Offc Action Outgoing

EXTREME TERRAIN

TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.

Offc Action Outgoing

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

SERIAL NO: 76/514636

APPLICANT: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.

CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:

GARY D. KRUGMAN

SUGHRUE MION, PLLC

2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20037

RETURN ADDRESS:

Commissioner for Trademarks

2900 Crystal Drive

Arlington, VA 22202-3514

ecom113@uspto.gov

MARK: EXTREME TERRAIN

CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO: S7555

CORRESPONDENT EMAIL ADDRESS:

Please provide in all correspondence:

1. Filing date, serial number, mark and

applicant's name.

2. Date of this Office Action.

3. Examining Attorney's name and

Law Office number.

4. Your telephone number and e-mail address.

OFFICE ACTION

TO AVOID ABANDONMENT, WE MUST RECEIVE A PROPER RESPONSE TO THIS OFFICE ACTION WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OUR MAILING OR E-MAILING DATE.

Serial Number 76/514636

The assigned examining attorney has reviewed the referenced application and determined the following.

Refusal – Mark is Descriptive

The examining attorney refuses registration on the Principal Register because the proposed mark merely describes the goods. Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); TMEP §§1209 et seq.

A mark is merely descriptive under Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1), if it describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of the relevant goods. In re Gyulay, 820 F.2d 1216, 3 USPQ2d 1009 (Fed. Cir. 1987); In re Bed & Breakfast Registry, 791 F.2d 157, 229 USPQ 818 (Fed. Cir. 1986); In re MetPath Inc., 223 USPQ 88 (TTAB 1984); In re Bright‑Crest, Ltd., 204 USPQ 591 (TTAB 1979); TMEP §1209.01(b).

The examining attorney must consider whether a mark is merely descriptive in relation to the identified goods, not in the abstract. In re Omaha National Corp., 819 F.2d 1117, 2 USPQ2d 1859 (Fed. Cir. 1987); In re Abcor Development Corp., 588 F.2d 811, 200 USPQ 215 (C.C.P.A. 1978); In re Venture Lending Associates, 226 USPQ 285 (TTAB 1985); In re American Greetings Corp., 226 USPQ 365 (TTAB 1985). TMEP §1209.01(b).

Here, as shown in the attached evidence, the applicant’s goods are tires clearly intended for use in an extreme terrain environment.

Although the examining attorney has refused registration on the Principal Register, the applicant may amend the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register. Trademark Act Section 23, 15 U.S.C. §1091; 37 C.F.R. §§2.47 and 2.75(a); TMEP §§801.02(b), 815 and 816 et seq.

Please note that the mark in an application under Trademark Act Section 1(b), 15 U.S.C. §1051(b), is not eligible for registration on the Supplemental Register until an acceptable amendment to allege use under 37 C.F.R. §2.76 or statement of use under 37 C.F.R. §2.88 has been timely filed. 37 C.F.R. §2.47(c); TMEP §815.02, 816.02 and 1102.03. When such an application is changed from the Principal Register to the Supplemental Register, the effective filing date of the application is the date of filing of the allegation of use. 37 C.F.R. §2.75(b); TMEP §§206.01 and 816.02.

Although the examining attorney has refused registration, the applicant may respond to the refusal to register by submitting evidence and arguments in support of registration.

Search Results

The examining attorney has searched the Office records and has found no similar registered or pending mark which would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. Section 1052(d). TMEP section 1105.01.

How to respond to this Office Action:

To respond formally using the Office’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), visit http://www.gov.uspto.report/teas/index.html and follow the instructions.

To respond formally via E-mail, visit http://www.gov.uspto.report/web/trademarks/tmelecresp.htm and follow the instructions.

To respond formally via regular mail, your response should be sent to the mailing Return Address listed above and include the serial number, law office and examining attorney’s name on the upper right corner of each page of your response.

To check the status of your application at any time, visit the Office’s Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) system at http://tarr.gov.uspto.report/

For general and other useful information about trademarks, you are encouraged to visit the Office’s web site at http://www.gov.uspto.report/main/trademarks.htm

FOR INQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OFFICE ACTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSIGNED EXAMINING ATTORNEY.

John T. Lincoski /JTL/

Trademark Attorney

Law Office 113

(703)308-9113 ext. 286

John.Lincoski@USPTO.GOV

Research Information:

News, All (English, Full Text)

"extreme terrain" w/para tires

Global News Wire - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire

BusinessWorld (Philippines)

September 8, 2003

LENGTH: 1651 words

HEADLINE: PERSONAL FINANCE

BYLINE: Cesar Miguel G. Escano

BODY:

Purchasing an off-road vehicle nowadays tends to be more of an image thing. For people with the money to burn, showing off a 4x4 seems to be the thing to do.

But don't forget, dear buyer, that that sport utility vehicle (SUV) was built for a practical purpose. Since you've plunked down the cash (or considering doing so), why not consider marking your life-style choice by blazing a nature trail?

In this mechanical age, the traveler should no longer be at the mercy of the elements. Scrape off dried mud from the doorsills and clean the windshield. Returning to civilization, travelers will be no worse for wear.

People are more aware of the rigors of travel and vehicles represent the easiest mode of transport. Don't view trailing with an SUV as cheating: More people get to enjoy the trip. Like you, they are free from the hassle of physical labor. You can bring more baggage, to boot.

In braving rough territory, an SUV with a four-by-four (4x4) drive is the weapon of choice. Its power enables you to cross mud-strewn landscapes and climb tortuous inclines. Try going gung-ho with a 4x2 vehicle and you'll likely to end up with the river a few inches from your face after attempting to scale a small gorge.

Buying a vehicle for off-road use involves a different set of considerations from a vehicle for casual use. The same applies to buying an SUV exclusively for racing. For one, a 4x2 SUV is perfect for city-driving, while a 4x4 SUV stranded in Metro Manila seems like a fish out of water, to use a cliche.

Do you plan on bringing the family or lots of people? Do you want to be able to bring lots of baggage? Do you prefer mobility and power over comfort? Larry Alberto, president of the Suzuki 4x4 Club of the Philippines, said you should ask yourself these three questions before buying an SUV for trailing.

There are several types of SUVs, all capable of off-road travel. However, Mr. Alberto advises that you limit your choices to three types of SUVs: pickups, five-door passenger SUVs, and army-type jeeps.

If you plan to bring several people on your trips, choose a five-door passenger SUV. It seats comfortably a maximum of seven people without baggage. With the seats in the rear compartment folded, the vehicle can seat five people comfortably and store baggage in the back.

If you are the type who wants lots of space for baggage, choose an open-compartment or closed-compartment pick-up. Those with an open compartment can store a considerable amount of baggage, such as tents and camping equipment. Cover the compartment with waterproof canvas to protect it from rain and mud. A pick-up with a closed compartment stores less, but the enclosure affords space for more passengers as long as they are comfortable staying with the baggage.

If you prefer mobility and power over comfort, choose an army-type jeep. Get one with an enclosed interior or cover flaps unless you adore the feel of mud. The vehicle's lightweight carriage allows more mobility than bulkier SUVs. However, its small size attracts more shocks, introducing passengers intimately with potholes and rough roads. Powerful engines are widely available for this type of SUV, as jeeps are used in 4x4 racing.

Other considerations in buying an SUV are the engine type and the availability of spare parts. SUVs with diesel engines are more inexpensive than those that use regular gas. However, you sacrifice engine response and power in terms of torque with a diesel engine.

Another advantage with a diesel engine is that it makes river crossings easier. The absence of a spark plug, a distributor, and a contact point enables SUVs with a diesel engine to cross flooded areas and waterways without stalling.

Mr. Alberto advises the pocket-conscious to buy Japanese over American vehicles. Most parts of Japanese SUVs can be acquired locally. Also, factor in shipping costs when purchasing parts from abroad, in this case the US versus Japan.

In the Philippines, you can purchase an SUV via three means or locations: the automaker or distributor's showroom; an auto importer; or an auction. Purchase a brand-new vehicle at a showroom and you can be confident of the quality. However, be prepared to dish out more than a million for most SUVs with a 4x4 drive. You can get bargains through auto importers or at local auctions, but expect to spend for repairs and modifications.

Be wary of SUVs with drop-dead price tags, said Brian Diaz, owner of Ride Inc., an automotive shop exclusively for SUVs. Some vehicles bought from auctions may require extensive overhauling such as changing from a right-hand to a left-hand drive. In the end, the price of repairs exceeds what you would have spent for a brand-new vehicle.

Mr. Diaz said a good rule of thumb for bargain hunters is to check if the vehicle is drivable or in driving condition. Chances are you'll spend a moderate amount for repairs and upgrades, he added.

Another item to look out for is the suspension system, said Mr. Alberto.

Durable SUVs are equipped with a solid axle and front and rear leaf springs. Coil springs wear more easily than leaf springs. Also, most 4x4 pick-ups are equipped with independent suspension, which is weaker than a solid axle setup.

For trailing purposes, most SUVs do not need modifications, said Mr. Diaz. However, owners may want their vehicles modified for better performance in rough and extreme terrain.

Installing a winch is indispensable for all SUVs going trailing, Mr. Diaz noted. This device allows drivers, even alone, to recover their vehicles from gorges and deep pits. A winch costs around P40,000 to P80,000, Mr. Diaz estimated.

Modifications revolve around the tire set. Larger wheels improve handling and braking power because of the wider treadbase. They also increase ground clearance from the chassis, making its belly less prone to scrapes and impact.

Certain types of terrain also require special tires. All terrain tires average around 35 inches in diameter. Mud and extreme terrain tires range up to 44 inches. Heavier tires place more pressure on the suspension and the engine because of the increase in weight and differential, the distance from chassis to wheel axle, Mr. Diaz said.

Once you reach a certain tire size for an SUV model, you have to modify the suspension system, which includes springs, shackles, shock absorbers and the brakehouse. Longer parts are needed to adjust to increased ground clearance and improve steering.

