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Day 4 Ok. We get started a little early today. We were on the trail at 7:30. It's a grey sky day with light flurries 29 degrees. We back track on TQ5 going west. The groomer we saw last evening made a nice trail even better. Going west passed Grande Vallee it got choppy again. I guess the groomer stops at GV. Like yesterday once we get to 597 things smooth out. We head down to Murdochville and fuel up. The plan is to take the Chic Chocs trail to La Cache. I was told yesterday it was in bad shape. Off we go. The snow gods are with us this time because it's smooth sailing. We make great time cutting across to La Cache. We see the detour that Iceman reported. We stop for lunch. The place looks good with the renovations going on. After lunch we get on 575 south. It's not in top shape. The track is hitting the tunnel. Still we are making good time. Just after Pin Rouge the deer are waiting for us. There are no shortage around here. We make our way to TQ5 west. It's in great shape. Smooth sailing to Carlton. 278 miles on the day.

Back home ride from Delta to Fairmont Richileu was fabulous , ride to Sheraton 4 points was ok. overall this was our best trip ever. We decided to come to the Delta for 3 to4 weeks next year , we met so many great people Bill,Danail,Glen, Rick,Kevin,Gary, , and so many more. it is so nice to see so many wives traveling with their men, Carol and I are coming back for sure.

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/

Left Sagueneenne same times as few other groups, probably racing against the competing hordes from the Delta hotel also heading to Mt Valin. Trails were great up to Onichiway, further north the better the trail conditions with the higher elevations and lower temperatures. Onichiway was not very busy, only 3-4 sled wait at the gas pump. so gas and a sandwich and off to KM31 for gas. As usually, Mont Valins trails were beat up, not as whooped as it can get, but just not fun for 20 miles miles. We survived and once on the Pelchat trail it was a fast run to Escoumins, 40 miles of full speed super grin inspiring highway into Pelchat Complex was a needed finish after the Valin bumps. Saw my first Lynx ever today, on the lower 3rd of the Pelchat trail, a big fluffy one trotted across the trail 75-100 yards in front of me with a stealthy trot. I saw tall whisky tufts of hair above its ears, and it’s long hind legs, so I’m pretty sure it was not a Bobcat. In hindsight I should have stopped and took pictures of it’s foot prints. Working our way south today, Target is Richilieu More pictures tonight

Stopped at la cache again today on the way through. Another great meal and very friendly folks. Italian leek soup, Shepard's pie, and chocolate cream pie. To those that struggle with the native tongue in Quebec both people today spoke perfect English. Well worth putting in the agenda along the way.

Hi Jack, Gemma says nice mits. She has seal fur Bilodeau. Whether it's 40 or -40 she has them on😀

hi jackstraw !!! like you told me a few weeks ago......texting ???? nice pics !! hi to eric !!! jean-guy

Day 5 Todays plan was to head to chibougamau then up to misstissini for the night. Tq93 freshly groomed all the way. Rail bed exciting as usual. Pull into chapis st 1130 for lunch 140 miles. Check on the possibility of trekking up to misstissini, no good trail not open this year dam! Suns finally out warm temps, oh well. Deceided to check out some of the orange trail and check out the lodge st ouje bougoumou which was full. Tons of snow up here. Looks like winter with snow still on the trees. Played around there and the orange trail around chibougamau. Saw the trail to misstissini one sled track. Another time I guess. Into hotel chibougamau 203 miles. Is it a tradition here to be greeted by a stewed Indian evertime you come here? 2nd time here and both times greeted within the first 20 min. This women tripped over my ski and almost ripped my mirror off looking for a smoke. There’s a few more in the bar here! Tomorrow down towards LSJ.

