Dumb question from newbie -- could I make it through mud like this?

[Markuson]

Lot of lessons here, but I just want to point out that ADV riders are some of the most bad a$$ people you will meet on the trail. Usually they're super cool and willing to lend a hand even though they're the most exposed and have the least capacity to carry things like spare tools and parts. I was riding my CRF250X on Steel Bender in Moab a couple years ago solo at dusk (bad idea), and when I went to turn around before it got too dark I realized I was missing my GoPro that was clamped onto the rear fender. My wife had just given it to me a couple weeks prior for my birthday and I had absolutely no idea where it had gone missing since the trail had been extremely bumpy. Out of the blue a crew of 2 guys and 1 girl on big KTMs came flying up the trail from the opposite direction and stopped to chat. I told them I just lost my GoPro and they immediately took off riding far faster than I could, and about 10 minutes later one of them met me on the trail again with my GoPro in hand. He just said "here you go bro ride safe!". I tried inviting them out to dinner, drinks, whatever to say thanks, but they weren't having any of it. I know there are plenty of squids out there, but by and large bikers are some of the best people on the roads and trails.

Love this story. Also reflects my experience. Good folks out there.

 

[hj 60]

Sometimes it becomes obvious while driving (detour bringing kids to school)

but this was in front of my house and a friend helped:

close to house, same friend

again in front of house, stayed there for a few days:

another friend
Had his machine for a day to play around, impressive crawling

Again next to house, stuck on rearhatch, used neighbor 4x4 tractor:

So get stuck when you can, learn from it and try to get out with no damage or panic stupidity, beware of quick helpers.

 

[Dan Lee]

hahah. I enjoyed that. Thanks.

My takeaway was not to get stuck and learn from it, but rather trade in my Toyota and get a tractor.

 

[OregonLC]

I've been stuck in what looked like firm ground just off the trail. I've also driven through very deep mud holes with a firm bottom no problemo. There's no golden rule for visually determining what is passable. That muddy field above, of course, is a pretty clear bad idea (unless you want to play!). It's more of the context of what the soil type is like (clay? sand? dirt?) and what's below it.

If I'm alone my risk tolerance is way different than if I'm in a group (well, depending upon who's in the group!). If it's treed and I can easily pull winch line, it's different than in that flat area next to the lake in your first picture.

Getting stuck when you're playing can be fun. Getting stuck beyond your limits when you're remote is not fun. Recovery in the wee hours of the morning when you're tired and hungry is a good school teacher.