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I want to give an update on the advertising situation regarding the Universel Hotel to all QR members. But again, I don't want this to divide us as members, but just want to keep all in the loop as to what has transpired. First, I donated the money for the advertising of the hotel to QR, feeling this might make it an easier decision for the hotel to get on board, and if the hotel was happy with the results they would become a yearly member. Secondly, I told the QR administrator that should the hotel not sign up, the money I paid would turn into a donation to QuebecRider. Third, I met with the VP of the hotel. She was very nice and seemed interested. Afterwards, I let the QR administrator know that he should contact the hotel VP as it would appear it might be she is interested and knows that an anonymous member has paid the first year of advertising for the hotel. The last I have heard, the QR administrator was having problems with his e-mail and thus was not able to contact the hotel VP. I have heard nothing since, but I assume he has been working on this issue and will eventually have some news, one way or the other. Thanks, mike

Mike Thats very benevolent of you, a team player, what more could you Doo? Thank you for your part in trying to make us one happy family again. 🥂

Up this morning early to check the grooming map, and it didn't look like we were in for a smooth ride! After a quick waffle and bowl of cereal, we are on the sleds at 6:55am, we need to get to Godbout in time for the boat. Much to our surprise.....the trails are fantastic. Ran off 70 quick miles and pull into Forestville for a splash of fuel. From there all the way to the Club Nord neige Relais bridge we we're first tracks, and met the groomer making his return trip. From there to the big bridge before Baie Comeau, the trail was a little used, but still super fast with minimal bumpage. Rolled into the Ski Doo dealer in Baie comeau to grab some oil for Molly's sled. Had 175 miles already and it was only 11:15! Topped off with fuel again, grabbed a quick snack and headed to Godbout. Have never run this section of trail before, and it was a blast! Nice rollers and some great scenery, and the sky opened up with some blue. Rolled into the parking lot where our yacht awaited us at 2:30 with 237 miles. Enjoying a few cold ones as I type on our journey across to Matane. An absolutely perfect day on the Doos!

Molly and I drove up from Vermont yesterday and landed at Berniers in Levis. Plan is to run two days up the Nord side of the St Lawrence, take the ferry from Godbout, and run two days back on the Sud side. The shuttle picked us up at 8am this morning (asked for earlier pick-up, but 8 was the quickest they offered??) At 8 on the dot our ride across the creek arrived. Out of the gate from Colibri the trails were groomed flat and fast. A layer of ice had formed on the newly groomed trail. We were running first tracks for the first 30 or so miles and loving every bit of it. We eventually caught up to a few 'tour' groups, but they were easily picked off and our pace improved. Ran hard all the way to Relais Le Michelieu where we stopped for fuel and a quick snack. Kept east on the 3 trail and was mostly good for another 65 miles until St Simone where we topped off the tanks. Did see an Iceman sticky on the jct sign before the gas, so I knew we were headed the right way. This is where hell broke loose! The next 45 miles up to the tadoussac ferry were sack smacking, kidney punching miles. Obviously, there is a groomer strike going on in this vicinity. After the ferry, the trail is groomed fresh as far as Sacre Cour, and then the remainder of the ride to Pelchat in Les escoumins is fast, but bumps in every corner. Overall, a pretty good day, but overshadowed by the 45 ass kicking miles! Pulled into Pelchat at 5pm with 261 miles, not bad considering. Plan to be on the trail early headed to the boat in Godbout for the ride across to Matane.

Out operating in three separate groups on Tuesday, the half day country adventure that two time White road veteran Yogi Bear took us on yesterday, we were back to Base camp in Lanse au Clair early afternoon. In addition to running the DC high tension power line that will take the hydro power from the new Dam being built at Muskrat Falls near Goose Bay over to the Island of Newfoundland than into Maritime Canada and on into the US. Yogi did take us thru some scrub land bush riding, a few snow bowls and other “unforeseen” tactical maneuvers on our way back. All fun but the flat light blind riding diminished the joy a bit, as Backcountry 603 noticed when we stopped for lunch at Fast Freddies Burger’s in Lanse au loop, a great dstop for lunch! He had managed to drag down half of the entire forest in this region, all wrapped up in his front end parts. As you can see from all the scenery pics, half the forest is not much😉 ! The snow blindness was only verified by the stories we got from Trailblazers riding partner F3 and Coutter, of Coutters Quality Used Sled Sales on their adventure-to Marys Harbor. They managed to spend an hour in Mary’s Harbor looking for each other as they got separated going into Town. We suspect these two veterans have more to this story than they are telling , but photo evidence does reveal their ability to separate not only from each other but their sleds as well😉 We went to sleep thinking about Trailblazers stories of running the White Road Solo over slobby ,sketchy sea ice in the middle of the night, to his stop for fresh baked muffins , rolls and coffee, bright and early yesterday morning in St Augustine All is well that ends well. Wednesday AM we head back , at “full strength “ again, all eight are back together! Our destination, Harrington Harbor Happy Trails RR

