Author Topic: Biking makes me happy!  (Read 12542 times)

Ottawa

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Biking makes me happy!
« on: June 04, 2014, 08:16:38 AM »
And, apparently, everyone who does it compared to other transport modes:

Quote
CLEMSON — What mode of transportation makes you happiest?

Clemson researchers investigated how emotions like happiness, pain, stress, sadness and fatigue vary during travel and by travel mode in a new study published in the journal Transportation.

Utilizing data from the American Time Use Survey, collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the researchers were able to determine the average mood felt by people during different types of travel.

“We found that people are in the best mood while they are bicycling compared to any other mode of transportation,” said Eric Morris, lead author on the study and assistant professor in Clemson’s planning, development and preservation department.

Morris said that bicyclists tend to be a self-selected group who are very enthusiastic about their mode of transportation.

“Bicyclists are generally younger and physically healthy, which are traits that happier people usually possess,” he said.

Next happiest are car passengers and then car drivers. Bus and train riders experience the most negative emotions, though a small part of this can be attributed to the fact that mass transit is disproportionately used for commuting to and from work, according to the researchers.

Their findings suggest that bicycle use may have benefits beyond the typically cited health and transportation ones, and that improving transit riders’ emotional experience may be as important as improving traditional service features, such as headways and travel speeds.

“Understanding the relationship between how we travel and how we feel offers insight into ways of improving existing transportation services, prioritizing investments and theorizing and modeling the costs and benefits of travel,” said Morris.


From http://www.labmanager.com/news/2014/05/do-bikes-make-you-happier- including links to the study abstract. 

TreeTired

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2014, 08:27:00 AM »
And for some strange reason school bus riders report being much happier in the afternoon than in the morning.

hybrid

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2014, 08:34:22 AM »
I can absolutely see that. I just joined the local Y a block from work so that I have access to a shower, a necessity for me if I am going to bike commute. Today was the first day of that and I really enjoyed getting that morning exercise. The Y is actually going to increase my commuting costs a small amount (I won't save the $56 a month membership commuting), but to get that 16 mile round-trip ride each day? Oh hell yeah.... 

seanc0x0

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2014, 08:55:46 AM »
I used to love biking. My route is about 6km, which is about 2% surface streets, the rest being a multi-use path along the South Saskatchewan River, across a bridge, then down the other side of the river to work at a university with a bike-friendly campus. 

The sad thing is that I no longer get to do that, and instead get to spend 1-1.5 hours in the car each day in order to take my daughter to daycare in a very inconvenient part of town. Why take here there, you ask?  It was the only place with an opening that wasn't sketchy, and in order to get in we signed a 1 year contract. Gotta love boom towns.

I only get to ride on my wife's days off (she gets 1 every 2 weeks). I look forward to the day I can again bike to work regularly.

MidwestGal

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2014, 09:15:22 AM »
I wonder how much exercise the non-bicycle commuters get on a normal basis.  I know I get cranky when skipping more than two days of physical activity, and what makes it worse is that I'm currently a desk jockey (8 hours of butt-in-chair).

hybrid

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2014, 12:17:37 PM »
I wonder how much exercise the non-bicycle commuters get on a normal basis.  I know I get cranky when skipping more than two days of physical activity, and what makes it worse is that I'm currently a desk jockey (8 hours of butt-in-chair).

Without bicycle commuting I get precious little exercise, and that is true of most of my coworkers. Biking is a necessity for my health, and yeah, I hate it when I don't get it.

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2014, 12:29:03 PM »
Just the act of biking in makes my entire day better. I've got posts spread throughout the forums about how hard it is for me to be pissed while on a bike. It's like the pedals restore my faith in humanity every revolution.

TrMama

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2014, 12:37:26 PM »
Of course it does! That's why I stick with it.

Flying downhill on the nice wide highway shoulder while passing 2 lanes of car commuters crawling towards their destinations makes me ridiculously happy. I have to restrain myself every morning from doing a little dance while shouting, "Neener, neener, neener!"

MidwestGal

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2014, 01:05:37 PM »
TrMama, you made me lol!

