Broadleaf maple hitches a ride on my handlebars.
One wonders what it is about the Broadleaf maple that makes it have such big leaves? Is it genetically gifted? Or is it just being a show-off?
This leads me to a somewhat tenuous segue into the world of legal stimulants and whether or not they’re dangerous. Maybe so. The popular 5-Hour Energy drink has come under suspicion as some 13 people have died from taking the drink and 33 were hospitalized over the last four years. It could be a statistical coincidence, or there could be some validity.
While professional athletes will stop at almost nothing to get the winning edge, even weekend warriors have a compulsion to try all kinds of energy foods and drinks. I’ve eaten a yummy and easily digested gummy with caffeine and I’ve got to say I felt a difference. I rode stronger and felt better.
I wish I could feel that way just by eating a bowl of steel-cut oats, but I can’t. I know because I eat oats all the time. You shouldn’t be worried about taking something that’s the equivalent of a cup or two of coffee, but beyond that there could be complications.
As with all quick fixes in life, there are usually negative effects in the long run or I should say, the long ride.
As you’re riding up Redwood Gulch Road, just remember this photo. It looks so flat.
November 19, 2012 at 8:16 am |
It is interesting that you wrote about this. I’ve been grousing to my riding buddies lately about the proliferation of energy drinks (legal speed). On one hand I respect the rights of people to consume what they want responsibly but too many people are drinking too much of the many stimulant drinks out there. I choose to single out RedBull as the prime offender because they have such a high profile. The X-treme events they sponsor may be fun to watch in a sadistic/voyeuristic way but they are largely stupid and dangerous.
I think all the energy products are way too easily and often over-consumed. As cyclists we see evidence constantly in traffic where they dive too fast and out on the trails where there seems to be a race for the biggest air.
I say, if you are tired, rest. And always be polite.
Thanks for your blog.