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I finally got out of the shop @ 3 am Sat. morning, went home and packed, on the road @ 730 am, off to Universal in Riviera Du Loop to meet Sno Horse and his 17 year old son , for 8 days of adventure. Minor details, we lost the alternator in the truck 40 miles south of the border in Vermont, half hour detour @ Napa, fixed it pit-stop fast in the parking lot, then got thru customs fast. Arrived RDL at 430 pm, put sleds in locked down area and went to dinner, we were spoiled by the restaurant there at dinner and breakfast. We were on the trail by 8 am, trails are hard and fast all the way to Matane, many places faster than I will admit to!! We were very fortunate, police were checking sleds at a road crossing 30 miles from Matane, and were writing tickets as we approached, they were so busy with the dozen sleds they had, that they waved the 4 of us thru. We took the ferry over to Baie- Comeau and arrived just at dusk. It is colder here and a LOT more snow. As we were riding in the dark a blinding storm dropped a quick 2 inches in less than an hour. Trails here are as good as it gets, no other way to describe it. Sno horses' son is missing a week of school, and he really misses it!! Great rider for 17, very impressive. I have a former employee along with me on this trip, another young guy, 24, he is in heaven, never ridden Quebec before, and he is starting at the top!! We checked in to the Comfort and took a taxi to dinner@ Greco's, nice place, middle of the road prices, when I saw Jared and Phil's steak, I new I had ordered the wrong entrée. Other than a couple of wrong turns, that we quickly righted, the days ride was great. We are not expecting much traffic going North to Sep-tile and if the trail is reasonably passable we will continue East of there, we would like to be back to the truck in RDL by dark on Saturday. Tomorrow I will try to post some pics. Ice, sorry you could not make this trip. I changed the skis on the 850 Back Country for this trip and went with Simmons gen 3, 8 " wide, what a good choice, flotation in deep snow is amazing, 0 darting, much more planted and all the tippy stuff from being high and narrow is gone, only a tad more steering resistance, you would have to be unreasonable to even mention it, it may have lowered the mpg by .5, I will know better after another day. We are all looking forward to the trial in the morning...to be continued!!

I too enjoy Bill's posts and read them daily. I have been introduced to so many QuebecRider members thanks to Bill. mike

With our Adventure riding mentor , Team Maine’s , Early rider, getting ready for the 2000 mile Cain’s Quest Race in Labrador this week, we decided several months ago that we would return up the White Road and meet Rob at the check point in Lanse au clair. At this point he will be 1335 miles into the race and has a 12 hour layover in Lanse. We have a big crew of 9 making the run, including 3 QR members, 603, Trailblazer and yours truly. Several of of us are leaving Forestville for Sept Isle this coming Thursday, meeting a few more in Sept Isle, than making stops in Havre St Pierre, Chevery and onto Lanse au Clair Labrador. Weather and mechanical issues permitting 😋 This is a trip similar to last year with the exception, that we will be returning back down the White Road after the rendezvous. TB, 603 and I will update as our trip unfolds. Here are some links to the Cain’s Quest Race, they have a great tracking system to allow those interested, to follow the racers progress. Happy Trails RR http://www.cainsquest.com/

