ATA’s publisher fondly trips down memory lane during a far simpler time, reports
Rohit Narayan Sholingur
Long before GPS navigation, electronic travel documentation and smartphone-based travel applications became an integral part of everyday life, road trips were adventures guided by paper maps, the warmth of good company and the willingness to expect the unexpected. For Auto and Trucking Atlantic publisher Robert Alfers, one such journey remains unforgettable almost three decades later.
In March 1992, Robert and his friend Peter embarked on a road trip from Dartmouth N.S. to Daytona Beach in Florida. Robert describes Peter as a newly acquainted friend from work at the time, who lived in Halifax. With very less planning, the duo planned on a road trip for the Spring break. Their original destination was Boston , however since every planned road trip ends in unexpected twists and turns, their final destination ended up being Daytona beach, a popular spring break hotspot, but the journey itself would prove to be just as memorable as the destination.
The duo embarked on the long drive south using Interstate 95, one of North-America’s busiest highways. Their car? A brand new burgundy- coloured 1992 Honda Accord which still had winter tires attached even though they were heading towards Florida’s warm and sunny weather.
Robert describes how crossing the Canada-United States border was easier than it is today, as Canadian travellers did not need passports to enter the U. S.. This made international road trips feel much more simple and accessible than they are today.
As the journey progressed,, the scenery gradually transformed from late-winter conditions into the palm-lined landscapes of the American south. There was excitement built with every mile.
Arriving at Daytona Beach, they quickly realized that they had chosen a particularly busy time for their visit. Their trip coincided with Daytona Bike Week, one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in North America. As they approached the city, motorcycles filled the roads. Robert describes his experience as almost chaotic , due to police checks along the way in search of people carrying any drugs. Even though they didn’t carry anything, his friend had a reputation of carrying substances which made Robert a bit tense while crossing the entry point.
Adding to the distinctive Floridian atmosphere were the ubiquitous roadside orange juice stands that appeared to surface on every corner. For visitors arriving from Atlantic Canada, the abundance of fresh citrus products provided a unique Floridian welcome.
Though the sandy shores of Daytona beach served as the primary destination, the trip also included brief visits to other nearby attractions. One memorable stop was Cocoa Beach, located along Florida’s famed Space Coast. The area offered more than just sandy beaches and ocean views.
One of the highlights was witnessing space shuttle launches from the beach. At the time, NASA’s space shuttle program was still in full operation, and witnessing launches firsthand was a remarkable experience that Robert and his friend had the opportunity to enjoy.
The travellers also visited a nearby planetarium, further immersing themselves in the region’s connection to space exploration. Together, the beach, the launches and the educational attractions created a unique combination of leisure and discovery.
Looking back, Robert says the trip stands out not only because of the places visited but also because of the historical moment in which it occurred. The world was very different in 1992. Security was less restrictive, border crossings were simpler, and many landmarks that defined the era still stood.
Among the memories that remain strongest is knowing that New York City’s Twin Towers were still part of the skyline during that period. The buildings, which would later become symbols of loss and resilience following the events of 9/11, serving as a reminder of how much the world has changed since that road trip took place.
More than 30 years later, the details remain vivid: the long stretches of Interstate 95, a new Honda Accord rolling south on winter tires, motorcycles filling the streets of Daytona Beach, fresh orange juice stands, shuttle launches rising into the sky and the freedom of travelling across borders with little more than a driver’s licence and a sense of adventure.
For Robert Alfers, the memory remains as a road trip that captured a unique moment in time. One that can never be repeated the same way again.