SkippyDoo

People have an unclear idea of what the FCMQ is.  It is not some sort of large and powerful agency with unlimited resources with the 250 odd Québec clubs at it's beck and call.  It is merely a coordinating body whose employees, including it's Director-General, are under the direction of the Administrative Council.  This council is comprised of the elected representatives of each of the 13 administrative regions, as well as the Federation President.  Those representatives are elected by the member clubs in each region, and are subject to term limits. FCMQ presidents are elected from the ranks of those regional representatives, and are chosen by the administrative council through an electoral process. Only the permanent staff are salaried employees. The Administrative Council, including the President, are all volunteers.  To sum up, the FCMQ does not tell the clubs what to do.  It coordinates, advises and liaises with the Provincial governments.   It is the clubs that tell the FCMQ what to do based on regional and provincial discussions, and not the other way around.  Most times, when folks say the FCMQ should do this and that, they are unclear on what it's proper function is, and how it operates.
As for off-trail trespassers, the clubs themselves are acutely aware of the issues, and do their best to hinder these entitled, disrespectful jerks.  However, as is the case with most volunteer endeavours, resources are scarce, and it's a sad commentary when those resources must be directed into installing thousands of metres of snow fence rather than towards more productive activities such as signing, brushing, bridge building, etc.
Right of ways are negotiated by individual clubs, and club directors are the first to know when there is a problem.  We were fortunate, in our club, to have had this problem diminish somewhat.  I even had a landowner, with a mix of arable land and wooded areas, congratulate me on the good behaviour of our riders during the previous season.  This, after years of problems with "free riders" on his property.  I do not know to what we can attribute this change but, hey, we'll take what we can get!  Most other area clubs have not been so lucky.

Great to see this. Jim taught me how to ride up there. I did several rides with him. Haven’t talked to him in a long time. I know of no one that has covered the ground that this guy did. Thanks !!

If your up by Malone, try Owls Head  NY. Probably can find somewhere to unload. There is some decent riding up around there. I have seen Quebecers riding around that area as well. But its been a few years since I have been up that way

There is off trail opportunities in Quebec. Also the off trail segment of snowmobiling is growing fast. I have no issues with any of that. The problem is it attracts younger riders who can’t control themselves and venture off trail where they shouldn’t. The other problem is these high horsepower machines with 3” paddles destroy a groomed trail in a hurry. Mont Valin, the area that sold me on riding in Quebec many years ago is becoming unrideable to regular trail sleds due to the off trail sleds and the increase in localized traffic on Valin that off trail riding created. Whatever. To each their own. I’ll stay off Valin. But when they take our regular trails away because they ride like idiots trying to get to their off trail spots, it pisses me off. 

The fox at Gouin have better manners than our dog at home. They will eat from your hand. Disclaimer: it is a wild animal so if it takes your finger it’s your fault 

All good coming down to Relais 22

Don’t forget your tall windshield and gauntlets. An extra layer is a good idea too. That railbed section mixed with -40 makes for some new memories if you don’t have those things. Ask me how I know. 

That’s what they say. But 11 years in Quebec and I still haven’t seen a moose on the trail. Not in Vermont, Not in Maine, Not in Ontario either. Maybe I need to ride the Gaspe more. 

Scratchers too!  Kinda weird overheating in deep freeze?  Hi revs & no lube = no bueno motor & slides!

Don’t forget your tall windshield and gauntlets. An extra layer is a good idea too. That railbed section mixed with -40 makes for some new memories if you don’t have those things. Ask me how I know. 

Don’t forget your tall windshield and gauntlets. An extra layer is a good idea too. That railbed section mixed with -40 makes for some new memories if you don’t have those things. Ask me how I know. 

Don’t forget your tall windshield and gauntlets. An extra layer is a good idea too. That railbed section mixed with -40 makes for some new memories if you don’t have those things. Ask me how I know. 

There is a problem with basecamp 4.7 not loading the maps on gps correctly. Dont update it. If you did, uninstall 4.7, download 4.62 and reinstall. Make sure you also uninstall mapinstall program. Mine did not get removed with basecamp uninstall. then reinstall basecamp 4.62. That will also install older version of mapinstall thats used by basecamp to install maps. All your stuff should still be there. now remove the maps from the gps that got screwed up, reboot, reinstall. you should be good.
https://forum.openstreetmap.org/viewtopic.php?id=62468
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/

There is a problem with basecamp 4.7 not loading the maps on gps correctly. Dont update it. If you did, uninstall 4.7, download 4.62 and reinstall. Make sure you also uninstall mapinstall program. Mine did not get removed with basecamp uninstall. then reinstall basecamp 4.62. That will also install older version of mapinstall thats used by basecamp to install maps. All your stuff should still be there. now remove the maps from the gps that got screwed up, reboot, reinstall. you should be good.
https://forum.openstreetmap.org/viewtopic.php?id=62468
http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/

The problem is the latest version of Basecamp. I had the same issue. Uninstall 4.7 Reinstall 4.62 or older. Make sure the mapinstall program uninstalls as well. if not uninstall it. Reinstall 4.62, that will install older mapinstall program. Then you have to uninstall your 3rd party maps from gps. reboot it,  install the maps you want. Then just say no to basecamp updates.     https://forum.openstreetmap.org/viewtopic.php?id=62468
Link to 4.62 http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/BaseCamp_462.exe

Living in Quebec and having dealt with the the MRC des Laurentides ( same extra layer of government above the municipality as the club is dealing with ) regarding their over protective approach to humid zones and the environment on my my own property, I will believe it when I see it getting the trail open for next season. Kudos to the club for keeping up the fight. 

No worries on carbides across onto the different ferries, done it many, many times without wheels.  Now crossing the bridge in Wemotaci in the spring, BRUTAL on the carbides. 

Mt Valin Today!!
Ski Area!

Manawan this morning

My Greylock, Adams MA this morning

Manawan this morning

Manawan this morning

Manawan this morning