How did he figure out how to set the clock to the right time?

Question

A man goes to stay in a cabin in the woods every summer. He has no radio, tv, phone or a watch, but there is a big wind-up clock in the cabin. He was asked one day how he could set the clock when he first arrived, since he didn’t know what time it was when he arrived. He said, “I just wait until I make my first trip into town on my bicycle and figure it out from that.” I objected that he wouldn’t know how long it takes to make the trip since he doesn’t have a watch. “That’s right,” he said “but that’s not a problem. And I don’t have to carry the clock into town with me either.” How did he figure out how to set the clock to the right time?

Answer 1

Two methods: Check the farmer's almanac for the date, find the time of sunset, and set the clock correctly at sunset.

or

At noon, the shadows will be shortest, and pointing due north. When the shadow points north, set the clock to noon. (This method does not take into account riding a bike into town, but it works as well)

Answer 2

When he went into town on his bicycle he bought a stopwatch which he synchronised with the town hall clock or similar as he left town. By determining how much time had elapsed between when he set the stopwatch running and when he wanted to set the clock he knew what the right time was.

Answer 3

look up at the sun, when it's directly high center, its 12 pm. Approximate from there, u dont have to make a trip
into town either

Answer 4

He used the bike as a sundial, based on the shadow he determined what time it was and set the clock from that.

Answer 5

check the shadow or look at the sun. i guess im late since the other two took the answer.=)

Answer 6

someone from town comes back with him

Answer 7

use the sun?