snowmaster2112

Been eying there and surrounding areas all day. Seen this happen many times over the years where the colder air gets pushed over there to the west. But as usual they are behind on snow compared to many eastern/central areas and not officially open yet. But they do expect 8-10” new snow this weekend and another 2-4 next week. 🙂 I’m certain clubs will be open by then.

I hate to be pessimistic but I think Friday & Saturday’s forecast is gong to be devastating to a lot of the regions that got (and have) good snow early. A lot of people’s Christmas week rides are either going to be cancelled or poor running. A half inch to an inch of rain followed by freezing temps and no appreciable snow after = concrete. Been there done that. I can find NOWHERE in QC that’s a safe bet next week. As much as it pains me I think I’m going to be canceling plans soon.

Great as always Alain. What are you on now your 3rd or 4th ride....LOL coming up day after Christmas for 4 days with a buddy and starting to bite my nails over the forecast for this coming Friday and Saturday. It does not look good and I hope the trails hold up.

I second Auberge Manawan, great place. Friend and I stayed there one night last year Christmas week. Cops station is right across the street:)

Rode from LeCabanon to Repos and back last Friday and Saturday after it was recently groomed and it was insane good. It was just groomed again so you guys are gonna have a GREAT ride tomorrow. ENJOY !!!

Glad you had a good ride. How long are you up for? Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer with snow or rain. Try and post back tomorrow later in the day and let us know what shakes out. Good to see you like the O2 helmet. Get back to us when it’s -35 out and something is wrong with the cord or power source and let us know how the ride was . 🙂

Sorry I missed you Alain. Sounds like we just missed each other at the 345/23 intersection by just a little bit. i had a superb ride Friday/Saturday from LeCabanon and it appears you did too !!!!!

Alain, beautiful as always. I was at the intersection of 23&345 Saturday morning for a quick break. It was around 8:30 or so. i sure would have loved to see you and Kriki pull up on the blue bomber. It was a little “chilly” Saturday morning huh ?

Yeah for sure RoadRunner heard things in northern Maine were looking good too. The thing that has me concerned is the next 3 weeks dont look super promising. 4 days above freezing in St Zenon before I get there again on the 26th but I remain optimistic. Dose not look like a white Christmas at home for sure.

I bought that Zumo like 10 yrs ago for 375.00 It has been on 4 sleds now and several rentals. Still looks and functions "as new" (even the original battery)and at this point I have "deep emotional/sentimental" attachment to it. The day it goes the flag will be flying half staff in my yard.

Yeah rode solo this trip LOL...haven’t done that in quite a few years now. At least I know the area well and other people were around. i almost went to Manawan but when I came to this I decided since alone it was best to turn around.

Last pic....One of my favorite sections heading out towards the Repos

You know the spot

345/360 intersection not groomed towards Mattawin as they are logging it till December 15th but heard some were running out that way and turning around.

Here is the road a couple miles north of the Repos heading to Kanawata. No other sled tracks so I turned around.

Just got back after midnight. Rode from Lecabanon Friday and Saturday. Yesterday morning was -30c so it was quite a challenge. Rode 405 miles the two days on conditions that were as good or better than any first/early season ride ever. Went to Repos and back both days as it was recently groomed all the way to there. Tried to go north to Kanawata and west to Manawan but neither was groomed or had any tracks so decided against it. People were coming from both St Michele and St Zenon but not any farther north. Typical vigilance was necessary as you never knew if the next corner or hill was going to have a low tree branch or soccer ball size rock laying somewhere. Overall though 98% was perfect. Some stretches you would swear it was more mid winter conditions. I would guess Lecabanon was a little over half full when I left yesterday afternoon. Had a blast and got the monkey off my back for now. Heading up again the day after Christmas for 4 days. Here are some pics....

Think I’m heading up to Zenon tomorrow after work. Looks too good to pass up.

Great way to spend a Saturday Alain !!!! Wish I was there. Can’t believe how good things are already.

Got mine yesterday finally. Ordered on Oct, 22nd now I can stop acting like Ralphy from the Christmas Story going to look for my "secret decoder pen" at the mailbox

Just voted !! Best of Luck Mark !

As always it's GREAT TO SEE your posts Alain !! Look forward to the first ride report. Here's to a SUPER FABULOUS riding season for all of us !!!!! Cheers

Ordered my permit online on October 22nd and still have not seen it. anyone else get theirs in the mail ?

Just like the rest of the season the Christmas holiday time presents challenges with weather and conditions. Saddlebaging is almost surely out of the question as it would be highly doubtful that all the connecting areas you would need would be open. Unless we have a phenomenal snowy and cold start of the season your usually limited to Mt Valin area way north of Quebec City (too far for you to drive) or St Zenon area north of Montreal 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. Things don't really start rolling in Quebec until after New Years and then only when Mother Nature cooperates. Your best chance and option from what you say is Le Cabanon in St Zenon. But there is no gaurantee things will be worth the trip until last minute monitoring and updates. Lots of trails there to do day loops and if there is groomable snow THEY WILL BE GROOMING. Best wishes.