PROOF: Motorcycling is AMAZING for Your BRAIN!

Summary

This script explores the mental health benefits of adventure motorcycling, emphasizing its therapeutic effects beyond traditional exercise. It discusses optic flow's impact on reducing stress and enhancing memory, the physical demands equating to intense workouts, and the social camaraderie that fosters mental well-being. Adventure therapy's role in identity development and resilience is highlighted, with the script concluding that trail riding is a natural, enjoyable way to improve psychological health.

Takeaways

• 🏍️ Motorcycling, particularly adventure motorcycling at low speeds on trails, can be beneficial for brain health beyond just being a thrilling activity.
• 🎥 The script dismisses the Hollywood portrayal of motorcycling and extreme sports as not representative of the real, therapeutic aspects of motorcycling.
• 🔬 The script cites scientific research, including the benefits of optic flow and its impact on the amygdala, which helps in reducing negative emotions and improving problem-solving abilities.
• 🧠 Neuroscientist Shane O'Mara's work is mentioned, emphasizing that the brain can benefit from 'exercise' like optic flow, leading to increased volume in the hippocampal formation, which is crucial for learning, memory, and attention.
• 💡 The script highlights that older individuals engaging in activities involving optic flow can show increased creativity compared to sedentary younger individuals.
• 💊 Exercise, including motorcycling, is linked to mental health benefits comparable to those of pharmaceutical medications, improving memory, focus, and reducing stress and feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
• 🚵‍♂️ Motocross and Enduro are described as physically demanding exercises that can significantly elevate heart rates, offering the same mental health benefits as other forms of exercise.
• 🤝 The social aspect of motorcycling, especially when riding in a group, can foster camaraderie and teamwork, which are beneficial for mental well-being and can mimic the bonds formed in intense situations like combat.
• 🌳 The benefits of being outdoors and in nature are underscored, with time spent in nature linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.
• 🌄 The script mentions the therapeutic effects of 'awe' experienced in nature and the concept of adventure therapy, which involves challenging activities in the wilderness to promote personal development and resilience.
• 🔗 The final takeaway is a call to action, inviting viewers to join rallies for an immersive motorcycling experience that combines the therapeutic benefits discussed with the joy of riding.

Q & A

Motorcycling can improve mental health in what ways?

Motorcycling can boost mood, sharpen the mind, and increase feelings of connection to the world, offering a sense of freedom and escape that helps reduce stress and anxiety[^1^].

How does the physical act of motorcycling affect the brain?

The physical act of motorcycling engages the mind and body, offering cognitive benefits such as improved concentration, mental agility, and overall mental sharpness[^1^].

What is the impact of optic flow on brain function during motorcycling?

Optic flow, the visual experience of moving through space, has been shown to suppress the amygdala, reducing negative emotions and enhancing problem-solving and memory processing efficiency[^1^].

Can motorcycling have therapeutic effects similar to EMDR for PTSD?

Yes, the optic flow experienced during motorcycling mimics the eye movement used in EMDR therapy, which has been effective in treating PTSD and reducing negative memories in participants[^1^].

How does motorcycling influence the size of the hippocampal formation?

Neuroscientist Shane O'Mara suggests that the optical flow received while motorcycling can increase the volume of the hippocampal formation, improving learning, memory, spatial navigation, and attention management[^1^].

What are the mental health benefits of physical exercise in the context of motorcycling?

Physical exercise from motorcycling can improve memory, focus, and reverse functional decline in the brain. It also lowers stress, increases happiness, and decreases sadness, loneliness, depression, and anxiety[^1^].

How does motorcycling as a social sport contribute to mental well-being?

Social sports like motorcycling can increase interpersonal interaction, boosting moods, decreasing loneliness, improving self-esteem, and fostering a sense of self-worth[^1^].

What is the role of camaraderie and teamwork in group motorcycling experiences?

Group motorcycling fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, promoting a unique kinship and bonding that can be reminiscent of bonds formed during combat, contributing to mental well-being[^1^].

Can being outdoors in nature while motorcycling have positive effects on mental health?

Time spent in nature during motorcycling has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and increased empathy and cooperation[^1^].

What is adventure therapy and how is it related to motorcycling?

Adventure therapy involves doing physically and mentally challenging activities in the wilderness, which can promote healthy identity development, positive coping skills, and increased awareness of stress levels, resilience, self-efficacy, grit, and a growth mindset[^1^].

