Where there’s mud, there’s Mayhem

What started with three friends buying ATVs has grown into something much bigger for Mike Infantino. After a lifetime spent riding dirt bikes and a 2009 Can-Am Renegade 800 that cemented his love of ATVing, Infantino and his friends began spending nearly every weekend exploring Ontario’s trails, often seeking out the kind of challenging terrain that leaves riders wet, muddy and occasionally stuck. One particularly memorable ride through deep water holes inspired the name Mayhem Mudders, and what began as an inside joke soon became a brand shared through videos and social media.

Today, Mayhem Mudders is as much about the people as it is about the mud. Infantino has watched the group grow through new friendships, shared rides and a broader Ontario off-road community that he says is remarkably supportive of fellow riders. From the province’s varied terrain and extensive trail systems to the lessons that come from getting stuck, Infantino talks about what keeps him coming back to the trails, how Mayhem Mudders has evolved and why responsible riding, trail stewardship and strong friendships are at the heart of the group’s future.

How long have you been riding, and what inspired you to start?

I've been riding dirt bikes since I was a child so I’ve always been attracted to getting muddy and taking some risks that goes with the sport. As I've grown older, powersports have been evolving so it is just natural to evolve with it. For example, there are more options now with ATVs and other powersports as technology changes. In 2009 I bought my first Can-Am Renegade 800. Since then I’ve been hooked.

Can you tell me the story behind the Mayhem Mudders and how the organization got started?

The Mayhem Mudders started with three of us getting ATVs at the same time. It’s the old “if you buy one I’ll buy one too!” scenario between buddies. Once the three of us bought new ATVs it was the only thing we could think about. We would ride every weekend no matter the weather conditions. If we weren’t riding we were anticipating and planning the next ride.

How did you come up with the name?

It was a bit of a fluke and a play on words. The three of us were riding some pretty technical mud trails and we got stuck in an area that is known for having deep water holes with no options to go around. Once we made it though we laughed and talked about how much “Mayhem” that was. We joked and mentioned that we are the "Mayhem Mudders Crew.” As rides became more frequent and more and more videos were created, I needed to start a YouTube and Instagram account so I was able to share the videos between the three of us. Next thing you know it became a brand.

What was your very first group ride like?

As one could imagine, it was amazing! It was somewhere around November but the cold didn’t deter anyone from getting wet and muddy! There’s nothing like having a great group of people from all walks of life come together that share the same interests.

What makes Ontario riding unique?

Massive trail networks in all regions. North, south, east, and west have trail systems for all level of riding skills.

All-season riding is available. Summer, fall, winter and spring all offer some great riding conditions.

Crown land access allows the trail systems to be endless.

The most unique part of riding in Ontario is the assortment of terrain. If you want rocky elevations, Northern Ontario offers the best trails. You want mud and hard packed clay, Southern Ontario is the place! With all the lakes and trail options, you could literally ride a whole day on trail systems without seeing anyone. This makes for great Crown land camping.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about mud riding?

"Four-wheel-drive means I won’t get stuck.” Every rider either has been stuck in the mud or will be stuck in the mud at some point.

“More throttle will get me through.” Although it does work sometimes, it’s usually the cause of getting stuck quicker.

Group of Mayhem Mudders riders lined up on machines

If a new rider had a limited budget, where should they spend their money first?

A helmet. Making sure you have a good quality helmet is the most important to me. You only have one head. May as well protect it.

Have you ever been genuinely worried about getting stuck?

Never. When riding deep mud holes I almost expect to get stuck. When I make it through it makes it more satisfying. Lol

What's the funniest thing that's happened during a ride?

Thats a hard question. I can’t tell you how many laughs we have when out riding in a group.

There was this one ride that sticks out to me. Late November, cold and muddy. We were riding down here in Niagara and we came across this section of mud trail that had been beaten up by ATVs, pickup trucks and other off-road vehicles. So this section was impassable without getting stuck. Justin, one of the original guys, tried to go around this deep (and I mean deep) mud hole. Just as he got to the middle of the mud hole his machine slid into the water flipping his ATV upside down and he was completely submerged under water for a few seconds. He wasn’t hurt and didn’t wreck his machine but his wadders fill with freezing cold water. After we winched out his machine and made sure he was ok thats when the jokes started. We came to the conclusion that he applied too much “mayhem”. I have to add, he continued the ride for the rest of the day.

How do you welcome new members into the group?

We just plan rides. Most of the time we run into other riders at events or on trips to other trail systems and friendships blossom. The more we ride together we become a small community of likeminded people. After that, most riders are interested in being part of a small group of great people. The Mayhem Mudders.

What does the off-road community in Ontario do particularly well?

Support one another! I'm amazed at how many people in the off road community support one another. Whether it's promoting videos, Instagram and YouTube accounts or even just putting on events to keep this sport growing. I’m fortunate to be a part of a great community!

What do you hope the Mayhem Mudders will be known for in five years?

I hope the Mayhem Mudders are known for the strong friendships, responsible riding, trail stewardship, and creating unforgettable adventures.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add something that is extremely important to myself and our group.

Men's mental health. Roughly 10 men between the ages of 45 to 64 take the own lives every day in Canada. There is a great group out of Manitoba that is part of the off road community called Cowboys Mud Racing Ltd. They dedicate themselves to bring awareness to this epidemic we have of men committing suicide here in Canada. If you haven’t reached out to them, I would highly recommend it.

Also if I may, I’d like to give a shout out to the members in the Mayhem crew: