Back from Trip

[SGTMAJOR]

Just returned after a two week trip to the midwest. (Kansas) Had a great time and my little PDL CAR did great, however, the gas mileage was not as good as I'd liked. Anyway.... it did better than the 16-19 I got last year in my truck. (smile)

Saw a lot of great country and enjoyed several bike rides throughout the local area. Can't wait for next year's trip.

Cheers!!

[Dunerunner]

Welcome back!! Looks like you have good weather and a great time!! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[SGTMAJOR]

Thanks Dunerunner... yes it was a great trip and the weather was pretty good most the time...... just Kansas windy! (smile)

Now..... off to polish the old PDL CAR back up again...... lot of bugs plastered to the front.

Cheers!!

[saras]

you said you were not pleased with your mileage--- what was it?

[HGB]

Very nice pictures with a lot of history there.
Was the car comfortable on an extended trip because you couldn't move the seat backs much? How was the interior noise factor? Were you fortunate to have a cruise control installed? How did the locals respond to the smart.
Sorry for all the questions but I am most curious.

[SGTMAJOR]

Hi Saras....most of the trip I tried to keep to the speed limit which was 75 most of the time. I usually found myself somewhere between 75-80 but with the bike & rack, luggage and fighting a head wind most of the way, my mileage was usually somewhere around 37-39 mpg. On the trip out, I stopped in Tucumcari (SP?) NM. and the second day.... flatter roads, slower speeds (65-70) & little wind, I got 39-42 mpg which I was satisfied with. All in all.... beats the heck out of the truck. (smile)
Best part..... gas was a LOT cheaper in Kansas. The day I left, regular unleaded was $1.97.9 in Great Bend, KS.... Prem. was $2.25... sure wish I could have brought a couple of barrels back with me.

HGB - The car was very comfortable and handled very nicely, even with the high winds (Wind was 18-25mph and gusty) In fact....it was so comfortable, I drove the trip back 1073 miles none stop..(21.5 hours) with only a 40 min. nap in Santa Rosa, NM.

No, I don't have cruise control which would have been nice.... but I don't use cruise much anyway, EXCEPT on long trips. Stopping for gas was somewhat of a challenge for most of the trip as I usually had a small gathering of folks wanting to ask the usual questions; i.e., What is it? Who makes it? What's my gas mileage? How much did it cost? etc. Had a great time in Kansas and received a lot of stares as I think the only Smart dealership is in Kansas City which was 250+ miles away. Received a LOT of smiles and thumbs up and did not see another SMART the entire trip.

Cheers!!

[SmartShanna]

Nice photos and I am so jealous of the bike rack! I so need a trip like that. Oh well, maybe next lifetime

[SGTMAJOR]

Hey....you don't need a bike rack!!! You're in San Diego with all the great bike routes, that's why I have to haul my bike everywhere. (smile)

I'm already looking forward to next year's trip. (Colorado in July......Missouri in Sept/early Oct......should be some great riding in both spots.)

Cheers!!

[saras]

I'm curious to see how smart does up the west side of wolf creek pass, a long uphill run. I guess you may find out in july.

[SGTMAJOR]

My guess is it will do just fine. While I had to shift down to 4th for those long hills, the little SMART pulled along and held it's own. Great little cars!

Cheers!!