I get that exact same feeling of neenering, sometimes because I'm weaving through traffic and other times just the act of going downhill with the wind in my face is intoxicating.  It's even better after a good climb.

YK-Phil

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2014, 01:17:37 PM »
Biking gives me a sense of physical and mental self-satisfaction that not much else can give me. A day without biking is like a day without sun. Even in the worst weather, it gives me the boost I need to face the day, and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finally arrive at destination, especially after pedaling like a madman at -45. I also get a kick at how people think I am some kind of crazy but tough superhero when they see me biking in winter. What they don't know is that biking at -45 is actually more pleasant -and much faster, than walking.

Mr. Boots

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2014, 01:21:22 PM »
hybrid - That is a great idea using the shower at the Y after the morning ride to work. I had been thinking of joining so I can use the weights during my lunch break (it's only a couple of blocks away from work.) My office doesn't have a shower, so I've just been tolerating the sweat. Thanks for the idea!
Agreed on all that's been said. Biking to work is great medicine for sitting in a cubicle all day.

scottydog

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2014, 06:51:58 PM »
I find it depends on where I'm biking.  If I'm riding on busy streets with lots of cars, I can get quite stressed; when I'm on bike paths and quiet streets it's relaxing and even rejeuvenating.  It can make me feel like a kid again.

darkadams00

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2014, 08:53:04 PM »
Pfft..I'm biking through a bit of a shoulder strain right now with no meds (I don't do painkillers until it's bad enough to go to the doctor) and extra stretching. I don't skip my commutes and other utility rides since the pleasure of biking, being outdoors, and being a bit self-reliant physically easily wins over a little discomfort. With that said, I am skipping the "sport" rides for now, but I'll.Be.Back.

Heather in Ottawa

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2014, 09:18:40 PM »
+1 on the joys of biking past traffic. Ottawa just ranked 3rd in Canada for congestion. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-gridlock-costs-commuters-87-hours-a-year-study-shows/article18958517/

Every day, I can rely on part of my commute being practically gridlocked. It's an 80km/h road, but traffic creeps at about 15 km/h, and in the bike lane I can zip right past hundreds of cars (I've counted). I really don't understand why people do that to themselves when Ottawa has such a good network of paths and lanes.

Mr One Wheel Drive

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2014, 09:34:26 PM »
Hey Heather I am in Ottawa too, are you talking about Hunt Club road or Carling by any chance? The ride from Kanata to downtown along the river is amazing, I don't know why any one would prefer being stuck in traffic.

Doctors should prescribe biking or other physical activity instead of drugs when possible. Imagine if health plans would pay for a bike, or gym membership instead of fighting the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle?

GuitarStv

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #15 on: June 05, 2014, 06:56:23 AM »
I find it depends on where I'm biking.  If I'm riding on busy streets with lots of cars, I can get quite stressed; when I'm on bike paths and quiet streets it's relaxing and even rejeuvenating.  It can make me feel like a kid again.

Eventually you get used to the traffic and it becomes a lot less stressful.  I enjoy my crowded city street biking, just in a different way than I enjoy my quiet lonely road biking.

Thegoblinchief

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2014, 07:03:14 AM »
Biking every day is the single best thing for my depression. It's why I gave myself the 365 days challenge in the first place. The other health and environmental benefits are just a (welcome) bonus.

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #17 on: June 05, 2014, 07:54:47 AM »
I bought a bike about 7 weeks ago.  I don't run any errands on it or commute or anything like that.  I just get on it a few times a week and go for a ride and listen to some tunes.

I live 1/4 mile from this 240 mile trail and just ride for fun and fitness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Will probably get out there after work today.  Haven't ridden since Sunday (15 miles).  I pushed myself a little too hard on Saturday with a 40 mile ride.

Runge

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #18 on: June 05, 2014, 08:04:55 AM »
I know that trail! I used to ride it all the time when I was in school. I'm not sure where you are, but I'd ride from COMO to Rocheport and back numerous time. I've since moved away from MO, but I do miss that trail. It's been a goal of mine to through bike the whole Katy Trail in one go one day.

