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I edited yesterday a short video from the files I took on this ride to the Black Mountain in February. For the gray jays lovers...

We usually get 1500 to 2000 miles a year and it's 99 percent in Quebec. I'm more afraid of riding on tug hill than the virus. It's just a great sport even at 30 below. All rides in Quebec are wonderful but some are more wonderful. Have a good summer. Next year is not that far away.

bonjour paddy o !!! great thx for the concern...but i think it ll take a miracle to come back .... keep in mind , im grooming same trails since the last 20 years....getting older....getting tougher to spend 10-12 hrs in a row in the cab...and tougher to come back to life the next day ....but stubborn enough to do it.... but like i said before ,all good things must have an end...i never liked both sides of ste marguerite......since the windmills...where the trail is next to the road for the windmills.....way too narrow...trail come rough very fast ....very discouraging ...for me and sledders...too many '' quebec words '' there while grooming in the last few seasons .... if one day i come back ....i ll groom only local trails....only !!! and honestly ....im going to miss taking grooming pics !!! great day for riding !!! jean-guy

Yes they do that, but the trail is whopped up feeder trail. They play indy passing each other because they run no snow flaps. ! In the ICEMAN video those guys are running 3" X 175 s on groomed trail. STUPID

I have not been on in a few days, but when this one-liner - teaser appeared in my inbox, it piqued my interest enough to sign on & scroll up & down to see what warranted the post. Regretfully I came across Groomer's response where Groomer replied in sum & substance he was too stubborn. Wishing the powers to be at the club will make some sacrifices in the future & entertain Groomer's concerns & if so, maybe Groomer will give careful thought to the offer, if any, to return. In the interim, I am delighted to read Groomer is enjoying life. Going forward, best to each of you during these trying times. Stay safe all. Paddy O

good morning artsled !!! hmmmmm.....don t think so ...im too stubborn !!!😀 i learned a few days ago that they are going to fix my ex-groomer ... blue sky day this morning and - 30c !!! pics from last march 27 th......tq 5 jean-guy

My GPS is an original Garmin Zumo 450. I'm guessing it's 10+ yrs old now. I still run 2011 Trail maps (mostly because the 2016) ones I loaded into it don't display right for some reason. Never bothered me as I like to see the changes when I'm running off what was the old trail. This unit has probably been on my last 5 sleds and countless rentals. Not to mention, my boat, truck, car and motorcylce when I had one, (too dangerous an activity for me anymore...I gave it up). It is still on the original battery (charges and holds flawlessly) and I simply can NOT kill this thing. It works in -40 weather (touch screen and all). Not ONCE has this unit EVER failed me. It has pictures, music (not that I use that anymore as I bluetooth tunes into my helmet from my Iphone) for 3 years now. My core riding buddies know that "when the day comes" ....and it will.....that the "Zumo dies" it's going to be like a "holy sacrilege" moment for me. We WILL stop wherever it is (whatever the weather is) and have a "moment of silence" and "celebration of life moment". I kid you not on this. To answer your question: When I first got this thing there was no such thing as a "glovebox" GPS. This unit was top of the line when I got it and the only realistic mount was a Ram and ball. I got so used to and loved (and still do) the flexibility and mounting position options of a Ram mount that I doubt I could ever go back to something else. Yeah the new Garmins have way more features and Skidoo has implemented it into their overpriced GloveBox extension, but it's just not for me. I can move mine around to almost any place I want, at the height and distance I want with little to no problem. This year I raised the whole unit up WAY further than I have in recent years and I am very pleased with it. I run hard and fast most of the time (solo or with others I ride the same) and "glancing down" lower to see something (especially at my age) does not suit me well anymore. In fact the ONLY two things I ever glance at on my dash are "engine coolant temp" and "gas bars". I have found that my "eye" reaction time is much better, less delay if you will. And now Skidoo's new attraction is this new dash and integrated app's. They can keep all that bulls#%t (and their price increase) and sell it to someone else.I know where i'm going and I checked the weather (always wrong anyhow) well before I left on the trip. And if I have ANY question as to "where i'm at" or "where I need to be" i'm CONFIDENT my trusty Zumo will guide and advise me. That's all I need (or ever want) at this point of my snowmobiling trips. The original Garmin Zumo 450/550 series STILL sell for (relatively) big bucks on eBay. That is because they were arguably the BEST (and most rugged) GPS unit ever made. Hands down. It WAS the BEST 375.00 (got a smoking deal on eBay) that I have EVER spent in my life. (well....that and my 22 yr old Kawasaki Mule) I leave you with a pic I "dug up" from my 2007 Blizzard when the Zumo must have been new. Properties of pic say " March 9th 2008" I NEVER have a sled more than two seasons.My jackass buddy used to love to do this pose while we were doing trailside pit stops.

