[rpeters549]

It looks like you plain old wore it out. Pressure may be a factor, and it is always possible that tire came off the line 'different'. Styaing all highway or too much pressure will wear the center more quickly than too low of pressure or lots of corners.

Or maybe it was the 500' burnout you did...

 

[rpeters549]

As the tire gets very worn the last part goes quickly. A buddy of mine showed up at work and was down to the smooth rubber all the way around except one spot maybe 2" long where cords were visible. I pointed it out and followed him home. As a note for you locals, we were out Siuslaw River road (at the defunct Forest Work Camp) and came back that way and on Wolf Creek road as he lived in west Eugene area. Very windy and fairly abrasive road. He took it way easy and when we got to his house he had cord all the way around.
Inspecting them regularly is one of the most important things you can do. And get in the habit of getting a new tire BEFORE you NEED it. During the driving class I teach I tell the students to start looking for tires when they are at 4/32". This gives them time to find and maybe buy them and take in to consideration paydays and 'dang I got busy this week'.

 

[rpeters549]

Not to be argumentative, but riding ANY tire until it is bald is just plain risky. Even a racing slick wears out and is replaced before it is considered 'beyond' life. I move in a large circle of professional riders/drivers as well as dealing with a variety of installers/manufacturers and not a single one of them would even consider doing that.
A tire worn beyond its wear bars can not as effectively shed heat or water. Intentionally using them way beyond their safe life span is, well, stupid. I do not intend to offend-I say this as a fellow rider who cares about the lives of others.
Sure, one may get 6 months more 'use' and save money, but not one single knowlegable or professional in any section of the industry would agree it is a good practice.

 

[rpeters549]

OK.
I guess my issue was you stated you, 'Ride until they are bald' which implies a habit or approval of the action.
It is against federal standards, it is a very bad idea. You are in this catagory as soon as the wear bars are even with the tread.
I understand your comment about the Creator. That said, you still lock your house and even with only 1 bullet in a cylinder that holds 500 rounds, you do not play 'Russian Roulette'. You could succeed by the odds 500 or more times. Nope- not going there.