Rode from Sept ilse to Havre St Pierre today. Bright sunny day. ... very good grooming conditions for part of the way....most of trail is groomed about one to one and a half width wide....some water bars and some corners are off camber...rider beware.....102 miles between and gassed up at garage Poulin. Worried about making it but got 14.5 mpg and was happy with that....crossed 10 bridges on the road so wheels a must have for this trek....scratchers a must have on this trip as well because the snow is real grippy and crusty......very tight corners with some u turns...... crossed about 6 rivers ...solid and no open water despite above freezing temps.... Lots of panoramic views and stark scenery makes for some great picture spots. Stunning views of water and some mini icebergs floating by..Honestly if there was a place for a UFO to land it would be there.....

Matane to Gaspe was amazing, majority of the trails were freshly groomed, lots of fresh snow on hardpacked trails makes for great riding!

What an adventure. Glad to hear the group is back together and all sleds running again. Any update on Team Maine and the Cain's Quest race. mike

23miles to go. The last 10 nothing. Wide open space. I wouldn't want to be stuck in a storm around there. We get to the hotel and dump some dead weight. We take a little ride east. We get stopped at a sticker check. They ask if we are going to Blanc Sablon. No sir Hotel Du-Havre. We continue on. We stop to take a pic of the club house and the groomer pulls up. He speaks English and invites us to check out the inside. Super nice guy. He rides like us two up alone. We head back. Chez Julie is calling. We meet up with Team Green. Great dinner and company. Lots of snowmobile story's. We bump into the guy from Montreal that rode with RR & TB. More great Snowmobile story's.

We get ready early this am. I want to make it all the way this time around. I gas up load up. We finally meet Team Green. We have a quick chat and a tentative dinner meeting. We're off 7:30. It's a blue sky day with warm temps again. The TQ3 is looking good. We pass the groomer parked at the club. We get to the Moisie crossing. There is some heavy machinery working by the east bank. As we approach I see orange construction barrels. I see tracks going up a steep incline. I go for it but I'm at a bad angle for the loaded two up. We get 3/4 up and the machine feels tippy. I ask Gemma to get off. She gets clear and I attempt to climb. Before I know it I'm rolling with the machine. It rolls right over me twice. I managed to stop it from rolling. One of the construction guys asks if I'm ok. Are you from here? Just visiting from NY. You should go to the right it's easer. Oh well all the barrels and machines threw me off. I regroup put the windshield back together put the hood back on. Off we go. The tekvest payed for itself.

Had a great meal at Chez.Julie with GT rider and his wife . Tonight

2016 vs 2018

A late post for yesterday. Our last day on the sleds. We leave RDL and take 85 south. So smooth with only a little bit of chatter. We stop in Cabano for gas and continue south on 85 to Degelis. Here we turn left onto 571 and work our way up the east side of Lac Temiscouata. We haven't been on 571 before and it is a nice wide trail. Looks like it is on logging roads or roads that are closed for the winter. A few maple sap farms along the way. We stop in Squatec for lunch. While we are waiting for the food, in comes Oilman and his brother. They are also out enjoying the day. It is good to see you guys. After lunch we head back to RDL in the same fashion as yesterday. 571 north, 544 to 85 and in to the Universal. Sorry for the short post but we are loading up the truck and heading back to CT. For those of you on Gaspe, keep an eye on the weather. It looks like some snow coming in this week and next. Good for the trails and bad if it blows around and drifts. Happy trails. Jack & Sandi

Day 12, back to RDL, Leaving 4pts we knew we could ride straight to RDL in one day and then drive for 2 days....or stretch our ride to 1 1/2 days and then drive 1 1/2 days. Glad we stretched our ride, today was nice. The 5 was showing green and the 35 was mostly grey, so we went 5-561-local. Hadn't ridden that section of the 5 in years, remember it usually rough, not today. Saw a total of 6 sleds. Trail was a nicer mix than the 35 if not as fast. Well, thats it. We rode 1930 miles. We got back to the truck and drove 400 miles tonight to Brockville ont. 600 miles to home tomorrow. We set no records, we have no drama to report. We did although ride every day and enjoyed every day. Highlights this season were visiting with Bill and JD; dropping our saddlebags for a few days and riding with Bill for the FIRST time. We saw the ice cave, Bill is such a great tour guide. Riding with Daniel and Colette. Riding with Dave. Dinner with Steven.and Kelly. Dinner with Ray and Ginger. And of course Dinner with JG, the one and only groomer. Looking at your pics throughout the year, always makes the day better. Gary and Pat, sorry we missed you, hopefully next year. Jack and Sandy, I can't believe we never saw you guys either. I always enjoy your posts and can't wait to saw your new paws, Jack. I hope someone enjoyed our story. And for those still riding, we hope for everyone to finish their season safely. Jeff and Sandy

