Around 6000 athletes from 11 countries, accompanied by thecustomary hoard—trainers, fans, reporters, diplomats, vendors,promoters—will bounce into Palembang for the 26th Southeast AsianGames this month. Bounce indeed as seven commercial airlines,countless private jets, and at last count 40 buses, 100 midi buses, 300minibuses, 100 official motorcycles and who knows how many privatevehicles will be put to service for the event. In terms of tread alone—tire, tube and shoe—that’s a whole lot of rubber. Ever wonder whereall that rubber comes from?