Mr. Diaz estimated the parts for a complete set of modifications to amount to around P80,000. All the parts should be imported, mostly from the US, thus driving up the price. "Quality and durability are what you should look for. For the kind of parts I talked about, you won't find quality pieces in the local market," he added.

Another modification owners should consider is re-gearing, said Mr. Alberto. This is a must for 4x4 racing as it improves handling and engine response, he added. Most SUVs have a standard gear setup calibrated for high-speed gear changes. Adjusting the gear configuration to suit lower- speed gear changes allows drivers to easily respond to obstacles along the trail.

In looking for nature trails, mountaineering clubs are your best guides, said Mr. Alberto. Aside from knowing the most scenic routes, mountaineers are knowledgeable on the condition and the topography of the terrain.

Topography matters. The level of driving skill should match the difficulty of the trail. Crossing dry gorges and skirting hundred-foot cliff drops test the skill of even the most experienced drivers.

Mr. Alberto listed a few guidelines in choosing a trail.

Beginners should stick to routes with a few gravel, some mud, and close to urban areas. Advanced drivers and the more adventurous may test their skills on muddy terrain, shallow rivers, and mountainous areas.

Mr. Alberto suggested some locations for trailers: Tanay and Antipolo in Rizal and Batangas for beginners; the Santo Tomas Mountain near Baguio and Mount Pulag in the Mountain Province for advanced drivers.

The same rules mountaineers follow on ecological etiquette also apply to drivers going trailing. Be aware you're bringing a thousand-pound machine into the wild so be extra sensitive of the damage to the environment.

Tread Lightly, a website for off-road enthusiasts lists guidelines drivers should follow.

Prior to the trip, learn about the terrain along the route you're planning to take. If you expect difficult terrain along the way, beginners should take alternate routes.

Also, equip your vehicle with tires that fit the terrain. If you expect a lot of mud on the way, change to mud-terrain or chain-wrapped tires. For extreme terrain such as rocky mountain paths, install all- terrain tires.

Another item to remember prior to the trip: Keep your vehicle well- maintained and tuned. Smoke-belching, leaking fuel, and dripping oil indicate engine problems. Plus, they also pollute the environment.

During the trip, be sensitive to the scenery. Stick to existing trails rather than carving out new ones. Avoid scaring off animals and livestock. Respect private property and closed areas. Stay off wetlands and grassy fields.

Just as driving on the street, stay right to avoid oncoming traffic. If there is room for only one vehicle, the vehicle with more maneuverability (jeeps and pickups compared to five-door SUVs) should give way. When two vehicles meet along an incline and it is impossible for one to pull over, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way. It is safer for the vehicle going downhill to back up. It is also easier for a vehicle going downhill to continue on the way.

Preparations may prove tedious and the trail tiring. Take comfort in the fact you have it easier than our ancestors. Having arrived at your destination, bask in your (and your vehicle's) accomplishment.

JOURNAL-CODE: FBWP

LOAD-DATE: September 8, 2003

2 of 15 DOCUMENTS

BusinessWorld

September 8, 2003, Monday

SECTION: Pg. 21

LENGTH: 1646 words

HEADLINE: PERSONAL FINANCE;

Buying an SUV? Take to the trails

BYLINE: Cesar Miguel G. Escano

BODY:

Purchasing an off-road vehicle nowadays tends to be more of an image thing. For people with the money to burn, showing off a 4x4 seems to be the thing to do.

Mr. Diaz said a good rule of thumb for bargain hunters is to check if the vehicle is drivable or in driving condition. Chances are you'll spend a moderate amount for repairs and upgrades, he added.

Another item to look out for is the suspension system, said Mr. Alberto.

For trailing purposes, most SUVs do not need modifications, said Mr. Diaz. However, owners may want their vehicles modified for better performance in rough and extreme terrain.

Another modification owners should consider is re-gearing, said Mr. Alberto. This is a must for 4x4 racing as it improves handling and engine response, he added. Most SUVs have a standard gear setup calibrated for high-speed gear changes. Adjusting the gear configuration to suit lower-speed gear changes allows drivers to easily respond to obstacles along the trail.

Topography matters. The level of driving skill should match the difficulty of the trail. Crossing dry gorges and skirting hundred-foot cliff drops test the skill of even the most experienced drivers.

Mr. Alberto listed a few guidelines in choosing a trail.

Tread Lightly, a website for off-road enthusiasts lists guidelines drivers should follow.

Prior to the trip, learn about the terrain along the route you're planning to take. If you expect difficult terrain along the way, beginners should take alternate routes.

Another item to remember prior to the trip: Keep your vehicle well-maintained and tuned. Smoke-belching, leaking fuel, and dripping oil indicate engine problems. Plus, they also pollute the environment.

LOAD-DATE: September 7, 2003

3 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Global News Wire - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire

Financial Express

August 9, 2003

LENGTH: 876 words

HEADLINE: KING OF ALL TERRAINS

BODY:

For quite some time, whenever there's been a chance to interact with Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) officials, one of the most common questions put to them by scribes is, "What about your SUV plan? When is the Terracan hitting the Indian roads?" Well, that question has been answered this week finally, and in the proprietary grand manner that HMIL loves. No matter how many eyebrows were raised at the delay in launching the genuine offroader from the Hyundai stable in India, HMIL officials have explanations. As J I Kim, managing director, HMIL, puts it, "We do admit we took some time in bringing this product to India, but we did it to ensure that we brought the best and the latest product to the Indian market." Elaborating the point, HMIL president B V R Subbu says, "Indian SUV consumers are different from their western counterparts. Here, SUVs have more onroad applications than offroad. We took consumer feedback about their likes and dislikes and this product has been created after taking into consideration their preferences." Having sold over 1,00,000 units across Asia and Europe, the Terracan, which is three years old globally, arrives in India with a formidable reputation. HMIL believes that the Terracan will help its customers make a statement both on and off the road. With the introduction of this SUV, HMIL claims that it has an extensive product portfolio in India starting from the Santro to the Terracan. Vertical, body coloured radiator grilles and bumpers and a special elevation on the bonnet give the Terracan a solid muscular look. But more than that, it is what lies beneath the bonnet that is special. The 2.9 litre CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection) engine that churns out power of 150ps at 3,800rpm is the talking point of this SUV. After the rave reviews it got for the Accent CRDi engine, HMIL is confident of similar accolades for this one, too. Delivering a torque of 33.94kgm at 2,000rpm, this engine is one of the most powerful amongst the SUVs currently on Indian roads. Commenting on the product, automotive expert Murad Ali Baig says, "This is a genuine SUV, unlike crossovers such as the Chevrolet Forrester or the Honda C-RV." The engine has a proven record, and the wide tyres would do the job offroad, he comments. For those who are looking at the Terracan for extreme terrains, there is also an advanced off-road facility that includes a part-time, four-wheel drive, allowing you to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive at the flick of a button. The shift between the two modes takes place while on the move thanks to the 'electric shift on fly'. If you get stuck, the LSD comes into play. No, not the drug, but the limited slip differential, which detects rear wheel spin and transfers power to the wheel with the better traction. With a ground clearance of 215cm and large angles of approach, departure and ramp breakover, this SUV is ready to take on the rugged. Other features that make HMIL think the Terracan to be the ideal SUV for Indian conditions include the heavy duty gauge steel chassis, the five-link rear suspension and gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers. Interestingly, the front suspension of the Terracan is a double wishbone suspension, which is usually found in luxury sedans-an indicator that this SUV can also provide smoothness while on normal road conditions. Imported as completely built units (CBU), HMIL is setting itself a fairly big target for the Terracan. "We are targetting at selling between 500 to 700 units this year. We already have confirmed interest of over 180. So we would like to believe that this is a reasonable target," says Mr Subbu. Yet, some think it is on the higher side. Says Mr Baig, "It's a tad high, as you know when it comes to buying a SUV, Indian customers tend to think many a time." Priced at Rs 18,49,900 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Terracan is costlier than its contemporaries such as the Grand Vitara (Rs 16.77 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi), the Chevrolet Forrester (Rs 15.59 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi) or the Honda C-RV (Rs 15 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi), although the latter two are more crossovers than real SUV. Nevertheless, HMIL has no plans of either assembling or manufacturing the Terracan in India so that it can reduce the cost. "At present, we are concentrating on breaking into the European market with our other cars and already our plants are being stretched to meet both domestic and export demands. So, to establish either a manufacturing or assembling facility for a volume of just about 500-700 Terracans would not be a sound idea," says Mr Subbu. Expressing confidence in the product, he says, "This is a real, genuine SUV and is for those who love SUVs." Although petrol and automatic transmission variants of the Terracan are available in the international market, HMIL is not in a hurry to bring those to India. "We will definitely consider bringing it to India if there is a demand from the customers. But as of now, we would like to market this one," says Mr Subbu. The Terracan is avaliable in seven colours: mica blue and cool grey; prime green and warm grey; sandstone and warm grey; warm silver and warm grey; noble white and medium silver; ebony black and cool grey, and husky grey and cool grey.

JOURNAL-CODE: WFEX

LOAD-DATE: August 9, 2003

4 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Tire Business

July 7, 2003, Monday

SECTION: Pg. 14

LENGTH: 578 words

HEADLINE: Tire Trends

DATELINE: CHARLOTTE, N.C.

BODY:

BFGoodrich

g-Force T/AKDW: high-performance sport truck tire.

New size: LT325/55R22 LRD 120 H.

Michelin North America Inc. said the new tire is the world's first tuning tire designed specifically for the Hummer H2, and noted the low-profile sport truck tire fills the wheel well of the General Motors Corp. vehicle.

Maxxis

Maxxis MA-P1: passenger radial.

Features: aggressive tread design; four circumferential grooves; black sidewall styling.

Sizes: 205/55R16, 215/55R16, 225/55R16, 185/60R15, 225/60R16 and 195/65R15, with availability in August.

