A.M.E.C. Fall Economy Run IV November 1, 2009

[blownb310]

While I am slugging out my least favorite thing to do on my car [body work], I snapped this pic of the fuel filler tube in the rear wheel well of my '93 Nissan Sentra.



It clearly illustrates the unsolved problem of filling to the rim for this contest. I'm wondering how I can temporarily close off the vent tube to prevent raw fuel from getting into the vapor lines?

[RobertSmalls]

This thread from another forum will interest you. Basically, Wayne Gerdes fit 13.5gal in his 10.8gal tank, presumably by filling the entire EVAP system with liquid fuel. Then he proceeded to get >1200 miles out of a tank of gas.

If the fuel doesn't go higher than the highest point on your hose, the fuel shouldn't flow into the EVAP system.

I'm trying to figure out a practical way to make a filler neck dipstick or a fuel tank window. I don't have a solution.

While my car's EVAP system may be problematic, I do have both factory and aftermarket MPG instrumentation.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

My other challenge is that I just got laid off -- I am "self-employed" so there will be no unemployment benefits, either.

How much do motel rooms cost in the area?

[RobertSmalls]

Dunno, but I'm not too proud to sleep on the floor. Though if the hotel supplied the bedding, that would be less weight I'd have to carry during the run...

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

This thread from another forum will interest you.

That article did in fact interest me very much. Thank you Robert.

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hi,

My other challenge is that I just got laid off -- I am "self-employed" so there will be no unemployment benefits, either.

How much do motel rooms cost in the area?

Ben, Darrin, and others stayed at motels back in August. Although there were cheaper places, they stayed at Microtel in nearby Johnstown.

Here's the list that Matt Herring put together for us on my Economy Run email list this past August. All of the hotels will allow a AAA discount which would probably lower the prices around 10% off the listed rate.

* Riverside Motel (.4 miles from where we are starting the event from) - $79 + tax. Small rooms with light amenities. Good reviews on google. (518) 853-3314

* Econo Lodge (.4 from start) - $72 + tax. Good rooms...poor reviews on google. (518) 853-4511

* Microtel (5 miles from start) - $103 + tax. Good rooms and amenities. Good reviews. (518) 762-5425

* Holiday Inn (5 miles from start) - $113 + tax. Good rooms and amenities. Good reviews. (877) 863-4780

[blownb310]

I used my day off today to drive the new course and write clear, easy to follow route instructions for Economy Run IV. I'll say this, we can only hope for weather as beautiful as it was today for this Sunday's event. Bright blue skies and some of the best lighting of the season with the low angle of the sun this time of year.


Although we're a bit past peak leaf seson now, there is still some nice color out there with some late changing trees like the White Birch and others.


My automatic Protege's average for the day.


There's some beautiful country through Schoharie and Middleburgh. The roads are wide, smooth, and less travelled. Perfect for our event.


This is the site of our halfway check point in Blenheim, NY.


Along the Mohawk River......

Looking forward to this competitive, fun, and scenic fall drive on Sunday!

[RobertSmalls]

Here's the weather forecast. The weather forecast is never very reliable this far out, but it says 46% precipitation potential, no wind, and 45°F. Tune your grille block and deep-cycle batteries accordingly.

As I learned only halfway through the last event, you can legally declare yourself a slow-moving vehicle, put on your four-way flashers, and drive on the shoulder.

Wow, that's scenic. I'll have to stop at the halfway point to take a few pictures.

[Wonderboy]

Robert/Martin/Neil? - did anyone get a hotel? I'm willing to book it if people want to pile in, and I didn't see anything definitive on here. If someone else gets a room, I'll pitch in... If I get the word from people here who want to pitch in then I'll get the room. Is Darin not coming then?

Edit: P.S. I have no problem sleeping on floors, and that Microtel Mike mentioned has nice big window sills that make good free beds.

[RobertSmalls]

For the price of Microtel divided by four, you could have Econolodge divided by three. It sounds like they're charging you for that windowsill. ;-)

As long as it's warmer and a little roomier than sleeping in the Insight, I'm in. But I haven't booked anything yet.