I'm guessing your Cardinal is 1975 or earlier, based on speeds in MPH. I own and fly a 1977 RG.
Don't be in a hurry to reduce power. I lift off at about 55 kts (slight nose up) and accelerate to 80 kts for initial climb. Gear up, wait for the yellow light, then flaps up. 80 kts is great initially, but I can see over the nose better at 90-100 kts. I don't reduce power below 1000' AGL, and may leave full power in longer if I know I want to be higher sooner (say, in mountain country). 25", 2500 rpm, and fuel back to top of green (watching CHT).
Close in for landing I first select 10 degrees flap. This slows the plane down to gear speed, then drop the gear. I'm quite comfortable flying the pattern at 80 kts, then slowing to 65-70 kts on short final (with 30 degrees).
Last edited by MarcK; 30th Oct 2011 at 01:39.