Cult of the Cowbell - Cool Things

Well.......Stuff, Tips and Toys I find pretty cool


	Any thought on commercially available items that are presented here are based on my opinion. I DO NOT receive money or consideration from any of these companies (though it would-be nice to have them throw me a few bucks...race fees, and the latest greatest things to make me think I’m gonna go faster get expensive don’t ya know?


		Qoleum

In the upstate New York area we have a thing called snow and ice. These things only occur when it’s cold!!!!! One of the guys I race with turned me onto QOLEUM embrocation lotion and I haven’t looked back. Works wonders for legs arms, lower back pain and the feeble circulation I have in my feet and toes. Beats buying foot warms (the charcoal activated type) and since I spent a lot of time in a hockey rink when not riding this has been heaven sent! I’ve only used the HOT (2) to date and can tell you that it seems to work pretty well for me down to 30 to 40 degrees or so. It has low odor and you really don’t need a lot. Just a small amount and rub it in to coat your intended body part(s)

1 Low Embrocation - Light warming, mild weather 50-77F
2 Hot Embrocation - Medium warming cold/wet 32-59F
3 Extra Hot Embrocation - Strong warming very cold/wet <50F

Just beware that this stuff is designed not to wash off in the rain and mud etc., so when you take a shower or bath later you’ll understand what I mean!! Also use rubber gloves to put it on so your not rubbing it into your eyes later or grabbing your nether region with it on your hands when you go potty!!!!

www.cyclocrossworld.com


	*Crossresults.com: Stumbled onto this when doing the “cyclocross google shuffle.”* Man is it neat or what. Start**

with tab labeled Racer and then Find Racer throw in your name or whoever your **“Bob” is and then search it select the name(s) and it will bring up your results provided you have some listed on BIKEREG.com. It gives a slew of information on races you’ve done and such. One interesting bit is the Nemeses (or “Bob”) and Victim area which list out that person(s) you never seem to beat (Nemeses) and those that you beat (Victim) provided you stay on two wheels

** As per Skinny Phil at mudbloodandbelgianbeer.blogspot.com “BOB” is that dude that compels you to train yourself that much hard and/or race yourself that much more into chest burning, legs afire and snot flowing pain


	Ode to Skinny Phil and his old Belgium friend - “ Rear brake good!, front brake bad!!, only emergency!!!”


	Olbas Oil

FROM THE OLBAS WEB SITE - “Olbas Oil is a completely natural essential oil formula that delivers invigorating and soothing sensations to the nasal and bronchial areas. Applied to the body, Olbas Oil tends to stimulate circulation at the surface of the skin. It opens up the pores and provides a comfortable feeling in the muscles and joints. Runners, cyclists and other sports enthusiasts praise the value of Olbas Oil. Massaging with Olbas Oil helps loosen muscles and make them supple, while inhaling Olbas vapors may help support endurance and performance.”

In other words wanna clear out your pipes before, during and after a race this stuff works great. If your congested from seasonal allergies etc, put a few drops in a bowl of steamy hot water and drape a towel over your head and the bowel (close your eyes) and breath it in for a 10 minutes or so. During a race a few drops on a glove and sniffing it helps open my nose back up and keeps my mind from wandering onto those excitable type spectators who have cowbells and verbal assaults!!!!

www.olbas.com


	Swiss Stop Rat Pads: I kinda like actually coming to a stop fairly quick when I grab the brake. On a recommendation from one of the guys I race with I switched to the Swiss Stop RAT pads. They work for me. I’ve run them through the mud, water etc. and have been happy as can be. Not to expensive considering the alternative of overcooking a stop and splitting your pumpkin open.


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