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*********** video added on the post #8********************** Here is the trail path of our last Saturday ride 25 January 2020, before the last snowfall We took advantage of the chance we have to be able to start our ride by sled directly from home and took #43 trail south from St-Thomas de Joliette in order to explore the south my area. Very mild temperature around -2C. Here along a windbreaker tree line near home We then took the #3 east. Beautiful and fast trail with correct snowcover The Chaloupe river in Berthierville is good and staked We then continue on trail #3, here in the St-Barthélemy sector. There were some spots with brownish snow but it was before the 6-8 inches of new snow we received in Saturday to Sunday night I usually take the loop on the #63 east of St-Barthélemy which takes us a little further north, away from St-Laurence river(ie more snow) but this time I kept the #3 which was correct Just before St-Ursule I wanted to take the 2nd loop of #63 but it has changed places (the interactive map is up to date) and it is only a dead end which leads to the Cascades pizzeria at the old location of the intersection. We must continue a bit less than 1 mile further to get to the new junction of the #63 trail This new trail path connect on the #350 trail path of past years in the power lines We continued straight to keep #63 to see the Magnan falls in Charette A little further, a big wild turkey crossed the trail in front of us When you see one, there are more... the rest of the herd was right next to the trail, not shy at all We then arrive on the site of the Magnan falls in Charette The falls themselves are frozen hard but this place is always nice , a good spot for taking a break. Just downstream from the footbridge, the river forms a sort of large pot. One day I should walk to see the fall on the other side ... And the view upstream from the bridge We then continued towards Ste-Etienne. It was very mild and the trails were starting to get soft. Here in an atv shared section a side by side had swung in the ditch. They were already well installed with 2 other vehicles which were pulling with winches to bring it back into the trail. Good for him because is a lot harder to unstuck than a snowmobile! The trail being soft it was already starting to get bumpy We refueled just before crossing the St-Maurice river near the Gabelle dam On the other side, trail #3 was particularly worn. We got shaken up to the junction for Lac à la Tortue that we took. We then took a dead end before the St-Maurice river to go to the Pizzeria du Lac where we ate very well as usual After lunch we continued and got on the St-Maurice river. The sky was geting more cloudy We went up to the intersection with #23 trail and saw that the M19 trail (the one that ride on the river toward Marineau) was closed. The club closed it on Friday because of water accumulation. We for our part turned on #23 west A few bumps but good condition. We feeling of passing through a tunnel here! The snowcover is good and it was riding well. We passed near the Vallée du Parc ski resort in Shawinigan And then continued west Here passing near the l'auberge du Trappeur Here a small bridge with a beautiful view, we always stop when we pass there We found ourselves in front of that at the #349 junction for St-Alexis des Monts It bothered us a lot. I did not know if the detour was to go through the Koubec (#350 trail farther) which would have push me tight for the gaz, so we took a break there hoping that someone who would pass could inform us and that's what happened. About 10 minutes later, a group of 3 sledderss stopped and they were coming from St-Alexis and had just made the detour, so they explained to us what we needed to know. The reason for the detour is the repair of a bridge. The interactive map is up to date but not my GPS map ... I really need to install Imotoneige on my phone ... Here is a screenshot of the interactive map concerning this detour where I surrounded in yellow the closed intersection and green the new. Just be careful because the signage coming in the direction like we did is not the best and you have to look backward to see the detour sign. This is before the Pin Rouge entrance of the Mastigouche reserve, so if you got up to the Pin Rouge entrance and didn't seen the junction, turn back. You can't miss it coming from the other side So we easily reached St-Alexis des Monts village where I refueled full but it was already 5:00 pm and we were still far from home! It was late enough for the dozers to had start their runs so we rode on a freshly groomed trail up to the Pouvoirie du Lac Blanc. We did a short very rought segment, then got quite decent conditions in the Mandeville club where we crossed the dozer midway We cut on Lac Maskinongé staked trail to reach St-Gabriel de Brandon where it started to snow hard very suddenly. It was not too windy so visibility remained acceptable on the low beams. So we came back under the snow and arrived home around 7:45 pm with 215 miles on the dreammeter A other great ride for us but the mild weather did not help the trail condition and with the chosen path which was slower in the afternoon it gave us a big day. We discovered ourself new muscles sunday morning which we didn't know existed!!! In summary, the snow cover is good everywhere and will be even better with the snow that we have just received. The snowmobile season is at his best and now is the time to enjoy it. For details on the trail conditions here is the place to look: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ Alain

Day5 Todays plan was to completely wing it. After a stop at the ski doo dealer in the morning to replace the wire for momo’s oxygen helmet that got sucked into his track it was TQ 93 south. Freshly groomed last night, passed the groomer headed back from his 2nd pass. Perfectly set up! Sweet! Quick stop at the sawmill for fuel. No food there anymore. South of the mill not recently groomed but still in great shape. Continued up to Lac au Jim. Thought you could stay there but a no go. Quick map check and Giradville has 2 places about 25 miles out. Into town there for fuel and ask. Motel 1km away, Perfect! Small place with 6 rms. You check in at the supermarket next door which also has a SAQ which was even better! Restaurant across the st. Tomorrow up around the lake on the 373 which is an awesome new trail. 225 miles for the day.

