In all my preparation for last weeks Indoor Cycling Instructor Workshop, I did not post to the blog last Friday. Please accept my apology. I’m still working on this blog thing. Hey, if any of you experienced bloggers want to help me out, send me your suggestions for success.

Well, some of you may or may not know that one of the “sports” drinks of choice, particularly during a criterium, is Coke. Yes Coca Cola. We often would not start with Coke in our bottles but would grab a hand-up in the feed zone. The feed zone is an area around the race course where riders can grab extra bottles from their support crew (which is usually friends, spouses, etc). They try to place these feed zone in an area, mostly on longer straight sections, where a rider has enough time to discard empty bottles, grab a full one and stick it in the bottle cage. Feed zones can be a bit crazy with multiple riders and different teams all trying to get a “hand-up” at the same time. It is best to have the support person in the feed zone wear a team jacket or jersey so they can be easily identified.

Now keep in mind that the Coke first needs to be “de-fizzed”. You definitely do not want a carbonated beverage in your water bottle. So here we are, the night before the criterium of the Fitchburg Stage Race, reclining in the TV room. Each of us has a 2 liter bottle of Coke and is gently shaking it and slowly releasing the cap to let out of the carbonation.

Cool and TOO Refreshing

Race day. We are at the half-way point in the race and I maneuver through the pack of riders to position myself to grab my bottle from the feed zone. I discard my empty bottle by flicking it low at the ground near the feet of my support person and then successfully grab my full bottle. I was really looking forward to this drink. We place ice cubes in the bottles to keep the flat Coke chilled. It can be quite refreshing (if you like that sort of thing). With one movement, I slide that refresshing drink in the the front cage on my bike and dive into the next turn.

Once around the corner it is time! I reach down grab the bottle and prepare for that sweet taste and a good o’l energy boost. I place the nipple of the bottle between my teeth and pulled to open the top. “BAM”…”SNORT”…”COUGH”….”SNIFF”…..”BREATH”. What da! Turns out the Coke had not been fully de-fizzed. Once I popped the top, the Coke and fizz just darted down the back of my throat. I couldn’t breath for about 20 seconds. I’m amazed I didn’t crash. I had Coke all over my handlebars, dripping down my chin and jersey and coming out of my nose.

I spent the rest of the race slowly trying to de-fizz the Coke while riding. I would shake the bottle a bit and then let out some carbonation, but this time I was prepared. After a few shakes, it was safe for consumption. Furtunately, I had only lost about 1/3 of the liquid during that first explosion. Unfortunately, I was left with very stickly brake levers and hands for the last 30 laps.

Enjoy your Coke responsibly.