Michelin Tires: Wild Series Launch

The original Bib (Bibendum, the Michelin Man) is pictured here next to the Bib we all recognize. Photo by Nick Legan

This 26-inch version of the Race'R was set up tubeless. Photo by Nick Legan

The shallow center knobs are complimented by taller side blocks for cornering. Photo by Nick Legan

Michelin rounded up various dual suspension bikes for the attending journalists — some 26er some 29er — for the 22-mile ride around Oak Mountain State Park. Photo by Nick Legan

In a 29er the Race'R is offered in both 2.25-inch and 2.1-inch. Photo by Nick Legan

The crew had perfect weather and trail conditions. We stopped frequently to gather the troops and bask in the warm southern sun. Photo by Nick Legan

The Oak Mountain trail system is well marked. BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers) has done a tremendous job buildilng and maintained the network. Photo by Nick Legan

Rock gardens, creek crossings, sand and roots are all part of the fun at Oak Mountain. This section is called Blood Rock (for fairly obvious reasons). Photo by Nick Legan

Bib, the Michelin mascot, oversaw the post-ride barbeque. Photo by Nick Legan

The Giant Anthem X 29er 2 was a great bike for the trail and conditions. It's predictable handling made pushing the Michelin Wild Race'R tires easy. Photo by Nick Legan

Michelin fitted a 2.25-inch front tire and a 2.1 to the rear of the Anthem. Oak Mountain State Park's trails used most of the suspension the Fox shocks had to offer. Photo by Nick Legan

Michelin tire engineer, Rudy Megevand, made his first visit to the U.S. for this launch. He helped design the tire and schooled us all on the ride. Photo by Nick Legan

Wild Grip'R-2.25: Intended at a mixed-use tire, the Grip'R looks like good all-around tread.

Available in two casings and several sizes, the Race'R is a great hardpack tire.

For trail riders, the Rock'R is worth a look.

Knockin' on heaven's door... Photo by Nick Legan

Here's the reason we were at the Porsche Driving School-Michelin road tires...okay, not exactly. Photo by Nick Legan

This is half of the autocross course used to teach hard braking performed before entering corners. The sea of cones was an absolute blast. Photo by Nick Legan

Here's the Boxster ready for a run around the autocross track. At the completion of three laps, students had to stop within the green cone box to show accuracy in braking. Photo by Nick Legan

Instructors in Carrera turbos led groups of students in Carrera S's. This is the end of the main straight at Barber Motorsports Park. The yellow BRAKE sign was part of the cheat sheet the instructors laid out for us around the course. Photo by Nick Legan

The relatively mild-mannered Boxster was our autocross toy. We drove it top down though (what with the warm weather and all...). Photo by Nick Legan

The Cayman S was a blast to drive. At one point I saw 7200 rpm on the tach and the sound was amazing. The tires were pretty good too. Photo by Nick Legan

With 620 horsepower, the GT2RS was a bit beyond the capabilities of the students. Several lucky ones did win a ride in it with an instructor at the wheel though. Photo by Nick Legan

The Boxster Spyder was like a go-cart on steroids. Incredibly light and nimble. Photo by Nick Legan