Last year, I had the pleasure of not only meeting the Michelin Man - also known as "Bib" * - (much to Jenn Satterwhite's horror) but to learn more about tire pressure and also food. (As you can see at right, my Bib keychain tire-pressure gauge has gotten a lot of use - he's lookin' a bit worn.)

I got to screetch on the brakes on a slicked down track and attempt to maneuver an obstacle course, both with properly-inflated and under-inflated tires. (Check out how the car is tilting - wooo!) I learned my steering wheel grip isn't safe because I "hook over" in such a way that would trap my thumb if the air bag were to deploy.

I learned that I am simultaneously more brave and more scared than I thought I was (about driving, about speaking articulately, about not looking like a fool.) I determined I probably wouldn't make a great reality-T.V. star because I kept looking over at the cameras like OMGomgOMGomg. (Of course, if you are here reading about me to cast me for a reality show, I'm your gal!)

Right before BlogHer last year, I had my tires replaced. I chirped this to the camera, at which point the interviewer asked, "What brand?"

"Michelin, of course" I quipped, before wondering if that was really true. I gave the camera guy a look, then said "Well, Michelin, I think...." Turns out it was true.

After our adventure, we went on a wine-food pairing tasting. Since that time, I've actually noticed when various people talk about "Michelin Stars."

So why I am I reminding you about last year? (Michelin BlogHer Driving Event at Flickr!)

Well, Bib is going to be back this year - He's coming to Chicago! The Michelin Events page has more details, plus a downloadable "Michelin BlogHer Guide to Chicago" - Sweet!

In case you missed it, here is the video of our experience last year:

See you soon, Bib!

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* From the Michelin website :

"The Latin phrase "Nunc Est Bibendum," meaning "Now is the time to drink (or celebrate)," was used as a title for one of the earliest illustrations of the Michelin man, who is shown holding a cup filled with glass shards, nails, and other tire hazards to show that Michelin takes obstacles in its stride (or "drinks" them, in French). The word Bibendum remained to symbolize the now world-famous mascot."