Bikes in the News: Obama Goes for a Bike Ride

Last week, it hit the news that the Obama family went for a bike ride during their vacation at Martha's Vineyard. The article below covers the story, and check here for more on the back-and-forth debate over whether President Obama should have been wearing a helmet.

Personally, I like the image of the "phalanx of Secret Service agents" who were also on the bike trip-- hopefully complete with their black suits and sunglasses.

Obama Family Goes for a Bike Ride

From the Washington Post 8/27/2009. By Michael D. Shear
OAK BLUFFS, Mass. -- On another spectacular day here, the first family hopped on bikes for a beach-side ride in Aquinnah, a town on the southwestern tip of Martha's Vineyard, and a tour of the island's famous lighthouse.

Dressed in a dark shirt, Obama rode ahead of the group, which included Michelle (in an orange tank top), Malia (in a pink capped-sleeve shirt) and Sasha (wearing a bright yellow T-shirt and turquoise shorts) as locals gathered along Lobsterville Road to snap pictures.

Also in tow: Eric Whitaker and his family, Obama's brother-in-law Konrad Ng, and a phalanx of helmetless Secret Service agents -- also on bikes. Sasha had no training wheels, reporters noted, though she and Malia wore helmets, as Massachusetts law requires for those under 16. Michelle Obama also wore a helmet.

Following the bike ride, the entourage made their way to the red brick Aquinnah lighthouse, build in 1799. Cheers went up as the Obamas emerged at the balcony of the lighthouse, the girls jumping up and down as the light flashed behind them.

Posted at 1:04 PM ET on Aug 27, 2009 | Category: Vacation Time