Bush transforms into avid mountain biker

[rms]

Bush transforms into avid mountain biker

JOHN HEILPRIN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.

Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
stores.

Such a passion it is: he also went biking Thursday while spending the
Thanksgiving holiday at his mountaintop retreat in Camp David, Md.

"He's an avid rider, a fanatic," said Matt Mannelly, president of Bethel,
Conn.-based Cannondale, who hadn't publicized but confirmed what he called
an unsolicited gift to Bush a month ago. "We also made it very clear we
wouldn't do anything to market this. To give it to someone like the
president, who's actually going to use it a lot, means a lot to us."

Bush already has two Trek mountain bikes, one worth $5,500, the other
$2,700.

The president likes super lightweight carbon frames, trail-absorbing shocks
front and back, a light but supportive seat, top Japanese components and
special paint jobs. But they are essentially stock bikes, similar to what
ordinary buyers can get.

The president's thoughts drifted to his newest bike on the campaign trail.
Maybe it was a calorie-conscious moment at a local farmer's ice cream store
in Pennsylvania, or the anticipation of busting his lungs on an expensive
new machine over rocky ruts. Whatever the impulse, Bush said he'd gotten a
new bike and was looking forward to riding it.

Rolling around the dirt track at a Secret Service facility in suburban
Beltsville, Md., Bush tried out the Cannondale but also brought along one of
his "old" mountain bikes - a 2006 Trek painted up like Air Force One.

The Trek has "United States of America" painted in white letters across the
blue top tube, and a 2-inch presidential seal affixed to both sides of the
head tube. Revolution Cycles, a local chain of stores, maintains the bike
and owns an identical backup that it keeps ready for Bush.

"It's kind of like the backup space shuttle," said Darrin Misiera, a manager
of the stores.

None of Bush's mountain bikes, in fact, is very old. His other Trek is a
2005 model.

The stores' president, Mike Hamannwright, fitted Bush with his Trek bikes
and has ridden with him. Co-owner Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez doubles as the
president's bike mechanic.

The Trek bikes came courtesy of John Burke, president of Waterloo,
Wis.-based Trek Bicycle Corp., who also chairs the President's Council on
Physical Fitness and Sports.

Bush reported the bikes on his financial disclosure forms the past two
years. He also got a $1,700 indoor cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group
president Chris Fortune, two pairs of cycling shoes from Rob Teskey of Trek
Nike Cycling Division, and three helmets, at least four pairs of riding
gloves and other cycling equipment worth $532 from Burke.

White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president "is in full
compliance with federal laws governing the acceptance of gifts." Those laws
say presidents and their spouses must list on financial disclosure forms any
gifts from constituents worth $305 or more. Often the gifts wind up in
presidential libraries.

It was only three years ago that Bush took up cycling after a painful knee
forced him to cut back on jogging. At 60, he is an exceptionally fit rider
who likes to go hard, always at the head of a small pack of other riders.

Most of his cycling is at Beltsville. But he also bikes occasionally at the
Marine base at Quantico, Va., Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park and at
his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He also sneaks in rides during presidential
trips.

Misiera said he has turned down offers from collectors of up to $21,000 for
his store's spare presidential bike.

"We could probably get $25,000 for it on eBay," he said. "But of course we
can't sell it. It has the seal of the President of the United States."

[Werehatrack]

On Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:00:47 GMT, "rms"
> wrote:

>Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
>month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
>clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
>manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
>job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
>stores....

If Trek and CDale (and the others) thought they were scoring any
points with their ordinary customer base by bestowing such largesse, I
think they were mistaken.

--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

[di]

"Werehatrack" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:00:47 GMT, "rms"
> > wrote:
>
>>Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
>>month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
>>clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by
>>a
>>manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
>>job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped
>>to
>>stores....
>
> If Trek and CDale (and the others) thought they were scoring any
> points with their ordinary customer base by bestowing such largesse, I
> think they were mistaken.


Based on the activity on this list, they're certainly getting the publicity
they wanted.