How does motorcycling modulate attention and stress with arousal?

Riding a motorcycle increases sensory focus and resilience to distraction, while also enhancing alertness and altering hormone levels associated with stress and arousal[^10^].

What neurobiological evidence supports the mental benefits of motorcycling?

A study published in Brain Research found that motorcycling can decrease hormonal biomarkers of stress by 25% and enhance sensory focus, similar to the effects observed in experienced meditators[^10^].

How does motorcycling affect cognitive functioning in motorcyclists aged 40 to 50?

A study by the University of Tokyo found that regular motorcycle riders between the ages of 40 and 50 showed increased cognitive functioning and improved problem-solving skills compared to non-riders[^7^].

What are some of the physical fitness benefits of motorcycling?

Motorcycling can burn calories, strengthen abdominal muscles, improve muscle tone, and potentially help with conditions like Type 2 diabetes and weak knees[^7^].

Can motorcycling contribute to better sleep patterns?

Yes, the physical exertion from motorcycling can help tire the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, which in turn enhances mental clarity and emotional stability[^6^].

What is the relationship between motorcycling and neurotransmitter regulation?

Motorcycling can influence the regulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a crucial role in mood regulation and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being[^6^].

How does motorcycling support the integration of mind and body?

Riding a motorcycle requires both mental focus and physical coordination, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress while providing a form of light exercise that complements mental well-being[^6^].

What is the potential impact of motorcycling on the hippocampal formation and learning?

According to neuroscientist Shane O'Mara, the brain functions like a muscle, and the optical flow experienced during motorcycling can materially affect the volume of the hippocampal formation, which controls learning and memory[^1^].

How does motorcycling compare to other forms of exercise in terms of physical demands?

Motocross and Hard Enduro are considered some of the most difficult and physically demanding exercises, with heart rates often reaching the 140s and 150s even during easier rides[^1^].

What is the potential therapeutic effect of motorcycling on PTSD?

Processing difficult memories and events during optical flow, as experienced in motorcycling, has been shown to desensitize and reduce negative memories that manifest with PTSD for 77 percent of participants[^1^].

Can motorcycling be considered a form of mindfulness practice?

Yes, motorcycling offers a unique way to practice mindfulness by fully immersing riders in the present moment and focusing on the road ahead and the sensations of the ride, which can help let go of worries and stress[^1^].

What are the social benefits of group motorcycling experiences?

Group motorcycling can quickly become a team effort, fostering camaraderie, a sense of belonging, and new friendships, which are critical for mental well-being[^1^].

How does being outdoors in nature while motorcycling impact mental health?

Spending time in nature during motorcycling has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and increased empathy and cooperation[^1^].

What is adventure therapy and how does it relate to motorcycling?

Adventure therapy involves doing physically and mentally challenging activities in the wilderness and has been shown to promote healthy identity development, positive coping skills, resilience, self-efficacy, grit, and a growth mindset, which are all benefits that can be experienced through motorcycling[^1^].

Outlines

00:00

🏍️ The Neurological Benefits of Motorcycling

This paragraph delves into the cognitive and psychological advantages of adventure motorcycling, distinguishing it from the Hollywood portrayals and extreme sports. It highlights how the optic flow experienced during riding can have therapeutic effects similar to EMDR, reducing negative emotions and enhancing problem-solving abilities. The script discusses how this activity can improve memory, spatial navigation, and attention by exercising the hippocampal formation. It also touches on the increase in creativity associated with optic flow and the mental health benefits of physical exercise, such as reduced stress and increased production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.

05:02

🤝 Social and Emotional Benefits of Group Motorcycling

The second paragraph emphasizes the social and emotional benefits of participating in group motorcycling activities. It discusses how social sports can improve mental health by reducing loneliness, boosting self-esteem, and fostering a sense of self-worth. The script describes the unique camaraderie and teamwork required in enduro motorcycling, drawing parallels with the bonds formed during combat for veterans. It also addresses the importance of social relationships for mental well-being and how motorcycling can help adults expand their social circles and form meaningful friendships.

10:03

🌲 The Therapeutic Effects of Nature and Adventure Therapy

This paragraph explores the benefits of being outdoors and the concept of adventure therapy. It outlines how spending time in nature is linked to improved attention, reduced stress, and better mood, as well as a decreased risk of psychiatric disorders. The script explains the emotional response of awe and its positive impact on mental health, supported by the findings that natural scenes can enhance cognitive performance. It also introduces adventure therapy as a legitimate therapeutic approach that promotes personal development, resilience, and a growth mindset through challenging activities in the wilderness.