It is really incredible how many places have burned to the ground in Quebec out on the trail over the years....can help but wonder what the percentage comparison is but it seems extremely high probability that places struggling a bit burn down a lot.

Mike, get the new sled, if you hide out in Riviere Du Loup, the tax man will never find you.😎😎😎

Sounds like 1200 discrimination!! I love my 1200!! ............. but will trade for 900T.....LOL GutZ

If this Corona Virus shit wasn't going on and trail/establishment closings everywhere I probably would have. Again, just feel extremely lucky to have been able to do this, if only once. Rule of thumb when your an American snowmobiler who exclusively rides in Canada. Go in with gas tanks FULL.....and leave EMPTY.....LOL...

bonjour!!! just for fun ..... rained during the night....snow is crusty / crunchy ......grey sky and 0c !!! jean-guy

Rolled into LeCabanon yesterday with my buddy about 1:30 with this on the odometer. All from this winter with a brand new 1200 left over. I feel EXTREMELY lucky to have been able to do this this season. Just in the “nick of time” too. It was sad leaving yesterday but the memories will last forever. Seasons come and go but THIS ONE is one that will NEVER be forgotten. It was like a cumulation of years of riding that all pulled together and enabled me to have the BEST year ever. Lifelong friendships were made and the riding was beyond spectacular. I want to give a “shout out” to all the people who made my winter so enjoyable: ”André” my soul brother in Quebec who puts up with me for going on 20 yrs. Thank you mom ami You ARE the best Jeff from Dansville, NY ....my BFF riding partner. I promise I will try in the future to get us in before dark. Especially when it’s 30 below Glenn from Vermont....the guy who I have laid down the most miles with over the years. May we have many more my friend Kenny from Pikogan, My native soul brother who hooked me up in so many ways. Can’t wait to see you again my friend Jeff in Joutel for hosting my crazy ass for two nights while i assaulted the 396 trail mercilessly Samuel, Alex & Elphonse (half-ounce) in Miquelon for some of the CRAZIEST partying I have ever done. You guys ROCK !! Nancy in Desmairsville for being the sweety she is. Thanks SO MUCH for your hair dryer Isabelle in Chapais for hooking me up with the locals and providing a GREAT place to stay Kenny Loon in Mistissinni for the EXTREME hospitality and showing me the native culture and food Clifford & Brian (the “Twin Towers”) from Oujé-Bougoumou for letting me camp out and have a fabulous moose steak dinner Andre & Jeanie in Parent for having a 4 star place to stay while in town.....and letting me use your garage to work on my sled...LOL All the peeps at the Parent depanneeur. Cynthia, Elodi, Alice, Veronica (Tony’s fiesta wife)& Karine. And Tony.....the worlds best groomer. Thanks for that 10 mile late night groomer ride brother. Yann from Parent. One cool dude. Had a great time partying with you. ”Popper” the 40+ yr Skiddo mechanic from AB Sports in Senneterre for taking care of me multiple times Jack and “ little girl” from Lac Faillon. You two literally made my winter. One seriously AWESOME dude Jean-Guy from Haltaparche. This man is what Quebec is ALL ABOUT. Your hospitality is sincerely appreciated!!!!! Can’t wait to see you again my friend. And to all the GREAT fellow QR members I got to meet and spend time with this season: Cobra......we WILL lay down some tracks in the future Pipeman & Ike.....two seriously great dudes (and riders) had a BLAST hanging and riding with you guys p.s.......that shower in Ouje was appreciated more than you know....LOL Blueblood....we live WAY too close to not get together this summer. Fantastic dude. Bring your wife. I owe you guys a couple Captain & cokes Je me souviens ....great guy and crew from Plattsburgh Iceman....what a fu&* up I was. Next time I WILL wait no matter what.....LOL Quebecbob.....your “one in a million” (maybe two).....look forward to seeing you again my friend But the MOST thanks goes to my wife Sandy for supporting me (and us) while I pulled this crazy stunt off. I LOVE you honey !!!! i wish EVERYONE the VERY BEST off season and HOPE to see you all again next year.

