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Slow to post anything but here it is. Stayed with Reggie and did loops from the Drakkar. Thursday went west on 23 to La Cabanon up 345 and back on 360, 23. Chased Shaggy and his better half around on their new Assaults but couldn't keep up . Conditions were good. Loved coming back on 360. Glad we did St Michel area on Thursday as you could tell there was more traffic in that area. Weekend prob would have been miserable. Friday nice and cold! Ran to La Tuque via 351, 355 back on 73, 353, 23, 302. 1 crew member blew his 800R next to the airport in La Tuque after lunch. Couldn't have happened in a better place. Could literally see the Motoneige clubhouse from where his sled sat. Made a few calls and turned out the president of the club had a truck and was willing to drive him back to Drakkar for $150CAN. Couldn't beat that! Nice guy too from what I was told. Again trails were nice. 351 clearly had not been groomed since the weekend even though the map showed it had been groomed. Was still fresh snow from the week and had a single lane running it. Was smooth though so no problems. 355 was a blast! 73 was a great run back too. We really enjoyed this loop. Saturday was again cold but no problems. Ran back out 302, 353 to 23 and back around on some local trails. Nice easy day. Traffic was picking up by end of the day so we hit the train station and back to Drakkar before Pascal took us out for a wild night not suitable for this forum. All in all a great time. Beat looking at the grass at home for sure.

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

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

There may be the option of crashing the Mrs' & Co. winter tour in Aruba. However, HELL NO! Besides, the heeling/healing protocol is for ICE-ICE-BABY!

Mrs. Playhard is THE BEST! Rented a motorized toy! To take the edge off around the ranch. And to lessen the likelihood of me face-planting while non-weight-bearing crutching! Now wondering what mods Team Gutz might have in mind?...

Hi Mike, You are missing a wonderful section of Quebec. There are times when it isn't groomed in spots and you can hit rough trail but that can happen anywhere and that is what the groomer map is for. You have your pick of three trails. 5 is the most direct trail. That will be ±210 miles. Typical Quebec with woods, fields, some elevation and plenty of stops along the route. It is split into thirds. A short third to Montmagny gas and coffee, the longer third to Relais Hiboux for food on trail 5 but near La Pocatarie, gas in Mont Carmel if you need it and the last third to RDL. It is a comfortable day and you should be in RDL well before dark. A lot of variations on this but the first time thru take trail 5 all the way to get familiar with the route. Second option is trail 35. We usually drop down 551 out of Montmagny to get 35 but you can take 547 from St Grevais. This is the highway. This is the Claremont Express of the south. Bring the cruise control. It is a rail bed for most of the way. There aren't a lot of gas stops and you will burn thru a tank. It runs the rail bed most off the way from the intersection with 547 at the west end to the intersection with 526 at the east end. It is a long way and a quick ride. You have to stop in Tourville at Relais Jasmine on this run. It is the hot spot. It can be packed on weekends. This route is further in distance but not really longer in time. Levis to Jasmine is ±125 miles depending on which route you take. Jasmine to RDL is about 95 miles. Lastly is trail 55. Trail 75 is the easiest access to 55. This is the longest run and can take a long day. 55 is different in itself. The trail is more rolling in sections. Again a very nice run. It goes thru a few maple tree farms. It has a few more facilities than 35. I would probably skip 55 as a first trip out because it is a little longer. Motel Bernieres is the most popular staging area. As you have probably read, they have remodeled. The truck enclosure is gone but there is a good size area that you can leave your rig. Take precautions like anywhere else and don't let your truck be the most desirable. The motel and restaurant Normadin is right next to Auto route 20. PM me if you would like. We have ridden that area many times. Jack & Sandi

Hi GSX. Sandi says it is getting better with a few miles on it. She is also coming off of her old 1200 Renegade so this is going to feel different. The other thing I could do is strap on 100 pounds of bricks and that would slow her down a little too. 😁 Update on the 850. It is fixed. Morneau put in a new bendix for the starter. The best part of the job is it was only $600 Canadian but they covered it under warranty. It cost me the $50 deductible. You have to love those extended warranties! Til tomorrow, Jack & Sandi

Did a mini saddlebag out of Drakkar . Arrived Sunday afternoon, out for a quick spin and a beer just to make sure everything was in working order. Trails were a little bouncy , esp the 3. But all normal for a Sunday afternoon. Mon morn we had breakfast at the Drakkar(much improved), and the 4 of us headed west. Normally we go North or East, but based on reports of a flooded St Anne river in St Ray, and thin snow in the valley near Lac st.jean we decided to head west and do mini loops.Headed west on 23, past Cabin on the Hill, and the ski area. Not a big fan of this trail. Its tight and twisty and not much to see. Did ride down to the Hotel Sacacomie. This place is worth a look if youve never been. Incredible Log building perched above a Lake. We spent 1 nite at Real Masse. This is a fun spot and the owners are super friendly and good english. Went by the Cabanon, and wow,... I definitly would not go near that place on a weekend. On a tuesday there were at least 40 trucks in their parking lot and the trails in and out of there showed a little snirt with a few rocks to boot. Reminded me of Pittsburg NH. Spent tuesday night at the Central in St.Michel. Decent food, better Bar. Rode around Lac Taureau, and on the Lac as well. Visited the massive Auberge on the way up to the dam. Definitly a 1% er hangout. Also Canada Adventure....almost affordable, and what a spot overlooking the lake. Rode back to Shawini in steady snow wednsday . 23, 345, 360. 360 is gorgeous trail, as well as fast, though we were pushing 8 inches of freshie, and steering was a bit dicey.The trails were 90% good, but the constant lite snow kept our speed down. The trails up there now will be near perfection, as ICE reported, there was a new foot of snow when we returned, and the trails were already good before this. Reggie, Nancy and Pascal are doing a great job with the Drakkar, and it appeared full when we left fri morn. The next 6 days are going to be cold so the trails should get hard,flat and fast. Pure Quebec. And heres a flashback to the Old Safari days.............https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0novpU6MJXQ

Is there a particular reason you had to visit the Doo dealer Mike? Anything we need to know? They do not sell Wine there do they??