The mitts are making a big hit. Thanks guys. We are going to RDL this weekend. A little late in the year to try them out but maybe I'll give them a try just to see. Jack & Sandi

Quebec has allocated $ 10.7 million While the toll of fatal accidents has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the season, Quebec has allocated $ 10.7 million to improve safety on the province's snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails. The Minister Delegate for Transport, Véronyque Tremblay, has also moved, Tuesday morning, in a relay Saint-Séverin frequented by many snowmobilers and quads to announce the aid that will help ensure the sustainability of the trail network. She took the opportunity to reiterate that this was "new money" from the Temporary Financial Assistance Program created to improve off-road trail safety. This is in addition to the $ 2.3 million already spent on infrastructure maintenance in this important industry, which comes from registration fees paid by users. In addition, the Minister was accompanied by her counterpart at Tourism and MP for Laviolette, Julie Boulet, as well as MPs Marc H. Plante and Pierre Michel Auger. Many winter sports fans were also present and seemed very happy with the announcement of this help. The achievements that will be funded through this envelope will come from the various clubs and organizations involved in mountain biking and snowmobiling. According to the minister, several of these initiatives had already been presented in 2016 and 2017 but had not been completed due to lack of funds. The projects supported will be announced in the coming weeks in the different regions of Quebec. Julie Boulet would like to acknowledge the work of many volunteers who support this industry at a cost of only $ 65 million for the Mauricie region. The actors of this industry welcome this announcement very positively. The president of the Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ), Mario Gagnon, indicates that several trail improvement projects that are currently pending may be completed. Among the deficiencies that should be addressed as a priority, Mr. Gagnon notes the replacement of several small bridges, the reorganization of some curves to make them safer and the implementation of measures to preserve the environment. On the side of the Quebec Federation of Quad Clubs (FCQCQ), President Alain Décoste abounds in the same as his FCMQ counterpart and adds that the trails will never be safe enough, hence the importance of constantly improving them.

I can't comment on Gaspe, but can on the others. You will find Ontario to be a different experience than what you have seen in Quebec. I personally prefer Quebec over the area you've mentioned in Ontario. These areas in Ontario are very fast riding, many rail grades, Hydro lines, straight and flat. Hearst, Kap, Cochrane, Timmins, are all very large towns, similar to Chib, or larger. Never been down towards the Sault before, WAWA area looks to be a bit more remote. You should be to the point in the season where traffic has naturally lighted, but weekends during peak season are crazy, especially around Cochrane. Conditions have always been pretty decent, but I can say I have experienced many more miles of plowed roads in Ontario as compared to Quebec, so when the sun shines and no snow, it can get tough going. They don't seem to put much effort into trail reroutes for logging operations or necessary vehicle traffic. Also, IMO, Ontario doesn't seem to take snowmobiling quite as serious from an economical impact as they do in Quebec, so there seems to be less emphasis placed on it. I feel like Quebec does everything they can to get the trails open as quickly as possible and maintain them to the best of their ability as long as possible, where in Ontario, it seems like they simply put it together when the weather is fit, with the exception of Cochrane, they always seem to be on the ball. Don't get me wrong, This is not meant to bash Ontario, I like both places very well and there is certainly a benefit to the drive when it comes to going to Ontario, I am simply offering up my experiences/opinions on both. Coming from a guy whose chased snow all over, I would say you don't know what you don't know, get out and try something new, whether it be the Gaspe or Ontario, it's going to be new and different. Keep us posted on your ride!

