Boundary County's 'Batgirl' thrives in off-roading competitions
(Courtesy photo) Teresa Lummus laughs at a muddy situation, showing that even during tough and dirty times, she is still having fun in the competitive world of off-roading.
Courtesy Photo Batgirl making mud fly, and her smile shows how much fun she is having.
Courtesy Photo Lummus almost rolled during this run in her 1976 International Scout during a previous Moyie Mud Bogs.
Courtesy Photo This form of motor sports can be hard on the vehicles running through the courses, and the mechanics working on them.
BONNERS FERRY — A day in the life of a resident of Boundary County may look much like the last, and have the potential to carry over into the next day. Work, school, learning, and building relationships, are scattered through the many agendas of the community. There are daily and weekly routines that residents are used to, and straying from those can come with surprising consequences.
Teresa Lummus started her off-roading experience at the Moyie Mud Bogs, and was introduced to the sport by her brother, Joe Miller.
Over time, she has gained both the experience and a love for the extreme sport of mud bogging, and has had a hand in the Moyie Mud Bogs ever since the infatuation of the sport took hold. After her first experiences, Lummus has continued to take the idea of the sport by the horns, which is go fast, go hard, and get home. With her daring attitude, she has definitely stepped up to the challenge, and has showcased her skill and determination at the Moyie Mud Bogs.
The skill and daring performances that Lummus, also known locally as ‘Batgirl,’ has accomplished during the Moyie Mud Bogs, has gained the attention of not only the local community members, but she has also gained the attention of people from all over the United States.
Through her experience and popularity, Lummus was able to get sponsorships through companies in order to continue doing what she loves. She got a sponsorship from the Spokane based clothing and accessory company, Off Road Vixens Clothing Company.
Through many sponsorship opportunities, Lummus was able to acquire partnerships with vehicle part companies, and in turn was able to get discounts on replacement parts, which are always needed in such a demanding sport for both the vehicles and the drivers.
Having the support of the Off Road Vixens, Lummus had the opportunity of a lifetime.
Through her connections, Lummus found out about an upcoming television series on the History Channel which showcases off road vehicles and a unique competition to promote the muddy sport. With an opportunity to be on a competitive show featuring fellow mudders, rock-crawlers, and off roaders, Lummus was invited to apply for the History Channel show, Truck Night in America.
“They had an announcement about the opportunity to be on a show on the History Channel, and I decided to give it a chance.” Lummus said. “I didn’t think I would get anywhere with it, but apparently they saw how crazy I am, and said ‘we want you on here’. It’s been really extreme, but I had a blast!”
Speaking of how she felt with this opportunity, Lummus said, “It’s crazy being on a show doing what I absolutely love to do. I am constantly driving around completely covered in mud.”
The challenge of the sport is not only to the vehicle and it’s driver, but the ones working to fix the broken parts as well. Not only has her brother assisted in the mechanical work, but Lummus’ husband, Cody, is currently going to welding school to help with her adventurous endeavors. His main plan is to help build the roll cages and also be able to weld anything that is needed in the repairs of the vehicle, and in turn, ensure his wife’s safety.
Driving in a sport involving a vehicle is risky, and being properly equipped may mean life or death. Sport drivers both in off road sports, and even NASCAR, have readily available equipment necessary for the drivers to quickly react to an accident and its consequences within arm’s reach within the vehicle. Such precautions have saved lives.
The first thing a viewer may notice about the driver is not only a helmet, but a five point, quick release safety harness. In addition, there is a fire extinguisher, roll cage, and many other safety features readily available to keep the occupants of the vehicle safe, especially while participating in such a demanding sport. In addition to the safety precautions within the vehicle, the drivers also have a communication headset on so that they can relay what is happening. If someone’s vehicle were incapacitated, the officials would be able to respond immediately and amend any situations that may arise.
“When I rolled my Batmobile in October at the Mud Bog during night runs, I hung upside down for about a half hour until they found me. I couldn’t get the seatbelt undone with the regular seatbelt, having all the pressure on it, it wouldn’t release. I tried to push myself up to release the pressure, but it didn’t work,” said Lummus. “For competitions, we have a four or five point harness which has a quick release on your waist that you can pull, and even upside down, your able to get out. I practiced taking the harness on and off, which was helpful.”
Through the travel to Georgia and all the adventures that it brought, Lummus said, “The hardest thing was wording things right. I acted naturally and said what came to mind, and was told when I needed to rephrase my words. I would say something, and they were like well, let’s say it like this.”
Being not only unique with her 1976 International Scout, Lummus brought her daring personality to the upcoming show.
The show, Truck Night in America, on the History Channel will be released on March 8, and Lummus plans to hold an opening feature for the release at the Kootenai River Brewing Co. on that day at 7 p.m. She will be available to answer questions and comment more on her experience during the filming of the episodes.
To see the trailer, visit www.redcarpetcrash.com and search Truck Night America.