DRAFT Magazine

Photo by Pete Prodoehl on Flickr

Writing for the San Diego News Room, Michele Wallace makes a well-reasoned, expert argument for beer drinking during training, beyond just aesthetic considerations.

Wallace points out that beer is made from grains, water, and yeast, contains antioxidants, and lowers one’s risk of coronary disease — and contains the underrated (in my opinion) vitamin B6. This vitamin plays a key role in making iron in the diet more available, which in turn provides more hemoglobin and oxygen for working muscles.

So lets break this down:

Beer -> vitamin B6 -> more available iron -> more hemoglobin -> more oxygen -> PRs

Finally, there’s the writer’s trump card:

One of my favorite things to do is to relax at the end of the week with a cold beer! There is nothing like it; the smell, the taste, the relaxation and the warmth that fills my body is simply the best. I’m always bothered by those that use the “I’m in training” excuse to not throw back a cold brew. Really? Do these people really think that a beer, maybe two or three, is going to impair their training?

Beyond all the expert “data”, I can tell you-from one runner to another-beer is a good thing. Whenever I drink a few beers (not in excess), I always feel GREAT during my next workout. Whether it is the B6, the antioxidants, the carbohydrates, or the alcohol…. whatever it is, I’m sold.

The experts have spoken, and they want you to drink beer while training.

"Dust and Bones"

Stone Brewing has partnered with the San Diego Mountain Biking Association to bring beer and bike movie nights to the brewery.

“Mountain Biking is social,” says SDMBA’s Alison Whitney. “And having a wonderful craft brew from a local brewery that basically started it all is a wonderful pairing.”

Their next showing on Oct. 20 will be “Dust and Bones,” which judging by its trailer looks pretty brutal bike porn.

The event will also feature the raffling of a $7K Titus El Guapo Bike, donated by Beyond Bikes to raise money for advocacy, skills parks, trail work, and increasing membership.

“Greg Koch and his crew set the standard on supporting their communities and crafting amazing beer in the edgy style that has become known as the West Coast Style — hoppy, edgy, daring,” Whitney said. “That understanding hits home to the MTB community. It’s how they get their excitement–all things edgy & daring.”

The SDMBA will also play a big role in New Belgian’s Tour de Fat coming to San Diego on October 3rd, including setting up the route.

P.S. Whitney’s current list of favorite beers include Alpine Brewery’s Pure Hoppiness, anything from Lagunitas, Kern River Brewing’s fall seasonal and pumpkin ale, Mothership Wit from New Belgium, Stone Brewing’s Levitation, Sawyer’s Triple and Oatmeal Stout.

Ryan Van Duzer believes that if he rides a three speed bike across America, “more people can ride to the grocery store.”

Duzer is currently riding a New Belgium cruiser from San Diego to DC, and the Colorado brewery is sponsoring his journey.

“New Belgium gave me a cruiser last year and I jokingly said that I’ll ride it across America, and they took me seriously,” he told elephant journal.  “This ride fits in perfectly with their eco-minded mission. Oh, and they make good beer.”

If that wasn’t a challenge enough, he’ll be hauling a keg of New Belgium along with him. Wow.

“I’ll be pulling a pony keg of Mothership Wit, a nice wheaty organic beer that has been proven to be more effective than any other energy drink on the market!” he told elephant journal.

If you see him on the road, the least you can do is buy him a pint. Just like his grandma did during his ride from Maine to Key West.

You can follow his journey here.