We had to deal with another warm up this last week, all had freeze back on wednesday night lefting some time for the dozers to work the hard surface and loosen-up some snow. At home we had another hotflash friday end of the day with a bit of gresil and a 2 mm ice crust. fortunately this turn to be snow a bit more north. I was still confident to get highway type trails condition so we decided to go for the big loop Joliette/Grand-Mère/Mattawin/St-Zenon/Joliette, a ride of 320 miles mostly on open path trail. Glad we did, we had good to very good conditions conditions all over the ride. Let's check it in detail but first, here is the trail path of the day:-5C when we left under a cloudy clearing sky directly from home in St-Thomas de Joliette in the south of Lanaudiere. The major thaw during the week had left an hard trail base and the small episode of ice Friday night had left a thin crust of 2mm ice on the groomed trails so scratchers were necessary to start the day early. Here in the field near my home.As expected, the trails were very hard and fast, not a single bump. With the snowtrackers my venture was like on rails, very precise direction and easy driving: ideal conditions to crank up many miles without getting tired. Here in the maple grove in St-Cuthbert: the water pipe was installed high enought to allow us to continue to pass without problem. We then took trail #3 to go toward Grand-Mere I take the opportunity to write a bit about scratchers: In my case it's been part of my essential accessories for more than 10 years after we got traped after a rainy day on a trip ... after that I understood !!! I use the cheap model at $ 60 which clings under the footrest. Some will say: yeah but you can not back up with them ... in my life of sledder it never happened that my engine overheat or my slides stick when going in reverse so I think I can raise them during that time!!! Jokes aside, I happened to bent one at the beginning when I had forgotten them and I just had to bent it back in shape (otherwise in case of badluck the spares are sold for $ 20 each). By putting them as far forward as possible they are very effective and installed as I put them I do not even have to stop to put them on: just to lean and pass the hand under the edge of the footrest to pick them down. Often just one side is enough and in the most extreme condition both will do the job. In my opinion it should come standard with a snowmobile, it is not very often that it is absolutely necessary but when you need them your $60 investment is right there to save your ass and when they are there easily usable we used them regularly, most often in the morning when the trails are very hard and we are in the first to pass. It is easier on the engine cooling system and help on hifax life. Yesterday we took them off in the middle of the morning. It's the worst we've seen and it was just a few spots in St-Barthélemy area (very south of Lanaudiere along St-Laurence river)Otherwise it looked like that on most of the rideGiven the very good conditions we chose to extend the ride a bit going through #63 trail to see the Magnan fallsA beautiful site, ideal place for a trail side breakThe sky had clear up leaving us a beautiful sunshine for the rest of the dayThe pics bring up the beauty of the scenery so much better with some sunWe stopped to refuel in St-Étienne before crossing the St-Maurice. Policemen were passing there but must believe that we did not look too fishy they just continue their way We then continued trail # 3 eastboundAnd crossed the St-Maurice river at La Gabelle. A little bumpy but very solid no movement with the warmth.The trail had a small hi frequency ripple east of St-Maurice a little tiring but it still ride at a good pace.An FCMQ patrol accosted us but they were satisfied by my just seeing my sticker, no need to stop and dig in my pockets to do the paper thing on the trailside to my great satisfactionWe then took the St-Maurice river trail in Grand-Mère.It was quite bumby, especially up to this point but still solid as a rock no slushThen further north was less bumpy and it was done at maximum legal speed except for 2 small ice jam sections at the very end. When we observe in the side of the mountain the warmth have formed several large glaciers Once back on the shore just beginning the trail we faced to that... oupsss, that's when it came back to me that my friend Snowcruiser had told me a few weeks ago that they had plowed a section of the trail there this year ........ Fortunately, it's like that for only a few hundred feet up to the top of the hill not far,And then it's looks like that's ....oufff!!! next optimal trail conditions, good and fast Nice trail and even nice scenery We arrived for lunch at Marineau at 12:45 with 141 miles on the dreammeter. A first real break for us because we had almost not stopped in the morning feeling we does not needAfter a good meal for us and a fuelup for the venture, we leave for St-Zenon via trail #360The #360 was nice and fast, a small ripple in some curves but very pleasant to do on this beautiful sunny dayThe ride going so well why not expand it a little more circuit through the M20 trail! A beautiful segment that once again was worth the detour. This trail is a bit different from the rest of the area. The mix of scenery and mountain/lake remember me the Laurentide park each time I ride it We did not had the chance to see a lynx or a beaver but at least a small partridge who obviously felt at home in the trailThis trail also includes a couple of interesting and safe trail stretchs. We must still take care because we do not want to have any incidents or problems especially in those remote spots that are very far from roads and services. Once arrived at the next junction we took a short break and then continue on the #345 southThe #345 was just perfect not a single bump. Never saw it so good on a Saturday late afternoon. We then continue to the Mattawin River Bridge where we took a good breakMe doing a 360 with the Gopro to immortalize the moment up there Then we continue on #345. Given the mild day, I was expecting more bumpy trail but no, the conditions were very beautiful ...On the other hand, there were icy washed curves that we had not seen elsewhere must be more vigilant and have good runners to keep on your side. We then crossed the dozer grooming this already beautiful trail making the conditions almost perfect We did a last fuelup at the Cabanon and then continued the #23 southbound Still beautiful conditions, it had just been regrommed there too. Sun was already down We stopped to eat at Real Masse around 5:45 pmAfter our good meal break we started our last stretch to the house. The conditions were still good, no beated trail with this hard base and as a bonus we started to encounter just grommed trails in St-Gabriel de Brandon and Joliette. We left the house at 8:15 in the morning and came back home at 8:15 pm with just 320 miles on the dreammeter. In summary very good conditions everywhere on the circuit we did and the today falling snow will give the little notch that was missing with some new material on the good hard base that was already there as the cream layer on the cake! There is no rain in the extended weather forecast and despite the temperatures being slightly above the average, the nights would be cold enought to groom so the picture is good to keep a full operational trail system for the next weeks in our area. Let's enjoy it! Alain

