Dan, "The Circus Bear" Acker: This ramblin' mammalian is most famous for his research on pine tree strength when struck at high speeds by a welded piece of aluminum with wheels on it. He has proven his hypothesis correct that aluminum fails before the pine tree does.  Therefore, he has purchased a steel frame and initial tests show it appears to be more resilient.  He now has switched his research focus to answer the question why trees continue to reach out and grab him as he rides by.