By D.C. Lucchesi
There’s lots of stuff you can leave behind when packing for a long bike trip. And there’s some stuff that can make or break the entire trip. A good chamois cream falls into the latter category. Long rides and long days in the saddle can rub your tenders raw and turn even the most spectacular rides into extended misery made worse with every pedal stroke. If you have the fever for long rides, Mad Alchemy chamois creams are just what the doctor ordered. Not a lotion, not a paste. They’re somewhere in between and just right. The PRO+ Chamois Cream and PURE Chamois Cream we used were incredibly smooth with a natural feel that left a noticeable and comfortable film on our skin without feeling sticky or overdone. Again, just right.
We found the PRO+ Chamois Cream to be perfect for daily training rides. It has a lighter, smoother texture with just enough protection for dry morning rides. The PURE Chamois Cream means business. This is the barrier you want for long rides, rainy days, or for when the heat and humidity have us all begging for rain. Its thicker, richer consistency makes for a long-lasting buffer between you, your shorts, and your saddle.
Mad Alchemy is a New England-based company that produces handmade chamois creams, embrocations, and other ride prep. You can tell they’re into it, too. The company website (www.madalchemy.com) reads almost as though J. Peterman has converted to two wheels. Their enthusiasm is reflected in the quality of the products, which are all available online. Worth the wait for snail mail to deliver. You’ll find yourself looking for reasons to ride longer just to use the stuff.
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D.C. Lucchesi runs, rides and writes from Charlotte. When he isn’t planning or participating in his own “next adventure,” the award-winning writer and former television producer can be found freelancing and waxing poetic on subjects ranging from health and endurance to schools and politics. When he’s not volunteering or coaching in some capacity with school-aged kids, he still enjoys interacting with grown-ups. Find him at dclucchesi@gmail.com.
