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ebacherville
My route is generally flat to the eye, but that is an illusion. The scangauge tells me I'm either going uphill or down. Watching the lod and the rise and drop in mpg will tell you which one. As I've come to know my course the hills and valleys seem more pronounced. I try and keep the real time mpg above my target average, say 50 mpg. Now this is pretty easy on the back roads usually at a speed of 25 to 35 mph. That is half my route. The other half is state highway were I take a penilty and drive 42-47mph posted 55. The scan usually reads +45-mpg. I have no cc but have come up with a little gizmo made from allthread, Part of a c-clamp, a steel finger and an adjustment knob. I call it "The Stick". It has a foot made of flat steel and rubber which captures the gas peddle. I have a steel finger which catches the edge of the dash, I'm able to twist the rod in and out to adjust speed using the LOD and mpg readings to establish best speed. I use this on the longer stretches. I eoc to stops and down long hills which I've determinded to benefit the mpg. It adds about 7 minute to the one way drive. I'm able to do this because of the lack of traffic, seldom do I have to drive to accomodate other drivers and have become pretty thick skinned to the impatients of a few others. But I have notice others slowing down, even some refusing to pass me and quite content to follow my lead. This problem of fuel cost is not going away. I'm trying to find a way to deal with it no matter what the cost. I love where I live and am willing to make whatever sacrifice of time and money is needed to maintain it. On another note; I'm liking it. I enjoy the freedom to enjoy the ride through the woods this new attitude has given me. I, at one time wrote an outdoor column in norhtern Michigan "The Outdoorguy" and find that this slowing down and smelling the roses (outdoors) so to speak is what I've always been about. It fits my nature. It may not be for everyone or fit their situation. I'm just happy it's working for me.
homeworkhome53
The Outdoorguy
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