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Archives for November 2023

BCAA Timing: To Drink Before or After a Long Ride? That’s the Question

11.30.2023 by Scott Jangro // Leave a Comment

Let’s get real for a minute. All you pedal pushers know the importance of fueling your ride, right? Your body’s like a finely tuned engine—it runs best when it’s topped up with high-octane fuel. Enter BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids). These tiny powerhouses are the LeBron James of nutrients when it comes to muscle support. But the million-dollar question is: should you glug them down before or after a long ride? Could timing be the secret ingredient to unleashing our inner Bradley Wiggins? Let’s dive in.

BCAAs – The Avengers of Amino Acids

BCAAs, made up of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, act like a bouncer for your muscles, fighting off fatigue and helping to fast-track recovery. Plus, with their unique ability to move directly into the bloodstream, they bypass the queue—no waiting for the ‘digestion bouncer’ to let them in.

Pre-Ride Pros

BCAAs, when sipped before your ride, can kick muscle fatigue to the curb. Consider them as your personal bouncer, warding off the unwanted crash-and-burn party crashers trying to muscle in on your ride. They also help balance serotonin levels in your brain. So if you’ve been riding for a while and start to feel like you’ve endured an emotionally charged episode of Grey’s Anatomy, more BCAAs might just help take the edge off.

Post-Ride Perks

Here’s the flip side—taking BCAAs after your ride. While the hype around trying to cram in a recovery meal within that “magic 30-minute window” has been debunked (phew!), it’s up for debate whether that rule holds for BCAAs. Indulging in BCAAs post-ride might help speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness by jumping on the repair process ASAP. Consider them tireless builders in the “reconstruction site” of your muscles.

Your Choice, Your Pace: The Verdict

When it comes to deciding the best time to take BCAAs—pre-ride or post—it really depends on the kind and intensity of riding you’re doing, as well as your personal digestive preferences. Some folks can down a BCAA shake pre-ride and feel like a cycling superhero; others might feel like they’ve swallowed a lead balloon.

My real-life, wheel-turning buddies—experimenting is key. Try BCAAs both pre- and post-ride and see how your body responds. Find what works best for you because, at the end of the day, your ride, your rules!

And remember, while BCAAs may assist you on your ride, don’t neglect the importance of a balanced diet and proper hydration. There’s no magic shortcut to riding prowess—just good old-fashioned nutrient intake and pedals turning.

Until next time, stay fueled, have fun, and keep spinning those circles!

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Categories // Uncategorized Tags // nutrition

Bicycling 101: Pedaling Past the Fear Factor

11.29.2023 by Scott Jangro // 2 Comments

Are you itching to join the world of cycling but feeling those pre-ride jitters? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. It’s time to put the pedal to the metal and tackle those common fears and misconceptions of cycling. Remember, we’re in this together, and we promise there’s nothing to fear here… except, maybe spandex. But let’s be real, who hasn’t secretly dreamed of wearing superhero tights or shaving your legs?

Fear #1: “I’ll look like a fool.”

Trust me, friend, it’s not as bad as you think. Sure, there might be some skin-tight clothing, flashy socks, and helmets that look like they were designed by a Stormtrooper, but that’s all part of the charm. Embrace the vibe—from the click of your cleats to the slick wicking action of your nerdy-yet-nifty jersey. You’ll fit right in with the rest of us.

Fear #2: “I’ll wipe out or crash.”

Newsflash: everybody falls at least once, and it’s kinda like a rite of passage (though we don’t TOTALLY recommend it). Personally, I’ve gone over my handlebars twice. It’s amazing how little it hurts if you know how to fall. That’s a post for another time.

That being said, by practicing a few basic safety tips, you can minimize the risk of becoming one with the pavement. Get a helmet that fits well, scope out your local bike lanes, and remember that your brakes are your friends.

Fear #3: “I’ll never keep up with the group.”

Speedy Gonzales on two wheels, we may not be, but you’ll build your cycling fitness with time and practice. The best part about the cycling community is that there’s a place for everyone, no matter your skill level. You’ll find your tribe, and before you know it, you’ll be zipping along, laughing in the face of those initial fears.

Fear #4: “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

You’ve heard the saying, “it’s like riding a bike,” right? Well, it’s kinda true! Even if you’re a little rusty, it won’t take long for your body to remember those sweet pedal strokes. Want the inside scoop on gears, lingo, and maintenance? There are tons of resources out there, and we’ll let you in on a little secret… you’re on one right now! Stick around, and we’ll show you the ropes, my uninitiated cycling buddies.

Fear #5: “I can’t afford it.”

Yep, we get it. The costs can feel overwhelming when stepping into the world of cycling. But fear not, for there are ways to ease into it without breaking the bank. Head to your local bike shop and talk to them about your needs and budget. They won’t judge you—promise. Sometimes, you can score quality gear at a discount if you know where to look (hint: sales, secondhand sources, and the buddy system!)

So, my future chain-gang members, it’s time to pedal past those fears and embrace the world of cycling. With patience, perseverance, and maybe a cheeky grin at the thought of that spandex, you’ll conquer the road, trail, or bike path like a boss.

When in doubt, remember: we all started somewhere. Soon enough, you’ll be dishing out your own advice with the best of ’em. Onward and upward, my newbie friends!

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Categories

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  • clubs
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  • Components
  • crash
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