[Ken C. M.]

rms wrote:
> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>
> JOHN HEILPRIN
> Associated Press
>
> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
> bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
> mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.
>
> Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
> month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
> clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
> manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
> job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
> stores.
>
> Such a passion it is: he also went biking Thursday while spending the
> Thanksgiving holiday at his mountaintop retreat in Camp David, Md.
>
> "He's an avid rider, a fanatic," said Matt Mannelly, president of Bethel,
> Conn.-based Cannondale, who hadn't publicized but confirmed what he called
> an unsolicited gift to Bush a month ago. "We also made it very clear we
> wouldn't do anything to market this. To give it to someone like the
> president, who's actually going to use it a lot, means a lot to us."
>
> Bush already has two Trek mountain bikes, one worth $5,500, the other
> $2,700.
>
> The president likes super lightweight carbon frames, trail-absorbing shocks
> front and back, a light but supportive seat, top Japanese components and
> special paint jobs. But they are essentially stock bikes, similar to what
> ordinary buyers can get.
>
> The president's thoughts drifted to his newest bike on the campaign trail.
> Maybe it was a calorie-conscious moment at a local farmer's ice cream store
> in Pennsylvania, or the anticipation of busting his lungs on an expensive
> new machine over rocky ruts. Whatever the impulse, Bush said he'd gotten a
> new bike and was looking forward to riding it.
>
> Rolling around the dirt track at a Secret Service facility in suburban
> Beltsville, Md., Bush tried out the Cannondale but also brought along one of
> his "old" mountain bikes - a 2006 Trek painted up like Air Force One.
>
> The Trek has "United States of America" painted in white letters across the
> blue top tube, and a 2-inch presidential seal affixed to both sides of the
> head tube. Revolution Cycles, a local chain of stores, maintains the bike
> and owns an identical backup that it keeps ready for Bush.
>
> "It's kind of like the backup space shuttle," said Darrin Misiera, a manager
> of the stores.
>
> None of Bush's mountain bikes, in fact, is very old. His other Trek is a
> 2005 model.
>
> The stores' president, Mike Hamannwright, fitted Bush with his Trek bikes
> and has ridden with him. Co-owner Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez doubles as the
> president's bike mechanic.
>
> The Trek bikes came courtesy of John Burke, president of Waterloo,
> Wis.-based Trek Bicycle Corp., who also chairs the President's Council on
> Physical Fitness and Sports.
>
> Bush reported the bikes on his financial disclosure forms the past two
> years. He also got a $1,700 indoor cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group
> president Chris Fortune, two pairs of cycling shoes from Rob Teskey of Trek
> Nike Cycling Division, and three helmets, at least four pairs of riding
> gloves and other cycling equipment worth $532 from Burke.
>
> White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president "is in full
> compliance with federal laws governing the acceptance of gifts." Those laws
> say presidents and their spouses must list on financial disclosure forms any
> gifts from constituents worth $305 or more. Often the gifts wind up in
> presidential libraries.
>
> It was only three years ago that Bush took up cycling after a painful knee
> forced him to cut back on jogging. At 60, he is an exceptionally fit rider
> who likes to go hard, always at the head of a small pack of other riders.
>
> Most of his cycling is at Beltsville. But he also bikes occasionally at the
> Marine base at Quantico, Va., Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park and at
> his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He also sneaks in rides during presidential
> trips.
>
> Misiera said he has turned down offers from collectors of up to $21,000 for
> his store's spare presidential bike.
>
> "We could probably get $25,000 for it on eBay," he said. "But of course we
> can't sell it. It has the seal of the President of the United States."
>
>
I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like. I
wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers? Versus road bikers?

Ken
--
The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets
old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without
shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong

[Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman]

rms wrote:
> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker

Does this mean bush uses Avid brakes on his ATB?

The headline I want to see is "M*k* V*nd*m*n transforms into avid
mountain biker". :-)

--
Tom Sherman - Post Free or Die!

[landotter]