I also posted something about the fire extinguisher discussion. And I feel terrible that Bill may of taken it in a bad way that I was insinuating caring a fire extinguisher was not a good idea. I have messaged him and apologized if I did or said any thing that offended him. My feeling is that it would be the right thing to do if anyone else thinks he might of offended him. Bill is a gentleman and a senior of our great sport and in my opinion doesn't need the grief of what snowmobile is best. These are my true feeling and I regret seeing things like this happen. Bill if you happen to read this if my commit upset you I apologize..

Day2 Super dinner last night at Cheval, probably one of the best filet mingion ive had up here. Up at 6 breakfast at 7 on the trail at 8 tq13 up to the 83 towards Clova all sweet! Arrived at clova 11am fueled up took an early lunch. Started snowing hard and super windy. Passed 4 sleds. Train came in and picked up 5 or 6 people, is anyone left in town? Jumped back on the 83 to Lac Fallon for fuel. Was worried about the snow and high winds in the burnt section. Was great to see the forest regrowing giving you a tree line on the trail again. Been a few years since I had been through there. What a difference. Saw a burnt up Yamaha in the trail, still smoldering, maybe Bill is on to something with the fire extinguisher! Took the orange trail down to Louvicourt, very light rain at this point at least not freezing. That trail sucked, logging and pretty whoppped. Fuel in louvicourt and back on the 83 to valdor at the forestal for the night. 289 miles. Was thinking of dropping down the 309 to villa Marie in the morning. If anyone knows the conditions that way please chime in. Otherwise west then north towards la sarre. So far no shortage of snow anywhere we have been. Till tomorrow! Would post more pics but painfully slow

I believe the treatment/comment Bill received was unfair and uncalled for, I also wish Bill would post again. QR is a special .com we are all here because of Rob and Bill surely Rob is looking down on us and is not happy with some of this years developments. We need to share people, places and things we see and do in Quebec that's what QR is all about. Certainly there will be differences of opinion but those should be kept to yourself or expressed with some degree of class. During a winter filled with good and bad conditions every report we can get is important especially Bill's with his network of knowledge.

Arrived at St Raymond, the adventure begins. A far cry from NH and southern Quebec, there are nice wintery snow banks here in St Raymond :<) Several fresh inches today with a little more due tomorrow. Near white out driving at times, but not slippery. The parking lot has a couple trucks from NY, a couple from CT, a couple from Quebec, and several from NH. Tomorrow we (John, Brad, and Mark) ride to St Felicien. FCMQ shows 23 from St Raymond to Le Tape fresh groomed, hoping they groom northward from there tonight.......hint hint Iceman, I’ve got no pull with the groomer operators, please let them know we’re coming - LOL Pictures from the trail to follow as the trip progresses ;<)

Day 5 to Matane, GT, sorry we missed you, I think you got an earlier start than us. Laying in bed last night listening to the wind howl didn't make me all that anxious for an early start. I saw a few sets of eastbound tracks that started at MSP. I assumed one of them was yours, maybe next time. Enjoy your ride. .Trails were all pretty good to st ann except for a couple spots GT mentioned that were icy or thin up high in a logged area. The wind didn't seem to hurt that area. After st ann some of the trails got a little bumpy in spots, mainly as you would expect in narrower sections like where the trail would share half road half trail. They also must of had some more blowing snow because they had drift bumps. Still a very nice day. The relay that we like for lunch just west of St Ann, we knew was closed on monday so we went into St Ann to subway. Catching the morning ferry and will post on Cote Nord site tomorrow. Jeff and Sandy

jack I wouldn't even think of heading towards Ville Marie, go to Lasarre area. Rode Thursday from Rouyn down to near there and over to Belleterre for the night and it was a "scratchy" ride at best Even from Belleterre to Lac Truite on Friday was almost no lube. Much better after that all the way to LeDomaine Matagami and Lasarre area were the best on our trip especially the trails north of LeSarre like Normetal and Vilboise area safe travels to you

I’m with 603 on this one and we are actually running up the coast to L’Anse au Clair, Lab. Hope to cross pathes, what are you riding/color and how many in your group?

