On Sat, 28 Jun 2014 09:40:02 -0400, Nancy Young
> wrote:

>On 6/28/2014 9:32 AM, ChattyCathy wrote:
>
>> Automatics are good in heavy traffic (saves having to keep one's foot on
>> clutch pedal) - but in any other circumstances, I prefer 'stick shift'
>> vehicles; I can pull off in 1st, 2nd and have even done it in 3rd gear
>> occasionally <laugh>. And I also know when to change gears - don't need a
>> rev counter to do it - I still have pretty good hearing...
>
>I'm with you! I like to shift when I feel like it.

Me too. I often start off in 2nd gear on our hilly roads around here.
(depends on vehicle's gearing, engine torque, etc.). Too many people
will always take off in 1st by default, when it isn't really
appropriate.