I think that it's easy to say it was stolen at some point in time. I can't imagine anyone remotely interested in bikes sending an intact Ritchey to the dump.
You have absolutely no idea of the incredible bicycles that are pitched away at our local landfill site! Here are a few others that have been tossed there, and salvaged by me...
Mid-seventies
Sekine SHT270...
1971 Carlton Professional...
1978 Motobecane Grand Jubilee...
198? Gitane Gran Tour...
198? Peugeot Course...