Ken C. M. wrote:
> rms wrote:
> > Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
> >
> > JOHN HEILPRIN
> > Associated Press
> >
> > WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
> > bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
> > mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.
> >
> > Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
> > month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
> > clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
> > manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
> > job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
> > stores.
> >
> > Such a passion it is: he also went biking Thursday while spending the
> > Thanksgiving holiday at his mountaintop retreat in Camp David, Md.
> >
> > "He's an avid rider, a fanatic," said Matt Mannelly, president of Bethel,
> > Conn.-based Cannondale, who hadn't publicized but confirmed what he called
> > an unsolicited gift to Bush a month ago. "We also made it very clear we
> > wouldn't do anything to market this. To give it to someone like the
> > president, who's actually going to use it a lot, means a lot to us."
> >
> > Bush already has two Trek mountain bikes, one worth $5,500, the other
> > $2,700.
> >
> > The president likes super lightweight carbon frames, trail-absorbing shocks
> > front and back, a light but supportive seat, top Japanese components and
> > special paint jobs. But they are essentially stock bikes, similar to what
> > ordinary buyers can get.
> >
> > The president's thoughts drifted to his newest bike on the campaign trail.
> > Maybe it was a calorie-conscious moment at a local farmer's ice cream store
> > in Pennsylvania, or the anticipation of busting his lungs on an expensive
> > new machine over rocky ruts. Whatever the impulse, Bush said he'd gotten a
> > new bike and was looking forward to riding it.
> >
> > Rolling around the dirt track at a Secret Service facility in suburban
> > Beltsville, Md., Bush tried out the Cannondale but also brought along one of
> > his "old" mountain bikes - a 2006 Trek painted up like Air Force One.
> >
> > The Trek has "United States of America" painted in white letters across the
> > blue top tube, and a 2-inch presidential seal affixed to both sides of the
> > head tube. Revolution Cycles, a local chain of stores, maintains the bike
> > and owns an identical backup that it keeps ready for Bush.
> >
> > "It's kind of like the backup space shuttle," said Darrin Misiera, a manager
> > of the stores.
> >
> > None of Bush's mountain bikes, in fact, is very old. His other Trek is a
> > 2005 model.
> >
> > The stores' president, Mike Hamannwright, fitted Bush with his Trek bikes
> > and has ridden with him. Co-owner Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez doubles as the
> > president's bike mechanic.
> >
> > The Trek bikes came courtesy of John Burke, president of Waterloo,
> > Wis.-based Trek Bicycle Corp., who also chairs the President's Council on
> > Physical Fitness and Sports.
> >
> > Bush reported the bikes on his financial disclosure forms the past two
> > years. He also got a $1,700 indoor cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group
> > president Chris Fortune, two pairs of cycling shoes from Rob Teskey of Trek
> > Nike Cycling Division, and three helmets, at least four pairs of riding
> > gloves and other cycling equipment worth $532 from Burke.
> >
> > White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president "is in full
> > compliance with federal laws governing the acceptance of gifts." Those laws
> > say presidents and their spouses must list on financial disclosure forms any
> > gifts from constituents worth $305 or more. Often the gifts wind up in
> > presidential libraries.
> >
> > It was only three years ago that Bush took up cycling after a painful knee
> > forced him to cut back on jogging. At 60, he is an exceptionally fit rider
> > who likes to go hard, always at the head of a small pack of other riders.
> >
> > Most of his cycling is at Beltsville. But he also bikes occasionally at the
> > Marine base at Quantico, Va., Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park and at
> > his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He also sneaks in rides during presidential
> > trips.
> >
> > Misiera said he has turned down offers from collectors of up to $21,000 for
> > his store's spare presidential bike.
> >
> > "We could probably get $25,000 for it on eBay," he said. "But of course we
> > can't sell it. It has the seal of the President of the United States."
> >
> >
> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like. I
> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers? Versus road bikers?
>

It's easier to climb the piles of Iraqi corpses with a FS vs a hard
tail or even a CX bike.

[Ken C. M.]