Tell Phil to carry less alcohol 🍷 and more oil

On the blind twisties which we have a lot of on the trails near me I always ride with 2 fingers on the brake lever, never fails there is always a few sleds every time I go out seriously in the middle or on my side in those corners. When I see the first sled I back off cause it happens often that the next sled or two are using more than their side of the trail trying to keep up with their buddy.

Mike where did you go the trails around here today were a 10 went to Moose valley today 👍

Rolled in today at Reggie’s (Drakkar) and headed out for a ride. Trails were in great shape. A little thinner the more south you go but going east was in great shape. A little warm but still a great ride. Passed a groomer this afternoon on trail 3.

Looking at a trip out west and was wondering if going from forestel in val-d'or to rabaska lodge shows 310 miles. Most days are low 220 for us. Thanks guys

Thanks Iceman for finding the info. A very good write up. Jack & Sandi

hi steven great thx...like pic taken with big lens.....he re s 3 excellent shots ...without swelling my head up !!!....tbk !!! jean-guy

Hi Sledfarmer ... Thanks for the compliment! Up until this past weekend, conditions from the clubhouse north were all-round excellent. Now, we're currently facing a minor challenge as the John Deere that grooms north towards Duhamel from the Clubhouse calved Saturday evening, and we only managed to limp it home yesterday morning (a hydraulic hose for the ramsteer popped a fitting and, while attempting to limp it home Sunday, electrical problems erupted. We thought it was a bum alternator, but it turns out an electrical junction box under the cab became mangled. We're currently waiting for our chief mechanic/dozer driver's garage to be available before trucking it south for repair. In the meantime, our Pisten Bully will be doing double duty. It will be heading up that section of trail starting 5:00 am tomorrow morning. That heavy wet snow was just what the doctor ordered to put the finishing touches on our trails. Once we get that all groomed, now that it's cold, things will be in great shape! We're still lacking in the signage department, though, so the iMotoneige app would be a nice feature to have on your phone. Dan

Thanks Don 👍

Left the Universal this AM with a few inches of fresh snow. Took 526 to 85 to 5 East to the 3 pistols clubhouse. Hoped to get breakfast there but they are closed Monday and Tuesday this year so we headed down 571 into 3 pistols and got breakfast at the cheese factory in town neat place. Took 518 from there East to 5 then 578 to 5 again into Matane. Staying at the Riotel, has a mix of conditions everything from fresh groomed to loose powder the closer we got to Matane. Hope to get to Murdochville tomorrow via LaCache

Stay right, Simple, superior and no cost. I will give a hand signal if its safe and I still like to get one when its safe, but no need for the whole group to do the countdown, have seen it down right dangerous at times.

Lol. Had that issue last year with my darling. She kept telling me over the communicators that she was running low and I kept assuring her the gas pumps were only 5 km away and I couldn't move them closer. Then she ran out and her sled stalled. 🤢 Am still hearing about it.

There still seems to be folks in the snowmobile community who are continuing to promote hand signals to approaching sleds about the number in your group. JUST STOP IT!

7 of us rode out of Cabanon 3 days and then did a 3 day loop. Overall trails were 7-10. Area received 8-12 inches of snow the day we arrived. Rode thru the following places during the week. 1,000 miles total 6 days of riding. St Zenon, Mattawin, Repos, St Gabriel, Kanawata, Weyomentaci, Relay 22, La Tuque. Only 1 potato in St. Michel. Trails south toward Gabriel were fine. Cant say enough about how much I like this 2020 Renegade Enduro 900 Turbo for Quebec riding. Was snowing good when we left also.

We trimmed a few trees outta that new trail as well .. nice option from Clova to Cheval

Do as you each please. My sled will be chained each night no matter where I am laying my head. Sorry, but I find leaving the GPS on sled overnight crazy, but that’s just me. Like I said to each their own. Carry on.

Day 4 Plan was Amos to Chapis for the night. tq 93 was fantastic! Anywhere from 4-6” of light fluff. Stellar day. Lunch in Lsq where Phil had to bury the sled riding 200 yards to get a qt of oil in the center of town. We where going to stay at the opineska but didn’t have the right rooms for 5. So after a stop at the clubhouse off to chibougamau to Motel Chibougamau for the night 288 miles. 93 south in the morning around the top of the LSJ. Plenty of 60 packs in demarisville! Beaver free as of now!

