Premium Gasoline Availability at the FJ Summit

[Kansas Law Dog]

I think everyone going to the FJ Summit knows that Premium Gasoline is recommended by Toyota for your FJ Cruiser, not required. This said, there are not going to be many service stations between all of the cities (bergs) - Ouray, Lake City, Silverton, and Telluride - we will visit. If most FJ loyalist prefer to feed your baby Premium (like me), there just might not be enough high octane juice for 150 FJ Cruisers filling up once or twice a day for 3-4 days.

A fact about vehicle octane requirement, is that as you drive higher in elevation the minimum octane required by your vehicle decreases. Colorado and Wyoming sell 85 octane for the Reqular grade gasoline (not 87 octane like most of the country) because only the Arkansas River at the Kansas border in SE Colorado and the Belle Fourche in NE Wyoming are below 4000 feet above sea level. Ouray is 7700 feet in elevation and the trails we will be driving are higher, up to 12,600 feet.

I wanted to get this information out before the FJ Summit so folks don't have anxious moments if the service station is low/out of premium grade. I normally purchase Premium here at home, but will probably opt for Regular during the Summit.

P.S. For your best health at high altitude (normal sea level atmospheric pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi), but 7700 feet is about 11.0 psi) drink lots of water. 11.0 versus 14.7 psi means for every breath you take in the high country, there is less oxygen than at sea level. Your blood absorbs oxygen and distributes it to you brain and body. Many folks get headaches at high altitude for this reason. One thing you can do to help yourself is drink lots of water. I'm not sure of the mechanism, but it works. Order water with all your meals and have plenty of water (bottled or thermos jugs) with you on the trails.

[Bostonian1976]

KLD my friend, I can't wait to meet you. I'm going to ask you to quantify the number of sponsors divided by the square root of participants and trails combined....

[andygriffith]

Great advice. Supplementing your iron intake also should help with the altitude.

[Bostonian1976]

I'm checking into this w/ the town and will be sure that there is plenty of gas for everyone. Also, everyone will have lots of gas with the food we have picked out

[Sand_Lizard]

ah that sounds about ripe...premuim gas in the tank, and high quiaity gas in the cabin

[jeshua]

great info KLD, I never even considered them not having/running out. but it is a big possiblity like you said with 150+ FJ's filling up every other day.

[Mtbcoach]

As an Athletic Trainer and long time cycling coach, I can verify the advise by KLD to DRINK WATER...

The mechanism is...at altitude, the air holds less water, dehydrating you with every breath. As you become less hydrated, your blood volume is decreased and the ability to transport red blood cells (which carry oxygen) is deminished (much like dropping a quart of oil in your crankcase), equates to less ability to do work. Many cyclists would bring humidifiers to altitude races as well as drink gallons of water during a weekend at elevation.

And, remember that mass quantities of alcohol won't help with hydration, not that I expect anyone to be having a drink or two at the event....

[Bostonian1976]

word back from Ouray Chamber of Commerce -

there are two gas stations that will be sure to have plenty of premium gas for us when we get there. Bring your credit card. lol

[jeshua]

Bostonian way to be on the ball. Thanks for all your hard work.

[Katfish]

and for everyone else.....you don't have to drink as much beer to feel the good buzz either....

Seriously, thanks for the info on water and gas! And thanks for checking on the gas situation! Everyone is so on the ball!