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ODog

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Posts posted by ODog

  1. Sept Isles

    in Cote Nord

    Posted

    Day 2 -255 mi Forestville to Port Cartier, resting with a Blue (or 3) at L'Artier hotel with the truckers. Lots of snow, some groomed, some fluff, but all wonderful white gold. Much of the first half of this leg reminded me of riding the north coast of Gaspe, narrow and curvy with sharp elevation changes and many, switchbacks. Further north are long straight runs helping us make up time as the sun began to set. 

    If you're considering Cote Nord, there's no reason to wait. Conditions are great, weather is good (20 deg today) and minimal traffic. Just BYB to L'Artier, as they're a dry hotel... 

    Havre St Pierre tomorrow...the adventure continues...

     

  2. Sept Isles

    in Cote Nord

    Posted

    On 1/19/2018 at 3:16 PM, ODog said:

    According to the local Port Cartier club, Club de Mononeigistes Odanak, this is no longer an issue. The trail is open from Tadousac to Sept Iles, "and further'.    

     

    Day 1 in the books.  Bay St Paul to Forestville. 230 mi. Trail conditions a mixed bag some good, some bad but still tons better than working on a Tuesday. Blue skies and 15 deg. There's plenty of snow, just need the groomers to do their magic on 378 and Q3 tadousac to the 93 split.  North from there 6.5 out of 10. Tomorrow's plan is a 240 mi run up to Port Cartier. Weather forecast is favorable for a following day attempt at the -FIN of Q3- east of Havre St Pierre ..stay tuned!

  3. Why do so few ride Cote Nord?

    in Cote Nord

    Posted

    On 1/26/2018 at 10:28 AM, Grampsledder said:

    Planning a trip from Tadoussac/Escomins to Sept Iles in early March.  We've gotten good reviews on the area-hear it is beautiful.   If so, why do so few ride this region?   We've read many of the reports from previous years and we're still wondering why.  Appreciate your commments.   

    6 of us departing from Baie St Paul on Feb 12 with destination -planned- as the end Q3. (Give or take 50 mi east of Havre St Pierre). Keeping our schedule flexible -to say the least. Should be an adventure!

    Plans are to stay in Forestville,  Port Cartier and Harve St Pierry in both directions.

    I'll provide conditions best I can during or soon after.

    O

  7. Trip advice

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/15/2018 at 2:27 AM, Sled Dog said:

    Trois Rivieres is a 6 hour drive.  That is doable.  Any recommendations on where to stay?  Where we can leave vehicle.  We generally try to stay in nicer places.  The trails are all labeled as yellow on the site.  I just want to make sure there is enough snow.  I can handle bumpy trails!  Gonna try a 3 day loop.  I've never ridden in that area before. 

     

    Thanks for the help!

    No need to drive to Sagunay. Try hotel Marineau Matawin. Short drive north of Trois Riveries, clean, safe, reasonably priced. Then ride north and west.

  8. Made a bad decision on Last friday thru Monday.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    16 hours ago, chuckpp said:

    Eight of us were planning a trip for a few weeks and last Saturday  four of us brought a seven day pass from friday So we left Friday am because we had to use oue seven day pass and it starting raining hard the minute we got over the border and the trails were like a river got stuck many times in the fields so about 8 miles into this our gear was all wet six inches of water in our boots ,so we found a little restaurant and the lady was so nice she let us dry off all our gear and boots in her dryer for about three hours and then we drove back about two miles on a paved road and found a short cut back to the border crossing and headed back to our camp in clarksville NH, So for our first trip ever on sleds to Canada it was a disaster paid for a seven day pass and only used about five hours of it...not sure if it was worth it ..lol

     

     

    Simply bad luck Chuck. You MUST try again, chances are it will be more than worth it.  If I could offer some advice: book the time off and a tentative location, then at the last minute if need be, drive to where the trails are good. There are many different micro-climates in Quebec,  rain in one area, snow in another.  Adjust as necessary. 

    2 years ago we were counting on a 6-day Gaspe trip. Really looking forward to it. As the date approached conditions were terrible -even mid-February. So we cancelled reservations (most hotels are very understanding) and drove west for a loop near Matane - Clova- Lac Fallion and had the time of our lives. 

    Trust me, it will be worth it. 

     

  9. Sept Isles

    in Cote Nord

    Posted

    Was planning a trip to Harve St. Pierre I Feb. Is there any chance there will be an alternate route, or possibly allow sleds to use the auto bridge over the river.?

    Can't imagine the economic impact north of here, as im sure the communities count on snowmobile tourism.

  12. Barage Gouin?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by ODog
    duplicate

    On 1/12/2017 at 8:31 AM, iceman said:

    Thanks RR, headed east toward Wemo. 

    Required

     
    On 1/12/2017 at 8:31 AM, iceman said:
     

     

    On 1/12/2017 at 8:31 AM, iceman said:

    Thanks RR, headed east toward Wemo. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  15. Need Saddlebagging Veterans Advice on Packing

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Phil 1 said it best. But I'll add and reaffirm just a couple things.

    2nd credit card in case Visa didnt' get the msg you were traveling in canada

    I 2nd the gauntlets.   If it's -10 and you still have 110 mi to go. I've used them more often than not and can make or break your enjoyment.

