Caffeine before riding

[northstar]

My days aren't right if I don't have my coffee in the morning. Might have to try having a small cup before rides now...

I start every morning ride with a double espresso latte, scrambled eggs, and croissant!

Lisa, if I am ever in NY, I'm tracking you down and livin' la vida Lisa for a day. Too cool.

[emily_in_nc]

I always drink 1-1.5 cups of coffee before morning rides. Less than I typically drink at work (2-2.5 cups), but I have to have some as I am definitely addicted and will get an afternoon headache if I don't indulge. After reading this study, I think I'll start having a little caffeine fix before after-work rides too (just 1-2 times per week). Probably just a cup of tea, nothing so strong that it will keep me up at night, but riding in the summer heat, anything legal that helps endurance is a good thing in my book!

As far as some of the negatives of caffeine mentioned in this thread, so far I'm fine - very low BP, low LDL/high HDL, low triglycerides....not sure about my bones since I'm pre-menopausal, but I do eat a fair amount of dairy. My mom has enjoyed coffee all her life and at 72 still has great blood work and BP, so I'm not too worried. Everyone's body chemistry is different, though, and some cannot tolerate caffeine for one reason or another, and that's fine too. Just don't take my organic, shade-grown, free-trade brew away!

Emily