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I just got back from 9 days in the great Gaspe !! Had excellent weather 90 % of the time and excellent trails 95%.. Rodney

Finally made it up for the first time this year this past weekend. We rode Friday through Sunday in the St. Zenon area, as far south as St Damien, North as Lac Repos, east over to Sacacomie and slightly west of SMDS. About 570 miles in the three days that we rode. We found excellent snow coverage almost everywhere along with excellent conditions, especially considering weekend riding. Classic Quebec trip!!! Introduced two newbies to the sport and got them spoiled out of the gate. As no surprise, we encountered fantastic customer service everywhere we went. It had been awhile since I was in this area. I chose it because of the newbies and our ability to ride day loops without back packing. That concept seems to be a bit scary for a newbie! I noted a handful of trail changes between this time and the last. Just wanted to give a shout out to all of those involved in one way or another in planning, preparing and maintaining the trail system. Many other areas, Ontario, Michigan, NY never seem to take pride in their trail systems in terms of spending time to correct problems. If there's forestry working taking place, they don't seek out a reroute, snowmobilers just have to deal with it or they close the trail down. If there's a road that must be ridden, again, it must be dealt with and they don't even seem to think about grooming the berm. Not the case in Quebec. It seems like every effort is made to make this province a snowmobiler haven! So for those of you who make that effort day in and day out, I sincerely thank you and appreciate all the hard work. It is clear reciprocity, the folks know the importance of snowmobilers and snowmobilers feel important and welcomed. Can't wait to back pack in a few weeks with my traditional group!

Here is the path of our Saturday February 1, 2020 ride We started directly from the home in St-Thomas (near Joliette) by sled with the primary objective of going to see the ice sculptures in St-Côme. It was around -8C at the start with a layer of fog that the sun was chasing away We went through Joliette. Slightly past Lapointe Sport, the trail runs along the railway that we used to follow up to St-Félix de Valois in the past but we must now, almost at the beginning, turn left and make a detour. The trail that goes straight is the ATV trail only that takes the road further. The interactive map is up to date and I put a screenshot on which I wrote the old approximate route with red x and an arrow shows the intersection from where I took the pic above We connect back along the railway a little north of Notre-Dame de Lourdes The snowstorm from the previous weekend did a great improvement and the snow cover is now very good even in the south of my area. Here a little north of St-Félix de Valois. Note I have different pic size on this report, some come from the camera of my sweetheart and others from my Gopro headset North from St-Jean de Matha, just past the BRP dealer Gero, the Black River is marked and solid As we go up from the river, the trail that used to take the wood now runs along the road. A good path that ride very well A little further at the junctio we took on the left towards St-Côme The snowcover is excellent and the decor is beautiful Note that the trail run on a road bridge instead of an ice bridge this year. Here when approaching St-Côme The "St-Côme en glace" festival was just started we were on the first day of it on February 1st, and it run 3 weekends up to the February 16, so you still have a lot of time if you want to come and see. As we expected, the ice sculptures were not yet very advanced and we were rather in the construction phase where we see the artists working on them. Unfortunately as almost every time we go there to take pictures, the sun hides as soon as we set foot in St-Côme! We laugh about it now it happens almost every time but we take pics anyway. Here is a sample of what we saw: Some sculptures are small ... And others bigger like this plane which is about to have an other wing Several sculptures are well started and will be completely finished in the next days. Several are real life size so always impressive to see This one is under realization and will surely be impressive to see when finished, a good one for the dogs lover like me! As usual they push the ice concept and go from cute to usefull! It was already past noon, so we went to La Marguerite restaurant at the entrance of the village. With the festival, they were obviously a bit overloaded and the restaurant was already quite full when we arrived but I have to emphasize the exemplary service they gave. We got there around 12:25 and at 13:10 we had already eaten very well, bill paid and ready to go! I stop eating in many places but efficient like them it's not common and it was the same there last year: my hat to them! Being near to leave St-Côme, the sun started to show up! so we took the opportunity to go see a couple of other sculptures at the entrance of the village. Here, the fox and the crow ... Not sure there was squirrels in this story but they are cute! and this fireplace with a lot of details, so realistic that it smelled like a log fire next to it ( it is funny buy was really true !!!) We then took back the venture and rode north on #343 trail There has been logging in this area in the past years because of the power line construction but it is over and we are now taking advantage of the forest road path they left us. Very nice to ride, wide and clear view. We made the detour to go and fuel up at Coin Lavigne We then took #33 trail north. The river along the trail offers several beautiful views We then took the local trail which brings us on the #63 further east We passed La Glacière and took #350 trail And then forked on #23 trail to go down south. The trail started to be worn due to the traffic of the day but it was really better than I expected We passed the Pourvoirie du renard Bleu And took a break at the #63 junction We then continued and passed St-Gabriel de Brandon where the 2 dozers were just leaving to do each their their own runs To shape up the ride a bit, we went through Berthierville where we also met the dozer at the height of St-Cuthbert. We finally came back home around 6:15 pm with about 170miles on the dreammeter, another wonderful day for us. The suspension of the venture worked well because the sugar pie we had put in the Givi rearcase in St-Côme arrived home in not so bad shape ... and the taste completely intact !!! In summary, we are in the heart of the slead season and the conditions are great everywhere. If you want to make beautiful rides let go, it's time! For those interested, the St-Côme en Glace festival continues until mid-February and leaves you another 2 nice weekends to go if you don't have time during the week. The trail passes through the village so super accessible and the experience is as beautiful day and evening as most of the sculptures are illuminated. For more details: https://festivalstcomeenglace.com/ Otherwise for more details on the trails and snowmobile in Lanaudière/Mauricie: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ I managed to capture quite a few good video scenes and I should be able to put you a montage here later this week ... Bye! Alain