🎥 Inviting Participation in Motorcycling Rallies

The final paragraph serves as an invitation to join motorcycling rallies in southwest Utah and Arizona, which offer an opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of motorcycling throughout the winter season. The script provides information about the rally's cost, inclusions, and the intimate size of the groups, encouraging interested viewers to book early due to limited availability. It also mentions upcoming Black Friday deals for patrons and producers, expressing gratitude for the support of the video content.

Keywords

💡Motorcycling

Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. In the context of the video, it is portrayed as a beneficial activity for mental health, distinct from the dangerous or adrenaline-pumping stereotypes often seen in media. The script emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of adventure motorcycling, which involves riding at lower speeds on trails and focusing on the experience of being in nature.

💡Optic Flow

Optic flow refers to the visual experience of the environment moving across the field of view when a person or object is in motion. The video explains that this phenomenon, amplified during motorcycling, can suppress the amygdala and reduce negative emotions, contributing to improved problem-solving and processing of painful experiences. It is also linked to the physical changes in the brain, such as increased volume in the hippocampal formation.

💡EMDR

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychological treatment method mentioned in the script. It is used for PTSD and involves lateral eye movements to mimic the optic flow experienced during forward motion. The script suggests that the natural optic flow experienced during motorcycling can have similar therapeutic effects.

💡Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a region of the brain that plays a key role in learning, memory, spatial navigation, and attention management. The video script explains that engaging in activities that increase optic flow, such as motorcycling, can lead to the growth of the hippocampal formation, thereby improving its related functions.

💡Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is any activity that increases heart rate and improves overall fitness. The script highlights that motorcycling, especially trail riding, is a form of intense physical exercise that can improve mental health by reducing stress, increasing happiness, and boosting endorphin production.

💡Camaraderie

Camaraderie refers to the friendly, often close-knit relationships formed among individuals who share a common activity or experience. The video script discusses how group motorcycling fosters a sense of teamwork and kinship, which can be particularly beneficial for mental well-being.

💡Nature

Nature, in the context of the video, is the natural environment external to human habitation. The script emphasizes the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, such as improved attention, lower stress, and increased empathy, which are all relevant to the experience of motorcycling in natural settings.

💡Stress Hormones

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are chemicals released in the body in response to stress. The video explains that physical activities like motorcycling can reduce the production of these hormones, thereby having a positive impact on mental health.

💡Dopamine and Serotonin

Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being. The script mentions that motorcycling can naturally stimulate the production of these chemicals, contributing to the rider's sense of enjoyment and mental health.

💡Awe

Awe is a powerful emotion experienced in response to something vast or grand, often related to nature. The video script describes how feelings of awe, which can be triggered by the beauty of the natural landscapes encountered during motorcycling, can have a positive effect on mental health.

💡Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is a form of therapeutic treatment that involves physically and mentally challenging activities in the wilderness. The script cites studies showing that this type of therapy can promote healthy identity development, coping skills, and increased stress awareness, which are all relevant to the experience of motorcycling.

Highlights

Motorcycling, particularly adventure motorcycling at low speeds, can be beneficial for brain health.

Optic flow, the visual experience of moving through space, can reduce negative emotions and improve problem-solving and memory.

EMDR, a treatment for PTSD, utilizes the concept of optic flow to help process traumatic memories.

Neuroscientist Shane O'Mara suggests that physical exercise, including motorcycling, can improve brain function and reverse cognitive decline.

Motorcycling can increase the volume of the hippocampal formation, enhancing learning, memory, and spatial navigation.

Physical exercise, including motorcycling, is linked to improved mental health, comparable to the benefits of pharmaceutical medications.

Dirt bike racing and trail riding are among the most physically demanding exercises, with heart rates often exceeding 140 beats per minute.

Social sports and group motorcycling can improve mood, self-esteem, and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Camaraderie during group motorcycling can create strong bonds similar to those formed in combat or team sports.

Motorcycling can help adults expand their social circles, which is crucial for mental well-being as they age.

Spending time in nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders.

The feeling of awe experienced in nature can boost mental health and cognitive performance.

Adventure therapy, which involves challenging activities in the wilderness, promotes positive mental health outcomes.

