I guess he never returned

It’s a well known fake, the style of bicycle is from the ’50’s & ’60’s. That alone gives the game away.

Seem to remember reading about this possibly 4-5 years ago and the story is true by all accounts.
Wouldnt be at all surprised though if certain other stories have grown up:rolleyes: (No pun intende, honest),around it.

I hate to call fake, but that looks like a conifer tree to me? Which typically grow between 12-24 inches a year depending on the species.

If that bike was left there in 1914, it would be about 100ft of the ground by now 😀