Molly and I left our camp in Averill, VT on Friday morning and crossed through Norton customs. Trails had been groomed perfectly flat and zero traffic. The fields and road crossings however were showing some snirt. Overall, great cruising, but very slippery in the turns. This was to be just a short test run for a Sunday ride when friends arrived. Came back through Beecher Falls and back to camp with 70 miles in just a few hours. On Sunday after friends had arrived we headed back through Beecher Falls with plans on running up to the Sawyerville Hotel for a beer and to watch a few laps of the race. There was 3-4 inches of fresh snow and the trails were perfect and fast. Still had to watch for ice in the corners, but that proved to be quite fun after lots of practice! Arrived in Sawyerville around noon to find the doors locked up tight! Apparently Sunday is a day of rest there. So, jump on the railbed of 55 and covered the 8km to Cookshire in what seemed like 60 seconds, Wow, that railbed is fast! However...Resto du Vieux Tonneau was closed as well, so no refreshments here either. Backtracked and took 55 west in search of an open establishment. While on the railbed headed back Molly and friend Julie had a couple of deer decide to cross in front of and between them as they were heavy on the flippers! Could have been a bad outcome, but everyone was fine. Only after arriving in Compton did we find an open watering hole, but no race here as the Olympics were taking center stage. After a quick break we jumped on the 521 and bee-lined for the Norton crossing. Only 125 mile trip, but the trails were fantastic and we met maybe 8 sleds total. There is a lot of fun to be had in the Eastern Townships for sure, and no competition on the trails.

Day 6, To Sept Iles. Caught the 8am ferry to Godbout. Nice smooth ride over with breakfast onboard. This trip, sleds were on first and off first, nice. I hate to keep rubbing this in if you're not up here, but today was another nice mild, sunny day. 7 other sleds crossed with us. When we all off loaded and took the local to the 3, everyone turned right. The first maybe 10 miles was still wide single track, but from there on everything was very good to freshly groomed. We stopped for gas and a soup at Tims in Port Cartier. From my room at the Quality Inn, looking across the parking lot I can see a St Hubert. I've got an idea for supper. Jeff and Sandy Sorry for all the boat pics, but I thought somebody out there may not have seen it before, and it is an impressive boat.

Didn't even have our gear in the room yet. My brother Drewski got cut off in this one.

Day 8 to Sacre Coer, Flurried a little overnight. 100 miles to Mclunch and gas in forestville. I think we passed Roadrunner heading east. By the time we got to lunch snow really picked up. They said 1-3, I beg to differ. Leaving Portneuf, I was having trouble finding the trail in the open spots. As I was deciding to go on or jump on the road for a bit. 4 sleds came from the west. 4 guys from Montreal. I asked them about the trail up ahead he said " not good, but fun". Not the answer I was looking for butnow we jad tracks to follow. Soon 6 sleds came up from behind, better. The what I thought were 7 sleds that crossed on the ferry went to Sept Iles then BC and are now in the Coronet where we we landed for the night. We have been leapfrogging them for 3 days. They are running faster than us, but we don't have to stop to smoke. Not a relaxing day but we're here. Trails needed goomed past forestville and about 10 mile from sacre coer, the sun came out and guess what we passed. 1st pic is outside comfort inn in BC. Like I said plenty of snow. Jeff and Sandy Tomorrow I will post on Saguenay forum

bonsoir a tous !!! quick report !!! back from lac saumon...st alexandre and local trail for ste marguerite.... started snowing around 8 am maybe.....mild temps...not the greatest grooming....main goal was to shave the trails !!! 0 c at city hall around 4 pm...still snowing lightly tq 5 later tonight jean-guy

ugh...not needed

We also like Club Odanak. Nice small bar and the food has always been good. Check out the stuffed animals in the basement.

Hi Steven, By any chance did someone pay for your meal at La Cache? We met some nice people from NS. While we were there. Our check was mixed up with theirs.

Jack, We may be stopping at the universal on monday, to pick up our truck. Probably just a quick in and out so we can begin our drive home. Too bad, you and Sandy will be out enjoying the trails. I really want to see the new beaver paws in person. Maybe next year. Enjoy yourselves. Jeff and Sandy

Last day today in cote nord. Woke in forestville with 4" fluff on my sled cover. Headed 3 west for 4 5 miles included a local trail and turned and burned back to forestville for gas @ 90 miles. T rail 3 all flat with 4" fluff Perfect. From forestville trail 3 better with fresh top coat . Gas right before sled bridge in Ba i Comeau now 180 miles. Head to ferry Godbout up and down hills and twisty woods awesome ridding. Arrive ferry 3:50 pm left hotel 9:00 am 250 miles. Only us four on sleds for ferry. We were first on even with pins in our tracks. Here at Quality inn very nice in upstairs premium room. Core Nord is one of my honey holes ! If your not here now come get some before it is gone ! Next 3 days we are taking a bite out of Gaspie.

