Why yes, I am British…big week for me in April though – I become a Citizen of the U.S.A. In honor of this event and in remembrance of my former home country, I’m posting something British-y.
Cycling is famed for its coffee culture. It’s a big difference to the cult of Ironman training, where you’re not supposed to stop for any length of time during your 6-7hr long rides – after all, you don’t get a coffee break on race day. I used to frown on “muffin rides” with a confident air of superiority. Cycling – if you don’t stop, you’re an uncultured a**hole.
I can live with that – Coffee is Good. But I am partial to a nice cup of tea when I get home, I must say. Especially after a winter or early spring ride, when there’s a chill in the air, I like to come home, get that recovery drink down, then warm myself up from the inside while I stretch/shower/clean my bike down. Even on a summer day a hot tea is surprisingly refreshing and indeed there is research to show that in the right circumstances (a dry, not humid heat, when your sweat is able to evaporate), a hot cup of tea will help cool you down. And in the humidity of the east coast you can always prep the iced variety.
Now, let’s be clear– the type of tea we’re talking about is important. If you’re after pure hydration, stick with herbal tea (or “tisanes” to give them their Proper name). Caffeine is dehydrating. Certain types of tisane will also impart additional benefits. I like to make fresh lemon ginger tea where I simply cut up a ginger root, add lemon wedges and steep in hot water; ginger being an excellent anti-inflammatory agent & digestive aid, & lemon being an immunity booster. Peppermint is known for its digestion benefits; the list could go on.
If it’s been a long ride – and especially if the clock’s hit 3 or 4pm, you still have laundry to do, errands to run and dinner to get on the table – then a pot of black or green tea could be just the ticket.
On the question of milk
If it’s black tea, then you can and should add milk (but do be sure to add the milk in the cup first. If it’s a tisane, then – with the single exception of golden milk tea – please don’t do this. I recently got served a mug of lemon-ginger tea at work – with milk – on the premise that I was British and would therefore Want That. Pants.
On the question of accompanying biscuits
Yes; and, Hob Nobs.
On the question of adding alcohol
Yes, most especially after a cold ride when your thermal sock-plastic bag-thick bootie-kit still left you with numb feet. Type of tipple depends on the type of tea.
Black tea – add rum. This one originated with the British Army in the 19th century and is otherwise called a Gunfire cocktail.
Green tea – I would tend toward a white spirit; a nice floral gin for example.
Lemon-ginger tisane – bourbon! Not only yummy, but also smart, as “clearly” the drawbacks of drinking alcohol will be more than offset by the benefits of ingesting lemon & ginger.
In all cases, pour a cheeky amount.
…and finally, if you’re really keen
Then get your domestique teammate to work for you like this:
Eyes Up, Look Ahead 