    Take a picture of your passport, credit cards, drivers license and registrations (car and sled) and send to your wife or email yourself. Now you always have a copy -even if you lose your phone too.

    Ability to charge your phone while riding. Your phone is a lifesaver, but only if it'll turn on. I keep mine plugged into the power outlet with the cord running to my tank bag. 

    Small first aide kit

    Last but not least -a headlamp. This is the only tool I carry aside from the toolkit that comes with the sled and a swiss army knife. I carry no other flashlight and it's always pointed where I want it -not where your riding partner wants to point it. Extra tools are heavy and 99% of the time unnecessary (if you have a newer sled) and take up lots of room. 

     

  16. Planning 6-day ride west and looking for 1-2 more

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Two of us are planning a 6-day ride to western Quebec leaving Mt Laurier area (possibly Mekoos) Feb 13. The route and tentative schedule is below. We'd like to have 1-2 more join us for all or part of the trip if anyone is interested. Start day is flexible by a day or 2 if that will help.  Experience, newer sled and a sense of humor is preferred!

    DAY 1 - http://www.mekoos.com/ TO http://www.balbuzard.com/ - 253 MILES

    DAY 2 - http://www.balbuzard.com/ TO http://www.hotelmatagami.com/home.html 240 MILES

    DAY 3 - http://www.hotelmatagami.com/home.html TO Normetal Hotel De Ville 222 Miles

    Day 4 - Normetal Hotel De Ville to http://forestel.ca/ Via Rouyn Noranda 212 Miles

    Day 5 - http://forestel.ca/ to http://www.pourvoirielaverendrye.com/home

    Via Route 309 – 63 -386 210 Miles            

    Day 6 - http://www.pourvoirielaverendrye.com/home to http://www.mekoos.com/ 206 Miles

  18. Scierie 54 gas.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 10/18/2016 at 8:42 PM, 603backcountry said:

    We were there in February 2016 coming in thru the bush from Barrage gouin and there was no gas, good thing we each carry 10 gallons!  I would not count on gas there if you can carry a jerry can 2-2.5 gallons should be no problem from La Dore to Chibogameau corner 

    Love Barrage Gouin, we were there last Feb too.  Tell me more about your trip through the bush out to 93.

  19. Fremont NH show

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I liked it better when it was all about grass drags and not all the other stuff before you know it the drags will be gone and there will be carnival rides.

    The water cross was better when it was a bunch of guys who drank to much in the parking lot and decided to shoot a sled across the pond, now its just a lot of unnecessary noise.

    Maybe I'm getting old.

    Man, you are probably a really nice guy but I have to admit you DO sound old :) Those damn wippersnappers!

  20. Idea of real value?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Triggerhappy, I may be able to shed some light on the value of the Vector in relation to my own. This past February my completely stock 2009 Vector with 8100 mi was totaled in an accident on 83 outside Roberval. Fortunately no lasting injuries. The insurance paid me $4500.

    Loved that sled.

  22. Some advice?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hey guys (and ladies) first time posting here, been watching and lurking all winter checking out all of the really cool posts pics & articles! We are headed up to St. Zenon Saturday and leaving from there towards Saguenay and points north & east. Plan on riding all next week and there are 4 of us.

    My question is are there any places that are "must see" and any that are "must avoid" trails etc.??? I was up in that area about 15 yrs ago so I am sure quite a bit has changed. All very experienced riders and typically we ride southern Quebec, but this year, that is pretty much not an option.

    Looking forward to any assistance, and thanks in advance for the help!! Also any help on places to stay would be great!!

    Scott

    Head to the MT Valin area (during the week preferably), and check out the local trails north of 93. Both east and west of Lamarche. Tons of snow, great views, lots of curvys and elevation changes and not much traffic during the week. Also 383 towards Tadousac (SE from Saguenay) can't be beat.

  23. First timer heading up.

    in Saguenay-Lac St-Jean

    Posted

    We usually ride out of my Log Cabin in Colebrook NH, but with no snow to ride we decided to go to Saguenay Bill's paradise. This will be our first time and we will be staying at the Delta. We hope to meet Bill and buy our trail passes from him and get as much information on where to ride as he willing to give. We arrive February 28 and leave on March 7. See you then.

    We were at the Delta last week and there's plenty of snow (we're also from NH). You'll have a blast, very nice hotel, good food, good bar.

    Many options for riding from the Delta, whether you intend on day trips or decide to saddlebag and spend a night in another location. I'd highly recommend making your way to the Mont Valin area if you can (due north of Saguenay). Amazing trails up in the mountains, great views and gobs of snow. Also, one of my favorite trials in all of QC is 383 south towards the ferry in Tadousacc. shhh don't tell everyone though.

    Let us know if you have any specific questions.

  25. 2016 Jeff and Sandy s trip

    in Cote Nord

    Posted

    Jeff and Sandy,we're planning a 6day ride leaving next wed from St Raymond to Sept Iles and back. Been watching the weather and trail conditions. Things don't look good, but if you've been there, you'll know best.

    I couldn't deduce from your reports just how the trails are. Given what you know, and the chance for snow mon-tues, should we go?

    Thanks in advance and be safe out there!

    O

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