I bought a bike about 7 weeks ago.  I don't run any errands on it or commute or anything like that.  I just get on it a few times a week and go for a ride and listen to some tunes.

I live 1/4 mile from this 240 mile trail and just ride for fun and fitness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Will probably get out there after work today.  Haven't ridden since Sunday (15 miles).  I pushed myself a little too hard on Saturday with a 40 mile ride.

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #19 on: June 05, 2014, 08:34:20 AM »
I know that trail! I used to ride it all the time when I was in school. I'm not sure where you are, but I'd ride from COMO to Rocheport and back numerous time. I've since moved away from MO, but I do miss that trail. It's been a goal of mine to through bike the whole Katy Trail in one go one day.

I bought a bike about 7 weeks ago.  I don't run any errands on it or commute or anything like that.  I just get on it a few times a week and go for a ride and listen to some tunes.

I live 1/4 mile from this 240 mile trail and just ride for fun and fitness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Will probably get out there after work today.  Haven't ridden since Sunday (15 miles).  I pushed myself a little too hard on Saturday with a 40 mile ride.

I'm in St. Charles, about 15 miles from the eastern end of the trail.

My brother and his family live out in the Kansas City area.  I have plans for next September to, after visiting him for a weekend, have either my brother or my mom drop me off at the western end of the trail in Clinton and ride the full trail from west to east, with a side trip in to CoMo one day. 

My initial plans are to start in Clinton late Sunday afternoon and ride to Sedalia (36 miles) on day one.

Day 2:  Sedalia to Rocheport (50 miles)

Day 3:  Rocheport to Columbia to Jeff City (52 miles).

Day 4:  Jeff City to Dutzow (75 miles).  My mom lives in Washington on the other side of the river and I'd stay there for free.

Day 5:  Dutzow to my house in St. Charles (33 miles).

Day 6:  my house to the end of the trail and back (30 miles).

Or something like that.

Runge

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #20 on: June 05, 2014, 08:59:44 AM »
I know that trail! I used to ride it all the time when I was in school. I'm not sure where you are, but I'd ride from COMO to Rocheport and back numerous time. I've since moved away from MO, but I do miss that trail. It's been a goal of mine to through bike the whole Katy Trail in one go one day.

I bought a bike about 7 weeks ago.  I don't run any errands on it or commute or anything like that.  I just get on it a few times a week and go for a ride and listen to some tunes.

I live 1/4 mile from this 240 mile trail and just ride for fun and fitness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Will probably get out there after work today.  Haven't ridden since Sunday (15 miles).  I pushed myself a little too hard on Saturday with a 40 mile ride.

I'm in St. Charles, about 15 miles from the eastern end of the trail.

My brother and his family live out in the Kansas City area.  I have plans for next September to, after visiting him for a weekend, have either my brother or my mom drop me off at the western end of the trail in Clinton and ride the full trail from west to east, with a side trip in to CoMo one day. 

My initial plans are to start in Clinton late Sunday afternoon and ride to Sedalia (36 miles) on day one.

Day 2:  Sedalia to Rocheport (50 miles)

Day 3:  Rocheport to Columbia to Jeff City (52 miles).

Day 4:  Jeff City to Dutzow (75 miles).  My mom lives in Washington on the other side of the river and I'd stay there for free.

Day 5:  Dutzow to my house in St. Charles (33 miles).

Day 6:  my house to the end of the trail and back (30 miles).

Or something like that.

Sounds like a pretty good trip to me. I wish there were more rails-to-trails conversions elsewhere in the US. it really does provide a fantastic way to create a cross country trail for multipurpose use.

Be sure to stop by either Flat Branch or Shakespeare's during your time in como.

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #21 on: June 05, 2014, 09:09:30 AM »
I know that trail! I used to ride it all the time when I was in school. I'm not sure where you are, but I'd ride from COMO to Rocheport and back numerous time. I've since moved away from MO, but I do miss that trail. It's been a goal of mine to through bike the whole Katy Trail in one go one day.

I bought a bike about 7 weeks ago.  I don't run any errands on it or commute or anything like that.  I just get on it a few times a week and go for a ride and listen to some tunes.