landotter wrote:
> Ken C. M. wrote:
>> rms wrote:
>>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>>>
>>> JOHN HEILPRIN
>>> Associated Press
>>>
>>> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
>>> bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
>>> mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.
>>>
>>> Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
>>> month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
>>> clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
>>> manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
>>> job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
>>> stores.
>>>
>>> Such a passion it is: he also went biking Thursday while spending the
>>> Thanksgiving holiday at his mountaintop retreat in Camp David, Md.
>>>
>>> "He's an avid rider, a fanatic," said Matt Mannelly, president of Bethel,
>>> Conn.-based Cannondale, who hadn't publicized but confirmed what he called
>>> an unsolicited gift to Bush a month ago. "We also made it very clear we
>>> wouldn't do anything to market this. To give it to someone like the
>>> president, who's actually going to use it a lot, means a lot to us."
>>>
>>> Bush already has two Trek mountain bikes, one worth $5,500, the other
>>> $2,700.
>>>
>>> The president likes super lightweight carbon frames, trail-absorbing shocks
>>> front and back, a light but supportive seat, top Japanese components and
>>> special paint jobs. But they are essentially stock bikes, similar to what
>>> ordinary buyers can get.
>>>
>>> The president's thoughts drifted to his newest bike on the campaign trail.
>>> Maybe it was a calorie-conscious moment at a local farmer's ice cream store
>>> in Pennsylvania, or the anticipation of busting his lungs on an expensive
>>> new machine over rocky ruts. Whatever the impulse, Bush said he'd gotten a
>>> new bike and was looking forward to riding it.
>>>
>>> Rolling around the dirt track at a Secret Service facility in suburban
>>> Beltsville, Md., Bush tried out the Cannondale but also brought along one of
>>> his "old" mountain bikes - a 2006 Trek painted up like Air Force One.
>>>
>>> The Trek has "United States of America" painted in white letters across the
>>> blue top tube, and a 2-inch presidential seal affixed to both sides of the
>>> head tube. Revolution Cycles, a local chain of stores, maintains the bike
>>> and owns an identical backup that it keeps ready for Bush.
>>>
>>> "It's kind of like the backup space shuttle," said Darrin Misiera, a manager
>>> of the stores.
>>>
>>> None of Bush's mountain bikes, in fact, is very old. His other Trek is a
>>> 2005 model.
>>>
>>> The stores' president, Mike Hamannwright, fitted Bush with his Trek bikes
>>> and has ridden with him. Co-owner Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez doubles as the
>>> president's bike mechanic.
>>>
>>> The Trek bikes came courtesy of John Burke, president of Waterloo,
>>> Wis.-based Trek Bicycle Corp., who also chairs the President's Council on
>>> Physical Fitness and Sports.
>>>
>>> Bush reported the bikes on his financial disclosure forms the past two
>>> years. He also got a $1,700 indoor cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group
>>> president Chris Fortune, two pairs of cycling shoes from Rob Teskey of Trek
>>> Nike Cycling Division, and three helmets, at least four pairs of riding
>>> gloves and other cycling equipment worth $532 from Burke.
>>>
>>> White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president "is in full
>>> compliance with federal laws governing the acceptance of gifts." Those laws
>>> say presidents and their spouses must list on financial disclosure forms any
>>> gifts from constituents worth $305 or more. Often the gifts wind up in
>>> presidential libraries.
>>>
>>> It was only three years ago that Bush took up cycling after a painful knee
>>> forced him to cut back on jogging. At 60, he is an exceptionally fit rider
>>> who likes to go hard, always at the head of a small pack of other riders.
>>>
>>> Most of his cycling is at Beltsville. But he also bikes occasionally at the
>>> Marine base at Quantico, Va., Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park and at
>>> his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He also sneaks in rides during presidential
>>> trips.
>>>
>>> Misiera said he has turned down offers from collectors of up to $21,000 for
>>> his store's spare presidential bike.
>>>
>>> "We could probably get $25,000 for it on eBay," he said. "But of course we
>>> can't sell it. It has the seal of the President of the United States."
>>>
>>>
>> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like. I
>> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers? Versus road bikers?
>>
>
> It's easier to climb the piles of Iraqi corpses with a FS vs a hard
> tail or even a CX bike.
>
But he could ride away from all his mistakes faster on a road bike.

Ken
--
The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets
old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without
shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong

[landotter]

