail have put together on great spots around our second city.

How Should You Approach Coffee and Cycling?

We’ve weighed up the advantages and disadvantages that coffee can bring you on your ride outs, but, ultimately, you know what works best for you. If you enjoy drinking coffee on your rides then have one. The whole reason we like cycling is because it’s a good crack, and sociable too. If you feel you gain something above and beyond enjoyment that’s a bonus.

Understandably you might want to take stock of how much caffeine you’re consuming in a professional or competitive event. But if you’re planning caffeine intake based on maximising its performance enhancing efficiency on a social ride, it’s likely that you’re the nauseating fun-sap of the cycle club that the others try and avoid conversation with.

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.