A little nap after a brisk bike ride or run is a great way to help memory formation. Sleep expert Neil Stanley said there is a lot of evidence linking good (adequate) sleep and physical exercise with better memory.
Now combining the two provides added benefits. A study of 115 healthy 20-somethings found that those who exercised and slept straight after had the best memory test scores. Those who just napped or just exercised did not do so well. Dr. Stanley explained everyone needs to have deep sleep as it gives the brain time to lay down memories, to file them away. It is why students should not cram all night before exams!