How you like going up? Like this kind of vert?
Meet “The Superjames Climb”
No matter whether you are on foot or a bike, there’s little doubt that proper hydration and energy in the tank is critical to kick butt on climbs like this one. That’s the infamous “Superjames climb” that begins in Jamestown, Colorado (northwest of Boulder). And fuel in the tank is especially important since the majority of cyclists begin their ride “way down below” the start of the Superjames climb, some ~8+ miles away and a few thousand feet less in elevation.
Did I say fuel for the climb? Enter the Superjames Bar into the scene!
Yum Bombs in every Bite
The Superjames bar is the creation of Rainbow Schultz, a resident of Jamestown, chef, owner/operator of the Jamestown Mercantile Cafe, and one of THE coolest women. I sat down with her a while back to learn more about the history of these bars and do a little “product evaluation” (= drooling while taste-testing).
Because the Jamestown Mercantile Cafe is a common rest and refueling spot for cyclists passing through (and up!), Rainbow wanted to provide a quick and convenient, yet athlete-appropriate food for cyclists who didn’t have time to stop in for a meal. After interviewing cyclists for their input as to what would make an ideal bar, she combined their needs/wants with her culinary savviness and creativity to make sure the bar would remain natural, unprocessed, wholesome, and easy to eat. Step aside, Frankenfood. This is the real deal.
When you bite into a Superjames bar, you experience a chunky, mouthwatering blend of fresh salty-sweetness that is pure delight for the palate. Happily, these bars are not dry like so many others. Thanks to the unique manufacturing process that keeps these bars from needing to be baked, the end result is a soft texture for easy gobbling (without the crumble).
Rainbow, the creator of the Superjames bar
The bars currently come in 3 flavors: Original, Dark Chocolate, and Lemon. Each 3 oz bar is certified gluten-free and contains unprocessed ingredients such as oats, peanuts, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and almonds. There are 2 servings per bar with each serving providing 230 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrate, 6 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fat. There are plenty of energy-dense calories and up to you and your personal needs to chow the whole bar or portion out part of it.
Us locals got it good as we can find the Superjames bars at many area food markets, specialty stores, coffee shops, and our favorite Jamestown Mercantile. Luckily for all you remote folk, you can order online, so you won’t miss out either. The shelf-life of these bars is 5 months, so even though these bars are “fresh”, they will last you a long while… unless you chomp ‘em down fast. Of course, you can opt to freeze them so that you have plenty of stash for the long haul.
For Nutrition Mechanic readers, Rainbow is offering a special through April 30, 2019! Place an online order AND mention “Nutrition Mechanic” in the Notes (from the shopping cart) and you will receive 2 free bars for every 6 bars that you order. [You need to be sure to add the special Note though!]
Sporting a great nutritional profile for cyclists (and other athletes) who enjoy a whole-food based bar, you won’t be disappointed with this option. Give them a whirl and then be sure to give a shout on Instagram: @superjamesbars and tag @nutritionmechanic… Tell us #whatyoursuperjames ! And hey, I invite you to try out the Superjames climb next time you’re in the Boulder area. If you fuel with this bar, you’ll be crankin’ up the climb like nobody’s business.
Maybe you can beat Tommy Danielson’s Strava KOM? (ummm… probably not)
Dina with her favorite flavor, LEMON!!!
-Dina
Your Nutrition Mechanic
P.S. I accept NO commissions from product sales as I prefer to remain unaffiliated with any food, product, or supplement company.