It is 860 miles between my two homes, so I usually break the drive down into two days. I've learned a few things:
I wear earmuff type hearing protectors, like most others not b/c of the noise from the sidepipes, but to eliminate the wind buffeting my ears. However, having said that, I do notice that the earmuffs also seem to diminish the fatigue factor caused by the sidepipes. Have you ever noticed how tired you get in a very noisy environment? That's because there is a muscle in your middle ear that "disassociates" the three bones that transmit sound to your inner ear...it functions much in a "reflex" motion, so long term noises cause it to fatigue and loosen up, then the sound gets louder and you'll find yourself getting tired. Wear hearing protection.....we all lose a huge amount of our acquity over the years, I wish I had worn hearing protection when I was driving tractors on the farms of SW Kansas/SE Colorado as a teenager!!!
Stop frequently. I seldom go over 150 miles without getting gas (driving range on fuel tank is over 250 miles). I always drink a bottled water every hour, too. I stop at rest stops for snacks. Stretch while you're stopped and you'll feel better at the end of the day.
I wear a hat and therefore don't have the sunburn issues.....but, sunscreen is a great idea as the constant movement through the air can dry out the skin and result in wind-burns.
With propper preparation and good weather, two days at 400+ miles/day is doable, even enjoyable (except for the "boredom" in north TX and the OK panhandle!!).
My Cobra is equipped with a sound system, I think I might have a headphone jack wired in so I can listen to music....earbuds under the hearing protectors....but, then, I really like the throaty growl from the sidepipes with the hearing protectors on, I have had the car for 3 years now and haven't worried about wiring in the headphones, so maybe not?
I spoke with Bob Kallio (probably butchered the spelling), who operated Midwest Cobras before Shell Valley merged with his company....he said his Cobra has A/C, heat, and cruise control, he drives his 4 seasons of the year. He was in Nebraska.....that means COLD winters....he used his ragtop and side curtains and said he was quite comfortable year-round.
Cheers!
Dugly
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