Good morning! Ran into mikerider on Wednesday when we pulled in, only to be reassured that we made the right decision to come here to ride. Jumped on the machines yesterday not really knowing where we wanted to go. Sunny days usually call for a TQ5 powerline run to Rimouski, but ended up heading down past Cabano on 85. The lake and it’s surroundings looked beautiful, but a wicked temperature drop once you get close to it. Grabbed 561 and headed toward Pohénégamook, but ran into a small issue. Caution tape was run across the trail where a guy was working on his sap lines. Thought the trail was closed (plenty of snow BTW...like mid winter riding conditions) but went up and asked him if we were good. He said yes, just go slow. Every 100 yards for two miles was a caution tape ribbon across the trail, but that guy had a wicked sugar operation, it’s massive. Chevaliers clubhouse burger and small poutine hit the spot for all five of us. Watch the lake when you get on it. It’s fantastic slightly off the beaten path, but dig down a foot or so and you’ll find slush. Gassed at Irving halfway up the lake. Just 155 for the day but it was absolutely perfect. No rush, just some great cruising. Mikerider evidently took our recommendation when we ran into him in January with roadrunner that he visit L’Estaminet (restaurant) in town. He isn’t exaggerating, the place rocks and we hit it every night we are here. I have to say, the restaurant here at the Universel hasn’t come up in the world especially in the last year. We’ve been running down the street for a McMuffin every morning rather than waiting forever for something mediocre and overpriced here. However, the rooms are still excellent and the nordic spa can’t be beat! If you’re looking for a nice last run, RDL is the spot.

We left a day early and came home yesterday. I nearly took a fall heading down the stairs to door 6 at the hotel...caught a pant leg under my boot. Saved myself from taking a digger but strained a few muscles in process. All is well, hanging home with wife and dog getting the camper and truck ready for a three week FL stint starting in 10 days. We left on sled Friday morning with no destination planned. It was snowing lightly but we knew it was going to come down harder. Made it down TQ5 (fantastic) to Roche Blanc for an early/long lunch. 557 has a detour BTW if you use it to head down to 35. Grabbed 35 in heavy wind and snow, found a huge old tree came down right across 35 about five miles East of 557. The 900T Renegade X yarded it around as best it could to get it cleared. There were places we only ran 35-40 tops as visibility wasn’t good. From the Explorateurs up 526 we had a blast...30-35MPH through 6-10” of snow was superb. When we got near the tower on 526, there was a 6’ drift blown across the trail. Enough room for one sled width to get through unless you went over it. Another L’Estaminet dinner, another shot at the Universel spa and we are back in the homeland. If any of you are looking for fantastic March riding, I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else. It’s a home run and the hotel isn’t crowded at all. Snow cover is mid season levels but the temps are ideal. Taking the aux lights and Curve skis off my sled tomorrow, as it’s heading down the road on Friday. Ordered a new Renegade XRS 900T with QAS for next season. Something to look forward to! Stay safe and have a great year!