For this week's edition, I liked the title of Mike Kirby's article wondering if lactate is actually part of the complex mechanism that can promote longevity, actually slowing cognitive decline. He posits that deliberately producing lactate as one exercise can support brain health. Well, he backs it up:

A research paper by Huang and others, looking at all the most recent findings, indicated that lactate is likely to be an important ‘signalling’ molecule that regulates how the brain adapts during exercise. One of the ways this happens is through the release of a wonderous molecule called BDNF, or brain derived neurotrophic factor.

BDNF is a protein that supports the survival and growth of neurons in the brain. Lactate stimulates BDNF production which in turn stimulates, among other things, neuroplasticity, the brains ability to adapt and organise itself. An increase in BDNF due to lactate, has also been shown to enhance cognitive function, improve mood and protect the brain in ways that can potentially reduce neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Parkinsons or Alzheimer’s, this according to a paper by Xiangli Hue and Others. Nithin and others also propose that BDNF is vital in both learning and memory.

Good to know that when I was suffering pushing my bike up to the highest peak in Czechia on Saturday, not only was I making a memory but I was preserving it too! 😉

with appreciation,

Jon

p.s.

Not only is Bespoked this weekend, but so are rides from SOUR on Saturday & Sunday. More details here.

Upcoming Events

October

🇩🇪 18-20 Bespoked Dresden
🇳🇱 20 A'dam CX Twiske
🇳🇱 25-26 Cargo Bike Festival

November

🇳🇱 3 A'dam CX SPAARNWOUDE
🇩🇪 10-12 DT Swiss Craft Days
🇳🇱 29 Twotone Ten Year Party!

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The Mechanics of Joy will air LIVE 2pm CET Thursday, Nov. 7th.

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Bikes

Bespoked X SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship 2024: Memento Cycles

Memento is the first small independent manufacturer Petor ever visited (and possibly in existence) operated by a majority of trans framebuilders. Read more about Memento on The Radavist & lookout for their builds at Bespoked later this week!

Lost Summers and Half-Forgotten Afternoons: A Mint Sauce collection

Jo Burt has been drawing the Mint Sauce cartoon since 1987 and this is the first time it has ever been collected in a book. Featuring a new six-page story, a selection of classic strips from 1987-2023 and calendar images, plus commentary and an introduction by Jo. More info.

Bikes or Death Ep. 192 ~ Hannah Simon, Answers Listener Questions

Old Man Mountain Athlete & all-around badass, Hannah Simon is "quickly becoming a dominate force on a the ultra bikepacking stage. She recently added another feather in her cap of accomplishments with a win at this years Silk Road Mountain Race, with a time of 8d 20h 16m." Listen here.

Ideas

Revolutions: A short documentary about bike waste

Hat tip to Wade for this one! “Waste is a design flaw.” ~ Sophie Thomas "Revolutions is a short documentary that asks sports enthusiasts, brands, and manufacturers to think differently about environmental sustainability by putting sporting goods at the centre of the conversation." Watch here.

ThredUp: Branded Resale Saw a 31% Year-Over-Year Growth

"In 2023, apparel resale in the United States grew seven times the rate of the broader retail industry, and the used clothing market reached $43 billion, up from about $23 billion in 2018." Read here.