Bush gives Laoshan course two thumbs up

When US President George W. Bush tested out Beijing's Olympic mountain biking course in 2005, he gave it the nod over his riding ground in Crawford, Texas.

"Remind you of Crawford?" a reporter asked.

"Better than Crawford," Bush shouted back over his shoulder.

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Bush, who took Discovery Team member Lance Armstrong for a two-hour ride at his Texas ranch in August, 2005, is an avid cycling enthusiast.

His passion for the sport usually travels with him, even on business trips, as does his state-of-the-art mountain bike.

So it came as little surprise when the US president interrupted his talks with Chinese leaders on November 21, 2005, to check out the Laoshan Olympic Mountain Bike Course in Beijing's western suburbs.

Pedaling up steep dirt paths in a black windbreaker and a pair of purple shorts, Bush belied his age (59), took in some sunshine and even managed a joke or two.

"How do you say, 'take it easy on the old man'?" Bush joked when the group posed for photos.

Joining him were three male and three female Chinese cyclists preparing for the 2008 Olympics.

Bush appeared to be in high spirits after the 45-minute ride, giving each of the riders a pair of socks as souvenirs.

But his gleaming blue-and-white bike stole much of the attention.

Valued at $3,000, Chinese security officials treated it like a member of the presidential family as they carefully loaded it back on Air Force One.