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Back to sledding for our first 2019 ride, the snow cover has improved and the trail network get pretty much completed in the south of the region while it is already well run further north. Being able to start from home we then improvise our ride that happened to be this in the end It was pretty cold yesterday, -21C blue jay day, top conditions to have beautiful trails. Here in the fields near home in Joliette direction To go toward St-Félix de Valois the trail configuration have been modified to pass nearer of Joliette city just behind Lapointe sport brp dealer. Here is a screen shot of the interactive map for this sector and I added in red dashed the old approximate route for Joliette (who is not there anymore) just to give you an idea of the change. On the interactive map the trail to St-Norbert is still in red today but I confirm that it was groomed yesterday, we passed there on our returnHere near Notre Dame de Lourdes where the old junction was in the past yearsWe then crossed St-Felix and continued north. The small club shack that was in the same place for years has been moved a hundred meters in the woods just behind where it was and the trail path rearranged a little differently but as before, left St-Jean de Matha and right St-Gabriel de Brandonhttps://vimeo.com/311081145the snow condition is very good everywhere, here taking the old railway bed near St-Cléophas And here just behind St-Gabriel de Brandon city And here, riding up the big hill in St-DamienWe continued straight on #23 toward St-Zénon. Snow is obviously even better going norther, both on the ground and in the trees Another important change, the #350 coming from Koubec now arrives on the #23 five miles south of Real Massé instead of five miles north. We came back from this side in the afternoonThe interactive map has also been updated, the red trail showing the old closed route and the #350 trail in green below representing the realityWe continued through the #23, past Réal Massé ...we then turned left on the # 350 toward La Glacière. Another interesting change there, the trail instead of going through the big hills now pass by the old route of several years ago. Some may recognize this big gazebo left on the trail side Just infront, the magnificent auberge de la pourvoirie St-Zenon! I was so surprised to pass there that I had not even think to stop for lunch but by looking on https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/ they are really open. I put them on the bucket list for a next time... We continued just a little further to La GlaciereWhere we had already planned to stop for lunchAfter warming up with a good meal we continued on #63 trail toward St-Zénon village And then north of the village we continued toward Le CabanonThere was a small segment of an half mile that was really rought on this trail, We then know from the Cabanon that this is because the dozer is not able to climb one of the icy hill just before ... The new dozers with rubber tracks spin on the ice while the old Gilberts with steel bars tracks were able to climb up ... the club will have to find a solution. Otherwise the snow is really good in this area, impressive how it increased in the last month. We stopped to refuel the venture at Cabanon.And then took the #23 toward southWe then forked into the Mastigouche reserve still via #23 east The Mastigouche Reserve was one of the first places to ride this season and is still top notch. Here a picnic table buried under the snowWe then turned on the #345 south to go down toward Koubec. We just went into the yard and continued, there were many sledders there!We turned to continue the #345 and then switch on the #350 a little further continuing westit's here that the #350 route is changing this year. There is this indication and the trail turns to the left A brand new trail to discover in Zec des Nymphes, very panoramic on the first part. In fact this new trail sectiion has everything from great fast stretch to narrow zipper on the mountainside!We then ended up on the #23 trail five miles south of Real Massé where we already pass in the morning. We took it south and took a break a little further at the restaurant of the Pourvoirie St-Damien. We must have passed 100 times infront since all these years but we were never stopped. They are well installed, a beautiful fireplace inside with bar and dining room. It was a particularly cold day yesterday and the hot chocolate was really nice!We then continued south, here the setting sun just south of St-Gabriel de BrandonWe then continued on #63 trail to go toward St-Norbert. Here the sun lying behind us when crossing the # 347 road We then went through the local trail from St. Norbert/St-Elizabeth to St-Thomas which was closed in the morning. this trail had just been groomed during the day and had no time to harden so not very nicel but with a couple of days and a couple grooming pass it will be top shape. We finally got home around 5:15 pm with a little over 191 miles on the dreammeter. In the end a beautiful ride with very nice conditions overall but pretty cold despite the beautiful sun. The season is well started, the trail network is pretty much connected to travel between the regions, you can take a look here to have some more details of the areas you want to ride: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ the best of the sledding season is beginning. It's time to enjoy! Alain

