September 10, 2006- PRIUS CLUB ROAD RALLY/BARBEQUE

John Beard has developed and set up a new fantastic non-competitive fun road rally as a reprise of last year's excellent event.  We assembled at the Junipero Serra museum parking lot above Old Town (2727 Presidio Drive off Taylor Street) at NOON for an easy scenic "Lakes" road rally that ended at a Barbeque event in conjunction with the Altadena Neighborhood Association's 7th annual Block Party in North Park (between 33rd St. and Felton St. on Thorn St.).  We were invited to share good food and camaraderie and to discuss and compare our driving experiences and MPG achieved on the drive. The drive ended around 3PM at the Altadena Block Party, which ran until 6PM. The Altadena Neighborhood Association had burgers, hot dogs, chicken etc., beer on tap, chilled bottled water and soda There was a live band, fun things for kids (a jumpy, chalk drawing, face painting, tricycle races) and just an old-fashioned good time for all. The row of parked Prii attracted attention and interest among the barbeque attendees.

And the envelope, please:

Overall winner was James McCord at 59.6 mpg. James drives a 2006 package 8. He was carrying no passengers, made extensive use of pulse & glide techniques, used minimal AC at 72, windows closed above 30 mpg, kept to the posted speed limit, coasted toward red lights and strategically used an EV switch.

In second place was Mary Laiuppa at 59.4 mpg. Mary drives a 2005 package 1. She was carrying a 55 lb navigator, her dog Ramses. She made use of pulse & glide techniques, had AC set at 76, windows closed above 40 mpg, kept to posted speed limited, coasted toward lights and her tire pressure is kept at 42/40.

Scot Belfield- 56.4 mpg in his 2004 package 9, no passengers, mostly cruise control, AC off, driver side window slightly cracked, drove mostly at 5 mph below posted speed limit where applicable, before the last freeway leg was at 58 mpg.

Roger Scott- 56 mpg in his 2006 package 6 with a navigator on board, AC on when on the freeway, windows cracked when AC off, tire pressure at 34/33.

Julia MacPete- 51.2 mpg in her 2006 package 8 with navigator, AC on automatic set at 69, kept up with traffic, tires at 42/40.

All other drivers averaged above 50 mpg for the 65 mile trip with city driving, country roads and interstate freeway included. We all had a great time and enjoyed the Altadena neighborhood associatino barbeque.

Phone: 619-280-6662