BadBurrito

years ago (like 10 yrs) I was an avid runner. I experienced several "Runner's High" back then. They were unforgettable.

I've been biking regularly since 1999, except for an occasional crash (ice,gravel or more likely me being stupid), I always feel better at the end of the ride, but I can't remember any bike ride that I had the same feeling as a runner's high.

SO have you had a biker's high? give us details.

baron von trail 

All the time. But, you won't get it by putzing along at 10 mph.

10 Wheels

High comes at about 30 mph.

IBOHUNT

I've never experienced the runner's *high* regardless of how far I'd run and let me point out that running is for criminals.
I also have never experienced a bike *high* despite how fast I've been... which is way faster than I'll admit to the wife (64.2mi/h)

DrIsotope

While attempting to set a PR on a particularly steep segment, the wave of nausea near the top was momentarily replaced by about 30 seconds of a strange euphoria. As a diehard empiricist and pessimist, i reject the notion that this was any sort of "high," and more likely just the fact that once reaching the top, my brain was no longer being deprived of oxygenated blood.

Riding does generally put me in a good mood, though. Which is in itself remarkable, because I hate almost everyone and almost everything.

dr_lha

I pretty much get that feeling of being buzzed (endorphin rush to the brain) going up hill and sustaining in HR Zone 5 for any period of time. Honestly, I like the feeling of it when I get to the top of the hill and stop, but if it kicks in half way up it's a slightly unpleasant feeling, because being high in control of a bicycle isn't a great idea.

indyfabz

I have biked while high. Does that count?

1242Vintage

A few times during cyclocross season I'll get that high. Happens after the heart rate maxes out for a while and usually my peripheral vision diminishes too. Last time it happened we were racing and i took a turn a little too tight and bounced on the ground (gravel) banging up my shin. Just a flesh wound but pretty bloody. That was half way through the race. Kept riding hard and didn't noticed the injury nor feel any pain until after the finish.

IBOHUNT

Winner

Jarrett2

I don't get any acute highs on the bike that I can think of, other than just generally feeling better from doing it.

1nterceptor

I don't get a "high"; I get in the "zone". It's where I feel peaceful and one with my bike.
I feel the joy of riding a bike and forget that I'm just going from point A to point B.

indyfabz

+1. It's a great feeling.

NYSteve

I believe I had this once last year when I finished my first organized ride. I did 20 miles in the Tour De Cure. When I got off the bike at the end of the ride, it felt amazing. The feeling was definitely euphoric and over whelming.

Not too bad for a fat guy who once weighed 635 Lbs and couldn't walk a city block.

dr_lha

Yep, I get that too, but it's not the same thing as the OP is talking about I think.

Yendor72

Biking makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym-class

rumrunn6

used to get so stoked biking to work that I felt like my tires would burst into flames. nothing like 13 mile sprint at 6am to light the fire within

Cyclist0108

That is a totally unfair characterization.

It is also for their potential victims.

ahanulec

I've never gotten the same high on the bike that have while running. Considering how crappy I feel before that runner high kicks in I say the general peaceful calm during the entire bike ride is preferable.

The runners high is nice though.😁

baron von trail 

I usually get one when I pedal through my body's third consecutive desperate plea to coast. Sometimes, if I am pedaling hard enough, I get it after the second. Of course, it goes away as soon as I approach an intersection, sharp curve or start going downhill.

NYSteve

High on the saddle?

MAK

I'm not worried about high speed biking, but even cruising alone at 15-16 mph, I've had a few euphoric experiences where I don't really remember the last mile or so because I feel so relaxed and almost "one with the bike". I've never had a runner's high but I'd imagine that this might be similar.

SpikedLemon

I hate running. Been at it for almost a year and still hate it. There's no 'high' except when it's over and I can walk in the front door and get that cold glass of water I'm craving.

Never experienced it biking either.

I do get a good endorphin rush when I get cut off by a car. Does that count?

jsigone

yah there is a "high"

when you summit the mt and look down at what you just did

DMC707

Awesome testimonial Steve !


But to answer the OP --- no, I never really got much of a "high" on the bike --- but then again I don't know what a runner's high is -- ive heard of it . But I have definitely had periods on the bike where I felt like I was in "the zone" - so to speak --- long extended periods of just motoring along effortlessly

--- Here lately as a "Superclyde" - my happiness to be on the bike dwindles at minute 5 until I am just holding on for dear life at the end of most rides

Cyclist0084

Don't think I've ever experienced a "biker's high," but this past Monday morning I was riding on a new (to me) trail that was heavily forested and very scenic and I had such a sense of peace settle over me. Hadn't experienced a peace like that in a long time. The feeling stayed with me pretty much throughout the entire day. I definitely need more rides like that.