Road Trip - Traverse City>Denver and parts beyond....

[ElviMcCoy]

My daughter Molly took a new job out in Denver, so I decided to caravan out there with her in my 60. Packed up my waders and a few fly rods with plans to hit water out in the Rockies and then a swing through the Driftless area of Wisconsin on the way home. Trip ended up being a bit over 3200 miles. Averaged slightly over 11 mpg. Lost the back half of my wiring harness out near the upper Colorado river. Salmon fly hatch was pretty sweet. But I had no running lights. Almost lost some window trim somewhere in Nebraska during some heavy crosswinds. Binder clips it back into place. Also met the crew at Classic Cruiser in Poncha Springs and they ended up having an exhaust manifold that needed to be shipped to Michigan, so we tossed it in my truck and I delivered it myself. More photos at my insta - @ElviMcCoy

Airing out Tepui before departure.

Pit Stop in Iowa

Gassing up in Eastern Colorado. “Major Brand” gas.......????

Molly took this shot from behind me heading into Denver.

 

[ElviMcCoy]

Headed up Climax Pass.

Good reception at 11,ooo feet. Got some work done in the mobile office.

 

[ElviMcCoy]

Dropped in on the crew at Classic Cruisers.

Piggy Piggy Piggy

The exhaust manifold I delivered back to Michigan.

Free swag for the effort

 

[TheNeek]

looks like fun

 

[ElviMcCoy]

Fishing on the South Platte near Fairplay

Lotsa tailgate coffee

Coon Valley Wisconsin to restock and Timber Coulee to fish

 

[ElviMcCoy]

Wisconsin beer on the spring creek

Cooking dinner on the home stretch

Tobacco and Mountain Dew got me through the drive.

Home at last

It was a great trip. about 75mph at 3,000 rpms. It took third gear and even 2nd to get through some of the passes. My favorite bit was the Driftless area in Wisconsin. I can take off and be on the car ferry in just under 2 hours, arrive in Manitowac WI by noon and only have a 4 hour drive to the Timber Coulee river. I’m probably goin to head back later this summer. Gorgeous area and tremendous fishing.

 

[MoaByte]

Used to drive past Climax on my daily commute to Copper Mnt.

Love the Space your Face shifter knob

 

[DFXR]

Looking at this trip/pics was a great way to start my day. Thanks!

 

[SteveH]

Sweet copper-tank Coleman - I have one just like it. I'll bet you have a full appreciation for how a 2F performs at high elevations, right?

Great photos and story - thanks!

 

[ElviMcCoy]

Sweet copper-tank Coleman - I have one just like it. I'll bet you have a full appreciation for how a 2F performs at high elevations, right?

Great photos and story - thanks!

It’s a 4M. Built in Canada. Probably early 60’s I’m guessing. Cast iron burner. Handy little briefcase stove.

I ran all the way to Vail one day. I think Eisenhower Tunnel/Vail Pass were all in the 11,000 ft range. I ran it just like I cook brisket - low and slow - in the right lane.

 

[Cincodemustache]

Beautiful view back at home for the last picture. Used to have a small cabin on Skegemog near the Torch River. Can't find lakes that clear down in Texas! Muddy, muddy lakes.

 

[batthewmrown]

View attachment 2333214

Coming down Vail Pass, it looks like. Maybe?

 

[ntdb]

Those mobile office photos are giving me dangerous ideas... looks like an amazing trip! Cruising at 75mph, 3000 rpm, and 11mpg sounds perfect! Is that with 2F, stock gearing, and 4-speed trans?

 

[kirvesmies]

sounds like it was an awesome voyage. it's great when the kids spread their wings n fly, but you never know how far out they alight.

 

[dogfishlake]

Awesome trip man. Sorry we are gonna miss you at the Carousal but would be good to catch up soon.

 

[Rockkreek]

Good trip,,salmon flys then some spring creeks....

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

What engine do you have in there that gets a 60 up to 75MPH?

 

[ElviMcCoy]

What engine do you have in there that gets a 60 up to 75MPH?

original engine. Waze had me at 75mph+ at around 3,000 RPM

 

[HemiAlex]

A little RPM never hurt anything.

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

Well done!
I've owned my FJ60 for over 25 years and it's never gotten anywhere close to 75.