Miata Mailing List: September 1995, Message #502
sponsored by



     


   From: judd@usit.net (Dennis Judd)
Subject: Re: Long trips
   Date: Sun, 10 Sep 1995 18:59:01 -0400

Greg,

I wrote a short note to Ray, and I'll just copy it to you::::  -dj-

>I, too, would appreciate some information about long trips in a Miata. I
>have 6  3-day weekend trips (5 by myself) planned for my Miata this fall
>between Oklahoma City and Iowa City (~670 miles each way).
>
>Greg W. Burkhart 
>and M&M (Red 94-C)
>
>At 12:24 PM 8/31/95 -0400, Ray@mail.fm.arizona.edu wrote:
>We are thinking of doing two long trips. One to Alaska and the other
>a 12k trip around the U.S both in a Miata. I would like to hear from
>others that taken long trips about their experiences, advice etc.
>Thanks
>Ray
=============================================================
Ray,

Coincidentally, my wife (Karen) and I just completed a 7-day 2150 mile
(3500+ km) trip from Knoxville to Tampa Bay, Florida (via Alamaba and the
Mexican Gulf coast).  We stopped every day somewhere, and did things.  From
my previous experience and especially the trip to Florida (by the way, 95%
of the time the top was down), I can recommend that 5 hours of driving is
about the limit of enjoyment.  More than 5 hours is a chore.  With the top
up, the driving is better (climate control if you have AC) endurable driving
time is extended, but not by much.  On this trip we took mostly back roads
(two lanes) down the coast which was nice.  When we did hit the 4-lane (or
more) freeways, it got almost boring (like driving a Caddy or Lincoln, only
more noisy).

I would suggest you cut your trip up into small pieces (ie:  3-5 hours per
day) and enjoy the luxury of the Miata's roadability.  If you want to drive
10-12 hour stretches, you might consider a "luxury" car.

Just my 2 cents worth, but hopefully noteworthy.  BTW, if your'e in East
Tennessee (or anywhere in the Appalachians) the Miata can be VERY much fun
-- that's what I believe it's designed for.  Give me a call, if you like.
Maybe I can suggest "scenic" routes.
___________________________________________________________________
 /| _         ___|_    Dennis Judd judd@usit.net Clinton, Tennessee
/ |/ | _  O   _  |  _  1991 White "A"            (near Knoxville)
  /  |/ | |  / | | / | I call her "Mi Mi" -- Mi Mi Ata, that is.
 /      |/ \/\_/\|/\_/\_  ("...lovin' every minute of it....")