We take the ferry across to Godbout. First trip on the new one. We had breakfast inspiration from Jeff & Sandy. We meet with a great group of 5 guys (TheMainer). It's another warm day blue sky's. The ferry lands we grab a few pics and we're off. The trails are fantastic all the way to Sept-Iles. I had a lot of fun. We stopped for fuel in Baie Trinity and then Port Cartier. We took the local to the club house west of Port Cartier there is a lookout to the harbor. Cote-levee at St Hubert. inspiration from Jeff & Sandy again.

Alarm been going off for 2 days and the battery is not dead yet?, I want one of those batteries.

Great, Arriving Friday, Already bring ear plugs for Brothers' Snoring. GutZ

Looks like 22 won it, (back to back champions) and 88 should come in 3rd. Super fast pace and Rob got to win on his birthday!

Super nice run!

http://yb.tl/cainsquest2018 http://cainsquest.ca/Team_Times.htm Be over by noonish today it seems.

It was nice to meet you Playhard at Drakkar. I'm glad your trip went well. You definitely know how to have fun! Would be fun to run with you guys.

We took a stroll down by the water. A nice cool breeze. It looks a lot more busy in the summer.

Great reading and pics! Keep em coming

Hi Gary, I was able to get an ear full of Gemma's panic with the communicators. As I rolled my communicator must have touched the snow it started playing music on my iPhone. I was laughing Gemma not so much. We were riding with Bill and learned about Tekvest. Thanks Bill.

Last time around the trail was not there across the street. Major delays dealing with that. We make our way to the beach at Longe Pointe De-Mingan. We spot where some photos were taken by Roadrunner & Trailblazers team. I pulled into their tracks.

We pass the barrage at Magpie.Then on to the crossing at Riviere St Jean.

I'm having a ball. Beautiful day groomed trails. It doesn't get better. Trails are pretty twisty up and down. First gas gps says 97 miles. 2k off TQ3.

There are quite a few road bridge crossings. We pass the second warming hut. No stickers.

Back to regularly scheduled programming. The trails are just as reported by roadrunner & Trailblazer. All groomed and good to go. Nothing like our last try. We spot a Team Iceman sticker at the first warming shack.

Day 4: Have breakfast at the universal at 7:00 and say good bye to Jack, Sandi and Mike. Thanks for the talk and memories. After we take off 85 south to 544 south and west. Again trails are 8-10. Take 544 to 35 west. We go beyond the lake and hit 35 east of lake. Trail was freshly groomed for 20 miles. First on the trail, that's always nice. Take 35 west to 557 south. Trail is fast and flat. Making real good time. We have lunch in Saint Pamphile at the relais du club de golf. Nice place of the golf course. Take 55 west to 551 south to Daaquam and stoped for a beer. Take 547 west back to 55 west. Still early so we stop at the club house on the corner of 55 and 547. Have another beve, and had North on 547. In the power lines we had West on orange trail to 545 south. Trails are all in great condition 9-10. We hit 55 again and go east for a mile or so and check in again in Lac Etchemin. 238 miles.

Trails were a 10 again today. Some bumps in places but not enough to rate. The hills started about 20 miles out of Baie Comeau. There were a few roller coaster sections where you couldn’t see over the peak. You had to pay attention here. Half of our group loved the hills. The other half loved the wide open trails for the last 100 miles. Some are headed up to see the white trail early before we return to Baie Comeau.

Hey, likewise, that what it's all about.

Day 1: Drive up to Jackman Saturday morning March 3 and off loaded sleds at the clubhouse. Left there around noon. Trail to Boarder in good shape. Plenty of Snow. Head towards Saint George and trail got real thin. Lots of dirt and snirt, especially on exposing hills. Riding still good as it was flat, no problem. Make our way to Beauceville to have a beer. Big event going on. Drag races with all types of sleds and ages. Leave there and head north on 75 to 35 East. As we get further north and east of Beauceville the snow gets better. Head east on 35 and take 547 south through the mountains headed to Lac Etchemin. Mid winter conditions with plenty of snow. Get room at the Manior. 168 miles

It was nice meeting you guys Saturday night at hotel. I would recommend drakkar to anyone. We are already planning a trip and using it as a starting point. Glad your adventure went well.

