The cuddle hormone (oxytocin) key to team sports, study find

[Alan]

You read it here first: "Being part of a team takes empathy, trust, co-operation and the ability to read body language – all of which require elevated levels of the bonding hormone, according to a review of oxytocin in team sports published in September in Scientific World Journal..... read more here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/hea ... le5573489/

Back to my theory about what the "3-shots" in Tripleshot are all about. Some of you simplistically think it's all about 3-shots of coffee. Nope, that's too obvious. We're deeper than that.

It's about the three things you get from riding with Tripleshot, namely: Camaraderie, Competition and Caffeine. The Camaraderie is where the oxytocin comes in, where you feel like hugging your buddy even though he just kicked your sorry ass, the Competition delivers endorphins, which after a great workout floods your body and leaves you feeling a little 'high', and the Caffeine, well, it's a drug that comes in tasty cups which stimulates the central nervous system. Better living through Chemistry, folks.

Basically: you don't get this kind of triple whammy by riding on your own.

[Rolf]

This reminds me of my first post-ride post on this forum from July 28, 2009:

To all who did the B-ride this morning: thank you!

My first experience riding with a group was extremely enjoyable. Satisfaction flowed from the psychological and physical benefit of exertion alongside others; but also from the welcoming and supportive social environment. I never once felt judged for riding a filthy, 20 year-old, commuter bike with a clunky drive-train!

Some interesting reading from Wikipedia:

Endorphins are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement, pain and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. [Endorphins] allow humans to feel a sense of power and control over themselves that allows them to persist with activity for an extended time.

So I guess for me this morning was akin to an orgy or an opium den: enjoying endorphins with people I hardly know -- only minus the STDs and life-destroying addiction.

Thanks again. See you Friday.

As true today as it was three years ago! (Though I have been occasionally judged for riding the same dirty, old bike (actually 26 y.o. this year) every ride since then. )

[The Princess]

Alan, terrific post. And it was great working with you around Beacon Hill when we got dropped this morning (me a lot earlier than you!). All I can say is.....I love you man

[stevierooks]

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