I'm on it!! All we need is a coat hanger, large wire cutters, Scotchbrite pad, graphite (powdered) and strong fingers! And Coffee! GutZ

Yes it was a nice ride yesterday. After adjusting the compression rebound valve to full soft on the 600 R shock, Sandi decided to give it another try. It has a few miles on it too so maybe the sled has softened up to her liking. I hit the start button on the 850 and the starter spins but doesn't engage. Oh no. Not the way to start the trip. It was fine yesterday getting it off the trailer. I turned the clutch just a bit and it fired right up. OK. Mike, FarmerOLd, Jak, Sandi and myself all head out. Well the starter was on and off all day. Around 2:00 in the afternoon the starter would not engage. Try pulling an 850 with that rope that comes with it. It has some compression. We did finally get it started and headed back to the Universal. Today Sandi and I are off to the dealer. This season is starting off to be the fix it season. Sandi does say the 600 R is riding better. I hope we get the 850 repaired today otherwise I might have to call GutZ and Company for assistance! 😁 Jack & Sandi

Since I’ve been exclusively touring Quebec and Northern Maine at the same time since 2016, I figured I should belong to the best forum out there!!!! IMO. Everyone enjoy the season and most importantly.... Be safe.

bonjour just to say merci for the nice words.very soothing to read them.. dad and i were alike...happy in the middle of nowhere with no neighbors and traffic jams... for you linda...you would have enjoyed a 3-4 days salmon fishing trip down the patapedia river with dad...he knew that river like he dug it by himself mom and dad started business in 1955 ...with chainsaws... early 60' s '' chez nous , cest ski doo !!!...right from the beginning motorcycles...late 60's ...bridgestone , triumph , bsa ....yamaha later ...mortorcycles only....then late 74 ...early 75 ....honda... if memory still good ...dad sold dealership to 2 of my brothers in 82 ...also ,first time in amqui new dealership/ building in 84 in amqui ... august 97 ,big loss ...mom passed away ...she was the chainsaw pieces clerk mastermind ......dealing with guys with big beard...big belly and big arms and talking big strange words very well respected...when she left us ...she made some of those big guys cry... around 00's , oldest brother retired from business 2016 , opening of the dealership in matane... glad dad saw the evolution of the dealership..right from the beginning even if dad was handicapped by his sight ...he never stopped...always forward....always new projects in mind... thank you jean-guy

Never make reservations in advance either, never works out. Headed up end of next week for 9 days. Don't know which direction we're going yet as usual. Generally deceide on the way up. usually book the nights lodging at lunchtime. Unless a popular small outfitter.

