Turn the heat up when it gets cold

I was out riding Norton Summit this afternoon - a bit overcast, no wind. I was wearing a jersey and baselater but nothing else special (even forgot my cap and felt quite naked) but I was so surprised to see some other riders in full winter gear - leg warmers, long sleeve jackets, ear warmers, boot covers...

But that is not what I am writing about. I want to talk about embrocation, so mysterious it is it doesn't even have a wikipedia page. What is it? Does anyone use it?

Basically I'd say it's a strange activity Euros do during the winter that no one else in the world does much (a bit like cycle cross). Or as this forum poster writes:

It's a fancy word for liniment, which some people rub on their limbs instead of wearing weather-appropriate clothing. They fancy that the feeling of the aromatic oils and other mystery ingredients on their skin amounts to "warming." - Takara
a respondent Viking1001 contributed :
embrocation iz 4 wussy
Nevertheless there are a few witches brews out there. The gist I get is that it's like chillies, some like them bloody hot, others mild. Then there is Rapha Embrocation which might be like spreading Devonshire tea jam and cream on your muscles. Their description is quite comical, read it all, but this is the basic bit.
Applying embrocation is one of the great rituals of winter riding. In recent years, it has enjoyed a renaissance thanks to its popularity on the American cyclocross circuit and Rapha Embrocation is used by the Rapha-Focus cyclocross team. Rubbing embrocation into your legs not only helps give you vital headspace ahead of a long training ride but the massaging action also loosens muscles and helps release antioxidants.
Really?
I did read a great article in Peloton about a small cottage manufacturer. (Can't read it? get the Embrocation.PDF here.
Look inside >
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Northwest knee warmers

Tags: cold, embrocation, training, winter

Views: 80

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tiny Avenger on May 6, 2011 at 13:31
and sounds like some sort of surgical technique - "after embrocation of the liver, the surgeon made an incision....."
Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on May 6, 2011 at 14:39
Might finish your ride covered in butterflies that think you are a lavender bush……
Permalink Reply by denis brown on May 6, 2011 at 15:27

Hi Angus,

Embrocation. It's a racing thing. When you wear limited clothing ie bare legs and arms in winter.

If you are out training wear long tights and a jacket to keep warm, emrocation under them would be RS.

If you want something nicely warming try Finalgon CREAM. Once I could only get the ointment and believe me it is really hot, had to find a tap in the street at Pt Arligton in a vain attempt to wash it off. As it is really greasy, it would not come off with cold water. Had to wait to get into the shower and this when you really get to know how hot it is. But if you want to ride in rain and cold with shorts try the CREAM. You will get the warmth come on as you warm up, and feel cosy while everyone is freezing. A word of warning wash your hands well after before you rub your eyes or visit the toilet.

Permalink Reply by Mikael Liddy on May 16, 2011 at 17:51

I assume this is not dissimilar to the "oiling" that footy players go in for on their arms & legs when preparing for a night game.

 

Having tried that it did sweet FA in keeping you warm although there was the bonus of being near impossible to tackle for the first 15 or so minutes.

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