much along the same lines as the recent butt butter thread, with falls beautiful cooler weather soon arriving ive always been curious about trying embrocation. Anybody have experience? Does it really liven up the muscles for action, or is it more to just keep the chill off your legs for starting off in cooler temps?

Do you shave your legs?  If not I would not even go near the stuff as it would be a mess to clean up (not that it's simple as it is)

There is alot of voodo and witchery around the stuff in the euro trash/cyclcross set and frankly I think it's a waste of time since that "warm feeling" is really just a skin reaction to the menthol and cayenne often in the mix (oh yea and a little tan in a can mixed in to look cool) not actualy your muscles truely warming up. 

I say just be sure to wear a good set up knee warmers anytime it's below 60 and you should be good to go.

It doesn't really make my legs feel any more oxygenated, or warmed up faster.  The balm itself does a good job keeping the wind and wet off of you.  I use the mild even when it's cold (for here) and I barely notice the capsaicin burn.  The more you put on, the more it heats up.  I've used it the past 2 seasons instead of warmers and will continue to use it.  I wouldn't believe any "science" about it making you faster.

I use the Mad Alchemy Gentleman's Blend.  They have a bunch of scents and temps- including bourbon for CX Worlds last year.

A wash with alcohol will help it come off easier.  Also, use sandwich bags or latex gloves to apply it, so your hands and anything else they touch won't burn.