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A beginning with soul. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-minnesotans-gather-for-their-first-ever-group-meet-7219.html#post53720)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_All.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) – Nov. 8, 2007

Left to right: Justin, Mike, Laurie, Wayne and Sean across the street from the gathering location for the first ever MN hybrid and non-hybrid group meet.

On a somewhat overcast Sunday afternoon, a gathering took place north of Minneapolis in the small town of Anoka, MN. Amongst those enjoying the entertainment district was a meeting of like minded individuals who not only spread the word about green driving habits but are also known to put their words into action day in and day out. The individuals included members of CleanMPG coming from as far away as IL and WI, and of course MN members made up the balance.

The vehicles driven to the meet included a well rounded list of the greenest vehicles available in the US. That list included a 2000 Honda Insight, 2005 Toyota Prius, 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid and a 2004 Natural Gas powered Honda Civic.

During a light brunch at the restaurant, discussions were held regarding the individual vehicles currently owned or driven, the current FE performance, sales trends of hybrids and non-hybrids alike, oil prices including the price of gas and why it has not spiked yet, driving habits of both good and bad drivers and the future including solar energy for the home and alternative fuel vehicles we may someday drive.

A VTP (Vehicle tire pressure check) was completed before the gathering with a top off completed at the conclusion and then pics were taken as seen above and below.

Justin and Mike had to head out early while Laurie, Sean and I went out for a serious Hypermiling clinic. Laurie pulled her HCH-I’s SoC up from 17 to 20 bars and also pulled her aFCD up from 61.3 to 62.0 mpg in less than 20 miles. It should be noted that the starting aFCD was for the entire day of driving yielding an approximate 65.x mpg average for the clinic through a tough stop light to stop light segment.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Laurie_and_her_HCH-I.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Mike_and_his_Prius_II.jpg
Laurie and her HCH-I--------------------------------------------------Mike and his Prius-II

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Justin_and_his_Insight.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Wayne_and_the_Civic_GX.jpg
Justin and his Insight--------------------------------------------------Wayne and the Civic GX

With the first meet now behind them, Mike and Sean will be working on future gatherings in the Minneapolis area with more hybrid and non-hybrid drivers getting together to learn and share experiences.

Good Luck

Wayne

HI LAURIE :) :)

Now you won't have to wear a red carnation for me to recognize you when we get together for the Great Race ;)

Would have loved to have come and meet Mike, Laurie, and Sean for the 1st time!

All I had to do was go a couple of miles to I35, go north 1000 miles...

Considering having a poster and/or logo?

Since this is about going long, maybe a longship (http://www.vikingkittens.com/) would be appropiate. OK, maybe a more serious one. :D

Would have loved to have come and meet Mike, Laurie, and Sean for the 1st time!

All I had to do was go a couple of miles to I35, go north 1000 miles...

Considering having a poster and/or logo?

Since this is about going long, maybe a longship (http://www.vikingkittens.com/) would be appropiate. OK, maybe a more serious one. :D

i can create a logo if anyone has any ideas

laurie, did you see the longship?

I know psyshack likes the idea.

I just found out Anoka is the birthplace of Garrison Kellior and his wife

Absolutely. It has a bit of history. I live just 2 blocks from the border of Anoka and drive through it daily to get south of the river (Mississippi).

I just found out the Anoka you met in is the birthplace of Garrison Kellior and his wife

they are also known as the halloween capital of the world.

http://www.anokahalloween.com/

back in the day, when i was a dog trainer, our school had a drill team and we dressed up the dogs. i put my chesapeake bay retriever in a tootsie roll costume, and told all the little kids along the way that's where tootsie rolls come from.....:arolleyes:

one time i dressed up as a cat and walked him...........ok, so it's a little off topic :o

back in the day, when i was a dog trainer, our school had a drill team and we dressed up the dogs. i put my chesapeake bay retriever in a tootsie roll costume, and told all the little kids along the way that's where tootsie rolls come from.....:arolleyes:


:D:D:D:D

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Justin_and_his_Insight.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/507/MN_Hybrid_Group_Meet_Wayne_and_the_Civic_GX.jpg
Justin and his Insight--------------------------------------------------Wayne and the Civic GX

wow, there are 2 cars ya don't see every day

Hey Justin , have you been on Southbound I35 ? Like June-ish? If you haven't ,the guy that passed me could be your twin ...with a matching Citrus Insight ! Don't worry everybody I *was only doing 40* -wouldn't have to speed up much to pass me :p

This was my first trip that far into MN ever with this car. It wouldn't surprise me if it was Chris Schneider who passed you, he's the owner of the Honda Dealership that owns the GX Wayne got to drive. He's got a citrus yellow, and a heavy foot. His plates on his Insight always say "NO PLUG".

He's got a citrus yellow, and a heavy foot. His plates on his Insight always say "NO PLUG".

Hmmmm... whomever it was ,wasn't driving real fast as it took a bit to pass me . Which was good because it gave me a chance to give the Citri'sight a good once over ...but Ding Ding! on the plate! That rings a bell.