“Bicycle Day” — April 19th — Tower Grove Park at Tunica

Albert Hofmann’s first bicycle ride on LSD occurred on April 19, 1943, in Switzerland. Hofmann was a Swiss scientist who is best known for synthesizing and researching the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD. He had accidentally ingested a small amount of the substance a few days earlier and experienced some unusual effects, so he decided to try a higher dose in a controlled setting. On the day of his bike ride, Hofmann intentionally ingested 250 micrograms of LSD and then set off on his bike, accompanied by his laboratory assistant.

The ride has become legendary and is often described as a turning point in the history of psychedelics. Hofmann later wrote about the experience in his book, “LSD: My Problem Child,” describing how he became overwhelmed by the effects of the drug and had to be assisted home by his assistant. He reported feeling dizzy and having vivid hallucinations, including seeing the ground and trees melting and breathing like “animals.” Despite the intense nature of the experience, Hofmann believed that LSD had the potential to be a valuable tool for understanding the human mind and consciousness.