Nice Run. Gotta love finding a truck when you need it.

You might consider taking 85 north to 35 above Cabano, run 35 to 557 thru Lac of the east into St Pamphile for lunch, than run into Lac etchimen on 55 for the night at Manoir Lac Etchimen or Joes Bistro. Consider taking a detour if you have time to go up over park mt du Massif, 549 to 547.. Next day take 545 to St Theophile, than 25 to Thetford mines and onto 65 near Victoriaville, than 525 to Drummondville. For a return, consider running 25 east to 5 near Levi’s, run 5 all the way back to RDL, than 85 back to Degelis. An overnight in Montmagny on your return. Plenty of options, but this is a good one to consider. RR

Hmm it has wheelie bars, must be power plant mods available too. get well soon

Bummer big time! Hoping it’s the 2-3 weeks, Playhard, not Easter, a speedy recovery! RR

Nah, I think you're faking. You are just afraid of the cold and only want to sled after Easter lol Nothing worse having a health issue during sledding season. Hope you have a quick recovery.

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

Came from Edmunston to Lac Etchimin today about 220mi. Stopped at the golf course for lunch in St Pomphile (met mikerider there couple yrs ago), trails were awesome all day. Tomorrow night should be in the Valcourt area, new riding for me. One of the sleds today had the Hot Shot starter, it quit working too.

Looking at your trip and have never ridden this section west of rdl. Wondering a few things. How long of a ride is this typically? Is this a busy section that on weekends could have the police out with radar? Is there another return route one might suggest and lastly where to leave from in Levis that’s clean and safe Thanks in advance mike

You truly are showing your age Jack. Mums the word though!

Same here, pop sounds like worse. Takes more than a few months to go away, and that's if you do not have a setback. Mine started from jumping off the back of my truck. Good luck Playhard.

Little bastards is an understatement. Try staying on the same floor as them. You'd rather ride to the next town! Unless you like a hundred kids swinging hockey sticks in the hallways til midnight, never seen anything so crazy

I’ve actually had nightmares about the “hockey kids”....... been screwed over and had to ride a lot further than planned on more than one occasion because of those little bastards !!!

Bummer Big Time David!! I’m very familiar with Plantar Fascitis unfortunately. I’ve never heard about it actually popping & rupturing though. Sucks! Get well fast!

Unknown fact, Marmalade leaves the skin soft and supple, while relieving arthritis and giving you a pleasant scent. LOL GutZ

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.

Hope you get better soon David , best wishes..

In Beauceville now. Headed for RDL Universal tomorrow. Trails and weather look good! Bill

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

Not doubting any of it.... We had many a late night apres riding, especially when close enough for cab rides to ste foy and Q City. Just recounting my Bernard recollections. He warned us about the Shawini operas, and boy was he right,.. get your shots up to date before entering. Cheers

I wasn't there, I was still riding in. I have no idea what Bernard had other than the cigs, but I assure you my buds drank all day while hanging out. When we came down the trail not only did we see our rigs safe and sound in the compound, but the limo the boys arranged to continue the party. Which we weren't frankly too enthused about.

Despite the fact that he smoked like a chimney ( I think Du Maurier stock dropped 50% upon news of his death), I never saw Bernard drink. Always coffee and butts. What a guy. He had an edge, but he our backs as well. RIP Bernard.

I sure miss Bernard. Thanks for the report. That’s part of my gang. 2 guys wouldn’t leave L’Etape after lunch because it was -40° so Bernard sent someone to pick them up. That was a cold ride that night. Hot pizza waiting for us at swanky motel Bon Air. They spent the whole next day drinking with Bernard while the rest of us rode in.

10 January -10c cold with the windchill groomers are out. Saw one by the snow dump by moto thibault in trois riveres paving the way for playhard. snow removal at a standstill 12 of us waiting in Tim Hortons for a replacement snowblower. $$$$ gonna be costly for the boss tonight. All part of the game. big trucks big bucks

Anybody ever heard of a "plantar fascia?" Nah, me neither! Apparently it's important for keeping the foot all connected from the bottom. And I can tell ya, it frickin smarts since my left one went "pop" last night while fueling up to head north! It was hysterical at 3:00am when the doc came back from radiology smiling and shaking his head saying: "Your foot anatomy is NOT NORMAL!" So much for 32 year-old Honda XL vs Ford LTD carnage! So for now I can't walk on it. I could ride! But I'm heading into NYC Monday to see a specialist. Y'know surfing around WedMD is great for nightmares: Minor = 2-3 weeks. Major = Happy Easter! Thanks for the insights on this loop! Now please go put some miles on up there and post some pics for the rest of us! Sorry no trail pics at this time! Soon, very soon!...