Jerald M Powell
I've used Atomic Balm... but haven't used it in years. I recommend
extreme care with it. It's really hot (lots of pepper oil). Don't
even store it near your chamois fat, intensive care or bag balm.
Cramergesic is a milder preparation by the same folks and is great
stuff... it'll hang on to your knees and shins through rain, grit,
and snow and ice... I think it's too stiff to use as an "embrocation"
to aid massage, but it provides heat and is pretty much waterproof.
I personally use Cramer's for "liquid tights"... racing on days when
it's wetter than it is cold (those days when even lycra tights get
heavy as lead).
Now, the caveats. Most medical folks will tell you that these
preparations really don't do any good... they're generally called
"counter-irritants" and irritate your skin, making you think you're
warming up while the increased surface circulation may be allowing
more body heat to exchange with the cold air. This stuff starts mild,
and gets warmer the longer it's on, so avoid tender skin areas.
Clean your hands well with alcohol after applying. Make sure you have
some rubbing alcohol in your kit 'cause nothing else will take the
stuff off. Put it on AFTER you visit the portapotty the last time.
Better yet, have someone else apply it. Even after you clean your
hands with alcohol AND wash with soap and water, the pepper will be
on your hands (don't even think about rubbing your eyes).
After the race, you'll have dragged considerable road grit back to
the car with you. Alcohol will generally cut it.
There are several embrocations on the market... I don't remember all
the names, but the ones used often by cycling "soineurs" are usually
european... All of them have pepper, (oil of Capscium), some are
medicated (often Methyl Salicylate), and they commonly have various
herbal ingredients as well (be careful). They are usually creams,
which are pretty worthless for waterproofing the way I use Cramer's
but they provide enough glide to work for massage.
My preference... if I use anything... is Icy Hot or Ben-gay or some
French stuff called "Musclor" that Andy Newlands used to import, for
a pre-race rub... and some Cramers on my knees for heat (just because
it feels good).
Be careful with the Atomic Balm.
Jerry
Jerry Powell
USAC Level 1 Coach
1926 SW Madison St
Portland, OR 97205
503 222 7173
503 799 7823
jpowell@spiritone.com
On May 5, 2007, at 8:25 AM, Mike Bene wrote:
> anyone know where to buy atomic balm in the metro area? also, if
> you have experience using it, what do you think?
>
> thanks,
> mike
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org