For some, mudding is an awesome chance to spend their free time but for others, it may seem just another excuse to go nowhere and get dirty.
In this article, we dive into the realm of mudding, discover its origin, and collect a few tricks on how to go the extra mile without being stuck in the sticky rut.
WHAT IS MUD BOGGING?
Mud bogging or simply called mudding is a type of off-roading activity that normally occurs in the latter part of winter and early part of spring when portions of snow are thawed and mixed with ground dirt to form a gooey consistency of mud.
During this time, people drive over puddles and other muddy surfaces which in turn get splattered on various parts of 4x4s including windows.
WHERE DID MUD BOGGING ORIGINATE?
Mud bogging or mudding can be traced back to its ancestor, the Swamp Buggy Parade in Naples, Florida. It’s a competition where people battle it out to the finish line while going through a muddy path.
The sport itself is symbolic because it represents not only your need for survival but also your desire to reach your goal despite of the challenges (or obstacles) that you have to go through – while strategizing how to get there and learning how to laugh at your mistakes (like when you accidentally bathe in mud).
WHEN DID MUD BOGGING START?
As what was previously mentioned, mudding came from the Swamp Buggy Parade which was an annual mud racing competition that began in 1949. This was a few years after World War II in 1941 when developments in the automotive industry started making progress.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR TO GO MUDDING?
Wearing your simple clothes on a mudding event is like going to the battlefield without a gun. With that being said, you need all the ample protection you can get regardless of the mud’s squishiness. This is because it can still contain rough and solid debris that aren’t noticeable.
- Helmets – cushion and shield the head when it hits something hard. Make sure to use helmets that are according to your head size for a snug fit.
- Goggles – can be known as sparring partner of helmets because they protect your eyes from a surprise mud splash.
- Mudding boots – also called galoshes or rubberized boots that you may put over your regular shoes to prevent them from accumulating muck or grime.
- Gloves – can either wick away or absorb sweat from your hands. They can be useful in 4×4 recoveries because of their ergonomic handles that improve your grip.
- Long sleeves and pants – can also be worn to give sufficient cover on your bare skin. Rinsing mud on the skin isn’t easy and some people have allergies.
HOW DO YOU GO MUDDING?
Mudding games must be planned carefully. You can’t go to the trail head on just because you feel like it and think you can quickly best everyone out. Here are some things you need to remember because once you get your wheels wet, there’s no turning back.
- Using mud tires – mud tires have a lug tread design meant for resistance against slippery surfaces. And because they’re often self-cleaning, they automatically remove portions of mud, so they don’t accumulate too much.
- Dropping the tire pressure – lower tire pressure means better traction on soft, uneven surfaces. For muddy surfaces, tire pressures are normally reduced around 20-22 PSI, something light but still stable enough not to sink.
- Checking the depth – before going through the mud, check if it’s passable enough for your 4×4. You can do this by poking over the surface repetitively or watch your peers go through it first.
- Engaging in four-wheel drive – since mud is naturally slippery and sticky, 4x4ers usually activate the L4 low-speed 4WD mode of their vehicles since it helps them move slowly but steadily, especially on steep muddy terrains.
- Sticking to the plan – staying on a single route is a way of building momentum. Unlike when going on zigzags, you risk going through varying or changing surfaces like soft, rough, hard, etc., which contributes to losing traction and getting stuck.
WHAT IS A BOUNTY HOLE?
Bounty hole is a kind of mud bogging game played in Macclenny, Florida. The game is named after a long muddy stretch, “The Bounty Hole” where the most hardcore and toughest 4x4ers must go through in order to reach the end goal. There are no specific rules to follow in this game except reaching the finish line with your sanity still intact.
CONCLUSION
Mud bogging is more than just a pastime because it can be one of many 4x4ers’ ways to blow off some steam when the stressful days are over. But of course, participating in it requires wits and finesse to ensure your safety and victory. What’s it like when you had your first mudding experience? Don’t be shy to share us your funniest or most irritating stories below.
About Author