Maxxis International said benefits of the tire include superior water dispersion and wet traction, reduced noise and ''outstanding'' steering response and handling stability.

c c c

M8080 Mudzilla LT: light truck tire.

Features: Heavy-duty bias construction for strength and durability; black sidewall styling.

Sizes: 31x11.50-15LT, 31x11.50-16LT, 33x13.50-15LT, 35x13.50-15LT, 33x13.50-16LT and 35x13.50-16LT.

Mickey Thompson

Baja Claw: extreme terrain tire for modified and lifted super trucks.

New Sizes: 19.5/46-15LT, 19.5/46-16LT and 19.5/46-16.5LT.

Toyo

M-143: all-position commercial truck radial for local haul trucks, recreational vehicles and dually pickups modified with upgraded wheels.

Features: low-profile sidewall; all-steel, wide-belt construction for stability; low-rolling resistant tread; Toyo's DSOC II (Dynamic Simulation Optimized Contact) computer design technology; Belt-Defender compound for durability; high tensile Open Cord Construction to maximize the bonding between the rubber and steel belts; and five deep longitudinal ribs with a zigzag pattern for stone ejection.

Sizes: 215/75R17.5, 245/70R19.5, 265/70R19.5 and 285/70R19.5.

c c c

M-1430: commercial truck tire for low platform, high-load, high-cube trailers.

Features: similar construction and technology to the Toyo M-143 described above.

Size: initially available in 215/75R17.5.

Uniroyal

Laredo Cross Country: sport utility and light truck tire.

Features: a square, stress-optimized contact patch for tread block stability and for minimizing surface temperatures; a full tread depth for tread life and mud traction; large stable tread blocks, stiffer center rib and spiral wound nylon covering two full-width steel belts for dry handling; and a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.

Sizes: Available in September in 10 P-metric sizes from P225/70R15 to P265/70R17; four additional sizes to be added in January 2004.

Michelin North America Inc. said the Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country will receive strong marketing support including media advertising, billboards in select markets as well as point-of-sale materials and sales aids for tire dealers.

The ad campaign will promote the line as an ''affordable, reliable SUV tire built for everyday adventures such as 'Carpool Canyon' and 'Soccer Practice Gulch,''' the company said.

Yokohama

Advan A048: Street-legal competition tire.

Features: Y-speed rating; 6/32-inch tread depth; race-ready compound; single block design with a wide center area that continually stays in contact with the road, increasing the stiffness of the tread and enhancing cornering during acceleration and braking, Yokohama said; UTQG rating of 60/AA/A.

Sizes: 225/40R18, 265/35R18 and 285/30R18

Yokohama said vehicle applications for the Advan A048 include the Porsche 911, Porsche 911 Turbo, the Porsche Boxster and others.

LOAD-DATE: July 09, 2003

5 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Tire Business

March 31, 2003, Monday

SECTION: Pg. 16

LENGTH: 1618 words

HEADLINE: Industry Digest

BODY:

Falken revs it up with driving event

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Falken Tire Corp. and Mazda USA are presenting the ''Rev It Up'' tour, a promotional driving event running from March through July.

''Rev It Up'' will visit 15 different venues on 20 different weekends and host classroom instruction and driving competition, with the winner gaining national recognition and a new Mazda 6.

Falken said it expects more than 80,000 people to attend these events.

Pirelli to outfit Olive Garden race car

ORLANDO, Fla.-Team Olive Garden has selected Pirelli's P Zero racing tires for the Ferrari 550 Maranello GTS it is supporting in the American LeMans Series.

Pirelli and the Italian restaurant chain also partnered with two Ferrari 333 SPs in the 1999 racing series.

Olive Garden sponsors the series as part of its ''Drive Against Hunger'' program. The restaurant chain donates to food banks in each city in the racing circuit. Also, for every lap the Team Olive Garden completes, the company donates dinners to families in that city.

RMA honors plants for safety

WASHINGTON-The Rubber Manufacturers Association recognized 77 tire and rubber manufacturing facilities for improvements in worker health and safety in the past year.

The Safety and Health Improvement Program (SHIP) awards were presented at the RMA's annual meeting last month in Palm Springs, Calif. The awards, which were begun in 1981, are in two categories: excellence and improved. Excellence marks facilities that had an incidence rate 75 percent better than the average of other plants.

Among the ''excellence'' winners were plants operated by Bridgestone/Firestone, Pirelli Tire North America Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and Titan International Inc.

Pirelli said its improved safety record was spurred by its Modular Integrated Roboticized System (MIRS), which replaces traditional hand-fabricated tire production and makes a new tire in about three minutes.

A complete list of the winning plants is available on the RMA's Web site, www.rma.org.

Michelin to invest in Okla. plant

ARDMORE, Okla.-Michelin North America Inc. has budgeted $144 million over five years to boost capacity at its Ardmore tire plant for making larger diameter passenger and light truck tires, 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes.

The investment is contingent upon Michelin's receiving a state-funded incentive package, the company said. The project will include a physical expansion at the facility.

The Greenville, S.C.-based tire maker now has a pending investment of $200 million at the 34-year-old plant. The project will allow the Ardmore facility-which makes Uniroyal- and BFGoodrich-brand radial and bias-ply passenger and light truck tires-to produce Michelin tires as well. The site serves both the original equipment and replacement markets.

Arnco to supply Bobcat SuperFlex

BALDWIN, N.Y.-Arnco and Bobcat Co. have agreed to offer Bobcat skid steer loader tires filled with Arnco's SuperFlex polyurethane flat-proofing material as optional equipment.

The companies will offer SuperFlex for Bobcat heavy-duty tires and Bobcat severe tires with the purchase or rental of all Bobcat Skid steer loader models. Bobcat dealers and rental outlets can fill the tires themselves, purchase SuperFlex-filled wheel assemblies from Bobcat, order them as a factory-installed option on a new machine, or have the wheel assemblies filled at an Arnco certified dealer.

Arnco also will be working with Bobcat dealers to ensure they have sufficient material, training and support, as well as offering dealers retreading capabilities.

Falken sponsors Pikes Peak race

RANCHO CUCAMONGO, Calif.-Factory Tuned, the premium performance products division of Falken Tire Corp., signed on as an official sponsor for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year.

The division is joined by its parent company, which signed on as the title sponsor for three years.

''We see Pikes Peak as a great tool for us,'' said Darren Thomas, director of marketing for Falken Tire. ''Pikes Peak is all about power and style, control and speed. These are the elements we offer with Factory Tuned...We plan on being very competitive in the marketplace, and I believe this partnership shows that commitment.''

The 2003 race is from June 22-28 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The event has been run on the slopes of the 14,110-foot mountain since 1916.

Companies offer 'mudder tire'

FINDLAY, Ohio-Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. and Dirt Gripz Inc. have teamed up to offer Hercules dealers and distributors a branded ''mudder tire'' program.

The Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip on/off-road light truck radial-marketed by Akron-based Dirt Gripz-will become, Hercules said, another addition to its dealers' ''broad line of competitive and profitable branded programs,'' noting ''mudder tires'' are ''the hottest trend'' for street and off-road driving.

The tire-named for famed race driver and, later, tire dealership owner Parnelli Jones-''is ideal for extreme terrain conditions,'' Hercules said. It offers aggressive on/off road performance and style, aided by a ''distinctive 'PJ' tread,'' beefy lug design and wide footprint that provides ''outstanding traction while maintaining a quiet ride and long mileage on road,'' the company added.

Manufactured by Denman Tire Corp., the tires are six- and 10-ply rated and available in 21 sizes.

Goodyear, TRW partner on study

AKRON-Goodyear has signed a five-year agreement with TRW Automotive to jointly study tires, braking, suspension and steering systems in order to boost product development for auto makers.

Under the agreement, Goodyear will share its design integration and manufacturing knowledge in conventional and extended mobility tires, plus its engineered rubber products such as airsprings, bushings and mountings. The tire maker also will share information about functional areas related to ride, handling, traction, wear, noise and vibration.

In turn, Livonia, Mich.-based TRW will share design and engineering knowledge of advanced braking, steering and suspension systems, including how the company uses the technology to improve braking and performance.

Pirelli gains Dodge, BMW OE fitments

ROME, Ga.-Pirelli Tire North America Inc. has snagged the original equipment fitment for the new Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10.

The Ram SRT-10 boasts the automotive industry's largest engine in a factory pickup truck-an 8.3 liter V-10 that churns out 500 horsepower. The truck will be shod with 305/40R22 114W XL high-performance Pirelli Scorpion Zeros, which the tire maker said are some of the largest tires it builds.

The Scorpion Zeros will be the first SUV tires produced at Pirelli's new Rome, Ga., factory using its automated MIRS (Modular Integrated Roboticized System) technology.

Meanwhile, Pirelli P Zero Rossos will outfit the latest wheels offered by AC Schnitzer, a German tuner enhancement supplier, for the BMW 7 Series. The Schnitzer 7 Series comes exclusively with 10.5-inch by 22-inch Type II alloy wheels that will be fitted with Pirelli sizes 265/30ZR22 on the front and 295/25ZR22 on the rear.

QDS creates Web-based seminars

BOISE, Idaho-Quality Design Systems (QDS) Inc., a provider of business information solutions to the tire and automotive service industries, has created a Web seminar series for tire dealers.

The monthly online series is designed to be an interactive forum for dealers to learn about issues affecting business in a challenging economy, QDS said. Topics range from Internet security to improving customer service. Each seminar is free and expected to last less than a half-hour, according to Boise-based QDS.

Upcoming seminars include:

* Internet security-looks at some security threats to businesses, including viruses, hackers and internal human error, plus ways to protect data.

* The customer experience-shows dealers ways to inspire trust in their customers and to sell additional needed services.

* Customer retention-explores ways dealers can differentiate themselves from their competition to win repeat customers.

