Cyclocross - I found the thrill of sewups, what's next? ...Embrocation?

How important is embrocation?

I discovered that sewups make a night'n'day difference to my riding and enjoyment. They're such a great secret weapon. I'm just a beginner, but used to race a lot of bikes and skis and I like the cold just fine.

I've read some pro's-con's discussions of embro, but I'm wondering if the consensus is that it makes a sizeable difference. I suppose it all depends, but I was curious if it falls into the secret weapon category as significant (almost) as something like sewups for folks. I'm guessing that's an over the top comparison. Nothing could be that important, that I can tell. But who knows! Not me.

I just won some as swag and will try it but am curious about how impt folks think it is. Yeah, if it ends up being fun for me that'll be enough, etc.

Also does the type used seem to matter a lot? I see lots of chat about brands and grades. Oh well, again, I suppose everyone is different. Maybe it's just another fun lore thing that if ya like it, do it. : )

I actually eat the stuff ... Gloucester blend. yummy --- sometimes I marinade the legs in the leg warmers with embro on -- clean shaven --- they come out like a glazed thanksgiving turkey warm and ready to rock --- leave em covered until you toe the line.

Just make sure you shave several days prior to using. I like the Mad Alchemy stuff but it's the only type I've used. It smells like Christmas. As for a secret weapon, maybe. It allows you to wear less while racing which can help.

I grant you permission to try out the embro you currently have in your possession. Just don't get any in your eyes or on your weiner or manballs.

manballs.
are there any other kind?

great stuff for warming up and protecting bare legs on those cold mornings before the race. The stuff helps a lot, but I guess it depends on how much the cold bothers you.

I grant you permission to try out the embro you currently have in your possession. Just don't get any in your eyes or on your weiner or manballs.

Pre-race order of ops is important:

Chamois creme before embrocation. Best option for embro is to keep some disposable gloves in your kit.

AKA 'Belgian Knee' warmers for the mid winter training for those Spring 1 day Classics, there.

A couple of tips I've picked up.

As stated above, be careful with embrocation and sensitive skin, I even avoid the backs of my knees.
Water activates the embrocation, so you'll feel it a lot more in wet races, but if you put on some hot embrocation then jump into a hot shower after the race it will feel like your legs are being skinned with red hot razors. When I get home from a race I soak a wash cloth with rubbing alcohol and scrub my legs, then I rub in a little olive oil and wait about 15 minutes then get in the shower. The legs still feel pretty warm in the shower but not painful.

I like embrocation, but not everyone does, but I don't think it's a secret weapon on par with good tubies.