Simmons male a wing to bolt on the inside edge of the ski, just behind the spindle, it does not touch the ground. Basically if sprays the snow from the ski onto the windows at the front of the track, saves the hy-fax and cools the sled. they cost 15 dollars, I do not think you will find any thing easier, or with less maintence, and nothing works as good as these. 10 minutes to put them on and forget about them. You will not believe how ingenious and simple this idea is and it really works!!

Always enjoy reading about your trips Jim.

Wow Iceman, here I thought all you needed to know was s$#t runs downhill and payday is Friday!

GT Rider, we are just est of you, heading to Matane. Our paths may cross in morning. Keep an eye out we'd like to meet you and Gemma. Jeff and Sandy

hi doo4adoo !!! thx ...great timing to take pics on my way to clubhouse and back !!! snowed a bit for 2 hrs.... grooming tq 5 later tonight !!! jean-guy

We went to ville-marie feb 13-14.it was thin back then. It has been mild since a week.

25 Feb -4c snow today. Not alot 1” to 1.5” so far.

Day 4, to Mont-Louis, Another ideal day to ride. Blue skys and very little wind. I think tonight will be different, its about 3:30 now and clouding up with some wind forcast for tonight. Got to Grande-Vallee early, got gas and a nice early lunch at hotel GV. The place then filled with a lot of sledders. A lot of them looked like 2up dayriders. It was a short day but between Gaspe and Matane is about 500k, which is way too much for us in 1 day so we have to split it somewhere. It has been several years since we ran the 5 between Gaspe and the 597. It seemed faster and more open than I remember it. There were a lot of windmills, so I'm guessing they are utilizing some of their new roads? Most all trails were in good shape today with not a lot of traffic.

quick visit to clubhouse yesterday late afternoon.... went to meet ontario friends... crowded and very busy there !!! jean-guy

Local guys around here have sticky’s on the back of their vacuum trucks. My son is a helper on one of those. Sh...... on wheels It’s not Koke but it’s the real thing

Iceman - I remember the dog from 2010. The pared down Team of Sam and Steve arrived in Mont Laurier from Balbuzard about 5:00 pm, in the teeth of a visor-coating freezing rain storm. Trails from Balbuzard, through the Parent junction, south past Pourvoirie Fer de Cheval were terrific other than a nasty bit of logging as they approached the Parent junction. The trend continued to Saint Anne du Lac, where conditions abruptly deteriorated. It was a rough banging ride the last 90 km into Mont Laurier. Ice, rocks, ungroomable snow conditions. Pouring rain didn’t help. If you’re trailering up this way, don’t stop till you’re at Saint Anne du Lac. In any event, it was another terrific Quebec ride for the Team - 2635 km in six days staging from Mont Laurier, looping through Kanawata, Relais 22, Alma, east side of Lac St Jean, Chibougamou, Matagami, Amos, Senneterre, and the Parent junction. Thanks to all who followed or chimed in!

Don, we are leaving Sunday afternoon. We drove up 300 miles then rode 150+ miles. Trails were unbelievable! Went from Drakkar past the relais station up 351tp 360 north. 360 north was hard stutter bumps so we turned around ate st 500 steak house which was great then went to 302 east and it couldn't have been better. Took that to 3 then past the bison bar past the old Chez roger back to relais station. Then took a ride up the river to 23 to m3 to the central. Then back to Drakkar. Heading to dinner now. 302 and 3 were the best I had ever seen them.

Thanks, Would loved to have left from Baie Comeau but with no previous experience up there and no one with us going east, I thought I would take advise of this forum to leave from Kegaska this time... Safe and somewhat easy!! But cant wait. Hope to see you 603 you will be on your way to Lab City I assume?? Rodney

Rode 83 east to Local 22 to 383 to Ferland. Had lunch in Ferland and found out that a local boy,Sam Girard, is an Olympian speed skater representing Quebec in the Olympics, from Ferland, population 500.

I was also hoping to be up this week, looks like there may be some good riding. Need to get over these flu symptoms first. Could be awhile. mike