Gearing Up for Adventure: The Genesis of GRAND TOUR Miata
How it all began
My love for driving has been a constant in my life, beginning with my first two seemingly practical vehicles-a 1986 GMC Safari, and a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. Though they were standard, everyday cars at first, I transformed them both with nitrous, custom wheels and paint in the Hyundai and a dual exhaust with glass packs in the Safari, among many other very 1990s young adult modifications. There has always been something about the theoretical freedom to go anywhere anytime in a car was liberating and exciting to me.
However, my entire outlook on driving transformed in 2010 with the purchase of my first Miata, a 1994 Special Edition. Its tossability on the road, compact size, and encounters with fellow Miata enthusiasts—who exchange waves or flash their pop-up headlights—awakened a sense of camaraderie in me. I realized we shared a simple, unadulterated love for driving.
I’ll say it like a broken record, the Miata stands out, not for its speed or flashy looks, but for its humble design dedicated solely to the joy of driving. Yes, there are faster, more visually striking cars with superior handling, but often they are out of reach of everyday people. Miatas, in contrast, represent the pure joy and privilege of driving, accessible to everyone. It's a spirit similar to Porsche's, yet without the high price tag.
Fast forward to 2024, I've owned six Miatas and currently enjoy driving three of them.
My interest led me to a Top Gear magazine article in December 2023, where they chronicled a journey of a 2016 MX-5 to Alaska's northern slope, along with a separate article from Road and Track documenting a 1980s Ferrari 308. This made me wonder: "Has anyone taken a first-generation Miata on such a trip?" So far, I haven't found any records of such an adventure, so why not be the first!
The name Grand Tour Miata has been floating around for a while in my head, and I loved watching all the Top Gear Specials and the Grand Tour, so the name seemed fitting. I’m definitely not trying to replicate what the Top Gear trio did. But I love the long journeys!
Why I'm Doing It
My motivation took root from a longing to explore Alaska coupled with reading the 2 previously mentioned articles. Yet, instead of taking a flight, I prefer a richer experience – to drive. Having visited nearly all the states, the untamed wilderness and expansive beauty of Alaska have always captivated me.
Additionally, I'm eager to test the reliability of the Miata on an extended journey. With 365,000 miles clocked on its original engine and drive-train (though with a new clutch), it has been remarkably reliable, thanks in part to regular maintenance & excellent engineering from Mazda.
However, the most compelling reason emerged amidst increasing discussions about the future prevalence of self-driving technology, a road use tax replacing the gas tax which unfairly charges per miles driven, even for vehicles of dramatically different sizes, such as Miatas vs semi trucks. When one could argue the heavier vehicles should pay more taxes due to more damage to the road. But that is not what is being proposed in the new infrastructure bill. Self driving cars also have the potential to supplant human drivers, possibly within the lifetimes of many millennials and Gen Z.
I firmly believe that as long as I am physically capable, I would prefer to drive to my favorite national parks, top down, with a 5-speed in hand and the wind in my hair, rather than surrender control to big tech. Or be heavily penalized and taxed out of existence. There’s a time and place for self driving tech, and I understand the road use tax is being proposed to capture revenue from electric vehicles, but human driven cars can and should coexist with all other types of vehicles, and not be punished for it.
My worry is that as time progresses, younger generations might lose their interest in driving, placing undue trust in AI (which may very well be safer than any human driver in the future, but still). These are the same youngsters who will mature into lawmakers and potentially view traditional drivers like me as hazards, possibly imposing laws that either heavily tax us or ban us from roads altogether, relegating our driving experiences to crowded tracks on weekends just like Niel DeGrass Tyson predicts.
Thus, this page has transformed into a celebration of the classic road trip, solo travel, and the joy of human-operated driving that will hopefully be something we can always enjoy on any public road.
It is also here to remind all car enthusiasts and lovers of driving that we need to come together more often to preserve our passion and the heritage of private, personal transportation in the United States.
After all, a car has no soul without a human behind the wheel.
Where It's Headed
Having resolved to journey to Alaska in late June, I'm hopeful that, with sufficient support and a successful trip, I can embark on more epic adventures in my Miata. My ultimate dream? To traverse the length and breadth of America, journey across Canada, and eventually reach the southernmost tip of South America. Long drives are a familiar territory for me and something I genuinely relish. Reflecting on the summer of 2010, I covered 25,000 miles, crisscrossing the U.S. to connect with friends.
If this evolves into something more I am ready for it!