For more details about the seminars, click on www.qds-solutions.com.

Midas reports mixed earnings

ITASCA, Ill.-As it continues to restructure, auto service provider Midas Inc. reported a net loss of $5 million for the fourth quarter and earnings of $4.5 million for the year, excluding special charges.

Those charges, which total $62.3 million for 2002, are related to restructuring costs, including $26.3 million for the write-down of inventories associated with the sale and disposition of the firm's Parts Warehouse Inc. quick-delivery distribution operation. After a fourth-quarter 2002 decision to exit the PWI business, Midas has closed 17 PWI sites in 2003 and is in the process of selling another 19 locations. After the sales, Midas said it will operate 41 PWI sites, down from 77.

Midas expects to be out of the quick-delivery business by year's end, by which time it would have sold or closed the remaining 41 PWI sites.

Another $3.3 million of the special charges are from the firm's plans to close three of its remaining 12 wholesale distribution centers in 2003.

Including the charges, Midas reported a net loss of $40.4 million for the quarter and a net loss of $33.6 million for the year.

Sales in the fourth quarter were down to $74.8 million from $79.4 million in 2001, primarily because of lower wholesale product sales, Midas reported. For the year, sales were up slightly to $333.0 million from $331.5 million.

In 2002, Midas also began a program to sell tires at its more than 2,000 franchise outlets nationwide. TBC Corp. agreed to supply the tires.

LOAD-DATE: April 01, 2003

6 of 15 DOCUMENTS

South Bend Tribune (Indiana)

October 27, 2002 Sunday Michigan Edition

SECTION: BUSINESS; Pg. B1; THE BOTTOM LINE

LENGTH: 718 words

HEADLINE: Let's all go to Hummerland

BYLINE: By ED SEMMLER

BODY: OK, here's a wacky idea.

How about Hummerland?

For maybe $50 or so, you would get into a type of amusement park aimed at those who would enjoy watching and perhaps experiencing the off-road experience.

What better place to do it than Michiana. After all, we already produce the baddest off-road vehicle in the world -- the Humvee and its civilian counterpart the Hummer H1.

Don't laugh. Military instructors, H1 owners and dealers have been visiting the South Bend-Mishawaka area for years to learn how to properly drive and maintain the Humvee and the H1.

The visitors keep area hotels, restaurants and caterers busy even when there isn't a University of Notre Dame home football game.

This past week about 100 technicians from around the country visited here for training on how to maintain Hummers.

The week prior, eight H1 owners and their guests paid $5,000 each to learn about the H1s they own. The Hummer Driving Academy participants were from New Jersey and California and states in between. They stayed at the Marriott in downtown South Bend as do most of the groups that AM General Corp. brings to the area. They dined at area restaurants like LaSalle Grill, Hanayori of Japan and Tippecanoe Place.

The visitors toured the Mishawaka factory where Humvees and H1s are built, they learned how to enjoy nature without brutalizing it and they discovered the extreme off-road capabilities of the H1s they purchased.

Did you know the H1 can climb a 22-inch wall, that it can cross a stream that is 30-inches deep, that its body is designed to flex when crossing extreme terrain, pitching from side to side at 21 degree angles and half its tires off the ground?

Words can't describe the jaw-dropping experience of driving -- or watching -- an H1 claw over obstacles that appear to be impassable.

Participants in the Hummer Academy also learned how to use night vision goggles, travel on sand dunes in Southwest Michigan and operate a winch properly.

An H1 was purposely wedged on top of a hill with all four tires in the air; another was planted deep in sand. Did you know there's such a thing as a sand anchor? When the winch is activated and its cable starts winding in, the sand anchor digs deeper until it generates enough resistance to pull the vehicle out.

Did you know you shouldn't stand over a taut winch in case it slips or snaps? Did you know the cable has to be recoiled carefully in order to prevent kinks or jams?

Most of us will never make our own butter, maple syrup or wine, but we'll certainly turn out en masse for a chance to try it or watch someone else do it.

AM General currently offers three or four weeklong Hummer academies each year, and interest has been growing since the company began offering civilian training about five years ago.

It's more than likely that General Motors Corp., which owns the Hummer civilian brand, could begin offering a shorter training course beginning next year for those purchasing the new $50,000 H2, which also is made in Mishawaka.

Demand is already there.

AM General currently has about seven trainers. If it begins conducting H2 training at its 320-acre complex on Chippewa Avenue in South Bend, it likely will have to consider increasing its staff.

Further expansion of the Hummer experience seems to be a natural. It's funny how the $100,000 price tag for an H1 doesn't seem so far fetched after experiencing the capabilities of the truck.

This talk about a Hummerland might seem nonsensical to you, but it doesn't to a handful of entrepreneurs across the country who are using Hummers for back-country adventures.

Marc Balocco, a native of southern France, has been running a Hummer driving school, short excursions and multi-day luxury safaris the past few years in Arizona with his five H1s. Now the president of Hummer Affair is considering a dude ranch outside of Dallas with H1s, horses and cabins.

Sure northern Arizona might beat us on scenery, but we have plenty of cruddy weather, sand dunes, mud and rough terrain to test the Hummer. And if we have to, we could even borrow from Disney and build some concrete mountains.

Ed Semmler's The Bottom Line column appears on Sundays. If you have a comment or suggestion, contact him at esemmler@sbtinfo.com or at (574) 235-6466.

LOAD-DATE: November 6, 2002

7 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Grounds Maintenance

February 2001

SECTION: EQUIPMENT OPTIONS; ISSN: 0017-4688

LENGTH: 1661 words

HEADLINE: Smoothing out the rough spots

BYLINE: Wallace "Tinker" Clift

BODY:

No scalping? No problem. Mowers for rough terrain don't have to be

rough on turf.

It's not too much to ask for. You want a rotary mower that is

comfortable, can cut turf fast and handle any kind of terrain. Oh

yeah, and no scalping, right? No longer is this combination of

specifications just wishful thinking. Manufacturers have answered

with equipment that can do it all without scalping turf down to dirt

clumps.

The need for rotaries

For many years, turf managers faced with mowing large acreage had few

choices. They would use PTO-driven agriculture mowers called

"shredders" that they pulled behind tractors. The industry responded

by creating rotary mowers designed exclusively for the landscape turf

manager.

These rotary mowers - self-propelled models as well as those that

implement pull-behind technology - evolved into machines that could

cut all kinds of grass. Turf managers are showing their appreciation:

Ninety-eight percent of all mowers sold today are rotary mowers.

Now without the scalping

Until recently, rotary-mower technology was limited to higher cutting

heights. At 2 inches or lower, most rotary decks would scalp turf on

uneven ground. Even with floating designs, wide decks would scalp

uneven terrain at lower heights. What the industry needed was a mower

with all the inherent advantages of existing rotary mowers but that

could cut at lower heights.

Now, several manufacturers are building quality finishing mowers that

follow contours and cut as close as 0.5 inch without scalping.

These newer cutting units come as self-propelled or pull behind. What

makes them different from other rotaries is the size and number of

cutting decks and the number of rollers per deck.

Choose from the following options

p Striping. One of the disadvantages of rotary mowers is lack of

striping. However, this can be overcome with the addition of rear

rollers on some rotary cutting decks. These rollers also help reduce

scalping.

p Deck design. The design of the cutting decks is also an indicator

of scalp prevention. The decks should pivot side to side and front to

back, and move up and down independently to closely follow ground

contours.

Anti-scalp rollers, present on most mower decks, should be more

numerous on contour mowers, especially with rigid decks.

However, other options are available, such as flexible decks. A few

manufacturers even supply mowers with several completely independent

decks. Looking at your options, you'll see that some mowers are

fairly conventional with a few extras added for better performance on

rough terrain. Others are specifically designed for contours. Your

needs will determine which is right for you.

p Safety. One of the most important characteristics to look for is

safety. Rotary mowers can sling objects with incredible force and,

thus, present a real risk of injury to the operator and bystanders.

Some manufacturers offer a range of discharge options. Consider the

direction of the deck discharge as a safety consideration, especially

if you mow with pedestrians or golfers in close proximity.

Strong rollover protection and seat belts should not be considered

optional for mowing on sloped ground. A low center of gravity and

rollover protection structure (ROPS) should be mandatory for these

situations.

p Traction. Traction is especially important on uneven terrain, so

consider tires and drive systems. Hydrostatic 4-wheel drive with

differential lock is a good choice for extreme terrain. One

manufacturer has a hydraulic weight-transfer system that shifts the

weight of the deck to the vehicle to aid in hill climbing.

Customize your contour mower

With so much versatility in the selection of rotary mowers, you

should be able to match a mower to every mowing situation you

encounter. Who would have ever imagined that we would have the

ability to cut large amounts of grass at 0.5 inch - not to mention

stripe - with rotary mowers?

And if that weren't enough, mulching decks are now an option on most

manufacturers' rotary mowers.

With all of these options, you should have no trouble smoothing out the rough.

Who: Cub Cadet Commercial

What: The Tank

Description: The M60's ground-following, pivoting front axle is

designed to eliminate turf scalping. The mower is powered by a

Kawasaki V-twin OHV engine available in 23 or 25 hp. The 60-inch deck

has a 10-gauge steel top, reinforced at the spindle area.

Who: John Deere

What: 1400 Front Series

Description: Foot-activated differential locks allow you to lock both

drive wheels together for extra traction on hillsides and in slippery

conditions. The lower center of gravity and wider tread width as well

as optional 4-wheel drive offer increased stability and traction in

forward and reverse. Liquid-cooled Yanmar engines power the mowers,

which are available with deck widths of 60 and 72 inches.

Who: DewEze

What: ATM Series

Description: The automatic self-leveling systems of the ATM-72 and

ATM 725 keeps the operator, engine and controls vertical for mowing

on slopes 30 degrees or more, depending on turf conditions. The two

halves of the 70-inch (ATM-725) and 72-inch (ATM-72) decks float

independently to make a clean cut in ditches, over crowns and on

uneven terrain. The ATM-72 has an air-cooled diesel, 3-cylinder,

27-hp engine while the ATM-725 is powered by an air-cooled gas, 25-hp

engine.