I agree guys, but the Indian reservation of Manawan is not anywhere near the Abiti. Manawan is only about 50 miles by car from SMDS. There are people that check this page that don’t have a lot of experience in Quebec and I don’t think it is good to recommend to them not to secure their sleds. I have been riding that area since the late 80’s and I remember when there were no doors on some of the houses because they used them for firewood (no shit) They also have a steel cage around the gas pumps in their own town. That’s all I am saying

Day 2 The plan was to continue West either Val Dor or Belletere. Quick call and the forestel is all booked up. Ok, destination Paquin in Belletere. 322 to Tq63. Although there is quite a bit of snow here they obviously need more. Ridiculous amount of brush sticking through the snow, especially after Le domaine. Although just groomed the day before it was a mess till it opens up on the forest road. Into la Verande for fuel and lunch. Super nice owner. Said she will definitely be open next year for lodging. She said they lost there Dachsund to a Wolf last fall. From there 63 fast and smooth. It’s been about 4 years since I’ve been out this way, forgot about that 30 mile super tight twisty stretch from lake Truit to Belletere. Not what the doctor ordered to end the day. At the Pacquin now actually a real nice place. Headed over to the local Pub, great time with the locals. I do believe the plan is Matagami next. 265 miles for the day

good morning playhard !!! hahhaha......always take care of the parking at the bridge...when i started grooming ...the ex operator was turning around and backward to the bridge....it was only 9' wide...so , i decided to make it wider to make a parking !!! back from grooming local trails....there s a part going up to the lake ...about 6 miles....wooowwww...tons of moose there.... colder tonight ...way better !!! jean-guy

What can I say Ice......I’m just addicted to Beaver. Fresh ones that is !!!!

Again with the beavers eh? not surprised

Ride 1 Gotta Love snowmobiling, year after year the off season seems oh so long. Yet I remount my trusted machine and seems like just yesterday I patked her for the off season. So nice to be back on the trail seems like I just left it. Like riding a bike they say and oh so true, you never forget how it’s done. This trip came together as most, kind of a last minute deal. But as I have said in the past when the boss (not the wife) asks if you want to go to Matane for a ride or stay and work? Hmmm let me think? Not a very tough decision. The boys will have to manage things without me until Friday and do without my big truck as they are not authorized to touch it. They have their own trucks they can work with those. Boss Man mon ami Alain arrived at 1pm Sunday at chez Ice. My sled already in his trailer as he had picked it up fro Moto Thibault Friday afternoon.(more on that after) Snow had stopped in Shawinigan area by now and we hit the road enroute for Matane. Nice ride all the way to just near Montmagny here we hit more snow and wind still I have seen much worse but this will surely affect our travel time. Further east we go the more snow and wind. After Rimouski is onto the single lane stuff and a bit more white nuckle. We finally arrive at Matane 7pm not bad only one hour longer than a day with zero weather issues. Our issue was the other people scared to death driving like they never saw snow. For us not an issue. Into Hotel and only six other sleds here. I am very surprised. Now the fun begins. Unload gear into room and time to drop sleds. I open trailer go to start my sled and realize straight away, Houston we got a problem. Mon ami left my key on when he loaded my sled. She is dead. Like that Iranian general, seriously dead. Well not to mention the wind is howling and still snowing albeit not alot. Oh joy. We drop it on the ground. With the With the battery not very accessible on the grand touring of Alain We decide to use the truck the F250 will do just fine. We put the mini booster cables on it and let the truck charge it up a bit. She fires up and we park it for the night knowing fair well we are to repeat this process again in the morning. The real question is will it be ok after I ride it to La Cache and shut if off there? We shall see. Had a nice dinner and chatted it up with the other gang of riders from Nova Scotia on their way back to the trucks in Point a la Croix. They came up the 595 yesterday and were going back through Amqui today. Day 1 Monday Matane to New Richmond TQ5 to 595 to TQ5 Up early at breakfast at 6:30 dressed and out at 7:15. Yup gonna need to jump it again. We get my ride breathing and hit the trail. 7:30am. Beautiful conditions and just after the bridge here in Matane fresh groom on TQ5 it’s delicious. Great run all the way to St Paulin and onto the 595. Super conditions. Crossed the River Cap Chat on the new ice crossing made by club to bypass a bridge that is gone. Surely 595 will be cut off on that end sooner than usual when Spring has sprung. Saw one moose and one nice sized coyote. Arrive at La Cache it’s 10:30am. Took the gas and since the Relais is officially open as of this past weekend we go inside. Lots of time on our hands. So far we have seen zero other sleds since hotel parking in Matane. ZERO. Gas super is $1.69.9 litre. Pay up. We chat it up well mostly me as the Relais is owned by First Natiions people and they speak perfect English. They have owned it since 2017. We start talking and the manager pulls up with a truckload of groceries as they just opened and had nothing. I help them bring in the stuff as I was doing nothing else anyway. We met Josh the manager, Justin is the chef, Dennis pumps the gas and helps with everything else. I start to explain Quebecrider to Josh the manager and he looks at me in wonder. He says we have been hearing stories from other communities about a guy named Chris Snowmaster2112. You are not him are you? Now I had two options here. My mind is racing do I say yes? Hmmm? Maybe he has beaver and a 60 pack of Bud and a hidden chalet. Well, honesty got the best of me, plus knowing Alain is not gonna be venturing off on any adventures to a chalet with these guys beaver or no beaver, I would but surely not Alain. I said no I am not. He said thank god we have been told he eats all the beaver and most of the beer. But they love him in the north and kids are writing songs about him and I think they will name the new school in Miquelon after him. Damn word travels fast. Anyway I think I convinced them to come onboard as an advertiser we will see if I get a call from the owner next week. Just as we are getting ready to leave 2 sleds arrive from the south. We chat with a couple. Guy with his girlfriend from near montreal. He first day in her life on motoneige first trails ever. She is loving it. I told the guy she won’t want ride anywhere else after this. He said I chose here for her first ride so she is guaranteed to Like snowmobiling. Smart man. Uneventful run down and into Hotel Francis. Just 2 deer near Pin Rouge Trails beautiful no other sleds none. One groomer headed up 595 close to New Richmond. No other sleds at hotel. Lots of Jack Daniels in my bag. Well there was alot. Not as much tonight, that’s why no report yesterday. Sorry. Day 2 New Richmond to Chandler TQ5 No hurry today was planned this way to relax today with all day to go a half day’s ride. Just what Alain wanted and fine with me and Jack. Went to breakfast at 8:30 thats like noon time on a regular day for Alain. But we are making exceptions this run. TQ5 flat frozen and fast. Beautiful. Not far along we see the first sleds coming at us since leaving Matane one group of three. Maybe 10 minutes later two more coming. That was it no others all the way to Chandler. Trail was so frozen in one spot I had to deploy my scratchers as my temp light came on. Not for long maybe 5-6km. Then put them back up. Came across a gang of club volunteers cutting branches back just before Port Daniel. Then we cruised on into the Relais at Chandler. 1pm. Day all but finished. Here we are the only ones they have seen all day the bartender was happy to have someone to talk with besides the chef. We eat and the operator of the surfacer arrives to prepare the machine for his run tonight. His name is Marc. He says for sure alot less snow right now then this time last year but the snow is frozen nicely and makes his job easier. Left relais at 2:30. Petro Canada for fuel then backtrack to Motel Fraser. Done. Alain needed his easy day because tomorrow is a big day for him. 320km from here to St Anne des Monts thru Murdochville and Mont St Pierre.

