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You also have to account for the thinner, air in the higher elevations of the mountains, which has a huge effect on improving mileage. I once calculated the density-altitude to see how hot it would have to get here at 500 ft elevation to give me the same air density as I would if I was driving at 10,000 ft elevation at a normal air temperature. The air temperature here at 500 ft elevation would have to reach 170 degrees F to give me the same air density as driving around at 10,000 ft at 70 degrees F. You know how much your coasting distances improve when going from 10 degrees F to 80 degrees F. Imagine doubling that improvement which is what you would see when going from 500 feet elevation to 10,000 feet elevation.
In general, I get my best mileage when I climb the hills as slow as I can while still keeping the rpm over 1200, usually at around 70% to 80% throttle. That translates into a speed of 40 to 45mph.
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