Who: Encore

What: Mid Cut Prowler

Description: The Mid Cut ahs a full floating deck that articulates,

following terrain with the front wheels but independent of the mower.

This keeps both front wheels on the ground over rough terrain to

improve the stability of the ride and the cut while reducing

scalping. To provide a level cut at high speeds, a PTO shaft feeds

power to the blades and a heavy-gauge welded steel deck with special

reinforcement channels controlling vibration.

Who: Ferris

What: IS 4000Z

Description: The full 4-wheel IS Independent Suspension is designed

to improve the quality of cut. The IS system on the rear wheels

separates the chassis from the cutter deck by connecting the rear

deck to the wheel motor bracket. This reduces instances of scalping.

It also forces the rear drive wheels down, minimizing breaks in

contact. Consistency of cut is further enhanced with front suspension

system: two suspension arms with shock/spring combination attached to

each front wheel. Choose from 61- or 72-inch cutting widths, 27-hp

Kawasaki or 31-hp Daihatsu engines, respectively.

Who: Ingersoll

What: Hydra Cutter Mower

Description: The 48-inch cutter with hydraulic motor cuts weeds and

brush up to 1-inch thick. The single steel blade with swinging knives

on each end provides a cutting width of 48 inches. The cutting height

is adjustable from the tractor seat. The tractor-mounted front bumper

pushes over tall weeds, providing one-pass cutting.

Who: LasTec

What: 421D

Description: With four articulating 21-inch cutting decks and

hydrostatic drive, the 421D offers stability with a low-center of

gravity that provides greater side-hill stability and safer cutting

on severe terrain. It is powered by a 38-hp Kubota water-cooled

diesel engine.

Who: Progressive Turf Equipment

What: Pro-Flex 120

Description: With this new pull-behind, five independent floating

decks give you the flexibility required to mow contoured areas not

suited for traditional rotary mowers. The mower can also cut grass

while in reverse. Cutting heights are adjustable in 0.25-inch

increments from 1 inch to 3.25 inches. The mower comes complete and

ready to mow, and requires 30 to 40 hp.

Who: Ransomes

What: AR 250

Description: This articulating rotary mower features five steerable

floating cutting units, allowing it to closely follow ground contours

and perform in a variety of cutting conditions. It is powered by a

36-hp standard or 44-hp turbo-charged Kubota diesel engine. It offers

a parallel-series, 4-wheel-drive transmission for increased power and

traction, as well as 98-inches cutting width. Side-discharge and

Envirodeck twin-blade mulching decks are available.

Who: Rich Manufacturing

What: The Convertible

Description: Specifically designed to accommodate rough terrain, this

commercial mower doubles as a zero-turn riding mower and a

walk-behind. As a riding mower, it can cut turfgrass at speeds up to

9 mph. With a flip of a lever, you can convert it into a hydro

walk-behind for hard-to-reach areas. Choose from a Kohler or Kawasaki

engine, and deck sizes of 48, 52 and 61 inches.

Who: Swisher

What: Trailmower

Description: The 60-inch Trailmower features a floating deck to reduce

scalping when mowing uneven terrain. It attaches to lawn tractors and

ATVs for any large mowing application. The side-discharge cutting

deck is made with rugged, heavy steel and offers variable

height-adjustment handles.

Who: Toro

What: Groundsmaster 3500-D

Description: The 3500-D gives you the ability to vary tire tracking

with the Sidewinder cutting system, allowing the decks to slide 12

inches to the left and right of center. The Series/Parallel 3-wheel

drive traction system provides extra traction for steep areas. The

mower has three independent, Contour Plus 27-inch semi-recycling

decks and is powered by a 32-hp Kubota turbo-diesel engine. The mower

provides a 68-inch width of cut with an optional 72-inch width for

less undulating turf.

Who: Wright Manufacturing

What: Sentar

Description: The Operator Balance Control allows you to radically

adjust your weight distribution to tackle steep inclines and uneven

terrain with this mower. It also allows you to shift from standing to

sitting while mowing. The Rapid-Hite adjustment changes the deck

height in seconds while maintaining the deck, pulley and belt

alignment.

LOAD-DATE: March 1, 2001

8 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)

August 15, 1999, Sunday, FINAL EDITION

SECTION: OUTDOORS, Pg. 2G

LENGTH: 2036 words

HEADLINE: OUTDOOR HOTLINE

BODY:

Whale of a sight

Three humpback whales feed near Kenai Fjords National Park south of Seward on Wednesday.

Mixed news for moose hunters

Good news for Southcentral Alaska moose hunters this fall -- some seasons have been extended. Bad news for Southcentral Alaska moose hunters this fall -- a winter of heavy snow hit moose populations on the Kenai Peninsula hard. The number of legal spike-fork bulls on the Kenai is likely to be down, and the number of legal moose with antlers 50 inches or more is always low. Meanwhile, the Susitna Valley is getting longer seasons. Hunters in Game Management Units 14A, 14B, 14C and 16 get an extra five days in September. That is intended to help them find old, mature bulls. Hunts in all areas remain limited to bulls with antlers more than 50 inches or with spikes -- the so-called spike fork-50 rule. While hunters in the Susitna Valley game management units are getting the end of their hunting seasons extended from Sept. 20 to Sept. 25, the opposite is happening in the Nelchina Basin. Opening dates there have been moved back from Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 because of shrinking moose populations.

Trail grants distributed

More than 25 Alaska communities and organizations will get recreational trail grants of $ 6,000 to $ 30,000 this year, according to Gov. Tony Knowles. Locally, money is going to help build a Sisson-Mize connector trail at Kincaid Park; put up the new Eklutna Lake Cabin; start marking old trail right-of-ways regionwide; groom 200 miles of winter trail in the Caribou Hills on the Kenai Peninsula; restore the North Fork Hills, Olson Mountain and Caribou Lake trails in the Homer area; repair the Tonsina Creek trail; and provide grooming and upgrading for snowmobile and dog-mushing trails in the Susitna Valley.

Army sees benefits of mountain bikes

The U.S. Army has discovered the mountain bike, according to the September issue of ''Bicycling'' magazine. The 1st Tactical Studies Group, Light Airborne Division, is studying whether bikes with ''solid-foam tires, laser pointers, bullet shields, weapons mounts and stealth technology'' could increase military mobility. ''Some factions of the military are just finding out what you and I have known for years,'' the magazine reports. ''The Extreme Terrain Bike (or mountain bike for you civvies) is the most efficient and expeditious way to move cross-country without the logistics 'tail' that follows mechanized vehicles.'' Sgt. Mike Sparks, director of the study, theorizes units of the light infantry could be air-dropped with their bikes near combat zones at night, cycle 25 to 50 miles to their targets under the cover of darkness and attack at dawn with a huge element of surprise. He admits he is having a tough time selling the idea of a ''bike-mobile'' infantry to his superiors. Not sure it's anything but a novelty, they're refusing to expand the program. The same was once said about police officers on bikes, but many cities now have officers patrolling on mountain bikes.

Search for mushrooms

Hiker Dick Lloyd is off on another mushroom search next Sunday at 2 p.m. He will take anyone who wants to go along on a three-mile tour of the Rapids Camp Loop Trail at Eagle River while helping spot and identify mushrooms, along with the kinds of habitats in which you can expect to find them. Bring a basket, paper towels, a 6-inch knife and a water bottle. Wear your hiking boots. For more information, call 694-2108.

Alaska slide show planned

Wilderness educator and guide Deb Ajango leads a photo tour of ''Wilderness Adventuring in Alaska'' Monday night at the Pioneer Schoolhouse. Part of the Sierra Club's ''Celebrate Wild Alaska'' series of summer entertainment, the program starts at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Fly Fishers meet

The executive board of the Alaska Fly Fishers meets 6 p.m. Tuesday at the NBA Building at 301 W. Northern Lights Boulevard. All club members are welcome to attend.

Denali road considered

The National Park Service says it can't decide which route is best for a new road from the Denali Park Road along Spruce Creek to a private land holding in the Kantishna Hills. The owners of the inholding want to build a wilderness lodge. They originally proposed a 10-mile, improved road over the route of an existing mining road branching off the Denali Park Road at Mile 88. The Park Service didn't like that because the road would cross Moose, Spruce and a number of other creeks some 30 times. So the federal agency studied a route along the Moose Creek bench and then across Rainy, Dry and Glen creeks, and a ridge-top route from the park road to Glen Creek and then over a bench to Spruce Creek. ''At this time,'' Denali National Park and Preserve Superintendent Steve Martin concluded in a draft environmental impact statement, ''the NPS has no clear preference.'' The Park Service has tried to buy the property but has been unable to make a deal. A public hearing on access plans is set for Anchorage Aug. 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. in Room BEB-101 of the Business Education Building at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Boat owners: beware of waves

Almost a third of boat sinkings are attributable to waves coming over the stern or sides, according to a new study by the BOAT/U.S. Marine Insurance. The group is warning owners of outboard-powered boats to take a careful look at transom heights. Of the boats swamped by waves in the study, about 90 percent had transom cutouts only inches above the water. People who own such boats should be particularly cautious of weight distribution. Owners should avoid loading heavy items in the stern. The next biggest cause for open-water sinkings, the group discovered, is leaks from through hulls -- stuffing boxes, bait-well discharge plugs, knot-meter plugs, saltwater intakes and the like. Those accounted for 18 percent of sinkings. Next on the list were raw-water cooling and exhaust leaks, 12 percent; missing drain plugs, another 12 percent; groundings and subsequent flooding, 10 percent; and hulls split open by waves or other boat wakes, 6 percent. The boats in the study ranged from a 54-foot, ocean-going sailboat to a personal watercraft. Open-water sinkings, the insurance group added, account for a minority of sinkings. For every one boat that sinks while under way, four sink at the dock.