Condition looking really good! We are heading up Thursday night.

It was good meeting you guys the other day on the boat, not very often I get my picture taken by someone on Quebec rider, haha I got one of you guys too

No problem Phil1....it was going to either be Trio or Threesome, so I looked up the definition of Threesome to be sure, and the actual definition fit fine: A group of three people engaged in the same activity. You’re the winner, I was wondering how long it would take a QR to get a giggle out of the alternate risqué definitions ;<) Phil Snohorse.....thank you. But you guys had the serious adventure, enjoyed following your ferry hopping adventures and glad the boys got the variety pack of conditions, trails, and speeds. my sleds trip odometer had 999.5 miles on it when I loaded onto the trailer, should have lapped the Roquemont a few times to breach 1k

The twins are together now, .....we went out a little bit in the north country this morning and played , the light was very flat so it didn't allow us to cover we wanted to, also gave us real feel for what the racers are running in and than we had a starter issue with RR Jr free ride so decided to run to the dealer to check it out, he had no parts for the 850 so we bought a pull cord handle to make it easier for the line start and than back to meet Trailblazer, on our way back there he was! We are reunited! Back down the white road tomorrow! Frank aka F3, and Coutter made the run to Marys Harbor for lunch, we meet us back here tonight. Happy Trails

Jack have a good summer. Sorry I didn't get up to meet you guys in person. Kids of mine changing plans from one week to another and one in north Carolina trying to get a project finished so he can fly up. Maybe another year we can meet. So have a great summer and keep up with news on the new ride for Sandi. I'm thinking about spring checking one for the boys mother to ride and me too if needed. That 600 is very interesting. Be safe.

No Curse of The Scorpion Bowl on the upper 355. All smooth. Topped gas @ Lac Bouchette, then into www.hoteldujardin.com St Felicien for Dore/Walleye Almandine: 248mi

TB has great physical strength and amazing mental strength, a good guy to test the limits on adventures

Hi Trailblazer, We would like to shake your hand to show our support. A heck of a run. Sorry about dinner. Thanks for posting. We are following along.

Dude don't get too crazy. It may be warm but solo camping for the night won't be fun....... May the odds be forever in your favor.

A few more pics from the trip

Returned from Sept Isles at 4:50pm, decided not to stay another night in Kegashka rather push on up the White Road closer to Lab but this meant doing it solo in the dark. This is what adventures are all about! Called Chevery but no rooms so 40 k further Tete a La Baliene has and so it is but not before getting to the gas in Chevery before they close by 8 pm. Left Kegashka at 5:30 got the gas at 7:20, great! Doing good time but not for long, missed the left turn at the fork for Tete and ended up in Harrington Harbour, boy does the trail look so different at night. Back track 10 k to the fork and I’m in Tete at 9:15. Missed supper grrr and everything is closed. Tomorrows plan get on the trail early and hope to arrive in Lab for noon. I’m very disappointed I wasn’t able to be there to see Team Maine roll in and missing the opportunity to shake Robs hand and give him my support. That’s snowmobiling.

I went to the NH Snodeo Friday and rode the new 900 Turbo in the Grand Touring, Adrenaline, Enduro and X versions. Wasn't very crowded so I kept riding them over and over. Also tried an 850 Enduro, 850 Backcountry X Renegade 147, XRS 850 gade, X 850 gade, mid-season MXZ 600R and the Blizzard 600R. I really wished they had a non-turbo 900 in the gen 4 to try... My impression of the 900 Turbo is if you have a 1200 now, you will be very happy and/or love the 900T. Great power, no turbo lag, can't even hear the turbo, sled gets quieter the faster you go. It should be no surprise, the 900 Tubro feels very heavy compared to an 850 or 600 in the same chassis. In general, I find the Gen 4 steering to be heavy feeling (it certainly is heavier than the steering on my Pro S Switchback) and the 900 T compounds that. Of the four versions I rode, I felt the "X" package rode the best. I also got to try the new Oxygen helmet out on the trail. It is noticeably lighter than the Bv2S and quieter (there is additional sound protection in it). I didn't find a great improvement of left and right visibility but the visibility looking down is amazing. Heated visor and plugged in is mandatory (or cracked open). I closed it not plugged in and it started to fog right up. My favorite sled of for the conditions and trail type was the Blizzard 600R. The mid-seas MXZ 600R is way too stiff for my likening. The new 600R is very different than the older 600 e-tec. Most notable is no engine breaking like the older 600.