Not sure if it slows the metabolism down or just gives the liver something to work on at the expense of other bodily functions. I don't think the odd couple of beers a week or so will make that much difference to your metabolism - crash dieting, now thats a metabolism destroyer!

I can't drink alcohol and ride, not even a tiny little bit, it just seems to make my legs feel like bits of chewed string, I think my body makes processing the alcohol a higher priority than fuelling the muscles. Drinking a little too much the night before also drops my blood sugar noticeably the next day.

Like AlpineRabbit I like beer and wine so live with the consequences.