From narcotics to narcissism

Bikes are addictive. From the magical elation of escape, to the satisfaction of exercising our riding technique, or even the thrill of speed, riding feels good and that’s why we keep doing it (even if, in winter, it sometimes feels more like masochism).

But what are we actually addicted to? It’s not the act of riding in itself – the clue is in the elation, satisfaction and thrill we feel. The sensations are from naturally generated hormones; an adrenaline rush, a dopamine hit or an endorphin buzz. We