Is This A Sports Drink?
I had a bit of a strange day yesterday. A short 45 minute blast on the training bike (quicker than intended), and then when I got home, I thought the weather was just too perfect to drive to work. So after I’d showered, I saddled up Siegfried, and headed off to visit clients.
Just as I was leaving Whitley Bay at about 8:30 a.m., I overtook another cyclist, who was trundling along the cycle path at just the sort of sedate pace that the weather demanded.
I couldn’t help but notice the can he was drinking from - a tin of pre-mixed gin & tonic (or if you prefer, Jynan Tonyxx).
This has led me to three possible conclusions:
- He was on his way home from a night shift - this represented a perfectly civilised end to the day. Or . . .
- I was in the presence of Captain Brownbottle . Or . . .
- This is a sign of the increasingly mainstream, non-sporty, non-Lycra type of cycling in the UK. If it’s OK to drink and drive, it’s just peachy to drink and ride. Even at breakfast time.
Which of these was the answer kept me puzzling for the whole day - in the end, 50 miles in the saddle, and some very slight sunburn to my hands and forearms. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Interesting…I enjoy the occasional G&T, but have never seen a pre mix on this side of the pond. I do see quite a few bike riders with the brown bag. That usually indicates a large can of beer is being consumed. In my area consumption of alcohol outside of your home or a licensed establishment is illegal. BTW I have been on the 3rd shift side of things at one time, used to get all kinds of dirty looks for coming out of a bar at 0800 in the mornings!
Aaron
I’ve read and re-read this post and I’m still as confused as you are. My only thought was that he was following his doctor’s orders by including more physical activity in his day. I find him quite bright, actually, due to his ability to multitask. Clever bastard.
Call me crazy… but if I’m heading to the pub for a couple pints with my mates, I always prefer to ride my bike instead of drive. I guess walking would be the superior mode of transport, but I figure at least if I’m “drunk riding” then it’s very unlikely that I’ll hurt anyone but myself.