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Psychedelic Archives
Bicycle Day Albert Hofmann's Journal T-Shirt
$58.00
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Limited edition of 100.
The story behind the tee:
On April 19, 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann took the world’s first intentional dose of LSD — then biked home through the streets of Basel, peaking the entire way.
As the compound took hold, Hofmann asked his assistant to escort him home. Due to wartime restrictions, cars were banned — so they rode bicycles. What followed was perhaps the most legendary bike ride in history.
Bicycle Day now marks the birth of modern psychedelic exploration. It celebrates not only Hofmann’s discovery, but the generations of scientists, seekers, and storytellers who’ve followed the path he inadvertently opened.
As a meticulous scientist, Hofmann documented the experience in real time.
This piece incorporates those original notes.
The Notes
These are excerpts from Hofmann’s actual notes:
4:20 PM
"0.25 mg LSD taken with water. Tasteless."
5:00 PM
"Beginning dizziness, feeling of anxiety, visual distortions, symptoms of paralysis, desire to laugh."
8:00 PM
"Kaleidoscopic, fantastic images surged in on me, alternating, variegated, opening and then closing themselves in circles and spirals, exploding in colored fountains, rearranging and hybridizing themselves in constant flux."
Note: Shortly after 5:00 PM, the real time note-taking stopped as the effects intensified. The later description is taken from Hofmann’s memoir, LSD: My Problem Child, written after the experience. The timeline remains accurate.
The Artwork
This design captures the tension at the heart of Bicycle Day — the meeting point between scientific control, total surrender, and the thrill of the ride.
Every element was created using analog techniques:
- The text was created on an actual typewriter — the same kind Dr. Hofmann would have used in 1943.
- The composition was then moved across a scanner to distort the text and rider, creating a warped, curved effect that echoes the altered visual field of the experience.
- The image of Hofmann on the bicycle is simplified and abstracted to suggest a loosening of perception, as if he’s slipping into a newly unfolding reality.
More than just a graphic, this is an artifact.
The Garment
Crafted to feel timeless
- 100% ringspun cotton (soft, durable, broken-in feel)
- 4.3 oz lightweight construction
- Garment dyed + silk washed for a vintage hand feel
- Relaxed, easy fit
- Water-based screen print (no heavy plastisol)
- Made in the USA
Why It Matters
Bicycle Day matters because the story didn’t end in 1943.
We’re still living inside its ripple effects.
From clinical research to underground communities, the exploration Hofmann set in motion continues to shape how we understand the mind, healing, and human experience.
Size Chart
Shipping & Delivery
Each piece is made with care and ships within 2–4 business days.
U.S. orders typically arrive within 3–5 business days after shipment.
You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order is on the way.
Our Purpose
Preserving the history and spirit of the psychedelic movement
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the meaning of life?
According to philosopher Alan Watts, "the meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves."
2. When will my order ship?
Orders are processed within 2–3 business days. During busy times, like product launches or holidays, please allow a little extra time.
3. How long does shipping take?
Standard U.S. shipping typically takes 3–7 business days. International orders may take 7–21 business days, depending on location and customs.
4. Do you offer international shipping?
Yes! We ship worldwide. Just note that international customers are responsible for any customs or import fees.
5. Can I return or exchange my products?
We don't currently offer returns or exchanges. However, if something arrives damaged or incorrect, we’ll make it right — just contact us within 7 days.
6. Does Psychedelic Archives honor indigenous traditions?
Many psychedelic traditions originate from Indigenous cultures that long predate the modern movement.
We approach this history with respect, aiming to accurately represent its origins, honor the communities who have preserved it, and avoid reducing it to trends or aesthetics. As we grow, we are committed to finding meaningful ways to support Indigenous communities and organizations working to protect these traditions.