Ken C. M. wrote:
> landotter wrote:
> > Ken C. M. wrote:
> >> rms wrote:
> >>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
> >>>
> >>> JOHN HEILPRIN
> >>> Associated Press
> >>>
> >>> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
> >>> bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
> >>> mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.
> >>>
> >>> Even with elections looming, the cyclist-in-chief made time earlier this
> >>> month for his ritual mountain biking on weekends. He changed into biking
> >>> clothes and muddied up his newest ultra-pricey mountain bike given him by a
> >>> manufacturer, a $5,000 Cannondale with a custom red, white and blue paint
> >>> job. The 2007 model was put in his hands even before it had been shipped to
> >>> stores.
> >>>
> >>> Such a passion it is: he also went biking Thursday while spending the
> >>> Thanksgiving holiday at his mountaintop retreat in Camp David, Md.
> >>>
> >>> "He's an avid rider, a fanatic," said Matt Mannelly, president of Bethel,
> >>> Conn.-based Cannondale, who hadn't publicized but confirmed what he called
> >>> an unsolicited gift to Bush a month ago. "We also made it very clear we
> >>> wouldn't do anything to market this. To give it to someone like the
> >>> president, who's actually going to use it a lot, means a lot to us."
> >>>
> >>> Bush already has two Trek mountain bikes, one worth $5,500, the other
> >>> $2,700.
> >>>
> >>> The president likes super lightweight carbon frames, trail-absorbing shocks
> >>> front and back, a light but supportive seat, top Japanese components and
> >>> special paint jobs. But they are essentially stock bikes, similar to what
> >>> ordinary buyers can get.
> >>>
> >>> The president's thoughts drifted to his newest bike on the campaign trail.
> >>> Maybe it was a calorie-conscious moment at a local farmer's ice cream store
> >>> in Pennsylvania, or the anticipation of busting his lungs on an expensive
> >>> new machine over rocky ruts. Whatever the impulse, Bush said he'd gotten a
> >>> new bike and was looking forward to riding it.
> >>>
> >>> Rolling around the dirt track at a Secret Service facility in suburban
> >>> Beltsville, Md., Bush tried out the Cannondale but also brought along one of
> >>> his "old" mountain bikes - a 2006 Trek painted up like Air Force One.
> >>>
> >>> The Trek has "United States of America" painted in white letters across the
> >>> blue top tube, and a 2-inch presidential seal affixed to both sides of the
> >>> head tube. Revolution Cycles, a local chain of stores, maintains the bike
> >>> and owns an identical backup that it keeps ready for Bush.
> >>>
> >>> "It's kind of like the backup space shuttle," said Darrin Misiera, a manager
> >>> of the stores.
> >>>
> >>> None of Bush's mountain bikes, in fact, is very old. His other Trek is a
> >>> 2005 model.
> >>>
> >>> The stores' president, Mike Hamannwright, fitted Bush with his Trek bikes
> >>> and has ridden with him. Co-owner Santiago "Pinkey" Gonzalez doubles as the
> >>> president's bike mechanic.
> >>>
> >>> The Trek bikes came courtesy of John Burke, president of Waterloo,
> >>> Wis.-based Trek Bicycle Corp., who also chairs the President's Council on
> >>> Physical Fitness and Sports.
> >>>
> >>> Bush reported the bikes on his financial disclosure forms the past two
> >>> years. He also got a $1,700 indoor cycling trainer from Saris Cycling Group
> >>> president Chris Fortune, two pairs of cycling shoes from Rob Teskey of Trek
> >>> Nike Cycling Division, and three helmets, at least four pairs of riding
> >>> gloves and other cycling equipment worth $532 from Burke.
> >>>
> >>> White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said the president "is in full
> >>> compliance with federal laws governing the acceptance of gifts." Those laws
> >>> say presidents and their spouses must list on financial disclosure forms any
> >>> gifts from constituents worth $305 or more. Often the gifts wind up in
> >>> presidential libraries.
> >>>
> >>> It was only three years ago that Bush took up cycling after a painful knee
> >>> forced him to cut back on jogging. At 60, he is an exceptionally fit rider
> >>> who likes to go hard, always at the head of a small pack of other riders.
> >>>
> >>> Most of his cycling is at Beltsville. But he also bikes occasionally at the
> >>> Marine base at Quantico, Va., Camp David at Catoctin Mountain Park and at
> >>> his ranch at Crawford, Texas. He also sneaks in rides during presidential
> >>> trips.
> >>>
> >>> Misiera said he has turned down offers from collectors of up to $21,000 for
> >>> his store's spare presidential bike.
> >>>
> >>> "We could probably get $25,000 for it on eBay," he said. "But of course we
> >>> can't sell it. It has the seal of the President of the United States."
> >>>
> >>>
> >> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like. I
> >> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers? Versus road bikers?
> >>
> >
> > It's easier to climb the piles of Iraqi corpses with a FS vs a hard
> > tail or even a CX bike.
> >
> But he could ride away from all his mistakes faster on a road bike.
>

You're right, but do they make them in his size? The large rear wheels
do offer some killer float!

http://tinyurl.com/y6dnwt

[wvantwiller]

"Ken C. M." > wrote in
:


>>
> But he could ride away from all his mistakes faster on a road bike.
>
> Ken

Except for all the IEDs along the roads.

OOPS, forgot.

He won't be riding with the troops.

