Mud Bogging: The Growing Sport Of Rural America
If you grow up in rural America, often times you will have to devise means to entertain yourself in the event of boredom. Since you aren't living in downtown Chicago or someplace like that, you don't have all the options of events and things to do like city folks. Many of these outlets stem from not being scared to get a little dirty if it means some good ole' fun. I'm certain that's how mud bogging got its start. And if you don't know what mud bogging is, I will be proud to introduce you.
There are some things you should know if you are trying to understand this sport. The first being that yes, it is considered a sport to those who participate in it. Another thing being what all is involved in a typical mud bogging experience. I will briefly touch on set ups and how to optimize your mud pit and "mudder" (your vehicle you take to the mud bog).
As was earlier stated, mud bogging is a year round sport in some areas of the country. Obviously winter weather could be a hindrance to the production of mud and therefore northern states make it a more seasonal affair. But there are many different mud bogs throughout a given year in which those who like to get some mud on their tires can get out there and prove who has the best means to tear through the mud.
You have to have two things to really make a mud bog work: a good vehicle and a good pit of mud. We will get to the vehicle part later. The mud is usually laid out in a trench a few feet deep spanning anywhere from an eighth of a mile to a full mile. This all depends on the amount of space that you have to work with, and whether or not this is a consistent mud bogging venue.
In order to win a mud bog, you have to complete the course. Usually this means just getting in and out of the trench without the need of assistance. Very often, few vehicles will make it through the trench, so it's easy to determine the winner if only one truck sees the other side. If you are stuck, you are pulled from the running. Unless of course no one makes it to the other side, which means the winner is who makes it the farthest in the trench. If more than one truck makes it to the other side without assistance, the winner is determined by who did so the fastest.
If you are considering competing in a bog, you have to have the right equipment. This means you have to get a vehicle that can pull you through the trench without blowing itself up. This usually means you need a jeep or a truck; they have strong engines and high rise bodies. Most say not high enough, though, as many mud bogging specialists would encourage new comers to "jack 'em up". Meaning, get a lift kit and put on some oversized tires to shred through even the deepest ditches.
Often times, the racers will only be competing for bragging rights until the next bog. Sometimes there is a hat passed around to collect a pot among the racers and spectators for the winner of the event. This keeps the sport selective to the areas. No sponsors, no contracts, just good ole' boys and girls pushing engines to the limit.
Well, it might not be as big as football or baseball, but mud bogging certainly has its place in American sporting. Whether it's the thrill of the throttle or the slew of mud being hurled through the air from churning tires, something keeps people excited about bogging. - 2368
There are some things you should know if you are trying to understand this sport. The first being that yes, it is considered a sport to those who participate in it. Another thing being what all is involved in a typical mud bogging experience. I will briefly touch on set ups and how to optimize your mud pit and "mudder" (your vehicle you take to the mud bog).
As was earlier stated, mud bogging is a year round sport in some areas of the country. Obviously winter weather could be a hindrance to the production of mud and therefore northern states make it a more seasonal affair. But there are many different mud bogs throughout a given year in which those who like to get some mud on their tires can get out there and prove who has the best means to tear through the mud.
You have to have two things to really make a mud bog work: a good vehicle and a good pit of mud. We will get to the vehicle part later. The mud is usually laid out in a trench a few feet deep spanning anywhere from an eighth of a mile to a full mile. This all depends on the amount of space that you have to work with, and whether or not this is a consistent mud bogging venue.
In order to win a mud bog, you have to complete the course. Usually this means just getting in and out of the trench without the need of assistance. Very often, few vehicles will make it through the trench, so it's easy to determine the winner if only one truck sees the other side. If you are stuck, you are pulled from the running. Unless of course no one makes it to the other side, which means the winner is who makes it the farthest in the trench. If more than one truck makes it to the other side without assistance, the winner is determined by who did so the fastest.
If you are considering competing in a bog, you have to have the right equipment. This means you have to get a vehicle that can pull you through the trench without blowing itself up. This usually means you need a jeep or a truck; they have strong engines and high rise bodies. Most say not high enough, though, as many mud bogging specialists would encourage new comers to "jack 'em up". Meaning, get a lift kit and put on some oversized tires to shred through even the deepest ditches.
Often times, the racers will only be competing for bragging rights until the next bog. Sometimes there is a hat passed around to collect a pot among the racers and spectators for the winner of the event. This keeps the sport selective to the areas. No sponsors, no contracts, just good ole' boys and girls pushing engines to the limit.
Well, it might not be as big as football or baseball, but mud bogging certainly has its place in American sporting. Whether it's the thrill of the throttle or the slew of mud being hurled through the air from churning tires, something keeps people excited about bogging. - 2368
About the Author:
Sometimes when you grow up in the country, you have to get creative when it comes to entertainment. This pasttime is better known as mud bogging to those who do it. Mud bogging may never be as large as football, but it has cemented a place for itself among outdoor gamers.
posted by Frank Potter at 12:56 AM
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