I live 1/4 mile from this 240 mile trail and just ride for fun and fitness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Will probably get out there after work today.  Haven't ridden since Sunday (15 miles).  I pushed myself a little too hard on Saturday with a 40 mile ride.

I'm in St. Charles, about 15 miles from the eastern end of the trail.

My brother and his family live out in the Kansas City area.  I have plans for next September to, after visiting him for a weekend, have either my brother or my mom drop me off at the western end of the trail in Clinton and ride the full trail from west to east, with a side trip in to CoMo one day. 

My initial plans are to start in Clinton late Sunday afternoon and ride to Sedalia (36 miles) on day one.

Day 2:  Sedalia to Rocheport (50 miles)

Day 3:  Rocheport to Columbia to Jeff City (52 miles).

Day 4:  Jeff City to Dutzow (75 miles).  My mom lives in Washington on the other side of the river and I'd stay there for free.

Day 5:  Dutzow to my house in St. Charles (33 miles).

Day 6:  my house to the end of the trail and back (30 miles).

Or something like that.

Sounds like a pretty good trip to me. I wish there were more rails-to-trails conversions elsewhere in the US. it really does provide a fantastic way to create a cross country trail for multipurpose use.

Be sure to stop by either Flat Branch or Shakespeare's during your time in como.

Ha!  Those were the two restaurants I was debating. 

I probably haven't had Shakespeare's in 20 years.  I should have had it when I was in CoMo in April for a concert at the Blue Note.  But I was by myself so I just ate an early dinner in St. Charles before driving to CoMo.

Nancy

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2014, 10:52:06 AM »
Biking absolutely makes me happy. I'm excited to get up in the morning so I can bike to work!

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #23 on: June 05, 2014, 12:14:48 PM »
Biking absolutely makes me happy. I'm excited to get up in the morning so I can bike to work!

Now that would be nice. I hate getting up in the morning. I bike to offset the whole "needing to wake up" thing. :-)

Heather in Ottawa

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #24 on: June 05, 2014, 10:25:30 PM »
To one wheel, I'm referring to hunt club, bingo, but really, take your pick. Our scenic 'park'ways, the downtown, prince of Wales, fisher, island park, merivale, Woodroffe, greenbank.... name an arterial around here, there will be people sitting on it in their cars. Clown driving at its finest, and really quite sad. I'm guessing people stick with the cars out of a mix of fear of traffic, perceived difficulty of logistics of cycling, cheapness of driving (because most expense is fixed, except gas), and overestimating how fast their car goes based on max speed rather than average. Maybe also some hope for a good traffic day. If only they could see how safe and easy it is to bike. My contribution to fixing this is to help at least one person start riding a bike every summer. Not always successful, but I've got two coworkers who are interested in giving it a try this year. 

(Btw, I think we met around the smokey straw bales at the cfsc winter ride.)

Nancy

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #25 on: June 06, 2014, 07:14:02 AM »
Biking absolutely makes me happy. I'm excited to get up in the morning so I can bike to work!

Now that would be nice. I hate getting up in the morning. I bike to offset the whole "needing to wake up" thing. :-)
I'm with you- that's why it's so crazy to me that the prospect of biking has made me actually jump out of bed.

Ottawa

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #26 on: June 06, 2014, 07:22:26 AM »
I find biking does so many things for me!  I can compare to the times (long ago) that I did some clown car commuting, or even taken public transport (train). 
Besides physical affects.

1) See the world through a more natural lens...and marvel at the beauty, smells (grass, pine, bbq!), sounds, wind, sun, rain and snow.

2) Biking is an active form of transport that not only engages the muscles and lungs - but also the mind.  I find that it is rare my mind wanders to things like work etc.  You live in the moment - and that is a rare thing to do.  We usually live in the past or future if you think about it. 

3) By the time I get home from work any stress or thoughts of work are gone until I arrive the next morning.  This is a huge positive.  The exercise of biking displaces looping worry/stress hormones and chemicals. 

4) I really feel alive and in control. 

5) Rarely does stress occur because of biking.  In fact, one isn't exposed to that creeping, insidious road rage feeling when sitting in traffic in a car!  My commute is extremely predictable in terms of time. 

