Leaderboard

Early, mid March, no better time to do a quick loop through the Gaspesie. Four of us left Nova Scotia Tuesday morning at 6am, drove the 4 hours to Pointe a la Croix getting there at 9am. (Gained an hour with the time zone change) We took off and headed East toward New Richmond. Trails were fair to good, they were ready for the groomer. Lots of deer on the trails, we had to slow down several times. From New Richmond we traveled the 595 to La Cache, also fair to good trail conditions. The trail from La Cache to Murdochville was better then what we rode so far but that was more because of soft snow. We didn't see much traffic all day till we pulled into The Copper, apparently everyone was there. 225 miles The next morning we pulled out to sunshine and freshly groomed trails...awesome!!! Up to the TQ5 and turned westward, first track from last nights grooming. Stopped at the hang glider lookout above Mont Saint Pierre, then on to Riviere Claude. Trail still perfect, hard, and fast. Stopped at La Martre for gas, there is a new gas stop there, an unattended gas pump. Just like buying something from a vending machine, a great idea! We travelled along smiling and landed at St Paulin just after lunch too early to go for Matane. We turned down the 595 to La Cache for a late lunch, spectacular scenery. A little food and beverage an back up the 595 to St Paulin and on to Matane in about 20 minutes after dark. 300 miles. Day three another beautiful sunny day, freshly groomed again...gotta love it!! Took the 591 south through Sayabec to the 587 then up to the Mummy trees before Redemption, could see forever! Trails from there led us to Albertville and Groomers clubhouse. We were eating and hydrating and low and behold in comes Linda, Groomer, and their group out on a sled tour. We chatted for a bit and headed out on the 587 south, Groomer and Linda were heading in the same direction soon after us. Part way through we took a local trail to a very cool look out at L' Ascension de Patapedia. We got back on the 587 again went a short ways and caught up Groomer and company again. We waved and sailed on only to have them catch up to us again we we were going off trail to get around a log truck parked in the middle of the trail. From there on to the truck and headed to Nova with about 725 miles for the trip

It's a few weeks old at the end of february, Snowcruiser and us lately improvise a 2 days ride from Champlain(east from Trois-Rivières) to Lac-Bouchette round trip. I had taken few video shots but had miss time to do something with them, which I finally did this week. As usual, better viewed on large screen at 1080p with the sound cranked up a bit... beer and popcorn optionnal! Alain

Thanks Tom! I was searching in my right free music bank one that would fit the sequences I had mounted and this one happened to fit nicely, I just fine tune the sequence transitions to better fit the music beat and bingo! an other great souvenir for us to share...

Sm and Playhard, well we didn’t get cheated on our adventure ride for sure! Thursday and Friday did not disappoint us😁. Thursday started out so nice but high clouds up in the Long Range mountain highlands in the distance had other plans for us. As many of you saw earlier in the week, The highlands, a few days ago had a beautiful blue sky, and felt very inviting. 😉 As mentioned , We had heard several stories of trouble and tragedy in these highlands all week. Well we got taste of just how wild it can get. By mid morning our clear view morning ...had changed into a slow crawl, dirty visibility and several dig outs of drifts as we crawled our way up into the highlands. Wow we still got a long ways of to go! This is what its like when the weather goes bad😉 , This is going to be slow going! Just before noon we decided this is not going to work! We had just got to a rough shelter about half way in. This looks like our chalet for the night! 😊 As we settled into our very.........rustic accommodations, some gathered fire wood , others water, an inventory of overnight supplies started popping out on the rustic picnic table in the shelter. A wood stove provided heat, but that was about it. The wind howled all night, but by 3:30 am it seemed like we had a window of opportunity and visibility was better, but we had 10 sleds buried in snow and we needed to get rolling. With winds forecasted to pick back up to levels we experienced yesterday, we knew we had a a narrow window. Robert Gardner and Dixon Clements, both Cain’s Quest Champ’s and old pros at these types of riding conditions , gathered the troops and said well...it’s now ...or ....we most likely will be here another day. So at 4:40am, sleds are all running and we are heading down out of the range, at a crawl. 3 hours later, and 35 miles under our belt, we dropped down into the tree line. Lots of stories and laughs to share, but also a reality of just how quick things can change in the high country! It’s always an adventure. With 10 experienced riders it was awesome to see all the safety and overnight equipment pop out of everyone’s bags. Multiple Garmin in reaches, Spot tracker devices, food, food lines for hanging gear to dry, fire starting equipment, jet boils, tarps, ect. You guys get it because we all tend to carry those items whether adventure riding or groomed trail riding, and at times thinking, wow, do I really need this stuff? Well yes, on occasion you do! The other neat observation was to observe your riding partners under challenging conditions. This group all remained calm and focused. Good attributes for any type of ride, especially when conditions change. As mentioned a few days ago, we had planned to get into the Gross Morne Park, but do “unforeseen circumstances” we ran out of time!! We did get to see territory and ride a regions that even many locals have never done. We catch the evening ferry back to NS tonight. We will be back to the Rock again! This has been another great adventure ride. And many more things to see and experience here! Happy Trails! RR

