Michelin Tires: Wild Series Launch
- By Jamie Bate
- Published Apr. 7, 2011
- Updated Apr. 8, 2011 at 3:27 PM UTC
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Bib
The original Bib (Bibendum, the Michelin Man) is pictured here next to the Bib we all recognize. Photo by Nick Legan
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Race'R
This 26-inch version of the Race'R was set up tubeless. Photo by Nick Legan
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Side blocks
The shallow center knobs are complimented by taller side blocks for cornering. Photo by Nick Legan
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Bikes
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
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29er
In a 29er the Race'R is offered in both 2.25-inch and 2.1-inch. Photo by Nick Legan
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Southern sun
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
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Oak Mountain
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
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Blood Rock
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
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Michelin mascot
Bib, the Michelin mascot, oversaw the post-ride barbeque. Photo by Nick Legan
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The Giant Anthem X 29er 2
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
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Choices
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
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Rudy Megevand
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
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WildGrip'R-2.25
Wild Grip'R-2.25: Intended at a mixed-use tire, the Grip'R looks like good all-around tread.
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Wild Race'R
Available in two casings and several sizes, the Race'R is a great hardpack tire.
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WildRock'R-2.25
For trail riders, the Rock'R is worth a look.
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Porsche
Knockin' on heaven's door... Photo by Nick Legan
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Michelin
Here's the reason we were at the Porsche Driving School-Michelin road tires...okay, not exactly. Photo by Nick Legan
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Course
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
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Braking
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
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Group
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
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Convertible
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
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Cayman
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
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GT2RS
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
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Spyder
The Boxster Spyder was like a go-cart on steroids. Incredibly light and nimble. Photo by Nick Legan
FILED UNDER: Gallery TAGS: Michelin / tires














