And so the trek to Hybridfest begins...

[JimboK]

... in about an hour.

Right at 2000 miles RT. I'm doing a loop, going through the Pittsburgh area for the trip up on my way to I-80/I-90. Then for a change of (and hopefully better) scenery on the return trip, it'll be down through Indy and the mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia.

The longest previous drive I've taken in the Prius is about 400 miles, so to make the trip tolerable to my long legs and big butt, I'm splitting each half into 2+ days, camping at state parks all nights except Thursday and Sunday nights when I'm crashing Wayne's house. Tonight is at Racoon Creek State Park near Pittsburgh, Friday and Saturday are at Capital Springs State Park near Madison, and Tuesday will be at Grayson Lake State Park in eastern Kentucky.

I have mobile broadband, so I'll be checking in periodically, assuming I can hit the Sprint system. And of course posting FE results.

[Skwyre7]

Drive safely and efficiently.

[SpartyBrutus]

Enjoy the trip!

80-90 should be loaded with trucks heading to Chicagoland - just put it in N and they will drag you there.

Honk as you pass Columbus Ohio on I70 coming back - we'll wave.

PS - Ohio Hwy Patrol loves Sunday OT if you are returning then - not that youll be speeding

[Fenrir]

Sounds like he'll be taking I65 south to Kentucky, not I70. I65 is pretty boring until you get to Southern Indiana. Kentucky and W. Virginia should be very scenic.

[xcel]

Hi Jim:

___Drive safe and I will be keeping you in mind throughout the next 2 days. Feel free to call. I have to work this afternoon so the Cel goes off about 02:00 PM but back on after 11:00 PM and then it is time to ramp up for Hybridfest. I know you are going to love it!

___You have my cel and mobile broadband (that is cool ) so if anything happens, let us know.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[JimboK]

Staunton, VA. Thanks to all the well-wishers!

Man, the first segment was an MPG killer: 50 MPG! A net elevation gain of 1200', mostly on I-64, with a particularly brutal climb (for east coast Interstates, anyway) up Afton Mountain, about 1000' in 5 miles. I had to push the RPM up to 3000 just to maintain speed. I'm a lifelong VA resident, so I know the route well. But I think this is the first time I've done it in the Prius.

Just filled up: 643 miles for the tank, 63.5 MPG. Time to go find groceries for the next 24 hours.

Original plan from here was I-81 north to I-70. I just checked Google Maps, which suggests I can shave 60 miles off the trip by taking the byways over to I-79 in WV. That certainly has more ups and downs than the I-81, but my gut says it will be a net fuel savings. Probably a prettier drive too.

Until later ....

[JimboK]

I just realized I neglected to submit the previous post after composing it. That was 4 hours ago.

About to get on I-79 in WV. The trip through the mountains was slow but scenic. FE wasn't bad considering the steep climbs: 55 MPG, 149 miles. I know I got over 3000' at least three times and up to 4200' once. I had the road almost entirely to myself until I got to Elkins, WV, so I was able to set my own pace.

Some interesting Can-View findings: SoC coming down hit 82%, and the car put itself in "B" mode briefly during coasting. I think I've seen that described before, but I can't be sure. The HV battery peaked at 120F.

Last segment for today coming up, mostly interstate.

[msirach]

I have started the countdown as well. 36 hrs and counting. I am going to try to leave by 5a.m. Friday morning. According to DeLorme, it's 451 miles and 8 hrs. It would be great if we could make it by 1:00 p.m.

Monday, we will take off to Mall of America for an additional 270 miles. Did a Priceline deal for the hotel there last night and got the Park Plaza for $61.

[JimboK]

Made it to the campground with 56 MPG for the last segment. Not too bad considering most of it was on a 70 MPH interstate with some pretty steep hills. I made 60 the minimum for safety, but still shot up over 3000 RPM several times to maintain it.

Surprised I have such a good Sprint signal here in rural PA. It's not too far from Pittsburgh so I guess I'm in their footprint.

G'night all!

[diamondlarry]

If you take 80-90 through IN, honk when you go by the Elkhart(Exit 92) exit. I'm about10-12 miles south.