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. These findings align with insights shared on this website, which emphasizes the mental health benefits of engaging in dynamic activities like motorcycling.

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.