Update! My brother and I decided to take a trip to see what we could find. For us, time was limited and also snow near us is limited. We went for a day trip on Friday. About 3 hours of truck time from Albany. Crossed the border and started looking for a place to park. We started looking in a small town called Hemmingford and drove north along the trail. We ended up at a gas station/truck stop/resto bar. Asked inside and it was fine to park for the day! Ended up parking the truck next to the police truck and trailer! We set out on tq5 for most of the ride. In this area trails are wide and flat and mainly fields.... fields, And more fields! As far as the eye can see! Still fun to ride. Snow cover was very limited but clubs were doing their best to fill in any bumps from farmers and field transitions. We saw a couple groomers during the day. Icy base without much loose on top. Some places were fantastic, others not so much, but where it was bad, it wasn’t bad for long. Overall, I would ride again if I only had a day, but if you have more time I would head further north. I am headed up further north in a couple weeks for a few nights and will give a report then as well!

FYI tristano(the owner) posted this on their fb page last nite.I guess the phone was ringing. One cabin that can accomodate 6 persons. Book your snowmobile package every saturday in the main lodge and in cabin everyday 819-435-2133

Good News! Heading through the Gaspesie Sunday to Matane, Baie Comeau....and all points west.

There is an app for that, life360 i think it is tells you where anyone is your group is

jackshaft-and bearings ,front driveshaft and bearings,chaincase assy,rear drive axle assy,fuel relay turbo bolts,,,can yuo guess what sled i'm riding? looks as though i may need to purchase a pull behind sleigh,,suppose that could effect my fuel mileage HAHAHA.better add extra fuel to my list,,,,or maybe a different sled 😆

Snobunje

good morning !!! back from grooming tq 5 !!! only 1 sled.....bumpy ...medium only -3c !!! jean-guy

Also the imotoneige app is very good on your cell phone so when you come to an intersection you'll know where you are and which way to go without relying on a connection.

Mike, glad you got to check the pub out, we certainly did enjoy it! We got into Perce tonight at Table Roland, great going out here in the Gaspe. Heading west tomorrow, looks like more blue sky days in the Gaspe!