Motorcycling provides a natural way to experience the benefits of adventure therapy without feeling like a prescribed regimen.

Motorcycling can be a lifelong activity that offers continuous mental health benefits without feeling like a chore.

The speaker offers 'mototherapy' rallies in Utah and Arizona for those interested in the therapeutic benefits of motorcycling.

Transcripts

is motorcycling good for your brain and

no I don't mean the flagrantly fictional

kinds of motorcycling that Hollywood

spews forth you know animal skin clad

flamethrower wielding Public Enemies

Wheeling skull adorned death machines

while smuggling illicit substances to

their next bar fight and I don't mean

the extreme adrenaline junkie break

every bone in your body over and over

type motorcycling shown in shock media

what I'm talking about is real Adventure

motorcycling relatively low speeds done

on Trails away from traffic dangers

safety gear from head to toe Wheels

rarely leave the ground with a focus on

scenery Discovery camaraderie awe and

Oneness with nature as somebody who

rides motorcycles for a living the

question gets asked all the time why do

you ride a motorcycle why do you risk

that well besides the fact that it's my

living I'll let Joe Dirt answer that

you might might as well ask why is the

tree good why is the sunset good why so

let's get into the science of why

motorcycling is actually really good not

pseudoscience the peer-reviewed

psychologists backed real science from

the physical act of writing itself and

what writing does for our brain the

effect of being outdoors in nature to

the effects of riding as a United group

it begins with something called optic

flow EMDR or eye movement

desensitization and reprocessing is a

highly effective treatment for PTSD that

involves the patient moving their eyes

from side to side or having some other

stimulus from one side to the other

which actually mimics the optical flow

of moving forward in space

research has found that when you move

through space even if just walking your

eyes make constant lateral movements to

continuously update your brain on where

you are while we maneuver during a trail

ride this Optical flow is not just

present but it's Amplified and when our

eyes track objects around us while

moving through our world the amygdala

the region of our brain involved with

stress anxiety and fear is suppressed

negative emotions feel less intense

which allows us to solve problems and

process painful experiences more

efficiently

remarkably processing difficult memories

and events during Optical flow has been

shown to desensitize and reduce negative

memories that manifest with PTSD for 77

percent of participants

and according to neuroscientist Shane

O'Mara the brain functions like a muscle

and it can atrophy without proper

exercise literal exercise he states that

the optical flow one receives while

simply walking materially affects the

volume of the hippocampal formation the

part of the brain which controls

learning memory spatial navigation and

attention management

when moving through our world whether

taking it easy and walking down a

sidewalk or Turbo charging our optic

Flow by riding a dirt bike down a single

track the SE areas of the brain actually

get bigger the functions it supports

memory problem solving attention they

all get better you reverse the

functional aging of the brain

he also states that the creative

processing of the brain increases with

Optical flow cited studies where 72 year

olds who simply walk to engage Optical

flow before a creativity test were twice

as creative as sedentary 20 year olds

now everybody already knows that

physical exercise is inextricably linked

to mental health Studies have shown that

exercise can have just as much a benefit

to mental health as pharmaceutical

medications well when it comes to

exercise Motocross Hard Enduro and other

forms of dirt bike racing rank as some

of the most difficult and physically

demanding exercises in existence

even on the comparatively easy rides

that you see us do in this video heart

rates often reach the 140s and 150s

trail riding is most certainly exercise

exercise in any form improves memory

improves focus and reverses the

functional decline in the brain it is

proven to lower stress increase

happiness and decrease levels of sadness

and loneliness it decreases depression

and anxiety it boosts Productions of

endorphins which help you to relax and

feel more pleasure feel less pain and it

reduces the production of the stress

hormone cortisol it also naturally

produces dopamine and serotonin the

chemicals that make us feel good and

many illicit drugs and psychiatric

medications like antidepressants attempt

to replicate or stimulate studies also

show that Social Sports like team sports

increase interpersonal interaction which

boosts moods and decreases feelings of

loneliness they improve our self-esteem

and Foster a sense of self-worth in a

study where participants were asked over

time whether they had positive neutral

or poor mental health days those who

participated in Social or team sports

with an aerobic component had the least

poor mental health days of all groups

motorcycling can be a solo Endeavor but

if you trail ride with a group like what

we're doing in this video it quickly

becomes a team effort now you're not

competing for points times or scores but

rather against nature against the trail

itself

the sense of camaraderie and teamwork

