Bike Tart
alwaysriding
Always Riding's good friend Kevin 'Blackhound' Cunniffe is taking part in the epic 'Great Divide' race through America this year, and here, the intrepid adventurer trawls through some of the more legal, and alternative nutrition options for the cyclist in search of much needed speed.
As well as plenty of riding in preparation for my Tour Divide adventure I am looking at ways to enhance my performance without resorting to illegal stimulants such as EPO, Belgian mix or blood doping (that IS cranberry juice in my fridge!)Some or all of the following may be complete nonsense and I am not recommending anybody else to try them out but I have been adding some of these to my regime.Spinach - a recent study suggested that the nitrates found in spinach, beets and other leafy vegetables can increase the oxygen efficiency of muscles. For the last month or so I have eating far more spinach, often in sandwiches for lunch or as part of a salad.Protein - I have read in a couple of places that as you get older your ability to process protein becomes harder. So as you get older you should be increasing your intake, especially after hard work outs. To this end I have bought some protein powder and add it to a banana and chocolate milk-shake after rides. If I have a long ride I will use the Torq recovery drink, a Zipvit bar or a For Goodness Shakes drink.Milk thistle - its benefits are said to be to detoxify the liver. I have thought about taking a batch on the Tour Divide as my diet is going to be strange. I will be living out of convenience stores, fast food joints and ‘gas’ stations.B complex vitamins - the benefits are said to be to aid the proper functioning of almost every process in the body including energy production. Another supplement to possibly take on the TD.Clove oil - Amongst many claims is that it can relieve toothache (try putting a drop onto your gum and wait a couple of minutes), use as an antiseptic and for warding off mosquito’s. Compression wear - Athletes have been using compression clothing for a while. I did pick up a cheap pair once which I have worn occasionally, but they keep falling down. http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk are providing me with a pair by Craft to try and I do plan to wear these in the Tour Divide. Anything that will potentially help day to day recovery will be useful.Citricidal - This is grapefruit seed extract. It’s benefits are anti bacterial and as a disinfectant. I can use it for cleaning stuff, adding to water that I may have to take from a dubious source and even to help with dandruff!Probiotics - This is something I have recently started to use, based mostly on advice from previous Tour Divide racers. The idea is that the stomach needs to be in good condition before the race as a lot will be expected of it for the following weeks. Eating and drinking vast amounts of not always the most nutritious of foods. I did pick up a bottle from Holland & Barratt in a sale that contains 1 billion active cultures. I think it has made me more ‘regular’, (Pete the Editor: Crikey Blackhound!), and will consider taking a batch to the race.Viagra - there was something in the cycling press a year or so ago about the benefits of viagra in low doses based on blood flowing more freely. I suspect I may leave this one at home, viagra and Exteondo daily bib-shorts may not be a good look!Honey - Something I use most days anyway on bread, porridge or milk shakes. Honey is supposed to be good head to toe for curing ailments from conjunctivitus to athlete’s foot.