Great news for Gaspesie riders. The small family gas station in La Martre closed a couple years back, that made for a long stretch on the north shore without easy gas access. Earlier this week when going by we stopped there just because the signs and even the map indicated gas was available. There is an unattended public gas pump on the trail side of the road. It is right about where you would have crossed the pavement to get to the old station. The pump work with credit cards, I am not sure about debit. Very slick, slip the card in, enter estimated $$$, pin number, select regular or premium, squeeze the noozle, too easy. A very novel idea, could be the answer for small communities that can't support a regular gas station. Sorry forgot to take a picture.

Last Thursday morning Coyote and I left Sweet Baby St. Ray headed north to L'Anse St. Jean. Stayed at chalets sur le fjord, great meal at Chez Montagner. 250 miles by way of 23 368 383. Bill's trail was in tip top shape. Friday we went east and crossed in Tadoussac had lunch at the white birch clubhouse in Les Escoumins. The Pelchat did not disappoint, stopped at the chapple for a mandatory caffeine and chocolate fuel up at the zoo, a splash of fuel at Onatchaway and in for the night at Mont Vilain. 260 miles by way of 383 3 Pelchat 252 251 93 267 476 484. Saturday morning we headed west to Milot, north to Lac Eden back south to Dolbeau and La Dore, ending at the Nordic in Chibaugamou. The rally was in town that night, lot of cool vintage sleds running around. We had a good meal at the Royal pub. 300 miles by way of 373 local 93 Sunday we headed west to Senneterre staying at Faillon. The first 3 days had been hard packed fresh groomed, things were about to change. Once we got to Quevillon the snow started. After lunch in Senneterre the trail had a few inches of fluff, by the time we arrived Faillon we had declared it a powder day. Another great meal that night. 300 miles by way of 93 and 83. Monday morning we woke up to a fluffy blanket of fresh powder covering our sleds. The Coyote had the wisdom to hook up with the a couple guys from the Lake George area. This turned out to be the greatest idea yet, turns out we are all headed to Kanawata for the night. The open areas west of Clova were fun to play in after the Fire Chief, Coup and Coyote had plowed a path for my heavier 4 stroke. 250 miles by way of 83 345. Tuesday morning we continued southeast back to the truck at the Roquemont. We met the groomer just north of the Repos, perfect. The only segment of the trip that concerned me with trail quality due to high traffic south of the Repos was fresh. We parted ways with The Fire Chief and Coup at the intersection of 345 and 360. It was a classic moment in the woods that I think will be remembered by all 4 of us for some time. I enjoyed meeting fellow QR members and spending 2 days swapping stories about our shared passion for snowmobiling in Quebec. 250 miles by way of 345 360 M19 23 73 1627 miles was my final tally.

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampshire-county/us-army-to-determine-how-snowmobile-crashed-into-blackhawk-helicopter-in-worthington/1846720009 Odds on favorite....Long Hair???

Keep on subject....there is gas in La Martre now, this is not about age!!

before leaving for st francois and st alexis....i asked a local at the clubhouse if there was a gas station he said there s a similar one in st francois with credit card maybe , in a near futur...micro waves with credit card along the trail for grosse poutine extra fromage !!! ahahaha...😛 jean-guy

Any guesses as to what burnt. Maybe another team gutz project??? Sorry Don, I just had too. LoL

Thanks, probably going to hold off for another week before heading up, forecast looks promising then.

They don't like to groom when it is above freezing.It just makes a mess of the trails.Looking at the forecast I would bet they will be out tonight.

I watched it on my TV. Full Screen in 1080p Awesome and Crystal Clear

Cool Pictures! We were running short on time too, or we would have liked to try to find our way up. Likely be next year now. I think I have a bit of an idea of where that trail is, thanks for the map!

Day four, woke up to a little rain recalculate, recalculate, recalculate. Left Auberge Éva around 11:30, up 83 as Far East as we are going to go, turned left on 83 to St Hedwidge for gas on to relay 22. Light rain, thank god for high windshields and Rainex on our shields. Arrived at relay 22 for lunch and gas then off to Windago where the hospitality is next to none. Lots of beers, lots of wine and off to bed.

behind my sled......road for the belvedere.... just right of the ultramar sign...snowshoes tracks are there !!! jean-guy

Great write up and pics Byrd. Really enjoyed it. Got a question though...... how in the hell does that Tupperware container on the back of that sled stay put with one bungee. im guessing it’s drilled and attached to a plate at the bottom and the bungie is just for the lid.

Unfortunately I just so happen to have a few more.🤣

Way back in 00 on my Yamaha triple 600. We were headed to Chapelle for the first time. We left from Sacre-Coure. We were following a track and it split. I chose the wrong one to follow. No shovel no winch saddle bag newbie. I cut a tree limb and worked at it for a while. Later three guys pulled up and got me right out. They said never backup. Lesson learned. Film camera back then.

