Cycling to jog Pyrmont’s history

Gilbert Grace is an expert at combining the stimulation of cycling with the power of the human mind.

And on Saturday Mr Grace will use his knowledge to full effect, when taking cyclists on a relaxed and story-filled tour of Pyrmont.

“If you’re participating in a physical activity while in a healthy and stimulating environment, it helps your brain cells to recover and grow new brain cells,” Mr Grace said.

“It also helps to reinforce memories when you’re learning.”

And Pyrmont has plenty of history to memorise. Mr Grace has closely studied the history of Pyrmont and developed a two-hour bike tour revealing key points about the formation of the neighbourhood.

“There will be a bit of background about how Pyrmont got its name,” he said. “I’ve actually found the site where the permanent spring was – Pyrmont was named after a spa town in Germany called ‘Bad Pyrmont’.

“It will help people to appreciate Pyrmont a little bit more; its history and its value to the local economy.”

Mr Grace, a founding member of ARTcycle, is one of ten artists in residence as part of the Culture at Work program provided for art or science researchers. The artists in residence are based at the Accelerator Gallery in Pyrmont.

“My mission is to provide opportunities for creativity and to give artists time to think and research in a space spearate to their usual environment,” Founder of Culture at Work, Sherryl Ryan said.

The ‘Pyrmont Ride’ will depart Accelerator Gallery at 6 Scott St, Pyrmont at 2pm on Saturday.