TougeFest 2022 Is Here!
Held at the car enthusiast Mecca that is the Tail of the Dragon in East Tennessee each year is a little gathering of friends known as TougeFest. TougeFest has been around for a little while now, and those of us here at Just Drive have been in attendance each year since 2018. TougeFest originally only had one annual meeting, usually at the end of the year and towards the end of the driving season. However, in recent years, the organizers have added a smaller, more laid back Spring Meet. While the two events are held by the same group, and usually feature the same regulars, both events have their own unique feel and atmosphere that make both events worth visiting.
We originally found out about TougeFest through a YouTube video that was discovered after binge watching a load of videos based on mountain runs at the Dragon. The following year, we decided to get a small group together to go check out the event, and it’s been the highlight of the driving season since! Not only is the driving and exploration a great time, but the weekend also gives you a great opportunity to meet friends old and new, and gives you a chance to connect with likeminded enthusiasts. I’ve made lots of friends through the event, and I hope to continue making more with each passing year.
This year’s Fall TougeFest event is coming up this weekend! If you’re going to be in attendance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ve gotta respect the double yellow line. As locals, we see and hear about lots of accidents caused because a car or bike left their lane and collided with oncoming traffic. Often, this can be fatal. That being said, whether or not you can “see through the turn”, you need to stay in your own lane. Second, stay within your own limits! Find yourself a pace that you’re comfortable at where you can maintain your lane and drive within your comfort level, and stick to it. Don’t try to keep up or show off for people if it’s pushing you outside your comfort zone. If faster traffic comes up behind you, hit the next pulloff and let them by. This way, you’ll keep pressure off of you and also allow both the passing car and yourself to have more fun. Try to keep the temperature in mind as it’s usually fairly cold, especially early in the morning or late at night. Lastly, enjoy yourself! We all get together to do this for that one simple reason.
The fall event is usually held the first weekend in November of each year, meaning that the 2022 Fall Event is just around the corner! This means that prep for the event is in full swing. I’ve been in crunch time trying to get my latest project, my 2005 Mustang GT, running and in shape to take to the mountains. Everyone else usually takes the time to check their fluids, brakes and tires, give the car an overall safety inspection and change the oil in their cars, but for some, it’s a bit more than that. Many people try to cram in a few last modifications before the end of the year so that they can try them out over the weekend.
We try to make it to every TougeFest event that pops up, so if you’re up to try it out, give it a try! It’s a weekend packed full of great roads, great food, and an overall amazing atmosphere! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to the next event the day after it ends. Get out there, meet more enthusiasts like yourself, see some amazing cars, find some new roads, and enjoy the drive! After all, that’s what we’re all about.