I guess it's easier to commune with his soulmates, like Eric Rudolph, if
he's got a mountain bike, though.

[Werehatrack]

On 25 Nov 2006 06:25:21 -0800, "Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman"
> wrote:

>
>rms wrote:
>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>
>Does this mean bush uses Avid brakes on his ATB?
>
>The headline I want to see is "M*k* V*nd*m*n transforms into avid
>mountain biker". :-)

Wise not to Invoke the Name.
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
"Ken C. M." > writes:
> rms wrote:
>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>>
>> JOHN HEILPRIN
>> Associated Press
>>
>> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
>> bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
>> mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.

[snip]

> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like.

I believe Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower did (on his doctor's
recommendation.)

I don't think GWB is anything like Ike. For example, Ike
understood the importance of having /clear/ objectives
before committing to military action, and he could shut down
dead end, active military involvement, like in Korea.
Maybe GWB is more like Truman, or LBJ. Although I have
trouble picturing Truman or lBJ riding a bicycle of any sort.

> I
> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers?

I think you'll find that disposable income is more of a factor
than age, in at least the milder forms of mountain biking such
as "cross country"-type riding. I doubt, however, we'll see
Furious George freeriding, or doing trials on picnic tables.

> Versus road bikers?

Y'mean like cycle-tourists? Which reminds me -- how long
and how far does a ride have to be, to qualify as a "tour"?

To put it another way -- when a rider is past having a
competitive edge to hone with training rides, and not even
involved in official competitive cycling (including
randonneuring/audax,) and goes for a just-for-the-heck-of-it
road ride anyway -- is he or she not essentially cycle-touring?
If so, why do some folks try to disguise it as, or bother to
go through the motions of making it a "training ride"?


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Peter Cole]

Ken C. M. wrote:
> rms wrote:
>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>>
>> JOHN HEILPRIN
>> Associated Press
>>
>> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President
>> Bush bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into
>> a devoted mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.

> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like. I
> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers? Versus road
> bikers?

Quite a few, at least around here (Boston), myself included. Why would
you expect age to change that? I imagine security is a lot easier to
provide in the woods than on the road. John Kerry is commonly spotted
around here riding on the road, he might have to give that up if he
became president.

I don't agree with Bush's politics, but I respect his passion for
mountain biking -- we have at least that in common.

[[email protected]]

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman wrote:
> rms wrote:
> > Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>
> Does this mean bush uses Avid brakes on his ATB?
>
> The headline I want to see is "M*k* V*nd*m*n transforms into avid
> mountain biker". :-)

I'd like to see a series of headlines, beginning with "Ecology Nut
Attacks GWB in 'Pure Habitat'" with the sub-head quote: "He was
running over whipsnakes."

The final headline in the series would be "Vandenut Sentenced to 99
Years with No Internet."

And the Bush presidency would have actually served a valid purpose!

- Frank Krygowski

[[email protected]]

What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.

[Pat in TX]

Guys, please learn to trim the message. It's a beating to scroll all the way
through a long message I've read 7 times only to see a one sentence remark.
....

Pat in TX

[Pat in TX]

Face it: Nobody with
> any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.

YOU do!
>

[[email protected]]

wrote:
> What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
> cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
> public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
> cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
> any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.

Oh my, I'm chastized!

Yes, I _should_ worship an incompetent figurehead who's misled the
public and let his handlers lead the country into a morass!

Why? Because he rides a bicycle, of course!


- Frank Krygowski

[landotter]

wrote:
> wrote:
> > What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
> > cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
> > public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
> > cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
> > any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.
>
> Oh my, I'm chastized!
>
> Yes, I _should_ worship an incompetent figurehead who's misled the
> public and let his handlers lead the country into a morass!
>
> Why? Because he rides a bicycle, of course!
>
>
> - Frank Krygowski


You mean the secret handshake and exchange of Rema patches doesn't make
up for 500,000 civilians murdered for a dry drunk's ego problem? Why
you must be a *Freedom Hater*!

Flag flag flag flag eagle!

[Ken C. M.]