that must be present to get through a

difficult Trail as a group leaving no

one behind is unique to Enduro

motorcycling

describe but the kinship and bonding

that can happen during a difficult

motorcycle ride is like nothing I've

ever experienced in a traditional Sports

setting

I've actually hosted many combat

veterans on these rallies and some have

said that the camaraderie experience

during a really difficult group

motorcycle ride is reminiscent though

definitely not as acute as bonds formed

during combat

and where else can we find that kind of

Fellowship

social relationships are an absolutely

critical part of our mental well-being

and it's kind of weird when we grow up

right we leave high school or college

and get married pursue a career and a

family and usually after a few moves

maybe a few different jobs suddenly our

Social Circle shrinks to almost nothing

old friends disappear the days of team

sports are kind of finished adult

friends usually come from work or

neighbors or maybe who you go to church

with and sometimes it's kind of Slim

Pickens

the interpersonal relationships that are

critical for our mental well-being can

really suffer as we get older and our

Social Circles shrink I mean seriously

where does an adult go to meet new

friends well I have found that

motorcycling has blessed me with a

wealth of great friendships my very best

friends now have all met through

motorcycling

so we've talked about Optical flow we've

talked about exercise we've talked about

the benefits of camaraderie and the

importance of having a good Social

Circle

what about the benefits of Simply being

outdoors in nature according to the

American Psychological Association time

spent in nature has been linked to

improved attention lower stress better

mood reduced risk of psychiatric

disorders and upticks and empathy and

cooperation something we all need in

studies where groups of people were

shown a mere picture of a natural scene

performed cognitive tasks better versus

a control group who were just shown a

blank wall researchers suggest that the

emotion of awe or the feeling of an

individual being part of a much bigger

whole really boosts that improved mental

health State while being in nature if

you've ever seen something so beautiful

that it made your jaw drop or you simply

uttered wow to yourself you know exactly

what I mean

turns out those feelings are really good

for our brains

and did you know that there's even a

legitimate therapeutic modality called

Adventure therapy and it's literally

doing physically and mentally

challenging things in the wilderness

Studies have shown that Adventure

therapy promotes healthy identity

development positive coping skills and

increased awareness of stress levels

resilience self-efficacy grit and a

growth mindset

so there you have it trail riding is a

self-guided research-based clinically

backed therapeutic activity that

supercharges lateral eye movement and

optic flow provides all the

psychological and physical benefits of

aerobic exercise increases creativity

suppresses the amygdala reduces stress

hormones like cortisol literally grows

brain matter in the hippocampal

formation improves memory bolsters our

ability to process difficult events

naturally produces serotonin and

dopamine reaps the psychological

benefits of being in nature produces

feelings of awe instills empowerment and

grit and places Us in healthy social

spheres to find new friends and build

new and Lasting memories that give us

meaning and definition to our lives the

best part is that it doesn't feel like

therapy it doesn't feel like exercise we

ride because we love it not because it

ticks a box or is part of a prescribed

regimen no exercise plan or

psychological therapy is effective long

term unless we actually choose to do it

willingly and motorcycling is something

that we can go back to time and time

again that never feels for us never

feels like a slog it's always a welcome

event that we love doing

so next time you're feeling down or

depressed go out and take a motorcycle

ride and see if it helps now it's time

for that Shameless plug every bit of

footage that you saw in this video came

from just two rallies here in the first

of the Season down here in southwest

Utah and maybe right now you're thinking

uh-oh it's getting cold the snow is

going to fall soon my riding season is

over and I won't get that sweet sweet

mototherapy goodness for another six

months well fear not because it's

perfect riding weather here among the

Red Rocks deep canyons and spectacular

views of the Utah Arizona border all

winter long so if you're interested in

joining me for a rally some amazing

riding meeting some awesome new riding

friends and some incredibly effective

mototherapy check out everideadb.com

shop I'll put a link in the description

and in the comments and guys rallies are

less than 200 a day and include your

food guided riding epic footage of your

adventure lodging snacks headset rentals

you know that's less than most crappy

localhost tells weekend rates the groups

are small they're limited to just six

Riders and we only host one or two per

month so bookings can fill up pretty

fast so if you're interested check it

out and hopefully we'll ride together

soon

also if you are a producer or Patron I'm

going to be releasing some pretty epic

Black Friday deals for rallies to say

thank you for supporting videos like

this

as always thank you so much for watching

and much love ever ride out