Mr One Wheel Drive

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #27 on: June 07, 2014, 08:22:51 AM »
(Btw, I think we met around the smokey straw bales at the cfsc winter ride.)

Yes I was there. Small world! Hope to see you again.

MandyM

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #28 on: August 08, 2014, 08:32:04 AM »
I've found that biking to work doesn't always help my mood (probably because of the destination, but its also mostly uphill). Riding home though - I'm all smiles. Its a pretty fun ride and I'm heading home. I love getting home and already being done with my cardio for the day.

enigmaT120

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #29 on: August 08, 2014, 10:46:10 AM »
I like the trip home because I don't have any time constraints.  I can do the two-wheeled version of ambling and take longer routes if I'm bored with my normal one.  Also the scenery is visible for more of the year.  It's already dark now when I start out in the morning.  Hard times for a scenery junky bicyclist/runner.


Beric01

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #30 on: August 08, 2014, 11:08:49 AM »
I find biking does so many things for me!  I can compare to the times (long ago) that I did some clown car commuting, or even taken public transport (train). 
Besides physical affects.

1) See the world through a more natural lens...and marvel at the beauty, smells (grass, pine, bbq!), sounds, wind, sun, rain and snow.

2) Biking is an active form of transport that not only engages the muscles and lungs - but also the mind.  I find that it is rare my mind wanders to things like work etc.  You live in the moment - and that is a rare thing to do.  We usually live in the past or future if you think about it. 

3) By the time I get home from work any stress or thoughts of work are gone until I arrive the next morning.  This is a huge positive.  The exercise of biking displaces looping worry/stress hormones and chemicals. 

4) I really feel alive and in control. 

5) Rarely does stress occur because of biking.  In fact, one isn't exposed to that creeping, insidious road rage feeling when sitting in traffic in a car!  My commute is extremely predictable in terms of time.

Well stated. I have felt so much better since I started biking everywhere almost 2 months ago.

Only issue I have is #5 - I definitely get annoyed at cyclists doing dangerously illegal things (though I did while driving as well). But still WAY better than sitting in a car.

MandyM

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #31 on: August 13, 2014, 08:44:51 AM »
Another reason I love biking: I can go for a quick ride around the neighborhood with little regard to what I'm wearing. PJ's and flip flops? No problem. Slacks and a button down shirt? Sure.

seanc0x0

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #32 on: August 15, 2014, 09:56:50 AM »
Well, I still can't bike to work, but I did finally get my bike fixed up and took a spin down the trail along the river here a couple nights ago. I forgot how good it feels to be on a bike. The whole sensory experience is invigorating. Definitely need to do that more often!

Ynari

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #33 on: August 15, 2014, 10:04:17 AM »
I get downright cranky when I can't bike to work (and stir crazy, I start doing a lot of pushups to compensate).  Cramped train that costs $2.50 a ride?  No, thanks.  If I can't bike, and I've got an extra hour to spare, I'll walk.  How am I ever going to stretch my legs otherwise?  Cars cause me physical and mental distress unless I can manage to fall asleep in them.

TMI Bonus: No more menstrual cramps since starting to bike every day.  Who wouldn't be happier?

MidwestGal

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #34 on: August 15, 2014, 10:16:47 AM »
TMI Bonus: No more menstrual cramps since starting to bike every day.  Who wouldn't be happier?

I very much agree, my body will tell me every month when I'm not exercising enough, and my overall mental health is much better when I do!

GuitarStv

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #35 on: August 15, 2014, 10:21:35 AM »
TMI Bonus: No more menstrual cramps since starting to bike every day.  Who wouldn't be happier?

Me too!

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #36 on: August 15, 2014, 10:24:07 AM »
TMI Bonus: No more menstrual cramps since starting to bike every day.  Who wouldn't be happier?

Me too!

I haven't had them in forever.

pdxcyn

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #37 on: August 15, 2014, 12:47:13 PM »
I was riding my bike to the grocery store this morning, and I found $1 bill lying in the street. Bonus!

