Coffee and cycling, an interesting and healthy relationship
There are certain unions, which definitely work perfectly. For example, toast with jam or ice cream with syrups. However, there is one that has combined wonderfully for some time, it is the coffee and cycling. A dynamic duo that goes hand in hand, since they are capable of providing energy and balance to our body.
But this is not all, because both are an excellent mix of healthy and fun. In turn, they allow you to improve concentration and prepare the body for intense activity.
A complex but interesting relationship that has been forged over the years. Therefore, in this article we have decided to talk in detail about it and why it exists and what makes it so special. Thus, the motivation that has been awakened in more people both in the world of cycling and specialty coffee.
How is this combination born?
If we dust off the historical data a little, it will take us to the decade of the 60s and the end of the 70s. When Fabbrica Apparecchiature Elettromeccaniche e Affini (FAEMA) a major manufacturer of espresso machines, decides to sponsor the company's cycling team in an eponymous way. The Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx participated in it.
Most members of the cycling community consider Merckx to be the greatest of all time. Well, for those who don't know, the Belgian's professional career spanned 13 years, of which he could have earned a record of 11 Grand Tours. As we indicated, he was part of the FAEMA team for at least two years (1968-1970). Although previously, FAEMA had already sponsored other cycling teams. Merckx was undoubtedly the most prominent cyclist sponsored by a coffee company.
Following this, the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC/Fedecafe) In 1983 he decided to create a cycling group. A team that, in addition to having the presence of the Colombian cyclist Luis Herrera, also saw him become the winner of a Spanish Grand Tour for 1987.
Throughout the 20th century, more renowned coffee companies such as Saeco (Italian machine manufacturer), Sagafredo coffee and the important American chain Jittery Joe's, continued with the initiative and sponsored more cycling teams. Indications that confirmed that coffee and cycling They were creating an important bond.
The relationship was strengthening
At first glance you could see that the union with Eddy Merckx was becoming stronger during the second half of the 20th century. This being more than the sponsorship of professional sports. Therefore, it was already common for coffee shops and espresso bars to offer cyclists a space so they could relax and socialize while they made their long journeys. There are even those who consider that this was a key piece of what is known as The coffee ride (pedaling and coffee in Spanish).
It may be difficult to find the correct meaning of this phrase. However, for professional athletes and competitive cyclists, they consider it to be similar to a restorative trip. Where they free their body of toxins, after traveling a long and difficult path.
There are those who see cycling as a kind of hobby. Much like when we meet up with friends and go to our favorite coffee shop and have a nice time.
More cyclists are interested in coffee
Everything points to yes, because cycling has gained popularity for some years after being linked with fitness, health and well-being. But for some time now, specifically, since the pandemic began, it became more popular, since gyms around the world had to close to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The cafeterias are prepared to receive groups of experienced cyclists daily, and those amateurs who emerged as a result of the pandemic. The marketing director of Workshop Coffee in London, Richard Frazier, specifies that this will also depend on the space that the coffee shop has available. Which must be 100% safe, where cyclists can hook their bikes to special railings without worry.
Now, Frazier recommends that larger cafes with an established community offer different and fresh options. For example, make a small bicycle route that ends at the coffee shop. This would undoubtedly further reinforce the close relationship between coffee and cycling.
According to Bas van den Heuvel owner of Il Magistrale Cycling coffee, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, says cyclists are constantly looking to demonstrate their caffeine level on their bags. This is because they are very interested in the doses of energy that each cup of coffee offers.
Do you have a coffee shop and want to take advantage of this?
As you will see, the link between coffee and cycling is already consolidated. It even gets stronger as time goes by. So if you have a cafeteria and want to equip your establishment to welcome these pedal lovers, specialists invite you to include creative ideas to attract more groups.
One of them, and to tell the truth it is very interesting, is to include a bicycle delivery service. Something that will not only demonstrate your commitment to environmental care, but also to the community. Since it would be a project led by cyclists.
The trick is to get involved, as this will offer you more chances of your business not only emerging, but also helping you attract new cyclists and consumers.
In short, the connection between coffee and cycling, It is unique and strong. Well, coffee is not only part of the new generations of cyclists, since many of them need a good dose of caffeine to continue pedaling on roads or mountain trails. Simply put, it is an essential part of your daily routine.
A couple of cyclists told their experience to the Q-Grader Beatriz Mesas, after having tried some of the coffees from Incapto Coffee, in our Youtube channel. To which the athletes did not hesitate to applaud specialties such as coffee from Peru Cajamarca Jaén or that of Rwanda Koakaka flees. Athletes consider that each of these specialties, in addition to having different flavors, the Ethiopia Sidamo Nansebo It's one of his favorites right now. Consume grains with seal Incapto It made them realize that putting aside coffee capsules has been the best since in addition to saving money they also join the group of people who contribute to environmental care.
Both worlds complement each other perfectly. In fact, it is a perfect opportunity for those cafes that are located near a cycling route, which if you know how to take advantage of, can give a plus to the premises. It is also great for those cyclists who want to combine their passion for pedals and coffee, giving a new twist to their two passions.
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