Not to be all corny about "the adventure" but you know, with zero-drama riders even a black trail rescue is WAY better than a terrific day at work, and with the right refreshments can even be fun.

My sled arrived at Hospital Moto Thibault at 11am. Surgery began at 1:30pm. The patient is out of danger and has been stabilized, no permanent damage. She is awaiting a transplant. Should be released Monday. Leaking from reservoir where radiator cap seals on it. Awaiting new reservoir and will put new radiator cap. No damage to motor.

Doable yes, but if you are used to 220 then 310 at 30% more will be a stretch. You cannot easily add MPH to your speed. You will have to leave earlier, less stops, shorter lunch and get in later. You have to figure out how to "gain" 3 hours on your normal riding day.

Amen

Day 3 Left Chandler on perfectly groomed white asphalt 7am. Groomed all the way to 597 absolutely unreal. 597 groomed the same. Just to first warming hut. Saw 2 moose on trail, we stopped and let them do their thing for a bit then they sauntered off and we continued. Here’s where problems start. Been smelling antifreeze on and off for 2 days but no visible leakage anywhere. Took off panels looked all over saw nothing. 30km out of Murdochville temp light on, not good surely is not frozen trail as there is fluff on trail. Stopped and I am engulfed in a cloud of vapor. Not good. Game Over. No choice we hook it up. First time for me on this end of the rope in many years. Not a happy camper. Off to Murdochville. The 900 turbo Grand touring does a fine job pulling my beast and me to Copper. Within 5 minutes of arriving Jaques has a guy enroute to drive us to the truck in Matane. We take the time to eat while we wait for our ride. He arrives just as we finished. 2 hrs 10 minutes later to Matane.Then 2 hours back in truck to Murdochville load sleds and 2 hours 20 later back in Matane. Done for now back to the real world. Sled to doctor tomorrow. Probably gonna need surgery. Trails here empty and in top shape surely that will change in the next week or two as more people go for their Gaspe Tour. 3 sleds here at Matane 4 at Copper when we left there. conditions incredible.

bonjour !!! while cooking eggs and bacon !!!😀 jean-guy