{"id":3814,"date":"2022-04-21T14:12:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T21:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breezefinancialsolutions.com\/?p=3814"},"modified":"2024-03-27T13:13:24","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T20:13:24","slug":"getting-muddy-best-ways-to-handle-the-mud-this-off-road-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breezefinancialsolutions.com\/getting-muddy-best-ways-to-handle-the-mud-this-off-road-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Muddy: Best Ways to Handle the Mud This Off-Road Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The snow has melted and spring is finally here, which also means that mud season is upon us as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever spent time on Ontario\u2019s off road trails this time of year, you know that right now, it is less riding and more mud bogging, which is great fun as long as you don\u2019t get completely stuck\u2013even though you\u2019ll probably wind up with an excellent story to tell for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what\u2019s the best way to traverse the muddy season? Here\u2019s a few things to consider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have the Right Off-Road Vehicle<\/span><\/h2>\n

If the areas you plan to traverse this mud season are especially, well, muddy, you\u2019ll want an ATV or side by side (SXS) that can power you through it. Make sure your ride has plenty of torque, because you\u2019re going to need the horsepower to get through some of these mud pits. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want your engine to be high mounted and protected from the elements\u2013you\u2019re less likely to flood everything. You\u2019ll also want the right tires for traction through the sludge, so make sure you\u2019ve got the right tread-depth. Otherwise, you\u2019ll be sunk. <\/span><\/p>\n

Having your ride high mounted will also be a huge help. For more on Ontario\u2019s rules for off road vehicles, check out our article full of <\/span>must-have info<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Right Accessories for Mud Bogging<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most obvious thing you should have for mudding are mud tires and mud flaps. If they are looking a little ragged from last year, consider replacing them. <\/span><\/p>\n

For yourself, a good quality mudding jacket and pants will help you from getting too swamped while you\u2019re on the trails. And if you or one of your buddies gets stuck, a good winch will be necessary to pull them free. Keeping a come-along and tow straps on hand is a good idea as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting Through the Muck<\/span><\/h2>\n

So, you\u2019ve got your ATV or SXS all packed up and ready to hit the muddy trails. You\u2019re probably picturing the huge mess you\u2019re going to make shortly (which is the best part of mud bogging, let\u2019s be honest), but as you\u2019re rolling, take a few moments to consider your terrain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mud can be deceiving, in that it can be far deeper than it looks. Make sure you go straight through the puddle. Any swerving could cause you to lose momentum and wind up stuck. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you do wind up stuck, try backing up if possible and rock your ride back and forth to try and loosen yourself. If you\u2019re completely in the sink, you may need the come-along or a winch. It\u2019s always better to be over-prepared than completely underprepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time to Clean Up<\/span><\/h2>\n

So you went out mudding and made it back in one piece, hurrah! Now it\u2019s time to clean up your off road vehicles for next time. This is very important to do after a good run through the mud, as it will help your ATV, SXS, or dirtbike run better for longer, so don\u2019t skimp on this part. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mud can lead to rusting, corrosion, stuck bolts, and air filter contamination, just to name a few things that can go wrong. <\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019ve got the right tools for this particular job: <\/span><\/p>\n