Southern New England - New York MPG Meetup

[NeilBlanchard]

I'll vote for Mount Greylock, because I like rural roads much more than highways; though Springfield would be fine. Either one would put me over the 75 mile minimum.

Sunday is actually worse for me, though I could still come.

This weekend is my last best chance to get my new wheel skirts / stakes finished up.

[brucepick]

NeilBlanchard, Git 'er done!

Sorry for the longish drive. I'm driving from Mystic, CT, it's about 2.5 hours at highway speeds.

The 75 (later 50) mile minimum isn't in play any longer. It was part of the scheme for the now discarded drive-to-the-meetup version of a fuel economy challenge. Of course nothing prevents any of us from measuring that.

[changzuki]

Originally Posted by brucepick

Votes tally - as of 9/25/14

Locations:
Springfield: 4 - in the lead
Worcester: 3.5 (for sheepdog44, it's only "acceptable")
Mt. Graylock: 3
Albany: 2

We haven't yet heard from Changzuki or Neil Blanchard on locations.
Anyone can put in a vote for the Mt Graylock location, and raise its total. I think the Mt Graylock loop looks like a great run, and the route is already worked out. Other locations will require more effort to determine a route.

Preferred day:
Sunday: 2 votes
Saturday: 0
Sunday takes the win.


Some support for handicapping cars based on EPA mpg estimate. We'll go with that, unless anyone is driving something that doesn't have an EPA estimate. We certainly will also see the plain-numbers raw mpg scores.

There were a few comments that any mpg competition should have all cars driving the same route, so that's a done deal. Not much support for the drive-to-the-event mpg competition idea. Oh well, I tried.

Bruce,
Please don't hold any itinerary waiting for my response.. A personal goal was reached the GGP and I'm quite happy to move along.

Looking forward to the outcome if you folks will share a post-gathering update though.

~CrazyJerry

[brucepick]

Updated tally:

Locations:
Mt. Graylock: 4.5 votes - this is our location.
Springfield: 4
Worcester: 3.5 (for sheepdog44, it's only "acceptable")
Albany: 2

4.5 votes for Mt Graylock, for the win. That's the location.
I counted Formula413 as a half vote for Graylock, based on his notes in post #20.
I voted for Worcester, Springfield and Mt Graylock, but didn't mention it here till this post now.

Sat vs Sun: 1 vote for Sat, 2 for Sun, so it looks like it will be on Sunday.

Changzuki, you certainly earned my respect with your excellent showing at this year's GGP. I'll be more than glad to see you at the Mt Graylock event if you are able to make it.

Sheepdog44 provided me with a link to the route:
Mount Geylock MPG rally course - Pittsfield, MA
I needed some time playing with the map to get the hang of it. Magnified enough, you can see each mile marker on the route, and use that with the "Cue Sheet" which shows the turns. The elevation map at the bottom of the screen shows the summit at the 30.4 mile mark.

Our event is shaping up!

[brucepick]

MEETUP TIME

Needs to be decided.
I'm driving in from about 3 hours away, NeilBlanchard is driving nearly that far.
I suggest meeting at 11 a.m. or any time after that.

Other comments on this?

[FordFiestaS]

I'm ready to roll.

Should be a grand time.

Only suggestion I have is the WX can be an issue that time of year up there. Review there website for particulars relating to early closure due to the WX etc.

Just a suggestion.

I'm excited.

[FordFiestaS]

Weather @ that time of year can be a serious factor. The elevation is so dang high on Mt Greylock.

Originally Posted by FordFiestaS

I'm ready to roll.

Should be a grand time.

Only suggestion I have is the WX can be an issue that time of year up there. Review there website for particulars relating to early closure due to the WX etc.

Just a suggestion.

I'm excited.

[sheepdog 44]

Weather at that elevation is not an issue. I hike to the top regularly and the temperature is usually very near that of the base. The tower at the top has been closed since last year, so we will not be able to take the staircase up it. The views will still be spectacular, but the tower was icing on the cake.

Since i live in the area, i'll make a flyer and place them on the all the eco cars around town. I have several group contacts who may be interested. @Changzuki, if you could make that would be leverage in getting others to attend!

[sheepdog 44]

Originally Posted by Formula413

I'm at a bit of a disadvantage because my HV battery is not fully functional so I have no electric assist. That also makes a hilly route like Mt Greylock more of a chore for me.

There is actually no advantage for hybrid cars for this route. And disabling the HV battery is beneficial. You don't want force regen going uphill! I'll be switching mine off as well.

[brucepick]

Speaking of batteries - my Accord will be set up with approx 200 Amp hours of lead acid and lithium ion batteries. I just installed the most recent 70 AH yesterday.

Alternator output cable is disconnected, and those batteries should give a run time of about 8 hours. I don't want to think about what the two lead acids weigh!