On Saturday, November 14, it appears that president-elect Joe Biden and first lady-in-waiting Dr. Jill Biden spent their day like many of us did—on a bike ride.
The pair—along with four members of their secret service detail, riding Cannondale hardtails—cruised around the paved trails of Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, before a meeting with Biden’s transition team. Members of the media and photographers took videos and photos of the group—in this video, you can hear Yahoo News reporter Brittany Shepherd asking, “Are you any closer to making a cabinet decision?” to which Biden responds, “Yes.”
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Biden appeared to be riding a Trek FX hybrid, and a well-loved one from the looks of it. From what we could see in the photos, it had a Bontrager cockpit, linear pull rim brakes, and a rusty chain well past its prime. He came prepared for the ride with a headlight, and all of the bike’s reflectors are still intact (he’s the president-elect, he can do what he wants).
The bike was adorned with a few more accessories than what a regular rider may have: A coiled cable lock around the seat, a single bottle cage, a CatEye Wireless Computer, and a bento box. A little bar end mirror helped Biden keep an eye on his full surroundings and Trek helmet kept the former VP extra safe. Also, the toe cages on his flat pedals make us feel like when the paparazzi aren’t looking, Biden really likes to rip.
We can’t tell exactly what bike Jill is riding, but it looks to be similar to Biden’s—something functional and affordable. Affixed to her handlebar is an Axiom Seymour Handlebar Bag created with fabric made out of recycled fishing nets, as well as a small headlight. While Biden’s bike has a rigid fork, Jill’s is equipped with an RST suspension fork, leading us to believe she likes to get a little more sendy than the president-elect.
Jill is wearing a Liv Rev Comp MIPS helmet and a jacket with the logo of Pelotonia, a charity ride in Ohio that raises money for cancer research, at which Biden gave a send-off speech in 2017. And everyone riding in this group is wearing a mask, which is important, given the rising cases of COVID-19 around the country.
The last time the media was shouting to Biden on a bike was in August, when he was riding the same Trek in Delaware. Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked the then-candidate if he’d chosen a running partner yet. Biden said he had, and when Doocy asked who, he jokingly responded “You!” (spoiler alert: it was not him).
We’re stoked that our president-to-be and future first lady are into cycling, and will be on high alert for any more #RidinWithBiden in the news.
Want an affordable bike like Joe’s? Check out some of our favorites
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Riley Missel is an experienced road racer, mountain biker, national champion on the track, and a former Bicycling editor. She is a USA Cycling-certified Level 1 coach, a loud and very stoked Spin instructor, and she will definitely stop the ride to pet that dog.
