How about a Cold One??

Let me start by saying that I don't go on many group rides and I don't ever go to any bike nights. I've ridden a wide variety of bikes over the years and consider myself to be a good rider who rarely rides aggressively. I used to have a very social life and had very few concerns other than having a good time. I am now 35 years old married for 5 years with a 3 year old son. Even though I love my family I certainly can say that I miss the good ole' bachelor days when I could just leave work on Friday with my bag packed and get back home late Sunday night a few hours before the start of the new work week. Riding now serves as a way of escaping my everyday boring suburban life. Without my bike I would have gone crazy long ago. I love going for nice long scenic rides and stopping at checking out various cool landmarks. Now some riders do not drink alcohol at all while riding but I see nothing wrong with having a cold one or two with lunch as long as you don't over-do it. I'm not talking about doing shots of Patron Tequila at the bar, I'm talking about a one or two tasty microbrewed beers during a nice long relaxing afternoon lunch break. I am way over my party stage in life and not looking to get drunk. I also weigh 205 lbs so it takes alot of booze to get me buzzed. What is your opinion on responsibly having a frothy beverage when riding? Do most bikers drink when they get together on bike night at bars/pubs?

Regards,
Rollin

 

I won't drink even one beer while riding. I even make sure to only take non-drowsy allergy meds. I want to have my senses as peak as possible.

 

That's easy sir, 0 drinks for me. I'll do either hot tea or ginger ale. Riding a motorcycle is already demanding as it is and there's just no need for an impairment. I would only do one small drink if I'm planning on staying put for at least 2 hours like a buddy's house or my house but if I'm riding within a hour, sorry that's just too risky for me. And even then I'm not gonna get sh*t-faced drunk.

Oh, and I've done bike nights a few times and never had a drink and other didn't either. That seems to be more of a Cruiser/Harley thing though. If you ever want to go to a bike night check out Vortex Burgers at 5 Points in Atlanta. I think it's every thursday night. I've met with a fellow VFRWorld member, wrestler, there. Anyway I noticed that for the sportbike crowd, there's isn't that much alcohol involved.

 

I used to do it a lot. Sunday morning in Northern CA was for craziness, then the afternoon would be food, beer and some more riding although mostly less "spirited". I never made a conscious effort to stop doing it, but I went riding with the same guys recently and we had lunch, one guy had a beer. It wasn't like lunch of the old days, but the ride was fun as ever and that's the important thing I think. I think most people just grow out of it as priorities change as they have for you.

 

No alcohol for me. I treat bikes just like I did flying.

 

I just wonder if people look at me like I'm being irresponsible. On my last trip to Tennessee I rode about 250 miles each way. I stopped for lunch and sat on the restaraunt deck for about 2 hours and had a couple of beers. I would have loved to sit there all night but I know my limits and never ride recklessly.

Regards,
Rollin

 

I once totalled a bike riding drunk. So for me that pretty much ended having a few and riding. I also know how I am with alcohol, once the first one goes down, discipline can be iffy. Since I find it hard to resist the urge to charge around a bit when on sportbike, it would be bad to impair myself. I tell you what worries me more though, it's the thought that lots of folks in cages are driving around drunk. At certain times of the week and evening or holidays I figure there may be even more of them than normal. I know eveyone has probably been out riding and seen someone on the road they were pretty sure was DUI. Far be it from me to judge you , it's your life, but please think about it carefully.

 

I treat motorcycle riding like an athletic activity, just like I wouldn't have a beer while lifting weights at the gym or playing hockey, I won't have one when I ride. Now, when I'm home from a long ride and the bike is in the garage that's another story altogether.

To each their own though, good bud of mine always has a cold one when we stop for lunch but it's definiltey not like he's getting drunk.

 

i hear ya rollin. a couple of brews over a longer period with lunch seems ok.

personally i stick to the coke zero, but thats just me.

your approach is a reasonable one and it works for you. like you, im a bit older and wiser, and have a 3YO so i know exactly where your coming from.

its a bit like your throttle hand on the bike. you can have a little, or a lot,
but if you get carried away with it your asking for trouble!

enjoy your quiet one and ride safe.

cheers

RT

 

I don't drink a single bear but i'm a lightwieght when it comes to drinking.
i don't mind others drinking 1-2 with a meal, that normal.

 

So far I have resisted the urge to have 1 or 2 beers with lunch. I was out riding two weeks ago and stopped in New Hope with some friends. They were on Harley's and had a few beers while I refrained. It was a crowded place with a lot of bikers, most of them seemed to be enjoying a beer or two. However I did spot one guy at first glance had a beer, on the second look it was an O'Dhouls (why even bother?).

I am still new to the riding thing, and I want to make sure I get to the next stage and fear beer would hinder that - but it is a personal option.

 

Based on the response so far I can tell I probably won't get much help with the mobile Moonshine Still modification for my Viffer?

:wink: Ha Ha Ha.....I just like a nice IPA with my BBQ if available.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Since I now live in Georgia and stop for lunch usually at BBQ dives, I do often have a cold beer with the southern BBQ, but just one. Quite often now it's 'sweet tea' down south. When I lived in Southern CA, that place was just waaaaay to health-oriented to have good authentic BBQ places. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a cold brew with Mex food either!
Know yourself and your limits! Generally if I start drinking beer that early in the day, I get sleepy and tired, and that is no way to be on a bike! AT ALL

 

Beer is my beverage of choice!
It all depends on how I feel that day and what kind of riding I will be doing. If I feel aggressive or with others that like to ride fast, I don't drink beer at all. If I feel like a casual ride with lunch and a beer or 2 than that's ok for me. I never drink more than the tires I have on the ground.

 

The fact that you would ask this question only shows that you are responsible enough to give it thought. And you have taken it further by asking questions. Alcohol affects everyone differently. Two people with the same Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) may be affected differently. But "generally" speaking, and I am not saying this is OK, the effects of one beer, American beer none the less, with someone your size, and eating food at the same time, over the course of an hour, would be negligible. But if the thought even enters your mind that you should not indulge, then take the safe trail.

 

At my age normal mental alacrity is like one of you guys after 4 beers.

I scrupulously avoid any chemicals that effect my consciousness and alert level.

We won't discuss reaction times , nope, not mine anyway, I have seen Tree Sloths that could beat mine now.....

 

I don't have a beer while riding (or driving). I wouldn't mind having just 1, but I never do. The risk is too great for me. I have a CDL and drive a tractor-trailer. If I get a DUI, I lose not only my license, but my job as well.