Thanks to Hank for all of help with the sale. I am the new caretaker of Hank's Megabusa and hope to enjoy it on street and track for years to come. Back safely in Castle Pines, Colorado after a long journey!
Left here on Saturday via Salina KS, Wichita KS, Oklahoma City OK, finally rest stop in Plano TX. 850 mile alone in a Volvo XC90 2.5T. Pappasitos fajitas at 11 am on Sunday and on the road to Baton Rouge for an easy 450 mile jaunt. Averaged 20 mpg at 70 mph average speed. This will matter later.
Next morning, little sleep of course, met Hank and drove the Megabusa. Everything I expected and Hank was a true gentleman and had everything sorted. Thanks again, Hank!
After test drive, load, bank, etc. on the road with the XC90 and trailer combo. Keep in mind I have never towed a trailer before, let alone on a 1200 mile road trip, but set off in good stead yet cautious. Needless to say, performance reduced. Shocked to see 10.5 mpg! This meant gas stops every 130 miles to ensure I didn't run out of gas in rural LA/TX. Made it to Childress TX by 12.30 am after fun drive thru Dallas with multiple detours, luckily trailer still in one piece. I am sure everyone here recognizes how bloody hot it has been! 100 degrees plus all day for the four trip days. What is amazing is that not a single hiccup with the 90,000 mile plus XC90 - got many comments about a Volvo towing a trailer!
Today did Amarillo TX, Raton NM, Pueblo CO, Colorado Springs CO (and witnessed the terrible fires so close to the city and destroying homes, very scary) and back home to my family happy to be back in one piece and no damage to property! Tow averages were 10.3 mpg and 55 mph average speed. Then again I can blame some of the differential on altitude differential - Baton Rouge close to sea level, Castle Pines 6500 feet.
Which leads me to my final point... If I run out of talent mid corner, or the car just isn't fast enough, I'll blame it on the altitude. Until of course I put a turbo on it... Glad to be here, think I might need a new username soon.
DMC
