The Importance of Embrocation

27 degrees is embrocation weather. While Mark V uses Tiger Balm, for me it’s a potent concoction imported from Ukraine and infused with Chernobyl rainwater runoff. The tingle that eventually burns also tans!

Joking of course, I use Sportsbalm, Rapha, and some weaker Swiss stuff for the Spring. Also when the wind chill dips the temperatures further, combine embro with Eucerin.

And the real good stuff, re-activates when you peel off your tights and take a shower OR forget to scrub it off.

Embrocation, like caps instead of hats, shaving our legs, and chamois cream are steeped in the tradition of the sport. We shared some of the strange rituals and superstitions in Issue 13 earlier this year with a note from me about the routines required for proper embro application, so as to not “burn” your privates.

Considering the potent cream, Bike Hugger magazine contributor Patrick Brady, once said

Why, it’s heat in a jar, cream of courage and a forcefield of awesomeness.

From the archives

In 2009, Mark V wrote about why he prefers Tiger Balm and reminded me of his preference last week before Woodland Park.

Sure there are a lot of embrocation products on the market, but for years my favorite product is good ol’ Tiger Balm. It’s cheap, I can get it at better grocery stores, and unlike a disconcerting number of cycling-specific embrocations, it doesn’t cause my skin to FREAKIN’ BLISTER. On cold days I’ll smear it across my knees mainly, and it protects against tendonitis. Actually, my left knee had been bothering me for about a week, and yesterday I rode with Tiger Balm on that knee for 3–1/2hrs in bitchin’ cold rain. I don’t know what my reasoning at the time was, but I didn’t use it on my right knee. And behold! The left knee feels great while the untreated right knee is just a little tender.

Sure, I prefer pricey Assos Chamois Creme, but I’m rather keen on Tiger Balm when it’s not my bum. It’s a bit greasy, but I actually think that attribute may help reduce heat loss from cold rain and spray. Also, my old teammates used to smear Vaseline on their knees during rainy criteriums with the idea that they would reduce road rash in the event of sliding out in a corner, so theoretically Tiger Balm should have similar properties.

I’m using Tiger Balm “White”, but I’ve also used “Red” and the less greasy “Soft”. I don’t have a preference between the first two, but the “Soft” variety is less greasy and hence seems to wash off sooner.