A.M.E.C. Economy Run III - Fonda, NY 8-23-09

[SVOboy]

Thanks for bringing out the rim robert! We're all getting ready in the hotel now

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by blownb310

I emailed the route instructions with mileages to all of you on August 5th.

Yup, got that one. I was under the mistaken impression there was one with more detail. See you all in the AM!

[MetroMPG]

Just got back from the beautiful southern Adirondacs and today's A.M.E.C. event. Man, what a nice spot those folks have. Mike and company put on a good show.

The rain stopped early this AM just before we were getting ready to head out, so conditions were good. The fleet was diverse; the older cars were fantastic to see in action; the competition was fierce!

Several EcoModders turned in personal bests and earned podium spots.

The overall highest MPG went to a previously unknown (I think? Right Mike?) participant who brought a lightened, lowered, and otherwise aeromodded 2nd gen Honda CRX HF wearing LRR snow tires(!). Get this: 118 mpg (US)! (The course was over 104 miles, with a 3 hour limit, and there were some serious elevation changes.) I was thinking on the way home: I'd like to get in touch with the owner/driver and do up a blog piece about him & his car. Pretty astounding.

The Flea wilted under the pressure today, pulling in a distant second at 106 mpg (US). Must have used the wrong kind of wax. The massive cardboard air dam held up for the most part over the 104 mile course - I'm glad I spent some time "waterproofing" it with duct tape and black plastic (from a garbage bag) the night before, otherwise it would have been a soggy oatmeal mess this morning.

As it turns out, I drove through two big rainstorms on the way home and it pretty much self destructed. I pulled over and yanked it off when I started to hear flapping!

Ben took 3rd in the gas division with 80 something MPG. He's happy with his Insight rims & LRR tires. Changes the game.

Martin (Tasdrouille) turned in an amazing 90 mpg (US) in his diesel Jetta, taking the top spot in the diesel/hybrid class.

Matt Herring had a Prius duel with Hobbit, turning in 76 mpg (?) for 2nd place, vs. Hobbit's 74.

Robert had to leave early in his Legacy wagon, but at the presentation the fact that he got upper 40's in a heavy AWD wagon was noted as evidence of how the stakes were raised. (When Robert gets his Insight on the road, we're all toast .)

Wonderboy Will had a personal best as well. 60 something, correct?

AMEC organizer Mike managed to squeeze 77 mpg from his classic B210. That's impressive, and what a neat car.

I'm spouting all these figures from my sleep-deprived memory. Subject to revision when the official numbers are posted.

[Matt Herring]

Darin...Good to hear you and the Fly made it back the Islands. I also made it back to my part of the world in one piece. Hopefully the other guys got back alright as well.

I second Darin's applause for the job Mike and his crew did at the event this weekend...first class all the way! Thanks for the hospitality and the great conversation. The driving part of the event was tremendous but meeting all the Ecomodders and other drivers was the highlight for me.

Thanks again Mike for a great event!

[SVOboy]

Finally home, gosh darn driving

Will post soon!

[tasdrouille]

I got home just before 10 yesterday. But since I'm not used to get only 4 hours and change of sleep, I headed straight to my most missed bed.

Leaving the picnic I headed back north on the course, taking the 30 and the the 8 up to i-87. I had done enough hypermiling for the day, so I let my right foot sink closer to the floor a bit. The 8 was one fun road to drive, especially the northernmost section!

I would also like to thank Mike and everyone who helped make this event a great success. I'm really looking forward to be back for future events.

It was great meeting you all guys. I hope I'm gonna be able to see you again more frequently at fuel economy runs.

[MetroMPG]

( PS: the DIY porter was good too, Will. )


EDIT... Tasdrouille - I also did a partial repeat of the course. I headed north on 30, then cut west going cross-country on some even more exciting (up! down! left! right!) mostly paved roads that cut across our course back to Caroga Lake.

I prefer the scenic, interesting & slower side roads in general when I travel, but when it started getting dark, even I hopped on I-81 for a good stretch to get me up to the 1000 Islands international bridge.

Got home with 71.8 mpg on the ScanGauge after about 5 hours. How'd you guys all do?

[SVOboy]

I got 75 for the first 50 or 60 miles, then slept for a bit, then I got about 71 the last 200 miles through pouring rain and heavy traffic. Trying to drive about ~62 except in the rain.

[MetroMPG]

You win! Maybe. Why ~62? Lean burn limit?

[SVOboy]

Because I can DWL up to 70 and down to 54 without worry of disturbing traffic much.