cyberinsekt

When did Albert Hofmann's bicycle acquire the cultural standing it has today? Hofmann first synthesised LSD in 1938. Allegedly he became aware of the extent of its psychoactive possibilities five years later during a bicycle ride home from the lab. Over the years his bike has become a minor talisman.

One of the earliest pop culture reference to the bike that I've discovered is in comics. tchernabyelo introduced me to Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol, probably some time around 1990. One issue would feature Hofmann's machine being used as the power source for much strangeness in the name of an attempted dadaist revolution. It was that sort of comic.

The Family Cat released the album Tell 'Em We're Surfin' in 1989. It doesn't sound the way the title suggests, but it does have that '80s indie punk pop thing going for it. The LP did have a couple of good tunes, but never really broke any new ground. One thing firmly in its favour, however, is the remarkable opening instrumental, Albert Hoffmann's Bike (sic). It's like The Ventures reimagined by Buzzcocks, all trebly guitars and staccato rhythms, and sounds as good now as it ever did.

So, any earlier references I should be aware of?

The Family Cat - Albert Hoffmann's Bike