An extendable flex head magnet for the nuts or bolts that always drop in the bottom of the belly pan. Also, just can back from a trip with a friend that always carried a bottle of gin and a couple limes, great for making a gin and tonic with a slice of lime! LOL

while typing , i concentrated too much on my post and translating .....i forgot to post those 2 pics !!! im a professional !!!😀😀 jean-guy

Today finished the trip with an easy 75 mile run to the truck. Took 85 to 35 West to the Pohenemagook clubhouse. Continued on 35 to 544 back to 85 then 526 into Hotel Universal. All trails good Load up and start heading home. Almost 1200 miles for the week lots of snow low traffic and great grooming made for a great week, come and get it

driving by with truck looks like mekinac closed up

Think again, the ministre du transport in all of thier wisdom seemed to over-look a couple of land owners right beside the trail when they did the study and it is blocked.... they put up signs which have the round red circle and slash through with both sleds and atv all the way along from mont blanc, all the way back to gauthiers pit on the 117 on the new trail...... Heard it was already past 3 million dollars of wasted infrastructure dough....

They were very friendly yesterday S. of Angliers @ railbed intersection-wanted to see permit printout & driver's license only!

Beaver hut ahead? 🏁

cash only

I just called , and they have oil both regular and synthetic, but not brand specific.

All good Jack, understood no need for river leaving Drakkar local trail yes

5 February -8c if them weather people are right, a nice dump headed our way Thursday into Friday. We shall see.

Yes I was probably talking with you.

beautiful report Alain!! You are so very lucky my friend to live so close by winter wonderland. Can you keep that sugar pie (preferably near the muffler) on your Yamaha so that next time I see you on the trail I can have a piece ?

Nice! I am unloading in Northern Maine Saturday. Will be in Quebec Sunday, and heading for the Gaspe. Love your part of the world. Heading back to Les Îles de la Madeleine this summer. 😉

Rodney, met some guys from your area last Tuesday night Wednesday morning in Murdochville was one of them you?

.....and what about George ? Haha

Reggie & Nancy & Pascal @ Drakkar ROCK! Free'cluded full breakfast, etc, etc, etc...

Yeah, why can't they make something that uses GPS (for sleds too) that when they're approaching each other getting closer from opposite directions... a warning light/alarm will go off on our dash? I guess you could never trust it anyways like hand signals as it could malfunction or be an older sled.... Bottom line, keep right, just like you would on a windy road in your car.

Awesome report and pictures as usual. Thanks Alain 👍👍

When in RDL I love going out to eat at various places, occasionally enjoy La Cage, love the food at the Levesque, and perhaps my favorite, Symposium Restaurant in the downtown. RoadRunner had suggested La Imtiminet Bar in the downtown, he really liked it. I got a second opinion from a young lady at the front desk of the hotel. She loves the place and highly recommended it. So off I goes, downtown RDL. First, if you haven't been to downtown RDL, it is kind of neat, a little of the old world. No ice sculptures lining the street this year. Better yet, huge snow sculptures. I need to get there during daylight and get some pics for sure. So I find the place and go inside. Luckily a quiet Monday night, only about a third full. I am immediately taken with the decor. This place covers all the check marks The atmosphere covers all the occasions. It is REALLY nice inside. Romantic evening with the wife: check get a window seat. Night to pound beers with buddies: check TVs to watch sports: check Quiet enough to carry on a conversation without shouting: check Would the mayor entertain Prime Minister Trudeau here: You bet! Food is a big selection of pub food and some higher end food. The Pub food is at the highest end of the spectrum, yes, that good. The beer!!!! Lots of tap beer. Tons and tons of beer from so many countries. And countless beers, and I mean countless, from microbreweries from all over Quebec. I won't mention the waitresses. I want all of you to go for the food! mike

Dont plan on big miles if you want to see and enjoy things. Cell or SAT phone.