Brooks Camp relocation under way

Plans to relocate Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve are proceeding, according to the National Park Service. Concerned about contacts between tourists and the brown bears at the Brooks River, the federal agency is planning to move the camp and all park facilities south of the river, out of sight of the water. Visitors who could once watch the bears from their back doors at Brooks Camp will now be shuttled by bus to trails that lead to bear-viewing areas. Brooks Camp will be rebuilt at the ''Beaver Pond Terrace'' some distance to the south of the river. This will make the north side of the river, according to the Park Service, ''the exclusive domain of the bears and other wildlife....'' Construction is to be done in phases over the next two summers. Work on a new elevated boardwalk and another viewing platform along the river, to separate humans and bears, is scheduled to begin this year. For information, call Heather Todd at 257-2674.

Peninsula caribou hunt OK'd

The Federal Subsistence Board has refused to lock non-subsistence hunters out of caribou hunts on the southern Alaska Peninsula. The False Pass Tribal Council had asked the board to eliminate all competition for caribou there. The board said no. With the once-declining Southern Alaska Peninsula herd on the rebound and a record of low caribou harvests by non-area residents, ''the board felt there was not a biological reason to justify closing federal public lands in this area for the taking of caribou to non-subsistence users,'' according to a press release. More information is available by calling Donna Dewhurst at 786-3888.

Spruce beetles go hungry

Spruce bark beetles only killed about 3,000 acres of trees on the Kenai Peninsula last year, according to a report from the U.S. Forest Service, but that's in part because the insects are running out of trees to kill. About 130,000 acres of Forest Service land, half the forested acres on the Kenai Peninsula portion of the Chugach National Forest, have been damaged, according to the federal agency. Scientists expect beetle damage to decline in the years ahead. The federal agency is still wrestling with plans for removing trees, minimizing fire dangers and trying to determine the long-term affects on wildlife of the huge habitat change caused by the beetles.

Salmon lecture planned

Join the staff of the Eagle River Nature Center on Sunday at 2 p.m. to welcome back the salmon from the sea. The staff will discuss the life cycle of the salmon and help guide you to the best locations for viewing the fish. The program is free. For more information, call 694-2108.

Silver angling banned

A no-show of silver salmon in the Nushagak and Mulchatna rivers in Southwest Alaska has lead to a closure of all silver salmon sport fishing there. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game said anglers are prohibited from even attempting to fish for silvers. Any caught while fishing for trout or other species must be released immediately unharmed. Subsistence fishing is being limited to Dillingham beaches, the Nushagak commercial fishing district and small portions of the Nushagak and Wood rivers because of the weak return. According to Fish and Game, only about 20,000 silvers have been counted past Portage Creek to date. That's only a fifth of the needed spawning escapement of 100,000. Commercial fisheries for red salmon have been closed since July 26 because of an incidental catch of about 3,000 silvers. Biologists are now projecting they will get only two-thirds of the silvers they need for adequate spawning. A continued weak run could lead to the closure of the subsistence fishery in a few days, according to Fish and Game. For information, call area Sport Fish management biologist Dan Dunaway in Dillingham at 1-907-842-2427.

Mulchatna heard continues growth

The booming Mulchatna caribou herd, growing as much as 10 percent a year, is now over 200,000 animals and continuing to expand from its traditional range in the Iliamna Lake area, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Some animals from the herd have spread as far north and west as Bethel and as far east as McGrath. Fish and Game spokesman Bruce Bartley said ''the herd is growing and exploring.'' That should make for good hunting this fall. But hunters are being warned to watch for disease. The Mulchatna herd suffered a breakout of hoof rot last year, and now there is concern about brucellosis. The only risk to people, according to Fish and Game, comes from contact with bacteria while butchering animals. Both the bacteria of hoof rot and brucellosis are isolated to joints, reproductive organs or abscesses. They are not found in the meat. Biologists advise hunters to avoid animals with swollen joints. If you do shoot such an animal, don't cut into the joint. Remove the entire leg. The meat is safe to eat as long as it is thoroughly cooked.

Winter thins deer, goat populations

The heavy snow that hammered Kenai Peninsula moose took an even greater tool on deer and mountain goats around Prince William Sound and on Kodiak Island, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Biologists in both areas reported substantial winter kills. How much of that will be noticed by hunters this fall remains to be seen. Deer hunting efforts, in particular, focus on large, mature bucks and much of the winter loss is of yearlings and fawns. Plus, deer populations, particularly on Kodiak, were high before the winter kill. Kodiak area biologist Larry Van Daele said the winter kill there was probably one of the largest on record, but ''the long-term deer outlook should only be a matter of concern if the area is hit with deep and persistent snows again.''

-- Compiled by Craig Medred

LOAD-DATE: August 18, 1999

9 of 15 DOCUMENTS

USA TODAY

July 16, 1999, Friday, FINAL EDITION

SECTION: LIFE; Pg. 3D

LENGTH: 644 words

HEADLINE: 10 great places to ... get off the beaten trail

BYLINE: Cathy Lynn Grossman

BODY:

Mountain bikers want more from a getaway than grit in their hair.

Maurice Tierney, publisher of Dirt Rag Magazine (www.dirt

ragmag.com), looks for well-nurtured trails, heads-up scenery

and an inviting atmosphere. He suggests these places to thrill,

then chill:

Slatyfork, W.Va.

This mountain hamlet is "an East Coast mecca" that welcomes

bikers from everywhere. For an epic all-day ride -- and a shuttle

bus ride back -- start at the Elk River Touring Center (304-572-3771

or www.ertc.com) near the Monongahela National Forest. Or head

to Snowshoe Mountain Resort and "ride the shuttle up, bomb down

and then do it again after lunch." Information: 304-572-6538

or www.snowshoemtn.com.

Potawatomi Trail, Pinckney, Mich.

"Local activists have nurtured this trail for years, making it

one of the finest singletrack trails (so narrow that only a single

bike fits) in the Midwest." Veteran riders of lower Michigan's

longest, most grueling trail call it the "Pot-oh." Riders can

choose any distance from 3 miles to the full 18-mile loop through

the forested Pinckney National Recreation area. Information: Michigan

Mountain Biking Association, 616-785-0120 or www.mmba.org.

Moab, Utah

The high desert is "hard to beat for scenery, extreme terrain

and an incredible infrastructure of riding opportunities." Moab's

Slickrock Trail through canyon country and the annual Fat Tire

Festival (this year, Oct. 12-16) draw riders from around the world.

Information: Moab Area Chamber of Commerce, 800-635-6622 or www.moab.net.

Laguna Beach, Calif.

The world-class Telonics Trail is "steep, twisty and very rocky.

Watch out for the wrecked cars at the bottom." Start in the ocean-side

artists' colony, climb past handsome cliff-side homes to the "Top

of the World" area, then head on down. Five-time national downhill

champ Brian Lopes rides this one. Information: Laguna Beach Cyclery,

949-494-1522.

Sun Valley, Idaho

This glamorous ski hangout, "a sleepy town in summer," has "a

huge quantity of trails including awesome singletracks and not

a lot of riders -- yet." Information: Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber

of Commerce, 800-634-3347 or visitsunvalley.com.

Flagstaff, Ariz.

A favorite outing is a "one-hour climb up Mount Elden for an

incredible view of Arizona, followed by a thrilling downhill ride.

If the weather's bad, just shoot down to Sedona (a 30-mile drive)

for equally awesome terrain." Information: Peaks Ranger District,

520-526-0866.

Tsali trails, N.C.

At the Tsali Recreation Area -- along Fontana Lake in the Nantahala

National Forest, south of the Smoky Mountains -- beginners can

enjoy "rolling, well-maintained trails where you won't be picking

rocks out of your teeth, but the expert rider can settle into

a fast pace." Information: Nantahala Outdoor Center, 828-488-2175

or www.noc.com.

Mount Snow, Vt.

This Green Mountains ski town, self-proclaimed Mountain Bike Capital

of the East, boasts "a big trail network with many challenging

choices." Among the first resort areas to allow bikes on ski

lifts, Mount Snow was the first to run a riding school and to

hold national competitions. Information: Mount Snow, 802-464-4040

or www.mountsnow.com.

Jim Thorpe, Pa.

The legendary athlete never rode a mountain bike, but the Western

Poconos town bearing his name offers "awesome riding all around.

A lot of the trails lead to this quaint, welcoming town." Information:

Blue Mountain Sports, 570-325-4421.

Crested Butte, Colo.

Home of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and annual Fat Tire Bike

Week in June, Crested Butte has unbeatable trails. "The 401 Trail

may be the best I ever did. And this ski town" -- wildflower-strewn

in summer -- "has all the amenities you need, too." Information:

Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce, 800-545-4505.

GRAPHIC: PHOTO, B/W, Skip Brown; PHOTO, B/W, Frank Mendonca, Grand County Travel Council; PHOTO, B/W, Robert Bossi; PHOTO, B/W, Michael Yoksich; On top of the world: Mountain biking tours take riders through secluded scenic byways of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia's Pocahontas County. Canyon country: The Slickrock Trail in Moab, Utah, is coveted rugged terrain. Need a lift? Mount Snow, Vt., was one of the first resort areas to allow mountain bikes on ski lifts. Trail blazer: Dianne Yoksich moves along the Potawatomi Trail (wide enough for only a single bike) in Pinckney, Mich. Bikers can choose to ride between 3 to 18 miles through the recreation area.

LOAD-DATE: July 16, 1999

10 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Tire Business

July 05, 1999

Correction Appended

SECTION: News; Pg. 11

LENGTH: 1125 words

HEADLINE: MICKEY THOMPSON TARGETS OFF-ROAD, HEAVY-DUTY NICHES

BYLINE: Vera Fedchenko Tire Business staff

BODY:

STOW, Ohio--As Roger Simmons drives a Dodge Dakota down a winding country road in Stow, you'd think by the sound of it that he was piloting an airplane down a runway.

