VASHON ISLAND, Wash. — Vashon island's most famous resident is showing its age. But the Bike Tree still captivates both visitors, and islanders like Helen Pendergast.
“So as long as I can remember, I've lived here 29 years, the bike and the tree have been this kind of imagination central, with lots of people coming and telling me stories about it,” she said. “So, it's just a bike in this tree, and it's just kind of slowly being taken over by the tree, almost as though it's being swallowed.”
It inspired a children's book by Berkely Breathed...
It inspired an urban legend that it was left behind by a young man who went off to war and died - not true - It was stashed in the tree in '54 by a kid who didn't like his bike.
And it inspires countless visitors to Vashon to seek it out.
But vandalism and the fact that trees grow have taken a toll on this local landmark - soon it will be just Tree - no Bike.
But we've got some good news - the old school bike tree has also inspired a couple of copycats.
Because Vashon island is the kind of place where it's completely normal to pop a bike into a tree...and let nature take its course.
“This is the most loving island and such an artsy community, I've always felt so much love and support,” said Pendergast. “You just feel kind of hugged. Almost enveloped by a tree if you will.”
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