I've long noticed that biking elevates my mood.

Conjou

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #38 on: August 17, 2014, 04:39:04 PM »
Makes me happy too. I haven't had to commute for 3 months because I teach, but I ride every day anyway. Being out of the commuting habit over the summer, the other day I was loading up my car to get all my clothes and supplies back to the office for the start of the school year when I realized I could just put everything in the old panniers and make a couple of trips. I had to laugh at myself. Mission accomplished and ready for the start of daily commuting again come Monday :)

Jessa

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #39 on: August 17, 2014, 07:37:11 PM »
My bike commute is 90% uphill in the morning, and although I question myself every time I suck wind up one of the three big hills, I have definitely noticed that my mood is much improved in the mornings compared to when I drove.

The ride home is 90% downhill, of course, so it's like being 8 years old again :)

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #40 on: August 17, 2014, 09:42:37 PM »
My bike commute is 90% uphill in the morning, and although I question myself every time I suck wind up one of the three big hills, I have definitely noticed that my mood is much improved in the mornings compared to when I drove.

The ride home is 90% downhill, of course, so it's like being 8 years old again :)
I have a similar experience. Uphill all the way to work, downhill all the way home. It is awesome.

FiveSigmas

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #41 on: August 17, 2014, 11:04:07 PM »
+1 on the positive effects of clearing one's head and feeling a wee bit more badass.

This year, I've started biking as a means of transportation (as opposed to just recreation), and it's been a wonderful experience. I've also been biking more just for fun. To be fair, my mood generally is not improved when I'm riding in heavy traffic or I run into streets definitely not made for bikes. I've still found those moments a small price to pay, though.

I still use the bus as my primary means of transportation, and I'm actually a little surprised that it ranks so low in the study. I normally love my morning commute as I get to read and relax while my (not so personal) chauffer drives me all the way to work. I do have the luxury of having no transfers, though, and the bus is generally free of screaming babies or blaring music. I can understand the frustration of folks who have to put up with such things.

Cinder

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #42 on: August 19, 2014, 10:49:24 AM »
I recently found an AMAZING 1989 Raleigh road bike at a yardsale for $45, in great shape, garage kept.

Hitting a new high of 35mph on my ride in made me very happy!

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #43 on: August 19, 2014, 10:58:32 AM »
I recently found an AMAZING 1989 Raleigh road bike at a yardsale for $45, in great shape, garage kept.

Hitting a new high of 35mph on my ride in made me very happy!

That is awesome!!

Ashyukun

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #44 on: August 19, 2014, 11:21:09 AM »
I've definitely been much happier with having switched over to biking to and from work pretty much exclusively over the last few months, and I really hope I'll be able to keep it up through the rest of the year too. It's always much better getting in to work off the bike than from in the car- I'm a lot more awake and alert and just generally feel much better. The ride in is fairly mild compared to the ride back owing to the large hill we live on, but it works out well since I'm not as sweaty when I get in to work and I really don't care how sweaty I am when I get home after climbing the hill.

jordanread

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #45 on: August 19, 2014, 11:24:03 AM »
I've definitely been much happier with having switched over to biking to and from work pretty much exclusively over the last few months, and I really hope I'll be able to keep it up through the rest of the year too. It's always much better getting in to work off the bike than from in the car- I'm a lot more awake and alert and just generally feel much better. The ride in is fairly mild compared to the ride back owing to the large hill we live on, but it works out well since I'm not as sweaty when I get in to work and I really don't care how sweaty I am when I get home after climbing the hill.

Yeah, I drove in today, and it's an amazing difference how I feel on arrival. SPOILERS: Biking is way better, even if it takes longer.

Thegoblinchief

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Re: Biking makes me happy!
« Reply #46 on: August 19, 2014, 12:14:54 PM »
The only thing I have to worry about occasionally is that when a driver or pedestrian does something really dumb, all the adrenaline pumping through me really amplifies my reaction.

But in general biking leaves me in a far superior mood.

Added bonus for my goblins is that anywhere within feasible biking distance is essentially free to go to, so we've gone to a bunch of new parks this summer. No way could I afford all that extra driving.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!