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Because most of the last snow falls had seems to have hit harder on the south shore of the St-Lawrence river, we tried this loop last Saturday 6, 2021 We were a bit disappointed ... not that it does not ride well but we expected way more snow. In fact the trail conditions were similar as the south of my area. The trail is often easy to follow due to its color, especially in woods, and the skis often scratch the base, especially in curves. The 10km/H speed zone along the reservoir near the Victoriaville drive me crazy each time I pass there! it is not that long but it looks damn long !!! after that we appreciate 30 zone!!! The fields trail sections south of Victoriaville are in better shape because the wind brings more snow into the trail shaping up the condition as well as #35 west of Warwick which was very nice. Here a short video of our ride. Best viewed with the sound on and the quality cranked up at 1080p My Venture hit the mental mark of the 25000 miles/40000kms during the ride On the way back we pass through St-Léonard D'Aston which was nicer than the morning trail path Finally a good 210 miles run for us. Like Iceman mention in one of his post, the trails do not have a real hard base... no thaw since our recent season start so it's a bit normal that we are dealing with the conditions we have. Hoping for more snow ahead.... Alain

Stellar ride. Decided I would against my better judgment, head out for an early ride to see what I could get. Need to tune up for Gaspe next week. Mrs. Ice was having none of it, once she heard it was a 7am departure it was a dealbreaker. Up and out -16c this am. Showing groomed all tge way. Mostly true. First 10km to Rivere in Grand Mere was used up bad. Probably groomed Friday night but not last night. Rough as hell. I was having second thoughts when I arrived at junction of 23 but was keeping the faith it would be better. It was. Just off river and fresh groomed no tracks. I knew being out early I had the best chance on a Sunday of getting it all. Did not take alot of pictures but a few. I was hell bent on playing a new game and pushing it to see how far I could get before seeing another sled. Trail was groomed to perfection and froze up nice. Rolled through St Matthew and it just got better as I went. More snow as I get closer to Pin Rouge and near Saccocomie. First two sleds headed east right at trail for Saccacomie. Continued on 23 west perfect trail all mine. Saw no one else until arriving at Lac Blanc. No one at first as I stop to take a break. The. A group of 5 sleds arrive from the Lake as I was parked in front of Lac Blanc all alone. 350 was just as nice as 23. Took it all the way to 63 then to 3 St Etienne and the party was over. Crossing the river at La Gabelle was not bad. Better than the trail to home, like the first 10km the last were used up. Wicked rough. Good with the bad and the good right? All in all sweet rip. 200 km give or take home before noon with a few breaks along the way. Everyone else headed west all alone headed east. Saw just 10 sleds the entire run

We are down the road from you at Katadhin. Wish we were at Baxter too. We did 160 mile loop today went northwest then south to Wildwoods. Had 125 miles of 9-10 trails and 35 miles of crap. Crap was from NO grooming not lack of snow. We are doing another loop tomarrow going a little south east and then north east. Should be a little over 150 clicks. We are 5 and can swing by Baxter on way out if you want to join us. Like 8:30 ish. Track we took in Purple, went counterclockwise.

bonsoir p hardy !!! right ....but still very slow....strange to see that low...few weeks ago , i was looking at old pics....2012, i think ....and the snow banks in front of my house was at the height of the roof of my truck... around 3 pm ...went up to the 17 miles on logging rd !!! jean-guy

Thanks for the invite, but I'm going to just poke around the area today and explore. Should be plenty of snow dust. Baxter Inn seems nice, older place, very clean and owner very nice. I drove through both places and Baxter won based on the large parking lot and good snowbanks to unload the sled off the truck.

Just got back from Rockwood area trails are ready for you

bonjour !!! back road pics.....-15c early morning ....-6c right now....blue sky day ... jean-guy

Make sure you head up to Mattagammon, shin pond up to Libby’s camps or Umcolcus camps and loop back around the trails are on mostly wood’s road it’s a nice 200 mile loop from Millinocket. All those places I mentioned are great places to eat with very nice people that run them.

We did 260 miles yesterday left the Timber cruiser club house over through Jo- Mary’s trails down to KI. Over to 85-86 up to Kokadjo then across Moosehead to Birches up around Pittson farm and NE Cary and back through Jo Mary to the Timber Cruisers. Trails were fine the first 80 miles but after that it went down hill quickly! I’ve been riding that area every weekend for the last 10 years and I never recall the trails that bad, usually you’ll run into a few sections during your ride that are bad but never almost the whole day. I also can’t ever remember meeting so many large groups of sleds were talking groups of 8-10 sleds! I know the lack of snow and the type of snow that we have isn’t the ideal snow to make good trails that will last. I’m also not bashing any of the clubs in that area either because all the years I’ve ridden in that area they’ve always done a top notch job. With the Canadian border being closed I’m sure that’s creating the extra traffic. So let’s just say that 260 miles took all day and half night to do! I’m sure during the week it’ll be a little less busy.

Arrived about an hour ago. Hotel owner says trails are good. Thinking this may be a good choice over Jackman, hopefully wider and less curvy trails.

Yummy Today Lac Blanc Loop

The county last 3 days. Did 180 miles today.

https://www.northernoutdoors.com/maine/forks-area-trails/ Good humor at 1:29… PG13 Warning: Colorful language w/ME downstate characters…

Good morning Alan, Thanks for another excellent ride report, and congratulations on achieving 25,000 miles. I’m trying to remember what model year your venture is. You must be starting to think about a new one. Snappy Hank

Hey! Congrats! You're just passing the break-in period!

100% right. North even moreso. Keep us posted !

Looks awesome!

There now Mike ? Heading there on the 18th for a couple days....then back to Caribou first week of March for some mid week riding.

Add me to Millinocket, staying at the Baxter Inn. I have saddle bagged thru this area in the past decades ago. Been hearing good things in recent years about the trails here. Snow here appears to be enough, but certainly not the usual. mike

The Yamaha looks lonely parked there all by herself

Looks terrific Ice. We wish we could be there. Glad to see you hitting the trail.

Thanks for sharing some photos.

I would definitely already own one of these but my municipal water is already pretty expensive.

I admire whoever's got time to create this stuff! Or any who have time to keep up on reading it!... "Last week, I took my grandchildren to a restaurant. My 8-year-old grandson asked if he could say grace." As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food and I would thank you even more if Grandpa gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty, peace & justice for all. Amen!" Along with the laughter and nodding of heads from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman at the next table remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why -- I never!" . Hearing this, my grandson burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong Grandpa? Is God mad at me?" After I assured him that he had done a terrific job and that God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my grandson and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my grandson asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is sometimes good for the soul. Naturally, I bought my grandchildren ice cream at the end of the meal. My grandson stared at his ice cream for a moment, and then he did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he looked her in the eye and told her, "Here ma'am, this is for you, you grouchy old bitch. You must be a Democrat, shove it up your ass and cool off!" Kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it. He will make a fine Marine one day.

Probably because Bill's not there. He brought in all the sledders.