The bicycle has been called the "grandparent of the airplane."
OK, the original phrase is "grandfather of the airplane." But in this day and age, no one--especially I--can be sexist.
Anyway, the saying most likely came about because some of the bicycle's technological innovations--including pneumatic tires--made aircraft possible. Also, many of aviation's early pioneers--including the Wright Brothers themselves--started out as bicycle mechanics, designers, racers or manufacturers.
Perhaps that was the reason why, I believe, the subconscious of the cycling world, as it were, has always harbored the dream of a flying bicycle--which has been done--and of riding a bicycle through the air.
About the latter: If you go to Arizona Science Center, you can do just that. But you won't be suspended in the ether. Rather, if you dare, you can ride a bicycle on a wire suspended across a 15-foot span.
Since it's in the Science Center, you don't run any risk of landing on cactus if you fall. Still, even if you are a novice, falling could be a blow to your psyche, if not your body. I imagine, however, that even an experienced cyclist (like yours truly) would feel a sense of pride over completing such a ride, however brief it may be.
After that, the only thing better might be cycling in a pink cloud.
