A Little Inspiration
It's the last day of a chilly January and as I look forward into 2009, I wonder what I can afford to do for fun in these peculiar financial times.
To break out of the winter doldrums, I typically set a goal that involves careful planning and some type of personal reward. Just out of college, I made a five-year plan: buy a new truck, go on a cruise, and try scuba diving. More recently, my family and I saved up and took a road trip from Texas to California.
I am thinking that this year's excitement will be created at local watering holes and amusements (Texas has quite a few to choose from).
And that reminds me of Helen and John Taylor. I don't really know this couple, but they make a business out of driving. Off and on since 1982, Helen and John have been tooling about in the most efficient ways possible and breaking world records, all in the name of fuel economy.
Last year, the team drove a VW Jetta TDI more than 9,400 miles in the contiguous 48 states of the United States. Using diesel fuel and a manual transmission, Helen and John racked up 58.82 miles per gallon. They only used 11.04 tanks of Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel at a cost of about $650. That set a new benchmark in the Guinness Book of World Records for lowest fuel consumption.
You remember last year, don't you? When gas prices were astronomical?
I'm really not interested in breaking any records, but if I can drive like Helen and John, I may be able to make a little go a long way. Aren't you glad the price of gasoline has gone down?
To find out more about the work of Helen and John, go to www.fuelacademy.com.
Posted by L.K. Williams, EPonline on Jan 31, 2009