I guess today's theme was 'went out clubbing'. Not how I remember clubbing 40 years ago. Headed to St. Pamphlle for lunch. This is my go to ride on Monday's as the trails are too quiet for riding alone in some other areas. . Apt to meet at least a few sleds on trails 5 and 35. Got to Club Hiboux and had a relaxing coffee.. Then off to the green trail by Hiboux to get to 35. Sign saying 'barre'. Guessing that means closed. This is my go to way to St. P as it means less travel on the rail bed. Had noticed a new trail couple miles east of Hibioux so back tracked. Either it was an ATV trail or is new, never noticed it. Now has a sign with a pic of a sled and an ATV. Groomed but really no signs and only one sled had been through. Got confusing running on a couple plowed roads so I retreated back to trail 5 and headed east, later dropped down to 35 and stopped at Club Adventeur. They were half open. Beer, coffee and soup. Good cup of soup and winded around to RDL. Still starved, stopped in the RDL clubhouse, had a great burger. Little extra energy tonight, may be a night out of the hotel in search for some great food. mike

I hear ya, try calling Marineau to bring your truck and trailer to pick you up somewhere if you ever need it. Support those that support QR. And go above and beyond. Mc Donald’s and gas across the street from Drakkar too.

Last year we went (by accident) to the Drakkar by way of the Gouveneur. The trail from the Goveneur to the Drakkar was some of THE WORST snowmobiling I have ever seen. And last year there was tons of snow in Shawinagan. Piled from the street over peoples lawns to the roof of their houses. This trail was rocks, paved and plowed parking lots. Sleds actually overheating AND you HAVE to cross the river near the dam. Last year that was fine but not so sure this year. You will not be sorry about choosing the Drakkar for sled and truck safety as well as easy (50 feet) access to the groomed trail with gas like 250 yards away visa perfect groomed trail. Downtempo Shawinigan is great to go out and eat but I would never want to sled out of there ever again, relive me it was pitiful and I line in PA where are trails (if we ever get snow) are usually junk.

Drakkar is best. GOUVERNEUR SHAWINIGAN, you have to cross the river, and since it has been warm....... we have run into issues getting to the Mexican restaurant (Next to the Gov) on warm seasons or late in the year. GutZ

Windigo falls mid 2000’s.

No truck Corals at either Drakkar is the spot gated parking and cameras Support the places that support QR

Open stay near red sticks

bonjour artsled !!! yaaa...nice one !!!.. similar one happened to me back in 83-84 ....summer time.....i was next to nb border along the patapedia river...stuck with dirt bike.....waited for my brother to arrive....2 am in the morning landed home at 6 am .. -6c this morning ...few snow flakes...grey sky jean-guy

One hand only Playhard......LOL....LOL

https://pointedavid.com/pointeadavid_home.html. I would support them first instead of village windigo. They are the ones who puts hours and hours staking Baskatong Reservoir winter after winter.

Try Club Gatineau.20k or so North of Rabaska.Mark and Natalie great host and story tellers as well as outfitter.Great food.Been staying w/ them for 15 or so yrs.wont be disappointed.And reasonable

Check out Le Daived on the Baskatong. Stayed there last week, outstanding food and lodging, all for $115 a night and that was for a suite. Awesome place

If your looking for accommodations right near devils mountain check out Village du Windigo on the Baskatong. You can rent a condo for the night. Bit pricy but 5 star Supper and breakfast. Probably great if you are a few fellas to share the condo or a great place to impress the wife. https://www.lewindigo.com/windigo-winter/

Yesterday left New Richmond and rose to the Carleton clubhouse for breakfast about 35 miles. Was thinking of doing the big loop on the orange trails above Carleton but decided it would create a gas situation and add too much to the day so we continued on 5 West stopping at the Relay at L’Alverne. We then took the Orange trail across the street to bypass PALC then reconnected with 5 West toward St. Margarite. We saw the mechanics frantically working on Groomer’s dead pony but all things considered the trail was still pretty good. Got the gas then took a break at the Coulee Verte clubhouse. Stayed at the Ambassador Hotel for the night.