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I’m not getting the Best MPG I could.
I plan on continuing to refine and add to techniques I am using, along with a
miner modification or 2 such as grill blocking

Over the weekend I had a chance to see some unbelievable hypermiling.
It was 50 MPG in a non hybrid. While that is impressive,
it was the conditions the mileage was achieved that made it unbelievable.:eek:
-Engine had not been warmed up.
-Short trip, guessing under 5 miles.
-Car was over loaded, PACKED with 5 people. Not sure how they closed the back doors.
-Roads, not flat, a few rolling hills.
-light to moderate traffic on 2 lane highways
-1 or 2 red lights.
-windows open, even at higher speeds.
-distracted driver – trying to talk to us all, and a 2nd conversation in the back seat.

With all that agents him, he made it look easy.
How? It was easy to see the: P&G, FAS, DWL, DWB, and light timing.
All put to work in a fluid well executed plan.
I’m sure the driver “Right Lane Cruiser” could give a more detailed
report on how he did it.
Note: he also managed to stay out of traffics way.
Only 1 car had to slow down behind us, but that was due to the fact
we needed to let traffic clear to make a left.

He did not do anything I theatrically could not do.


I came to a realization, and the point to this post.

The limit is more the driver then anything else. How far the driver wants to push it.
How much I want to adjust my driving, and to a lesser extent how much I want
to modify my car.

I am getting more comfortable with the idea that I am the limiting factor.
I am NOT giving up and will keep trying to increase my FE.
My limits will change form day to day depending on what is going on.

I actually feel more energized to find ways to get better MPG within the range of My limits.

Thanks to those at the MNHG meet, and everyone here for a positive community!
Less keep bringing up those MPG numbers.:woot:

I'm tempted to call this the "Multiple Hypermiler Effect".

Every time after I go to a meetup, I do better on my trips for a few days after because I'm reminded of the attention paid to every thing on the road. Perhaps I can extend a glide, or try to hit fewer red lights, or something.

I need to take a road trip up to Minnesota some day and see the meet up there :)

Wayne gave me a clinic a couple of years ago, and many of the things discussed here finally made sense.

I know how you feel.

Enjoy!

Allen, I'm very glad you had a positive experience -- that's what it's all about!

I have to admit, I wasn't sure what 'Lantrific would be worth with a full load but it was nice to find out she was ready to play. ;)

I drove a loop from the parking lot out onto the highway with a switchback performed a bit north of our meeting location, came back and parked in the lot close to where I had departed. The speed limit was 45-55mph and only about a mile of it had 2 lanes -- the rest was single lane with a double yellow line. We left the windows down because body heat can get oppressive with that many people in the car, the car had been baking in the sun with the windows up for several hours, and I wasn't about to use AC. ;)

I demonstrated fast take off immediately after cranking the engine, fast shifting (using the clutch), bump starting (down to low speeds), proper RPM ranges, proper acceleration rates, FAS, P&G, DWL, DWB, light timing, reverse passing, glide distance estimation, momentum bleed off in the lot, and face out parking position (too many cars in the lot to go for potential parking).

I was indeed somewhat distracted but I think I adequately made the point about making techniques second nature -- once they are you can use them correctly and safely without much more thought than estimating how much before a planned maneuver you should activate your turn signal.

In return, I have to say I was really impressed with Allen's dual FAS switch install and his electric bike! He's even gone so far as to add on an auxiliary pack to enhance the amperage available while riding. :)

very encouraging post!

still trying to stay on top of 32MPG here.....

Sean, Allan, Michael, Mike, everybody, it was fun to meet you all, and inspiring to be sitting in that back seat (acting an an anchor), and still see Sean do so well!

Bill

Great post Allen you are hooked now! ;) cool fas switch, I might have you do one for me some time.
It was good to meet you!

Hi Bill! great to see ya here, stick around some! :)

MT

Well, Bill... you're the last (grown!) one to sit in that particular position for a while. As of this evening, 'Lantrific has officially become the DaddyMobile!! :eek:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/595/Carseat.JPG

Baby Cruiser will be along sometime in the next month to claim her spot. :)

Ah yes, baby cruiser is goona have lots of fun in that seat! :D:D:D

Is that a Baby Trend?

Hi, Rex! It's a Graco Snug Ride. :)

K. Looks similar to the new Baby Trend we just purchased. Good luck on your first! We just had #4 in late July.

Thanks, Rex! We are very excited. :)