Tom Keats wrote:
> In article >,
> "Ken C. M." > writes:
>> rms wrote:
>>> Bush transforms into avid mountain biker
>>>
>>> JOHN HEILPRIN
>>> Associated Press
>>>
>>> WASHINGTON - Swapping his running shoes for bicycle pedals, President Bush
>>> bid adieu to painful runner's knees and transformed himself into a devoted
>>> mountain biker - and high-tech gearhead.
>
> [snip]
>
>> I would have thought he would ride something more road bike like.
>
> I believe Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower did (on his doctor's
> recommendation.)
>
> I don't think GWB is anything like Ike. For example, Ike
> understood the importance of having /clear/ objectives
> before committing to military action, and he could shut down
> dead end, active military involvement, like in Korea.
> Maybe GWB is more like Truman, or LBJ. Although I have
> trouble picturing Truman or lBJ riding a bicycle of any sort.
>
>> I
>> wonder how many guys his age are "avid" mountain bikers?
>
> I think you'll find that disposable income is more of a factor
> than age, in at least the milder forms of mountain biking such
> as "cross country"-type riding. I doubt, however, we'll see
> Furious George freeriding, or doing trials on picnic tables.
>
>> Versus road bikers?
>
> Y'mean like cycle-tourists? Which reminds me -- how long
> and how far does a ride have to be, to qualify as a "tour"?
>
> To put it another way -- when a rider is past having a
> competitive edge to hone with training rides, and not even
> involved in official competitive cycling (including
> randonneuring/audax,) and goes for a just-for-the-heck-of-it
> road ride anyway -- is he or she not essentially cycle-touring?
> If so, why do some folks try to disguise it as, or bother to
> go through the motions of making it a "training ride"?
>
>
Good point. I am beyond ever being competitive age. But I went for a
Thanksgiving 45 miler, a just for the heck of it ride, got lost, sort
of, and had a good time doing it. I just rode. and didn't and wouldn't
call it a training ride.

Ken
--
The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets
old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without
shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong

[Tom Keats]

In article . com>,
"landotter" > writes:
>
> wrote:
>> wrote:
>> > What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
>> > cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
>> > public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
>> > cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
>> > any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.
>>
>> Oh my, I'm chastized!
>>
>> Yes, I _should_ worship an incompetent figurehead who's misled the
>> public and let his handlers lead the country into a morass!
>>
>> Why? Because he rides a bicycle, of course!
>>
>>
>> - Frank Krygowski
>
>
> You mean the secret handshake

Y'mean Bonzo /knows/ the secret handshake?! <aghast>

> and exchange of Rema patches doesn't make
> up for 500,000 civilians murdered for a dry drunk's ego problem? Why
> you must be a *Freedom Hater*!
>
> Flag flag flag flag eagle!

My country, right or wrong!


cheers et bon sante,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[landotter]

wrote:
> What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
> cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
> public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
> cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
> any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.

I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
"Ken C. M." > writes:

>>> Versus road bikers?
>>
>> Y'mean like cycle-tourists? Which reminds me -- how long
>> and how far does a ride have to be, to qualify as a "tour"?
>>
>> To put it another way -- when a rider is past having a
>> competitive edge to hone with training rides, and not even
>> involved in official competitive cycling (including
>> randonneuring/audax,) and goes for a just-for-the-heck-of-it
>> road ride anyway -- is he or she not essentially cycle-touring?
>> If so, why do some folks try to disguise it as, or bother to
>> go through the motions of making it a "training ride"?
>>
>>
> Good point. I am beyond ever being competitive age. But I went for a
> Thanksgiving 45 miler, a just for the heck of it ride, got lost, sort
> of, and had a good time doing it. I just rode.

I'm inclined to call a ride such as you describe, a tour.
Or at least an excursion. I believe such a ride is every
bit as much a valid undertaking and accomplishment as any
"training ride".

And I don't see where it says a tour has to be fraught
with extreme baggage-carrying, or distance, or duration.
I think it's more a matter of adventure and curiosity.
One doesn't necessarily have to get outfitted by
Abercrombie & Fitch for that.

Getting "sort of lost" is a great way to discover stuff,
like the diner that makes the best fries-&-gravy in the
world, or shortcuts from hither to yon.

So in my book, you can consider yourself a cycle-tourist
(if you want a label at all.)

> and didn't and wouldn't
> call it a training ride.

That's part of the beauty of being cycloputer-free ;-)


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[landotter]

I have no idea what you're referring to without any reference. Please
quote next time. :-P

BTW, if you use Google instead of a newsreader, it shows quotes as
clicky "expandables", thus the temptation to not trim.

I'm top posting this time, just to see if that's also an irritant.


