I live just outside Atlanta and had to go to Pennslyvania for a week long class. I knew one of my old friends lived in Maryland, so I started planning...

I was able to track my friend down via the internet (even though his number is unlisted). We were best friends in the Air Force, but hadn't seen each other for about 18 years and lost touch.

My job only pays for what the plane ticket would be, not mileage. But if I flew, I wouldn't be able to visit my friend and his family.

My wife and I didn't buy the xB for traveling, that's what the Honda Odyssey is for, but she needed it at home.

I was very surprised at how the box handled the trip. I don't have cruise control, but it wasn't an issue at all. I drove mostly between 70 and 80 on the way - I did make some higher speed runs and topped out at 110. On the way home, I tried to run between 80 and 90 and cruised for short periods at 100. I didn't check my gas mileage at all - I didn't want to cry, plus I just wanted to make good time.

The roads start to get bad in Maryland and are worse in Pennslyvania, but the Tein H-tech springs really helped. I can't imagine having stock springs with my 17" wheels going through there. At times it felt as if I were hitting large speed bumps at 80mph!

I'm glad to be back home on nice roads.

Oh, it's amazing how much some folks age when you haven't seen them in a long time. I know I look the same (except for the extra 100+ pounds and receding hair line). But he was gray!

 

Great post... glad to hear the trip in the box went well.
Also interesting to hear about seeing an old buddy after so many years.
I recently visited an old friend I grew up with and had not seen in 34 years! It was great to see him and talk about old times. We still have lots in common and are planning another visit soon.
Ah, the good ole days..
mike

 

I drove my box to Austin last weekend, 170 miles ewach way.
Handled nice on the road, I would almost consider drivng it on longer trips.
MPG on the trip over was 28.4 running 70-80 mph.
The return was 26.5 mostly 80-90 mph.

WW

 

@ around 4,000 miles I'm averaging 32 all the time, about 30 @ 70 - 80 and 24 @ 85 and up although the motor wasn't quite broke in then and I was in the mountains turning almost 5 grand on the tach.

 

What part of Maryland did you go to where the roads got so bad?

 

I've heard the mileage will pick up after they get a few miles on them.
My box is just over a month old and turned 800 miles.
I understand it takes a few thousand for break in and mileage improve(?).

WW

 

Yeah, that's what I want to know. I live in PA, but grew up in MD. I'll grant you the poor state of Pennsylvania's roads (and the perpetual construction sites that accompany them), but Maryland's roads have always seemed impeccable!

Concrete sucks. Long live asphalt!

 

Anywhere near Baltimore, the roads get bad. But most of the the state has good roads, IMO.

 

^^^ OK...that I can agree with.

 

Don't expect a big improvement in mpg... its more driving style that affects mileage. As the engine breaks-in and loosens up some, it will improve some, but not by much. I have been getting 31 mpg from the start and its been about the same since.

 

I went through Baltimore and over to Glen Burnie. I just chalked it up to rough winters. Most southern roads are better in my opinion...

 

I 'am doing my first long road trip tommorow from CT to Toronto ,Canada i hope it goes aswell as your's did.

 

Yeah, not the best roads in the area. The winter probably does have a lot to do with it.

 

Phoenix to Shreveport on 18's with the 235 series tire is painful....oh so painful. What I wouldn't give for the coilovers on that trip.