They Rent Bicycles, Don't They?

By JANICE CASTRO/

There's something about tenure on Capitol Hill that seems to turn even simple recreational pursuits into tax-subsidized boondoggles. When House Speaker TOM FOLEY attended a U.S.-British meeting last summer, he decided to take time for a bit of cycling in the English countryside. Fine. But he wanted to ride his own bicycle, so the Air Force had to pick up Speaker and Mrs. Foley's cycles at their home and deliver them to Andrews Air Force Base for the flight. Once in Britain, an Air Force van trundled the bikes to the chosen area and hung around while the Foleys biked. Estimated cost to the taxpayers: at least $500. Grumps an Air Force source: "Doesn't he know they rent bikes in England?"

With reporting by Wendy Cole