Marengo Swamp Ride this week in Caldwell Parish

The Marengo Suicide Swamp Ride will be held June 6, 2015 on the Wildlife Management Area in Hebert. You will not have a better time on a four-wheeler than the mud holes at Marengo.  The dirty “good clean fun” that Marengo offers cannot be topped anywhere else. This ride has the famous “suicide hole,” where only the truly daring riders attempt to conquer the machine-eating mud hole.

Many a rider and ATV have met their doom at this spot. Over 5000 people riding stock, slightly modified and super-modified 4-wheelers head for the woods to “whoop it up” from daylight to dark. Riders come from all over the country to support this cause and have a great time. Pre-registration is $20.00 by mail or online and at the gate on June 6th the registration price will be $25.00. You must have a valid Louisiana hunting or fishing license or a one-day stamp. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. and the ride begins at 8:00 a.m. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on site and all ATVs are required to follow marked trails. For more information or registration forms, visit wishicouldnela.org. 

This 30th annual event is the fundraiser for the Wish I Could Foundation, which grants wishes to terminally ill children between ages 3 and 18. This is the major fundraiser each year for the group and everyone working with Wish I Could is a volunteer. Due to the Privacy Act, Wish I Could of NELA, Inc. cannot contact the parents of children with life threatening diseases to grant their wishes. Therefore, anyone who is aware of a child with a life threatening disease can have the family of the child contact Wish I Could at its Rayville, Louisiana location or call 318-728-2300.

Marengo Swamp Ride Survival Tips

The Marengo Swamp ride covers 17 miles in a 50,856 acre wildlife management area. Where possible the more difficult obstacles will have less difficult alternatives but you should be prepared for a challenging ride.

Although alligators, bears, panthers and snakes are not always encountered, it can never be forgotten that this is their home and an encounter is possible.

No one starts this ride with the expectation of becoming disoriented or having equipment failure but it frequently happens. With that in mind, some of our more experienced riders have prepared a list of precautions that we strongly recommend you consider before entering the swamp.

Individual Riders

1. Start with at least a full tank of gas.

2. Six bottles of water.

3. At least 4 Snickers, nutri-grain, etc., that can stand mud and water emersion. (Maybe store in zip lock bags)

4. Tire plug kit and fix-a-flat can with hose.

5. One quart of engine oil.

6. Tow strap.

7. Little tool kit.

8. Super seal in all tires.

9. Flash light

10. Trash bag. All refuse must be removed from ride area for us to continue having access to the swamp and we request your assistance in keeping it clean.

Club Groups

1. One (1) bike with full chest of ice and water

2. One (1) bike with complete tool kit

3. One (1) bike with 12-volt air compressor

4. Winch (pulley kind with snatch block)

5. Binder/ratchet strap

6. CB radios, walkie-talkies or some form of communication. Do not expect telephones to work.

7. Wear your club shirts to help maintain group integrity.

Please note that the latest starting time is 2:.00 p.m.

We appreciate your assistance in helping disabled vehicles be removed from the swamp before dark. It is extremely difficult and dangerous to travel at night.

For more Caldwell Parish news, go to www.caldwellwatchman.com