CARNDUFF - The town of Carnduff became a showcase of classic cars, trucks and a fire truck on the morning of Aug. 15. Many from the area came out to see the vehicles and to meet and encourage their drivers.
They were in town as part of the Canadian Coasters 2022 tour. Every five years or so, the Canadian Coasters take a cross-Canada trip, starting at one coast and travelling for about 2 1/2 months to reach the other coast.
This year, the trip started in St. John’s on June 30 after a three-day meet and greet. The goal is to arrive in Duncan, B.C., on Sept. 5, where the trip will conclude with a farewell dinner.
Fifty-four classics set out from Newfoundland. Forty-three pulled campers; 11 were driven by hotel preferers. When they arrived in Carnduff, 35 were still going strong. Some join the tour along the way, but others drop out.
Some had to call it quits because of car problems, others got fed up with high gas prices and some withdrew for health reasons. For example, one driver fainted as he drove and his wife had to take the wheel and pull the car over to the side of the road. He was rushed to the hospital, where he received a pacemaker. Thankfully, he is recovering well.
The tour included Carnduff because two of the Coasters were from the area. Before retiring, Murray and Carol Firth ran the family farm in Carievale. Her hometown is Gainsborough. They suggested the stop in Carnduff and everyone went along with the idea.
The road trip is a great way to see Canada. Periodically, the tour will take a break and do some sightseeing. For instance, in Montreal they took a bus tour into downtown Montreal. They did the same thing in Ottawa.
The drivers don’t drive in a convoy. They have designated meeting spots where they spend the nights, but the car owners choose their own routes as to how to get there. Occasionally they meet up at other spots, such as the Subway in Carnduff where they all assembled.
Bill Sauder is an original Coaster. He was part of the first tour in 1967 that marked Canada’s 100th birthday. He started the trip, with his parents, as a 14-year-old and finished it as a 15-year-old, celebrating his birthday on the road between coasts.
This was his second Coasters trip.
“It’s not just about seeing Canada and showing off their 1977 Ford F100. It’s about meeting people. The people who are a part of the tour and the people who come out to cheer them on,” Firth said.
The next stop was Mainprize Regional Park in Midale, where the tour would call it a day. The previous night was spent in Souris, Man., so that day was a typical trip, about four hours of driving time.
A trip like this is not cheap. It comes with a price tag of $15,000-$20,000. If you have the money and time and a vehicle that is at least 25 years-old, you might consider the next tour that’s planned for 2027.
More information about the Canadian Coasters and this current road trip can be found on their website at www.coasters2022.com.
