They really did stop in Bug Tussle where a once thriving general store was the only thing they could find to get something cold to drink. Ever since, the Trek has taken place the last Saturday.
According to several AACA- Texas Region members the Trek started after a conversation among members about one last car tour for the summer. They opened up a copy of the Farmer’s Almanac and picked the hottest day of the year which happened to be the last Saturday in August that year. Word spread among fellow enthusiasts, and by the following year, more drivers showed up—some prepared with extra coolant and shade hats, others simply curious to see if the stories were exaggerated. They weren’t. The heat was relentless, the roads long and winding, and the stops few and far between.
Over time, traditions formed. Drivers began decorating their cars with humorous nods to the heat—sun hats perched on dashboards, thermometers taped to windshields, and even the occasional frying pan joke to “test” the pavement. Veterans of the Trek would swap stories of past years: overheated engines, improvised roadside fixes, and the legendary stop at Bug Tussle that started it all.
Despite the conditions, or perhaps because of them, the Trek became more than just a drive. It became a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and a shared love for antique automobiles. They really did stop in Bug Tussle where a once thriving general store was the only thing they could find to get something cold to drink. Ever since, the Trek has taken place the last Saturday until 2024 when it was moved to the fall.
Today, the annual Trek stands as one of the most anticipated traditions of the Texas Region. Each year, engines roar to life under the blazing sun, carrying forward a story that began with a simple idea, a page from an almanac, and a group of members willing to embrace the heat for the sake of one unforgettable ride.
For the entire tenure of this event, a Gambulos family member (three generations now) has made the Trek with matriarch Sandie participating in over 50 Bug Tussles whether as hospitality chair or head cheerleader before her passing in 2022.
Now, that this version is published email me (Nichole) at TexasRegionAACA@gmail.com with YOUR version!