RoadRunner, lot of Quebec Riders post all kinds of great,helpful , and interesting thinks here that we all like, but what you have posted here is way over the top, incredible to say the least, YOU HAVE NOT WON THE DAY...YOU WON THE YEAR!! Many thanks, Bob.

Super crisp, sharp pictures Jean Guy. Good to see you out enjoying the snow instead of working on it.

Mike 6500 miles, that's a really great year, no break downs, even better. I am looking forward to retirement where my biggest to do list is wearing out a sled. Still a lot of snow, you will probably ride again, if not have a great summer paddling with your dog. Bob.

Have a good time riding in the bush, doesn't look like many groomed trails there. No shortage of snow up there yet!! Say hello to Linda.

That's nice JG, enjoy the ride and company, say hello to Linda for me!!!

Past couple days have been great trails and great riding. Two days ago south to Packington and back up for lunch at the brick oven pizza restaurant in Cabano. Yesterday to Rimouski and Squatec. We ran into lots of traffic around Rimouski. This morning GKW headed home, I woke up with a head cold and Mark's Viper won't start. I was headed home the next day or two anyway, ended season with over 6,500 miles. Was blessed with so many friends, both those I rode with and those who stopped to visit. Thank you. And thanks to all who took time to read my posts. mike

bonjour !!! great weekend riding ....lindaslegirl was here + friends !!! went to camp yesterday starting from clubhouse !!! going back riding in a few hrs !!! -28c this morning and sunny !!! jean-guy

It’s cold and snowing here in Matane this morning. My ears are frozen from loading up the truck. We hope all the Quebec Riders are enjoying the trails. For us it’s 800 miles home.

We start to make our way down. What’s this coming toward us. It’s a man walking up the mountain. It amazes me. A short time later here comes a guy skiing up. When we got to the bottom there were 2 women getting ready to walk up.

On the way up there is a lot of snow. It’s covered over the guard rail. The wind has made a few drifts. I’m hearing some strange sounds though my communicator. Nice view isn’t it? “There’s no trail” Don’t worry this is the road we took in the car years ago. We make our way up and is cold and windy. The view is very nice.

Beautiful place, reading your post is motivation to plan a return trip!

Mike, we all ride with a group of snowmobile friends that we have met over the years. What’s amazing is these guys are from all over New England, Quebec, Labrador and now, Newfoundland. The areas we love to ride. The circle just keeps getting bigger! So when something happens on you ride in a region, they have friends who have friends to help out, share history ect. It really is the connections of people that makes it interesting. Not unlike the sharing of stories and adventures here on QR. Riding along yesterday, I said what is different here in a Newfoundland’s the other areas we ride? Some of the things that popped out. You get big woods roads, (some groomed!) high mountain plains, coastal barrens, snow bowls to play on, gorgeous views, very low traffic count . Plus at no given time are you more than 80 or 100 miles from an outfitter or Community that have great people living there. Its not that you don’t find many of these features riding the Gaspe or other regions in Quebec, it just seems all these features are so close , large and yet condensed in a relatively small region here, but as your riding, it seems like no mans land! We love adventure riding and this is a great model for it. Kind of like every type of riding that there is. We will be back here for another tour for sure! Happy trails RR Happy Trails

We have been so appreciative of everyone helping out, today’s breakdown in Main Brook was an example, everyone chips in to find the means to get you parts, a shop and back going. As mentioned before it’s a way of life in a tough land. Today we visited a memorial, this was of a snowmobiler who was not as fortunate in a bad storm. He was found huddled around this rock on the barrens outside of St Anthony. He was not able to get help in time!

bonjour !!! great visit today ...went to vist mcstar + wife + frank and mrs and mr gt rider at the clubhouse !!! great to see all of you again...+ 2 more from upstate ny !!! and very sorry , i forgot to say merci for the lunch !!! on my way grooming soon.....local trails -14c.... light snow !!! jean-guy

There is a trail system here in the Northern peninsular. It would not be fair to try to compare this system to the one in Quebec. So far we have been on a recognizable trail system about 20% of the time. Frequent winds and equipment breakdowns create large challenges for some communities here. Still a refreshing style of riding that we tend to enjoy. We have enjoyed the communities and people. Very warm and friendly which is the Newfoundland way for sure! Happy trails RR

Mike, it is a very special experience! Again, this is not a big mileage trip, but very awesome in its own way! Today we took a ride out to the village of Inri in the Conche region. We viewed the Groais and Bell islands as well as a hearty....skipper running his out board along the ice sheets! Also a ww2 Bomber that crash landed in this region. We are learning lots of history in Newfoundland! F

The scenery rivals the White road, Labrador and what we have seen in Alaska. Definitely this is something to put on your to do list!