With the pickup raised on a set of 33-inch high Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires that look like they could trample a fire hydrant without being punctured, Mr. Simmons demonstrates one reason why the light truck tire market keeps growing--many guys think pickups with big, rumbling tires are cool.

While pickup truck owners do look for tires to enhance their vehicles' ability to haul and function off-road, many like the image of a rugged vehicle and just ''want to hear their tires sing,'' said Brian Downard, regional marketing manager for Mickey Thompson Tires.

Those perceptions and attitudes work well for Mickey Thompson, which has found it can profit from rising demand for light truck tires by selling its products for special uses or tastes, such as Hummers or replica vehicles, said Mr. Simmons, also a regional marketing manager for Mickey Thompson.

The company's involvement in desert racing naturally brought it to designing and marketing light truck tires that can perform off-road much like the desert racing vehicles, said Jerry Francis, eastern marketing manager. The Stow-based private brand marketer of performance tires and wheels earns 40 percent of its sales from light truck tires, Mr. Simmons said.

The firm sells light truck tires up to 39 inches high, particularly for those enthusiasts who romp off-road in the rocky terrains of Moab, Utah, or Baja California (Mexico), Mr. Simmons said.

About 10 to 20 percent of Mickey Thompson's sales come from these off-roaders. The company declined to disclose its annual sales.

Mickey Thompson listens closely to what its customers want and how they use their light truck tires, Mr. Downard said. In each region of the U.S., pickup owners like to ''play'' in different terrains--from the deserts of the Southwest to the muddy, rocky areas of the East.

''Wherever the terrain is, they'll find it,'' Mr. Downard said.

Although the sport-utility vehicle market also continues to grow, Mickey Thompson has found that pickup truck owners are more interested in buying the larger LT tires.

''You see some SUV guys with gnarly treads, but 90 percent are suburbanites and have passenger tires for a nice, quiet ride,'' Mr. Simmons said.

The company offers light truck tires in a Baja series. The most popular tires are the Baja Belted tire, an all-terrain tire that offers extra traction; the Baja Belted HP tire, which offers an aggressive tread pattern, but has a quieter ride on the highway; and the Baja MTX, Mickey Thompson's only radial light truck tire.

Most recently, Mickey Thompson developed its Baja Claw tire with the help of off-road enthusiasts who asked the firm to create an extreme-terrain tire for rock-climbing, Mr. Simmons said.

Unlike previous Baja lines, the firm allowed a few well-known off-road enthusiasts to see design prototypes of the Baja Claw and suggest tread patterns for different road conditions. The off-roaders told Mickey Thompson's engineers the type of grooves the tire needed for adhesion and traction.

The bias-belted tire features ''sidebiters''--raised rubber patches on each sidewall that protect against rocks and hydroplaning.

CORRECTION:

In the July 5 issue, the word ''sidebiters'' was used incorrectly as a generic term. Sidebiters is a registered trademark of Max-Trac Tire Co. Inc., which does business as Mickey Thompson Performance Tires.

GRAPHIC: Roger Simmons, regional marketing manager for Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels, shows off the Baja Claw--an extreme all-terrain tire with extensive tread on the sidewalls.: Goodyear's newest Wrangler light truck tire, seen here during testing in Moab, Utah, appears to feature "sidebiters"--tread-like elements that extend over the shoulder and down into the sidewall area.

LOAD-DATE: August 05, 1999

11 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Tire Business

May 24, 1999

SECTION: Briefs; Pg. 13

LENGTH: 526 words

HEADLINE: TIRE TRENDS

BODY:

Bandag

ATR-LT: commercial light truck, precure tread.

Features: aggressive traction tread with overlapping lug elements and element sipes; wide groove angles to help channel away water and snow; stabilizing tie-bars to increase treadwear; shoulder lugs to reduce irregular wear.

Sizes: target sizes are LT195/ 75R14 to 10R22.5 and equivalent bias-ply sizes.

ATR-M: truck, precure tread.

Features: similar to the ATR-LT, but designed for Class 6, 7 and 8 vehicles; 22/32nd-inch tread depth.

Sizes: fits a broad range, from 215/75R17.5 to 12R24.5, and equivalent bias-ply sizes.

Centennial

Interceptor TR: passenger/light truck, all-season, performance radial.

Features: T speed rating; UTQG rating--440 AB; 45,000-mile limited treadwear warranty; all-season tread design; variable-pitch tread and optimized bead construction to minimize noise and vibration; targeted at pickups, vans and classic ''muscle'' cars; raised-white-letter or black serrated sidewall design.

Sizes: a full range of 60-, 65- and 70-series sizes.

Interceptor Z: passenger, high-performance radial.

Features: V (50- and 55-series sizes) or W (40- and 45-series sizes) speed rating; designed to deliver optimum dry traction and handling; rim protector guards againt curb-impact damage to custom rims; targeted at smaller front-wheel-drive vehicles--primarily Japanese and European sport compact cars.

Sizes: 13 size for 15- to 18-inch rims, from P195/55R15 84V to 235/40ZR18 91W.

Dunlop

SP 581: truck, all-position radial for severe service, on-/off-road applications, including mining, logging and trash hauling.

New size: 11R22.5.

Firestone

FS567: truck, all-position radial for in-city, pickup-and-delivery and local hauling applications.

New sizes: 295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5 low-profile sizes, and 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 14-ply sizes; 16-ply versions of sizes 11R22.5 and and 11R24.5 will be available in the third quarter.

Kumho

Road Venture HT: light truck, all-season radial.

New sizes: seven 70- and 75-series P-metric sizes for 15- and 16-inch rims have been added to the lineup of LT-metric, wide-base and flotation sizes.

Michey Thompson

Baja Claw: light truck, extreme-terrain tire.

Features: polyester/fiberglass bias-belted construction; directional, self-cleaning ''monster-truck-type'' tread; relatively low noise level on the highway; circumferential grooves allow carcass to flex and conform to rocky terrain when aired down; ''sidebiter'' design aids flotation, protects sidewall from damage and provides a 20-inch-wide contact patch (on a tire with a designated tread width of 13.5 inches).

Sizes: 33213.50-15LT available now; also planned: 33213.50-16LT, 35213.50-15LT, 35213.50-16LT, 31211.50-15LT and 31211.50-16LT; all six-ply, load range C.

Pirelli

P6000 SportVeloce: passenger, all-season, high-performance radial.

New sizes: P225/50VR16 and P205/55VR16.

The new sizes are original equipment on the 1999 Volvo C70 coupe and convertible.

P7000 SuperSport: passenger, Z-rated, all-season ultra-high-performance radial.

New sizes: P265/35ZR18, P205/ 50ZR17, P255/35ZR18 and P205/ 45ZR16.

GRAPHIC: ATR-M Bandag: Interceptor Z Centennial: Baja Claw Mickey Thompson

LOAD-DATE: May 25, 1999

12 of 15 DOCUMENTS

The Evening Standard (Palmerston North)

August 27, 1998, Thursday

SECTION: SPORT; NATIONAL; Pg. 20

LENGTH: 382 words

HEADLINE: Birdman preys on world's best

BYLINE: MCGECHAN Andy

BODY:

PALMERSTON North motocross rider Steven Bird will be praying for gold when he embarks on his second International Six-Days Enduro campaign, in Australia in November.

"The Birdman" is accustomed to winning on both sides of the Tasman and is familiar with the sandy, rock-strewn terrain at Traralgon, south-east of Melbourne, venue for this year's crosscountry dirt-bike racing event.

Bird is a three-time former New Zealand champion and runnerup in the season just completed.

He won a silver medal in the ISDE on the only other occasion it's been staged in the southern hemisphere, in Australia in 1992.

"I'm going for gold and nothing less this time," said Bird. "I only missed out by 18 seconds in 1992."

Bird will be a key member of a powerful-looking New Zealand's six-man senior trophy team.

His team-mates are Tokoroa's Sean Clark (Honda), the man who snatched away Bird's national crown in July, New Plymouth's Doug Herbert (KTM), Te Awamutu's Mark Pollard (Kawasaki) and surprise newcomers to this branch of dirt bike racing, motocross professionals Darryll and Shayne King.

Factory Husqvarna rider Darryll King, 28, again secured runnerup spot in the world 500cc motocross championships this season, with one round still to run. Younger brother Shayne (factory KTM) still hopes to improve on his current eighth in the world standings at the final round this weekend in Germany.

The 26-year-old Bird will take a new Suzuki RM250 motocross bike to Australia, kitted with headlight and speedo as per endurance event rules.

A motorcycle mechanic, Bird should also have no problem with enduro regulations that demand riders complete their own running repairs. Riders carry a tool-belt and drink bottle.

With riders expecting to cover more than 1200km of extreme terrain during the six eight-hour days, flat tyres and broken spokes are sure to crop up.

A further 25 Kiwis are entered, including Marton farmer Paul Whibley and Linton soldier Mike Ross.

A Kiwi support crew of 60 is also expected to help out with bike and rider refuelling.

There will be 470 riders from 25 countries.

--------------------

CAPTION:

CORNER-KICK: Steven Bird, off to Australia to contest the international motorcycling equivalent of rallying. Photo by Andy McGechan.

LOAD-DATE: August 28, 1998

13 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Los Angeles Times

May 29, 1997, Thursday, Ventura County Edition

SECTION: Calendar; Part F; Page 7; Zones Desk

LENGTH: 907 words

HEADLINE: JAUNTS: IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY;

VENTURA COUNTY;

ROUTE TO WINNINGS;

POKER TRAIL RIDE GIVES LOCAL CYCLISTS A CHANCE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BEACH CENTER.

BYLINE: JANE HULSE and SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

BODY:

Mountain biking and poker playing may sound like an unlikely combination, but droves of bikers will descend on Point Mugu State Park on Sunday for wheeling and dealing.

