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Why does riding a Motorcycle make you happy?

Prue Mottram

Ever wonder why riding a motorcycle makes you so happy?

I’m not talking about the way that you smile when you see a cute guy, or a puppy. I mean that feel joy in the depths of your soul. A high without any substance help. It’s actually science and it its chemical, but not the type you find in a bottle.

There are several chemicals that are produced in our bodies that help control out emotions and our mood. 
*Dopamine
*Serotonin
*Oxytocin
*Adrenaline ( a personal favourite of mine)

Are all produced by our endocrine system. They aren’t all produced at once. They do all have a different affect on us. 

Let’s delve a little deeper (but don’t worry, I’m not writing a doctorate on complex chemicals).

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. A complex chemical associated with not just pleasure and reward, but mood, motor function and decision making. When an activity, or even a smell is associated with reward, your brain can release Dopamine at just the thought of the activity. The drive to the shopping centre before a big shopping trip. The smell of your favourite cookie as it’s baking in the oven. The ride to the petrol station where you are meeting your mates for a long Sunday ride. 

Are you smiling already? I am!

Ever wonder why you feel like you’re literally addicted to your motorcycle? Well enough dopamine can actually trigger addiction. However, I feel you’ll be ok if your vice is riding a motorcycle. 

Serotonin is a chemical that your nerves produce. Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan, which enters your body through diet in foods such as cheese, red meat and nuts. Serotonin is considered a mood stabiliser, and not only does it assist with sleeping, eating and digesting, it can also reduce depression, heal wounds, reduce anxiety, and maintain bone health.

When you have stable levels of Serotonin you are happier, have more stable moods, sleep better, are calmer and more focused.

How does one boost their Serotonin levels? 

Well there’s diet and meditation. There is also regular exposure to sunlight and exercise. Guess what does both of those? Motorcycling!

Oxytocin is a love hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter. In all truth, it has a major part in reproduction, sex and babies, but we’re not here to talk about that. Just like Dopamine and Serotonin, it is also known as a happy hormone.

Men and women react differently to Oxytocin. It women, it may factor into their decision of who to befriend and how to tend to those relationships. In men, it may play a role in a mans decision of whether a relationship is competitive, and help navigate the fights or flight response. It can also encourage favouritism and prejudice. Ever wonder why you love one brand of motorcycle over another? 

Adrenaline is a hormone related by the adrenal glad and some neurons. It is also known as epinephrine. Adrenaline is also known as the “fight or flight” hormone. It is produces in high stress, exciting and dangerous situations. 

Adrenaline is actually a pretty powerful chemical. It can cause your heart to beat faster, your lungs to breath faster, blood to flow to your muscles better, produces insulin and makes leads to the creation of glucose to give your muscles an energy boost. All of these assist you in either running away from a situation, or standing your ground and fighting. In this case, we’re talking about tipping in and scrapping your knee slider when turning a corner, or avoiding a dodgy car driver, or pushing through and upping your speed to make a best lap time. 

Adrenaline helps you get through the situation, then makes you happy when you succeed!

So there’s the technical mumbo-jumbo. What are some simple ways motorcycling makes you happier?

It creates;
*A more positive outlook
*Increases your cognitive function
*Produces higher levels of concentration
*Lower stress levels
*Improves memory
*Stimulates the mind
All of those sound pretty good to me!

So feeling sad? Go ride your motorcycle. 
Can’t focus on something at home? Go ride your motorcycle.
Favourite team just lose a game? Go clear your mind and ride your motorcycle.
Want to boost some happy hormone levels? Go ride your motorcycle!
I feel ride your motorcycle it the answer to many (not all) of your problems.

So go ride your motorcycle and SMILE!

Ride safe and have a good one!
Got questions? Send me an email at webshop@bikebiz.com.au