As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.
You know what's Euro? Embrocation and coffee. Oh, and matching everything in your team kit with something white.
Anyway, there are few things that make me feel more Euro than slathering on embrocation and heading down to the coffee shop for an espresso before a group ride. Truth be told, I can have the espresso any time — we have a Jura Capresso machine in the shop — but the embrocated, team kit-wearing espresso is something else entirely.
This season I've been going with Qoleum, a quintessential
Belgian embrocation. On all but the coldest, dampest days, I'm OK without it. But on those 38-and-raining rides, my skinny ass needs some assistance staying warm.
In that situation, it's the Extra Hot. And yes, it's extra hot. It has the important qualities — waterproof, long-lasting — along with one added benefit that I've come to love. After those chilly rides, after the 20-minute shower during which you scrub off the embrocation and regain feeling in your fingers, and after sweatpants and a sweatshirt have been donned, the Qoleum Extra Hot sticks around.
For probably about 20 minutes, there's a still a gentle warming sensation. It's a nice bonus as I'm destroying every bit of food in our kitchen.
While I have tried the other Qoleum varieties, most notably the No. 2 embrocation, it's not nearly as warm. And, honestly, if it's not going to be really warm, what's the point?
That's all there is for today — enjoy the turkey. Think Euro, be Euro.
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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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