Ah shit happens! Probably 10 miles from the hotel in the morning.

We are going to take another shot at it Monday. Chez Juli or bust.

We are at Escoumins tonight, so missed you by a day. Glad the boys are enjoying the Indy race track parts, and off trailing, it’s a 2 for 1deal!

Amazing snow depth considering melting everywhere else. Don't move, there are about a hundred of us enroute to join you. mike

Give Eric my best we must get out and ride, March is gonna be cold and snowy winter is far from being over.

Haha yep First thing this morning great way to wake up and exercise!

Doing your best Phil off in the pucker bushes. 😂🤣😂🤣

Wasn't expecting this. Dropped them a quick thank you note and they put it in their news letter. Thought that was pretty cool.

Thanks GT Rider. We will be up next week in this same area. Leaving Matane next Wednesday and heading East. First night Mont Louis then down to Perci or Gaspsie for the night. Then back up to Murdochville for 3ard night then back to Matane for Saturday night. This is the plan.....things can and probably will change. Great to hear about the trails with detours and conditions. We usually wing it for places to stay....but always open to suggestions. Safe travels!

Looks like you guys are hitting some great conditions, enjoy!

Myself and Quicknick having fun with Bob and Jared. Those two needed gas and oil not our half. I figure it must be those skies, but no use getting him to admit it. Quicknick is giving me more respect for the 1200 Enduro. I never would figure it could off Trail that well. Trail 3 quest from sept ile white asphalt with a 8" grummer curb on right to stick your ski against. Gas up in Baie Trinite no gas in Godbout . Trail between there and Baie Comeu up and down hills and twisty sweet with 8 "powder on top . Gas right after Baie Comeau bridge trail a bit choppy for 30 miles then the rest 60 miles flat and fast to Foresville. Loop down les Escoumins back to ferry in Godbout for 5:00 touch down Matane tomorrow. Great spring Jay day weather here. Come get it while you can.

Hi Jeff & Sandy, It looks like beautiful weather & trails over there. We will be following you next Monday. I am not leaving Quebec without stopping at St. Hubert.

Had supper and spent the evening with Northbound, Jeff and Sandy at the Quality Inn, Matane last night. A great evening, it is always fun to meet fellow QR members and put a face to the name. Freshly groomed from Matane to Mont Saint Pierre, blue skys, awesome day. Getting up tomorrow and going to snowmobile all day... ..really have no idea to where yet, the map is spread out on the bed.

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

Day4 Here we go, plan was to go to LSQ. Left la sarre tQ 93 freshly groomed, nice! First 20 miles anyway . After that still nice super soft warm temps.lunch at mont vidieo the ski area . Fuel up in Bairut and see if we can tighten up Eric’s track. Looks like the rear axle bolt loosened up or axle bearing may be kaput. Tightened up ok let’s go. Back on the 93 stop for a break. Ready to go my sled fires up and dies. Eric gone like the wind. Check all fuses no power jump the starter she’s turns over nothing, couple locals stopped and helped to no avail. Now Eric is back its3:30. Let’s hook it and go. 18 miles to Senneterre to the dealer at least the trails where flat, there in no time main 30 amp fuse from battery fried. Melted the connector. Quick fix and now it’s 4:30. Stay in Senneterre or head 70 miles to LSQ. Pulled up the the hotel as 8 other sleds pulled in, f it let’s go. Got to LSQ st 6:30, Saq closed, dam goto the hotel after fueling up only one room left. With only one small bed. 2 other places in town both full. We’ll take it. Gave us the key and a soup spoon for some reason tomorrow headed to chibougamau and misstissini for the night if nothing else breaks. Always an adventure!