OK so there's no pictures, don't adjust your screen. Too cold for that this weekend. We left La Glaciere Saturday morning. Haven't stayed there before or left from there in maybe 15 years. Clean room, secure parking etc. Was looking to start as Le Cabano but so does everyone else and no room. So a leisurely 9 am start. We took the 65,345 and 360 to Matawin. All good coverage and at least 8-10 or better. No complaints from our group. Gas and quick snack at the station and on wards to La Touque by 355. Had nice lunch at La Touque at Marineaus? gas and on wards. 73 North to Relais 22. Smooth sailing although at times i did consider the road asits straighter and easier on the old body but stuck with it. Gassed at Relais 22 and on wards to Windigo for the night. 83 was freshly groomed and we passed him going in the trail to Windigo. Beauty! Side note. Clab has detoured a section from here as I belive logging will be starting. They said the original trail was still being used by others and it was decent and we took this. The new section had tigs galore. Never been at Windigo in the past and I though I was in the wrong place. Picture looked different but then maybe I should update some of my pics as well. Opened the door and nice women says Mike? Guess I'm at the right place or a long lost girlfriend found me. Reasonable dinner, wings, smokes meat, fries combo and cheap wine. All good but WiFi intermittent at best so early to bed. Only a few others in for the night. Showers are great if you're short and thin. I hate short plumbers who put the head to low. Sunday breakfast and ready to go until I realize my engine oil cap was off and oil has sputtered out. Not good. Fortunately the cap was under the engine and Martine had some 4 stroke oil to top me off. Nicely groomed but lots of snow dust. Look down for a second and there's many stop signs and 90 corner. Opps! Well lets hit the brakes and turn quick. Bad idea. I see the roll coming so I bail. No fluffy snow for me to land in. Hard packed. Ouch. It'll be a few days before I walk properly. Sled OK other than a crack in the plastic. Lets go to Werotaci? Again all groomed the night before but where they detoured we stuck to the road/trail which had lots of snow overall but watch the ice in sections. One buddy had sled issues just before town so held us up for a couple of houses until we found the right Indian to truck buddy an sled back to Laglacier. And then there were 3. Carried along the 83. Hadn't been groomed recently in my opinion but those who ride it know that's OK. Still wide open running. Looking for the 345 south towards Cassey. First intersection says detour and points to keep going. OK but a little worried as the map hadn't shown grooming so not sure what to expect A while later here's the intersection and a beauty ride down through Casey to Kanawata for lunch & gas. So been there once before and remembered to turn left. Well surprise. Trails changed this year. Back to Lodge and they said go back 10 miles turn right and that's the trail. This is a nice trail with the exception of maybe last section coming into Repo's Place is empty so we get some gas and onward.. We take the 33 and 63 back to Le Cabono as that's where my buddy who went back earlier is to meet us.. Being a Sunday and this close to civilization some areas were not as nice as other but honestly good still . Won't matter now as we passed 2 groomers. Pulled into Le Cabano and buddy is there and truck toasty warm for us. Success all around. We all have our body parts and they function. To summarize trails were good almost every where. Very little crap. So now haw did the new Oxygen helmets do?? Well very good. Performed as advertised. We had 3 and one had a new shield from the previous weekend and none failed. Warm. at times I had to crack it open. The little switch I didn't play with to adjust, The only thing is the front lower piece that's not within the helmet will ice up and depending on temps if you're opening & closing will need the ice picked off so its closes tight. Really enjoyed the no mouthpiece and the quietness. On a side note mine is wired to a the rear battery with an inline fuse. Be sure to have extras in case the magnetic piece hits other metal when its powered and causes a fuse problem. I carry extras so was OK. So I will be returning the 2 extra shields I brought along for insurance. Get out and ride! Mike

About 1hr south of you, Drexel Hill to be exact.Friend of mine I rode with Dec 26 was out of Allentown.

Yesterday, (Sunday), we went to Rimouski and around to Squatec. Plenty of snow, packed powder conditions, snow depths very good except a couple fields in Rimouski.

First a marmalade rub? DrGutz for Surgeon General! Ya got my vote!

4 new oxygen helmets in our group, collectively 3000 miles, if the visor lasts the first few days all good, seems like the inner heated part of visor comes unglued( 2of 4) . We rode over 500 miles this weekend with 3 of them in minus 25. The experience can only be described as looking out a picture window with zero wind or leaks, almost too warm inside helmet. Control has to be on 3 when cold out, you cannot drive with it cracked open, some ice forms on the inside in the very lower part. If you stop on the trail in very cold weather and open the visor sometimes you cannot get it to click down again from ice buildup at seal area. Lots of internet doom and gloom about these new helmets, BUT. Truly remarkably better than previous BVS or modular. Once they get visor sorted you will see lots on the trails. Hey Ray you should be good with 2 not 6. no worries ours all good now.

Perfect day. Glad you had a great ride. So glad to see the areas all good with snow now. Saturday cant come soon enough.

Hey Alain, looks like you had excellent ride!!!!.Noticed a lot of changes myself on certain trails while I was in your back yard. Ride on my friend!!!! Chris

Alain, again another amazing report. I enjoy reading these over and over. Thanks for the continued posting of the reports.

Looks like you had a good ride Alain, the snow is there for sure

That sucks Playhard!

Those hose clamps are a must have.

Pic FarmerTurbo has found his groove.

Also the 83 West to Parent from Relais 22 is in excellent shape !

So I just checked the Polaris website and I don’t see where they offer a 4 poke Is it possible that they have released a 4 poke prototype to their most loyal & long time customers as a limited release? 🤔

Hi Gary, We need to find our own our own version of a British couple like Gary and Pat to stay in Riviere du Loup and add a touch of world class here.

😳😳😳 Amazing they ever let us in...

