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."
Well said, and I'm sad to admit it's one of the reasons I switched from posting to lurking. Life is too short, etc. Great article, and the Barney pictures put a big smile on my face! Many thanks.
Hi, Wolfstar! Busy news weekend! Thanks for the thread!
BTW, the hoax plane is on the left (where else!).
The hoax plane.
Hi mystery. How are those grandchildren of yours. I haven't had the chance to ask in a long time.
They are just fine....I
ve got pics...LOL
Me too. Maybe the White House will release a photo or two tomorrow. [crossing fingers]
Yep. #3!
Thanks for the DOSE.
Love it.
Indeed.
I don't see a close resemblence via that bronze sculpture.
Maybe it's just me who thinks so.
Thanks as always for the Dose today!
President on Fox right now!
It isn't a great likeness, but when they start doing bronze busts it does mark the passage of a president's gradual passage into history. Sigh.
Hey McL how's your new life been going? I think about yah from time to time and wonder how you're doing.
Thanks for the thread, good pics.
I mostly lurk these days, too, and choose the treads I'll respond to very carefully.
Dog/Tennis ball/Pool... Cute shot:)
Hi Miss Marple. Yes, busy news weekend, but the President has been enjoying the private part of his trip, so there are no new photos. Maybe tomorrow.
{{{{{{Nordie}}}}}} I'm doing well, how about you?
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