Road trip!
Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 6:24 pm
96 Dodge Coupe, stock motor with about 100K miles, MTX.
Started in NW OK.
Climbed extinct volcano in NM. Easy ride.
Taos, NM - nice.
Took US 60 west to Farmington, NM - very nice through the national forests, some good mountain roads for a starter.
US 550 north to Silverton CO. Over 10K altitude. Had to use 3rd to keep up to 45 speed limit. No sweat, temp remained steady.
US 550 from Silverton to Ouray. Over 11K altitude, 8% grades. 3rd gear again. Handled double switchbacks with grace.
US 550 on up to Grand Junction. Continued on I-70 to Denver, some 4th gear to keep speed at 55MPH. Returned home from there.
MPG? mid 30's even when climbing grades in 3rd. Downhill from Eisenhower pass (11K) to south of Denver (4K) I actually clocked 45 MPG!
Wife of 33 years was glad we took the MTX. And I had to drive the whole way.
US 550 is a great road trip. Two lane built in 1934, eight foot wide lanes, few guard rails. Silverton to Ouray section has 155 curves in 23 miles, peaks at Red Mt. pass over 11K altitude.
No problems with breaks, overheating, or mileage. Just a good solid ride.
Started in NW OK.
Climbed extinct volcano in NM. Easy ride.
Taos, NM - nice.
Took US 60 west to Farmington, NM - very nice through the national forests, some good mountain roads for a starter.
US 550 north to Silverton CO. Over 10K altitude. Had to use 3rd to keep up to 45 speed limit. No sweat, temp remained steady.
US 550 from Silverton to Ouray. Over 11K altitude, 8% grades. 3rd gear again. Handled double switchbacks with grace.
US 550 on up to Grand Junction. Continued on I-70 to Denver, some 4th gear to keep speed at 55MPH. Returned home from there.
MPG? mid 30's even when climbing grades in 3rd. Downhill from Eisenhower pass (11K) to south of Denver (4K) I actually clocked 45 MPG!
Wife of 33 years was glad we took the MTX. And I had to drive the whole way.
US 550 is a great road trip. Two lane built in 1934, eight foot wide lanes, few guard rails. Silverton to Ouray section has 155 curves in 23 miles, peaks at Red Mt. pass over 11K altitude.
No problems with breaks, overheating, or mileage. Just a good solid ride.
