The snow has melted and spring is finally here, which also means that mud season is upon us as well.
If you’ve ever spent time on Ontario’s 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’t get completely stuck–even though you’ll probably wind up with an excellent story to tell for years to come.
So what’s the best way to traverse the muddy season? Here’s a few things to consider.
Have the Right Off-Road Vehicle
If the areas you plan to traverse this mud season are especially, well, muddy, you’ll want an ATV or side by side (SXS) that can power you through it. Make sure your ride has plenty of torque, because you’re going to need the horsepower to get through some of these mud pits.
You’ll also want your engine to be high mounted and protected from the elements–you’re less likely to flood everything. You’ll also want the right mud tires for traction through the sludge, so make sure you’ve got the right tread-depth. Otherwise, you’ll be sunk.
Having your ride high mounted will also be a huge help. For more on Ontario’s rules for off road vehicles, check out our article full of must-have info.
The Right Accessories for Mud Bogging
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.
For yourself, a good quality mudding jacket and pants will help you from getting too swamped while you’re 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.
Getting Through the Muck
So, you’ve got your ATV or SXS all packed up and ready to hit the muddy trails. You’re probably picturing the huge mess you’re going to make shortly (which is the best part of mud bogging, let’s be honest), but as you’re rolling, take a few moments to consider your terrain.
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.
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’re completely in the sink, you may need the come-along or a winch. It’s always better to be over-prepared than completely underprepared.
Time to Clean Up
So you went out mudding and made it back in one piece, hurrah! Now it’s 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’t skimp on this part.
Mud can lead to rusting, corrosion, stuck bolts, and air filter contamination, just to name a few things that can go wrong.
Make sure you’ve got the right tools for this particular job:
- ATV soap
- Wash mitt
- Bristle brush
- Hose or pressure washer
Washing Your ATV
Drench your ride completely as the wetter the mud, the easier it will come off. If it’s too dry, you may have to chisel it off with a plastic scraper and a rubber mallet. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, both on top and the underside.
Once you’ve got all the mud off and your ride is clean, wipe it down with a microfibre or drying cloth. Getting rid of the moisture will help prevent rust and make your off-road vehicle shine.
Get Out There for Some Muddy Fun!
With these tips, you’ll be ready to start mudding in no time. So shine up your machine, call up some buddies, and head out on your next adventure!
Ready to hit the off road trails but need a new ATV, SXS or dirtbike? Breeze Powersports Financing can help get you out there and as muddy as possible. Learn how our financing works and apply today!
