Riding a motorcycle is good for your health

IF you ask any motorcyclist why they ride and you’ll probably get a range of similar answers: Nothing compares to the feeling of heading out on the open road with the wind in your hair. It’s the ultimate sense of freedom. It’s a way to disconnect from the stress of daily life and achieve peace of mind. I could go on forever, but it all boils down to one simple idea: Riding a motorcycle is a great stress reliever.

And now there’s scientific research to back that up.  

In a new neurobiological study funded by Harley-Davidson, a team of UCLA researchers found that riding a motorcycle decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress by an impressive 28%. Riding also increased alertness, similar to the effect of drinking a cup of coffee.

The scientists at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior recorded the brain activity, heart rate, and hormone levels of more than 50 experienced motorcyclists before, during, and after riding a motorcycle, driving a car, and resting.

Phots from Armoni Whitaker