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."
Someone who knows him has to make one of these!!!
Thanks much for the "Our Dubya" video links! :)
Maybe we all ought to resolve to post one common sense post to each of the combative threads stating our position and further stating that we are leaving the discussion and why.
I think Miss Marple had a good take when she said she posted mainly for visitors and lurkers so that they could see there are a few sane people around here.
If you look at the main stories, you can see there are always many times the number of posters who read the threads.
e-mailing our Senators is very effective. Calling, even better.
We have called and e-mailed our fuzzy headed Senators multiple times on this issue.
I hope we didn't make Voinovich cry. :)
Hi Wolfie. Love the write-up about W's bike ride,
and
what a doll that Barney is! Great pics of the little guy.
Thanks for today's edition.
THANK YOU for sharing THAT cute one! Fanning self, here . . . I like the tie, too, even if it is a bit "girly" . . . I must ask . . . would you post a few other cute ones in glasses??? Since we have no current bike riding ones, that is . . .
How are all of your kids? Are you about ready for school to be out? Summer plans?
What's the breathing problem? Hang in there; you'll get it all done. :-)
He is killer cute! Looks like he's mischievous, too. Gorgeous eyes.
They could "never" because the Libs. have TOLD them they can "never"; not without a government program, anyway . . .
With the responsibility of your own business also comes the perks . . . like a nice commute to "downstairs" . . .LOL! I'm working on teaching some private childbirth classes, since our local college is no longer doing them. I love teaching, can choose my own hours . . . takes a lot to get it all set up, but hopefully will be worth it.
I dunno. It feels like my throat is closing up but no one's taking me seriously. Everyone I've told thinks I'm just overreacting.
Thanks for the additional bike riding info . . . it's so fun to read about it! But where is Laura this weekend? And . . . I'd love to see a picture of that scarred calf, wouldn't you?
He has lashes us girls would kill for.....I've never seen anything like them....
I've missed "talking" to all of you too. :-)
Thanks for asking about the book--no pub date yet but hopefully by the end of the summer. I've taken a part-time job doing some private duty nursing, to bring in some $$ right now, but work on the book when I can. If I'm stuck at home all next week, I'll be editing. What to read and comment on a chapter or two?
My company did publish a book by a retired pastor; it's a collection of articles he wrote for the Nebraska Legionnaire newsletter. VERY patriotic and inspirational, so I'm still in the "publication" business.
I could not agree more. I have to say that I have been VERY disappointed with just how many fair weather friends are on this site. I don't agree with him on very thing, but I will support him until the last minute of the last day...this man has been the greatest president in our life times and it is shameful to stab him in the back when you don't agree with an issue of his!!!!!!
Hello Gretchen!
How was your week? Busy here. Hope you're feeling good. I've noticed my allergies haven't kicked in yet and I'm so thankful for that!
Nice to see you!
"Everyone" as in who? Have you seen the school nurse or a doctor? (our school nurse was a quack). Please, go to a dr. or the ER if you need to!
My mother thinks I'm being silly. I asked one of my friends to take me to the doctor's care center and she told me to drink something hot and take a hot shower. So I've had like three cups of coffee today and took a really hot shower. And I still can't breathe.
You made me sad by reminding me that this presidency is winding down. It has been a bumpy ride but also an awesome one.
I, too, was hoping to get to see pictures of the bike ride. Maybe see a reporter crash and burn! LOL!
Thanks for the great pictures.
BTW...that bust looks nothing like GW. Not animated enough.
Not relating to this thread but get some help! Talk to a doctor!!!!
I can't get anyone to take me seriously. Everyone seems to think it's just going to magically go away.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.