Saturday, July 26, 2003

Tour de France Carbon Fiber from Wisconsin Lance Armstrong's bike is made by Wisconsin based Trek Bicycles. Trek's sponsorship goes back a number of years, in fact, they took a flyer on him as he was recovering from cancer. Great event. Trek is quite a story. Most bikes are made in Southeast Asia, yet Trek continues to build many of their products in Wisconsin. 7:37:30 PM

High and Mighty The ubiquitous SUV I parked my car between two SUV's this morning, a Suburban and an Expedition. Backed it in, in fact. (these photos are examples taken in a local parking lot) . Compatibility between cars and SUV's is becoming a problem. Compatibility includes issues like visibility and bumper location. Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge (NHTSA Administrator) testified before congress on this issue earlier this year. Ford outlined their efforts to improve safety in areas such as rollovers and compatility between cars and SUV's. Google search on SUV compatibility issues. Improved vision (high) and perceived safety benefits (mighty) appeal to all motorists. I hope that Runge's efforts lead to safer vehicles for all of us. NY Times writer Keith Bradsher has an excellent book on the subject, titled, appropriately "High and Mighty". The Houston Chronicle excerpts chapter 1 here. 5:51:11 PM