Pat in TX wrote:
> Guys, please learn to trim the message. It's a beating to scroll all the way
> through a long message I've read 7 times only to see a one sentence remark.
> ...
>
> Pat in TX

[Ken C. M.]

Tom Keats wrote:

>>> To put it another way -- when a rider is past having a
>>> competitive edge to hone with training rides, and not even
>>> involved in official competitive cycling (including
>>> randonneuring/audax,) and goes for a just-for-the-heck-of-it
>>> road ride anyway -- is he or she not essentially cycle-touring?
>>> If so, why do some folks try to disguise it as, or bother to
>>> go through the motions of making it a "training ride"?
>>>
>>>
>> Good point. I am beyond ever being competitive age. But I went for a
>> Thanksgiving 45 miler, a just for the heck of it ride, got lost, sort
>> of, and had a good time doing it. I just rode.
>
> I'm inclined to call a ride such as you describe, a tour.
> Or at least an excursion. I believe such a ride is every
> bit as much a valid undertaking and accomplishment as any
> "training ride".
>
That might be a good label to put on it. The as ridden on such a ride
does /look/ like a touring bike i.e. handlebar bag and seat wedge bag.

> And I don't see where it says a tour has to be fraught
> with extreme baggage-carrying, or distance, or duration.
> I think it's more a matter of adventure and curiosity.
> One doesn't necessarily have to get outfitted by
> Abercrombie & Fitch for that.
>
> Getting "sort of lost" is a great way to discover stuff,
> like the diner that makes the best fries-&-gravy in the
> world, or shortcuts from hither to yon.
>
> So in my book, you can consider yourself a cycle-tourist
> (if you want a label at all.)
>
>> and didn't and wouldn't
>> call it a training ride.
>
> That's part of the beauty of being cycloputer-free ;-)

Well I now have a computer on that bike, but it's now reading off the
rear wheel and is mounted on the seat tube. It's very difficult to read
while riding. Probably pretty dangerous too. The only thing I think I am
going to change is the shoe and pedal system. I am going to purchase
some mtb shoes and recessed cleats / pedals probably something along the
lines of spd or maybe crank brothers pedals. I figure it will make
walking around a bit easier when /off/ the bike while on an excursion.

Ken
--
The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets
old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without
shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong

[Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman]

landotter wrote:
> wrote:
> > What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
> > cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
> > public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
> > cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
> > any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.
>
> I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
> http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4

But think about how the Iraqi children are benefiting:
<http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2005/01/19/international/19iraq.ready.html>.

--
Tom Sherman - Post Free or Die!

[landotter]

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman wrote:
> landotter wrote:
> > wrote:
> > > What a bunch of sniveling whiners! You've got a president who is a
> > > cycling fan, and all you can do is trash him. No wonder the general
> > > public doesn't like cyclists. With people like you riding bikes,
> > > cycling will NEVER become a mainstream activity. Face it: Nobody with
> > > any self-respect identifies with pussies like you.
> >
> > I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
> > http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4
>
> But think about how the Iraqi children are benefiting:
> <http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2005/01/19/international/19iraq.ready.html>.
>
Yes, you're right, seeing her parents violently killed will give her an
independence that a loving childhood could never offer!

[Rudolf Schmidt]

"landotter" > wrote in message
oups.com...

> I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
> http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4

I'm not a Republican, but I like this one.

http://clarityandresolve.com/alMasri.jpg

[landotter]

Rudolf Schmidt wrote:
> "landotter" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>
> > I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
> > http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4
>
> I'm not a Republican, but I like this one.
>
> http://clarityandresolve.com/alMasri.jpg

Not a fan of the basteward, but as we all know, it's a big game of
whack a mole with those guys. I, for one, am still wondering why we
don't put the one on trial that we captured. Ya know, Khalid Shaikh
Mohammed, the mastermind behind 9/11, the guy that was caught over
three years ago. But instead, we invade Mexico to fight gingivitis so
to speak.

/me throws hands in air in a kvetching motion

[Bill]

Rudolf Schmidt wrote:
> "landotter" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>
>> I bet this makes your studly Republican cock feel huge:
>> http://tinyurl.com/ymt2m4
>
> I'm not a Republican, but I like this one.
>
> http://clarityandresolve.com/alMasri.jpg
>
>
I would have liked it paired with one with Bush in the crosshairs.
Bill Baka