Jean-Guy, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I loved your father, he was like you...strong willed lets say. I will always remember that he dressed in his work shirt when I would visit...but also that he went to the dealership on his electric scooter when he wasn’t suppose to. As sad as today is for you and for me, we are both saying farewell to a parent, your dad, my mom, I think its like we are again connected. I love that you think your dad is picking my mom up on a new skidoo to take her to heaven, just hopefully he doesn’t have a communicator on his helmet because she talks a lot! Since my first trip to the Gaspesie, my mom had told me her family was from Gaspe. Another reason I must feel at home there. I will be holding your hand today from far away and you mine, as we say farewell to them. Be strong, think of all the good times. Hugs, Linda

Hi Jean guy, very sorry for your loss. Stan

So sorry to hear about your loss JG! Having gone through this myself I can relate to your pain . My Dad said these words to me many times as I was growing up and I have said them ( already ) more than once to my 11 year old son - " It is an honor to bury a parent who lived a long and good life . . It is a tragedy to bury a child" !! Many times over the years I have thought about these words and frankly didn't realize fully what he meant until my son was born. Your Dad is at Peace now and your final honor to him is to lay him down for his final rest.

So sorry to hear of your loss. May you and your family take comfort in the knowledge that he will live on in your hearts and memories. My dad too was passionate about snowmobiles from the early days and I often smile thinking of the adventures and mis adventures I had with him.

JG Very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Your friends, Jeff and Sandy

Jean-Guy I hope you are feeling all of the love from those of us who follow you and appreciate all your posts on QR. See you later this winter.

My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your father.

Jean Guy My condolences to you and your family. Maybe your club can have a portion of a trail named\renamed in his honor? Team GutZ

Very sorry to hear this. Its never easy but he's leaves behind a great legacy and a great son!

My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your father. mike

Your Dad was a remarkable person and I know you and the family will miss him. Take comfort in the many memories he gave as you celebrate his life and say your goodbyes. My thoughts are with you my friend.

Jean-Guy Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences. Mr André-Albert Hallé thank you for all you have done for our sport.

1.)That's why you always need to ride with at least one buddy who is slower than you. 2.)Chances are a single wolf is not going to take on a pack of helmet wearing aliens unless it is rabid. 3.)If it is,refer back to #1😉

JG, I lost my dad 2 weeks before Christmas, 87 years old, killed in a car accident a mile from my shop, he was a passenger, I know what you are going thru,my deepest sympathy to you and your family, Best Wishes, Bob.

My condolences,may your memory's keep you strong and help you thru this.

Condolences JG, your dad lived a long full life, I'm sure you are very proud. Very sorry for your loss

Sorry for your loss JG, our condolences to you and your family. John 5:28

Dear Jean-Guy, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the entire Halle family at this time of great loss. May your loving memories of your Dad always stay close to your heart. Tom

Sorry to hear that JG, to live to 95 is a great achievement. He lived a great life

JG so sorry to her about your Dad's passing I know how hard it is to lose your Dad especially when you grew up on snowmobiles with your Dad like we both did. Lisa and I both send our most sincere condolences. Andy & Lisa

R.I.P. Mr André-Albert Hallé. JG so very sorry for your loss. I thank your dad for his participation in the snowmobile world as we know it today. From what you have posted over the years I am confident in saying he is likely one who made a difference in the snowmobiling industry in the infancy stages and grateful he was able to see the snowmobile industry blossom to what it is today. You were very fortunate to have a best friend & mentor for the time you did. No doubt it will be painful in the weeks, months & years ahead but remind yourself he is with your mother & others who have gone before us and is without concern for anything - only good things. Praying / confident they are all rejoicing he has arrived home and having a celebratory drink of their choice & great conversation. R.I.P. Stay strong. Keep the faith. Paddy O

Condolences JG so sorry for your loss, but what a life he had ....

so sorry for your loss! he will be missed but never forgotten.

So sorry for your loss. Hardest thing I ever went through was losing my dad.

My condolences to you, he gets to be with your Mom again,

My sincere condolences JG. I feel your pain, I lost my mom a week before Xmas, cherish those thoughts and memories.

My condolences to you and your family Jean Guy. A great man, a huge part of snowmobiling in Quebec.

I downloaded the most current version from the google drive link and on my Garmin Oregon 450T i had the same issue with the trail being very thin white lines. Same as said before that in base camp they look fine with the color codes associated with the different trails.