Posted on 04/22/2006 2:26:40 PM PDT by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: For a change, a pleasant, even delightful and funny story from the Associated Press about President Bush. An AP reporter accompanied GWB on what the reporter described as a "lung-busting" mountain bike ride this morning in Northern California, and later filed this report (unfortunately no photos were up on Yahoo as of 1:00pm Pacific time):
Bush Takes Muddy Bike Ride on Earth Day
By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press WriterLAS POSADAS STATE FOREST, Calif. - President Bush marked Earth Day with a lung-busting mountain bike ride high above Napa County wine country, dodging ruts that sent several of his riding partners crashing into the mud.
The president spent Saturday morning with a small pack of riders in a foggy redwood forest about 90 minutes north of San Francisco. He relished the swampy conditions on parts of the trail in this remote state-owned tract, leading his partners repeatedly through huge puddles and streams running high after weeks of heavy rain.
"I still ride the mountain bike primarily to help settle the soul and to burn off the excess energy one gets when you're living life to its fullest," Bush told an Associated Press reporter who accompanied him on the ride.
"We're able to enjoy the beauty without really disrupting the pristine nature of the place," the mud-splattered president said after the 65-minute ride. "It's a classic way for mankind to enjoy God's gift. Plus, we get some exercise."
The ride started at an elevation of about 1,700 feet above sea level and dropped steeply for several miles, prompting a bit of anxiety in the president. He is not accustomed to the sustained drops and climbs of California's mountains, having ridden mostly in the Washington, D.C., area and on his ranch near Crawford, Texas.
Bush settled into a steady rhythm on the way back up — an ascent he said pushed him to near his physical limits. His heart rate monitor-wristwatch reported he achieved a maximum heart rate of 176 beats per minute — just off his maximum, 183.
When a fellow rider spoke up from behind him, Bush said between grunts, "Can't you at least act like you're breathing hard?"
Asked at mid-climb whether he still lifts weights, Bush replied good-naturedly but pointedly, "Don't talk to me." A moment later, he answered in the affirmative.
"I don't spend a lot of time chitchatting," Bush said after the ride. "But I get great pleasure in riding with a group of people, and afterward we shoot the breeze and have fun and laugh and go about our way."
The president set the pace throughout the ride, with four Air Force men, a White House legislative aide and Secret Service agents tightly bunched behind him. Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., began the ride with the president, but he quickly sensed he was not up for the rugged terrain and fast pace. He peeled off and pedaled solo.
"I'm used to riding in the flats," Lungren said later.
A long convoy of SUVs and off-road vehicles rumbled behind the group, carrying medics and security agents with machine guns.
One of the bicycle-borne agents had mapped out the route, and he was the only person who knew where to turn when the road forked. Bush, however, made plain he was in charge. "Drop back," the commander in chief ordered the agent, with a thumb over his shoulder.
The president explained later that he cherishes both the solitude and the social aspect of mountain biking.
"Generally when I ride it is the one time when I feel alone, even though I know people are behind me," he said. "I ask people a lot of times not to be in my line of vision because all I can see straight ahead is, you know, space."
Often, he said, when he is riding with his usual group near Washington he plugs headphones into his ears and cranks up his iPod, "and it's like I'm alone."
[WOLFSTAR's NOTES: (1) Rep. Dan Lungren is a former California Attorney General and candidate for governor. (2) President Bush is going to be 60 in July. (3) GWB's comments about his need to have some time to feel alone underscore something I've come to believe ever since Hurricane Katrina hit last year. I believe the President is understandably experiencing a bit of burnout with the job. Six years of the most ugly, intense, divisive politics, massive terrorist attacks, war and natural disaster will take their toll on anyone, no matter how strong. He needs the support of those of us who are loyal to him more than ever.]
THE WEEK AHEAD: From Press Secretary Scott McClellan's press gaggle aboard Air Force One on Friday.
Monday, President Bush will give a speech on his immigration reform proposal in Irvine, California. On his way back to Washington, the President will attend a congressional reception in Las Vegas for Jon Porter.Tuesday, the President will be making remarks on energy in Washington, then participate in the presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the United States Naval Academy Football Team.
Wednesday, GWB will make remarks to the 2006 National and State Teachers of the Year at the White House. The First Lady usually attends this event, although she has been on the road a lot lately to campaign for Republican congressional candidates, as well as to continue promoting her youth initiatives.
Thursday, the President will travel to Louisiana and Mississippi. He'll be participating in a National Volunteer Service Week project in both states.
Friday, the President will meet with the President of Azerbaijan at the White House.
Saturday, GWB will attend the annual White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington.
UPCOMING EVENT: Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark will visit with the President at Camp David, Friday, June 9th. A statement released by the White House said, "Denmark is a close ally in the war on terror and a valued partner in advancing freedom around the world. The President looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Rasmussen to Camp David."
Thanks
They were very ugly. There were Muslim and Latino protesters in addition to the usual assortment of rabble (the crowds were not large, though). Here's a couple of examples of the worst:
Not one bit!
I too was on those threads last night.
When the you know what hits the fan, FReepers
are in the lead reporting.
Giggle...that's exactly what I thought. There are a couple of funny things in that article.
I'm fine, thanks for asking. I'm sorry to hear your daughter might have the mumps.
The following quotes from the opening article give us some precious insights into our beloved president's heart, mind and soul -- the firt quote is particularly telling:
"I STILL RIDE THE MOUNTAIN BIKE PRIMARILY TO HELP SETTLE THE SOUL AND TO BURN OFF THE EXCESS ENERGY ONE GETS WHEN YOU'RE LIVING LIVE TO ITS FULLEST," Bush told an Associated Press reporter who accompanied him on the ride."
"We're able to enjoy the beauty without really disrupting the pristine nature of the place," the mud-splattered president said after the 65-minute ride. "It's a classic way for mankind to enjoy God's gift. Plus, we get some exercise."
"Generally when I ride it is the one time when I feel alone, even though I know people are behind me," he said. "I ask people a lot of times not to be in my line of vision because all I can see straight ahead is, you know, space."
Often, he said, when he is riding with his usual group near Washington he plugs headphones into his ears and cranks up his iPod, "and it's like I'm alone."
I agree with you RE: The bronze sculpture.
"You're very welcome, RG. I also like that shot of the First Lady looking up at the photo of Anne Frank. There's something hauntingly similar in the expressions on both their faces."
Exactly! That's what it is and it is captivating!
Sweet.......... I can just feel the firmness of that good little black pooch in his hands.
George's gentle obvious love of the animals in his life makes me care for him even more.
You're welcome, Deb. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Written several thousands of years ago, but was there ever a truer observation.
Smile...that's one of my favorites. It's Photoshopped, of course. Barney never got a real Presidential Medal of Freedom. But the image is darned cute, and the underlying photo is real.
I just wanted to give you a late "welcome" to FR--I've read your posts in the last few weeks and have enjoyed them.
You are right...... I thought it was of his father.
That he surely does. There are many things I admire about GWB, but one of them is the fact that he loves his dogs so much.
What's your new business? How's it going?
Yes! Absolutely...and chief dog, Barney.
You're just going to have to take some energy pills. ;-)
I agree! I've pretty much stopped watching the news (I HAVE to check at the top of the hour once in awhile, just to make sure I'm not "missing" anything . . . ). On the good side, I've discovered some great shows that have NOTHING to do with politics!
It is sad that the Pres. will not be such for a lot longer; however, I really think the changes he has made, the good things he has done in the country and the world, will LONG outlast him, no matter who takes his place in the WH in a few years.
Your grandsons are very cute ("handsome" for Brandon--LOL!)!How does he like his little brother?
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