If you're feeling vigorous--and lucky--you can join them for the annual Poker Trail Ride, a gritty, bumpy loop through Sycamore Canyon, sweetened by a little five-card draw along the way.

This wacky combo is offered annually by Back to Blue, an environmental group raising money for a new visitor center at Leo Carrillo State Beach, near the Ventura-Los Angeles County line.

What's in it for you? The best poker hand at the end of the ride takes home a new mountain bike worth at least $ 700.

Back to Blue started its annual ride five years ago. Last year the fund-raiser drew almost 300 adults and kids to Sycamore Canyon, one of the most popular spots for mountain biking.

So don't expect a solitary wilderness experience if you sign on for this ride. And a shot at winning a bike will cost you--$ 25 if you register at the event, $ 20 before Sunday.

Here's how it works. You have your choice of two courses in the canyon: a 15- or 9-mile ride. Along either route, you pass five stations where you get a card. At the end of the event, the best hand wins.

So far, the winning hands have been modest. Last year, three of a kind took the top prize. "Nothing higher than three of a kind ever wins," said Ken Millius, one of the event organizers. "People think they're going to be big hands."

Trading cards is a no-no, and organizers have made it difficult to bend the rules. At the start of the ride, participants get a paper plate with their number on it to pin to their shirt. Then, at each of the five stops, a volunteer staples a card to the plate.

With 300 people playing one giant game of five-card draw, obviously it takes more than one deck of cards. But that presents a ticklish situation: What if someone winds up with, say, three aces and they are all hearts?

"You have to have a true poker hand," Millius said. That eliminates the unlucky player with the knack for drawing the ace of hearts.

The ride is not a race, and riders can depart from the Sycamore Canyon campground off Pacific Coast Highway any time between 7:30 and 10 a.m. "We have some hard-core people out there," he said. "They're not supposed to be racing but they are." During the event, a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit will be enforced. Helmets are required for all riders.

Both routes start out on a wide fire road that rises gently through the heart of the canyon and connects to narrower, steeper trails. They turn onto Wood Canyon Trail, and the longer route veers onto the Overlook Trail. Novices might want to tackle the gentler, shorter route. All riders get maps at the start. Be prepared for streams with running water.

Over the years, Millius has seen some unusual sights during the event. One year a bicyclist riding from San Diego to San Francisco happened by and rode the course on his touring bike with its skinny tires. Last year, a guy plowed over the course on an experimental bike, one with 8-inch tires designed for extreme terrain. Kids can ride, too, and the first year's winner was a 9-year-old girl. Entire bike clubs come, tandem riders are welcome, as well as anyone who wants to walk the course.

The event includes lunch: hamburgers, turkey burgers or veggie burgers served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The awards ceremony (prizes have been donated by bike stores and other sponsors) starts at noon, and the event wraps up at 2 p.m. Members of CORBA, Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Assn., will patrol the courses and talk to the group about biking on mountain trails.

Back to Blue has raised about $ 50,000 for the visitor center through its poker rides and other events. On Aug. 23 the group will sponsor its annual treasure hunt for scuba divers and onshore treasure hunt for kids at Leo Carrillo State Beach.

Their immediate goal is to raise $ 150,000, enough to break ground on the $ 3-million building, which will be designed as a hands-on teaching facility to educate the public about the fragile coastal environment.

BE THERE

Back to Blue's Annual Poker Trail Ride is Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sycamore Canyon Campground, just off Pacific Coast Highway in Point Mugu State Park. (818) 789-7866.

GRAPHIC: PHOTO: Ken Millius, a Poker Trail Ride coordinator, cycles with son Arthur in Sycamore Canyon. PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE PUGLIESE / Los Angeles Times PHOTO: (A1) Let 'Em Ride: Imagine an event equal parts Las Vegas, Sierra Club and Christmas morning, and what do you see? Maybe the annual Poker Trail Ride. During the course of the 9- or 15-mile mountain ride, bicyclists pick up five playing cards, and the best hand wins big time. Event organizer Ken Millius, riding with son Arthur, says the top hands haven't been spectacular over the years: "Nothing higher than three of a kind ever wins." GRAPHIC-MAP: Sycamore Canyon Trail Road, Point Mugu State Park / Los Angeles Times

LOAD-DATE: December 21, 1998

14 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Los Angeles Times

May 29, 1997, Thursday, Valley Edition

SECTION: Calendar; Part F; Page 7; Zones Desk

LENGTH: 814 words

HEADLINE: JAUNTS: IN AND AROUND THE VALLEY;

GOING NORTH;

ROUTE TO WINNINGS;

GRITTY POKER TRAIL RIDE WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR BEACH CENTER.

BYLINE: JANE HULSE, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

BODY:

Mountain biking and poker playing may sound like an unlikely combination, but droves of bikers will descend on Point Mugu State Park on Sunday for wheeling and dealing.

If you're feeling vigorous--and lucky--you can join them for the annual Poker Trail Ride, a gritty, bumpy loop through Sycamore Canyon, sweetened by a little five-card draw along the way.

This wacky combo is offered annually by Back to Blue, an environmental group raising money for a new visitor center at Leo Carrillo State Beach, near the Ventura-Los Angeles County line.

What's in it for you? The best poker hand at the end of the ride takes home a new mountain bike worth at least $ 700.

Back to Blue started its annual ride five years ago. Last year the fund-raiser drew almost 300 adults and kids to Sycamore Canyon, one of the most popular spots for mountain biking.

So don't expect a solitary wilderness experience if you sign on for this ride. And a shot at winning a bike will cost you--$ 25 if you register at the event, $ 20 before Sunday.

"You have to have a true poker hand," Millius said. That eliminates the unlucky player with the knack for drawing the ace of hearts.

The event includes lunch: hamburgers, turkey burgers or veggie burgers served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The awards ceremony starts at noon, and the event ends at 2 p.m.

BE THERE

Back to Blue's Annual Poker Trail Ride on Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m., at Sycamore Canyon Campground, just off Pacific Coast Highway in Point Mugu State Park. (818) 789-7866.

GRAPHIC: PHOTO: Ken Millius cycles with son Arthur through Sycamore Canyon. PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE PUGLIESE / Los Angeles Times

LOAD-DATE: December 21, 1998

15 of 15 DOCUMENTS

Los Angeles Times

July 8, 1994, Friday, Home Edition

SECTION: Life & Style; Part E; Page 3; Column 3; View Desk

LENGTH: 573 words

HEADLINE: THE GOODS;

TECHNOWATCH;

SHADES FOR THE CRIB CROWD

BYLINE: By LYNN SIMROSS

BODY:

Babies in shades? That's right.

"Kids need sunglasses, especially infants and young children, because their eyes have not developed enough to protect them from ultraviolet rays," says Dr. Stuart Dankner, a Baltimore ophthalmologist and chairman of public information for the American Assn. for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. UV rays can penetrate the retina and possibly damage the macula lutea, the area that is responsible for the most acute central vision, Dankner says. In addition, recent research is beginning to show that ultraviolet rays may cause cataracts in the long term if people don't get proper protection when they're young. Parents should choose sunglasses that are labeled 100% UV protection, he says.

Baby Optics in St. George, Utah, has recently introduced its Weebok children's sunglasses line, under license from Reebok International. There are four sizes: newborn, baby, tots and kids, in a variety of colors and styles. All are constructed with almost unbreakable polycarbonate gradient lenses. Each pair comes with a one-year guarantee. The glasses offer 100% UV protection and are the best children's sunglasses he has seen, says Dankner, who is recommending them in his clinic.

Weeboks retail for $15 to $25 and are carried nationwide by selected baby shops and eye-care specialists. They're also available through Right Start (800) 548-8531 or Sensational Beginnings (800) 444-2147 catalogues. Or call (800) 962-6872 for an outlet in your area.

E/T Bike Gets Around:

Bicyclists interested in roughing it on wheels should check out the E/T Bike introduced by Big Bear Lake's Dan Hanebrink, a longtime mountain-bike builder who holds the California downhill racing title for his age group. Hanebrink's new E/T (Extreme Terrain) bicycle is designed to be ridden over sand or snow.

Hanebrink, 54, says the E/T can handle any type of terrain -- ice, snow, sandy washes or rocky stream beds that would stop a standard mountain bike.

The E/T Bike has big tires, the same concept as an all-terrain vehicle, and fits riders from 5 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches. The finished bike weighs 40 pounds. The E/T 1500 (complete bike with a rigid fork) costs $2,940; E/T 2000 (with a suspension fork), $3,100. Contact Hanebrink Bicycles, P.O. Box 1562, Big Bear Lake, Calif. 92315; (909) 866-2224.

Spray and Don't Wipe:

Spray a little of the new Clean & Feed on house plants and watch the dust on the leaves disappear. You don't even have to wipe them.

What you can't see is the plant absorbing the spray's fertilizer through its leaves. But if you spray on the formula lightly once a week, you'll observe positive results -- a greener, fuller plant -- in a month to six weeks.

Clean & Feed, oil-free so it doesn't clog the pores of the leaves, is 100% organic and biodegradable. It was developed by Botanical Science, a manufacturer of plant-care products in Santa Ana. "Through leaf absorption, the fertilizer is absorbed in one to two hours," says Botanical Science President Marcel Ford. "Fertilizing in the dirt can take days to get it from the roots to the leaves."

Clean & Feed is available in a 16-ounce size ($4.75 plus $2.75 for shipping and handling) or 32-ounce size ($6.25 plus $3 for shipping and handling). Commercial sizes -- one or five gallons -- also are available. Contact Botanical Science, 3421 Fordham Ave., Santa Ana, Calif. 92704; (800) 889-7771. LYNN SIMROSS

GRAPHIC: Photo, COLOR, Big tires make the E/T (Extreme Terrain) Bike ridable on snow or sand.

LOAD-DATE: July 9, 1994

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