Hypermiling - to Chicago

Last week, I got a lot of shit about driving to Chicago to visit a friend, as opposed to flying or taking the train. Well, my reasons were simple: 1)Cheaper (see below), 2)Less hassle, and 3)It was on my time frame.
So, as they say, the proof is in the puddin'. Using MyMileMarker, the web and my cellphone (including text messages and Twitter, I was able to keep very precise track of my mileage everytime I filled my gas tank. Btw, I still haven't gotten gas again since I've been home, so there should still be one more high mileage report added. I'm not supporting driving for no reason, mind you. But, since we are *coughs* addicted to gasoline, and the government is taking it's good ol' time funding something better, we do what we can.

So, how'd I do it? Drive 55mph (I did 65 in Ohio because of the higher speed limit on route 80, and while driving 55mph I felt like a safety hazard). It was a little tougher not having cruise control in my '02 Saturn, but it also kept me constantly diligent on how I react to different traffic/driving conditions. "Hypermiling" is all about paying attention to your driving habits to maximize fuel economy. So, no jack-rabbit starts, coasting to a stop instead of accelerating until the last minute, staying a steady speed instead of racing to catch up to traffic "clots", etc. I also learned that my tachometer can be my best friend when it comes to hypermiling. Don't be shocked when I say this, but I don't think I took my car past 2000rpms the entire trip!
Done better than this? Let me know in the comments!

GeekTripping

In about 8 hours, I'm leaving for Chicago. I'm going to (very weakly) tie this post in with education and music, but really, this is my summer vacation.
First off, I'll be hypermiling in my '02 Saturn SL1 instead of traveling by air or train, mostly because it's a straight shot, and it made more sense than having to rent a car later. I've printed off 3 pieces of paper for the trip (hotel confirmation and the Google Map to get me there). If I need anything else, I'll hunt out WiFi or use the mobile version of Google Maps. Music's covered via my iPod (with a few separate playlists created for the ride) piped through via an FM transmitter. Someday, I'll get a new head unit (probably not this car) so I can plug in directly.
Speaking of plugging in, power is a huge issue on this trip. Learning from my past experience of driving from PA to DisneyWorld, my phone died about 1/3 of the way down, and me without a car charger. I decided to correct this and other charging issues with "one stone". I picked up a cheap, but effective inverter from Radio Shack for about $20 which will let me plug in my normal chargers en-route. My speed-dialing numbers are all set to people I'd need to call during the trip, and I have my bluetooth so don't bark at me for cellphone use while driving. :-)
Finally, I guess I should explain why I'm going to Chicago in the first place! I'm visiting/meeting a friend I met in the virtual world, Second Life. It's always exciting (maybe a little scary) to connect "sl to rl". Following a 4 night stay, I'll be traveling further West to visit my grandparents (I think...lol), before making the entire trip in reverse.
Btw, I'll do my best to document the trip via Twitter and BrightKite, but we'll see if "rl" allows it. :-)