The Taylors wrap up the fourth and last week of their 48 contiguous state tour. Their mission? Take in the sites while setting a world record for fuel efficiency.
Day 19, Idaho
Day 19
Friday, August 19th: We left Billings, Montana, and headed to Idaho. The panoramas seemed like we were watching a slide show of the world’s best views.
A tip we used to conserve momentum when driving through mountains was leaving our car in the highest, safest gear. When we reached a downward slope, we maintained steady engine revs. If you have a hill to climb, the added momentum helps get the car up efficiently.
Passing through Butte and Missoula in Montana, spasmodic roadwork, not always planned in the safest fashion, devoured every ounce of concentration. Having two pairs of eyes helped.
We reached our 43rd state, Idaho and drove past Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Day 20, Washington
Day 20
Saturday, August 20th: A total change of landscape—we switched from green mountainous terrain to brown, dry plains through Washington, state 45.
We headed through Spokane and then to Kennewick. It seemed we were doomed to catch every red traffic light, bringing us to another tip: Efficient driving is also about having good observation skills. If you are slowing or stopping, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator as early as possible, leaving the car in gear.
We arrived in Oregon, state 46. We drove through Ontario and continued on the same highway to Idaho (a revisit!).
Leaving Oregon
Day 21
Sunday, August 21st: We departed Twin Falls, Idaho, aware of the exciting drive ahead of us. The finish line was getting closer!
There were warning signs of frequent high winds—the blowing dust caused occasional blindness. Mountain climbing was at the fore again and we ascended 5530 feet.
It’s been 9002 miles since we began this mammoth drive and we just reached Utah, state 47. Traffic built as we edged toward Salt Lake City. We continued south through Provo and St. George where the speed limit was 75 mph. We traveled about 5 mph below. We crossed through Arizona once more and headed for Mesquite, Nevada.
We made it to our 48th and FINAL state, Nevada! We have our FINAL refuel tomorrow at the Shell Station on Blue Diamond Road in Las Vegas and we’re excited!
Nevada
Day 22
Monday, August 22nd: We were very close to the finish line and we were deliberately ahead of our driving schedule. This allowed us to spend time reviewing the world record paperwork, an integral part of the project.
By the time we were back in the car, ready to continue our final leg, the sun was blazing and the heat was so intense we burnt our fingers on any part of the Chevy Cruze we touched!
The last of our fuel seals was intact, although there were a couple of bubbles surfacing from the intense heat. We had an independent witness from the local police department verify the final fill-up, which was the last piece of data needed to complete our final numbers for the world record drive.
We went through the official procedures and were eager to retreat to our hotel to complete the final number crunching. The figures were to be double- and triple-checked independently.
When Helen looked for her seatbelt while sitting on the couch at the hotel, we knew that rest was in order!
Day 23
Tuesday, August 23rd: We were up early to announce the results at the Shell station and share our Shell Smarter Driving tips with consumers. It was another scorcher in Las Vegas, the hottest day this Summer. This didn’t stop our team, and a great time was had by all.
THE RESULTS
64.424 mpg: Our overall fuel efficiency
$541.24: Total amount spent on fuel
9564.2: Total miles driven
148.457 gallons: Total amount of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline consumed
811.29 miles: Average miles driven per tank
11.79: Number of tanks of fuel (each 12.6 gallons) consumed
Commencing on August 1st, from our first state of California to the finish line in Nevada, we mapped our journey with the Shell Smarter Driving Program, creating a new world record for fuel efficiency in the 48 contiguous states.
Now that we’ve accomplished our goal, our wish is that motorists would set their own individual records, zeroing their trip meter when they fill up and recording how far they drive on a tank of fuel. By incorporating Shell Smarter Driving tips, we’re sure that people will be astounded at how simple it is and how quickly their savings can accumulate. It’s also important to note that fuel-efficient driving goes hand in hand with safe driving. If you drive in a smooth, relaxed fashion, you also put less strain on your vehicle, meaning unnecessary maintenance costs.
The beauty of the United States never ceases to amaze us. We have had the lasting joy of viewing rolling panoramic postcards as we traveled through each state and are deeply appreciative of Shell for giving us the opportunity to do so.
Related posts:
- The Shell Smarter Driving Tour: Week One
- The Shell Smarter Driving Tour: Week Two
- The Shell Smarter Driving Tour: Week Three
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