Road Racing World:

Motorcyclists have long championed riding as their main road to stress relief and positive mental health. Today, the results of a neurobiological study conducted by a team of three researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior yielded pioneering scientific evidence revealing the potential mental and physical benefits of riding. Funded by Harley-Davidson, the study found that motorcycling increased metrics of focus and attention, and decreased relative levels of cortisol, a hormonal marker of stress.

Researchers recorded participants’ brain activity and hormone levels before, during, and after motorcycling, driving a car, and resting. While riding a motorcycle, participants experienced increased sensory focus and resilience to distraction. Riding also produced an increase in adrenaline levels and heart rate, as well as a decrease in cortisol metrics results often associated with light exercise and stress-reduction.

Even though the study was funded by a motorcycle manufacturer which may throw its conclusions into question, I’d bet everyone who rides agrees with the study’s results. For me, I know that riding relaxes me while, at the same time, increases my focus. While it’s the most dangerous thing I do, it’s also one of the best things I do.