This White House pool report covers Bush's weekend bike accident. WH spokesperson Trent Duffy wanted reporters to know that just because the president took a tumble, that doesn't make him a pussy: "He wasn't poking along, whistling show tunes." Well, OK, but according to Duffy, the president was riding his bicycle while wearing a helmet and a mouth guard.

Pussy.

Full report after the jump.

The President of America fell off his bike at the ranch Saturday on the 16th mile of a 17th mile ride, according to the White House. Bruises, abrasions, minor scratches - nothing serious.

He was riding downhill on his mountain bike in mid-afternoon, according to spokesman Trent Duffy, when the spill took place. There has allegedly been a lot of rain in Crawford lately, and the topsoil was loose.

The president was riding with his personal physician, Dr. Richard Tubb, a Secret Service agent and a military aide. Tubb treated Bush at the scene for scrapes etc to his upper lip, nose, right hand and both knees, and declared him "fine," Duffy said.

The Secret Service offered to give the president a ride back to the ranch house, which the president declined, opting to complete his ride. Duffy said the president was wearing a helmet and mouth guard. He also said the president is "a fitness enthusiast" and that, during the fateful ride, "he wasn't poking along, whistling show tunes."

Take from that what you will.

Julie Mason

Houston Chronicle

Subject: CORRECTION: POOL REPORT #1, 5/22/04

Trent has called to say the presidential biking mishap occurred in early afternoon, not mid-afternoon.