Blueskyride

I remember several years ago my buddy let me ride his 600 ACE, I wasn't expecting much from it, but to my surprise it was a ton of fun. We were up in the mountains of northern Vermont and most of what I could hear was just track noise. Yes, it would top out around 65 and maybe 75 down hill, but it got there fast. I got off it and said, I bet an electric sled will feel like this when it gets here. Haven't ridden one yet and I know their range and weight (and price) probably wouldn't excite me too much, but I for one am a strong supporter. After going through the last couples winters and having to drive hours to find decent snow, I'm up for anything anyone is doing to help cool things off.

Did a similar run out of Complexe Hotelier Escoumins starting Wednesday after an 11 hour drive on Tuesday. Ran up to Le Chapelle on 3 and then 93 and back on 350. Thursday up to Forestville on 3 with a heavy wet snow. Got colder and really started to snow later in the afternoon coming back on 330. In the higher elevations it felt like a new foot had fallen on top of 3 feet on the ground. Was a lot of fun bounding through the fresh powder, not very often you get to do that anymore. Then Friday under some bright blue sky (finally) and chilly, headed back toward La Chapelle in the reverse direction over 350 and breaking some trail up in the higher elevations. Looped around to Auberge du km 31 for lunch (great spot) and headed back on mostly groomed trails before sled blew up about 50 miles from Les Escoumins. Wouldn't be a trip without a little bit of towing. Anyway great trip to an otherwise pretty bad season. Wish I took more photos but was too busy riding... and nobody swimming in the pool at the motel.

Great report Alain. Your reports are getting so good that sometimes feels like I'm getting more enjoyment reading them in my chair than out riding on the seat. Not quite there yet, but keep up the good work!

My buddy and I just returned from there this past weekend. Scratchy is a bit of an understatement. We launched from Montpellier Saturday AM and thought heading north would be safe. Everything showed green. We should have just stayed around Montpellier as conditions there were generally mint compared to what we encountered. We headed west on 43 to Notre Dame du-Laus. First hour was good but quickly deteriorated. A lot of shared trails with 4 wheelers combined with lack of snow created miles of pain. North on 53 improved some but definitely not the white ribbons we all seek. But Mont Laurier was pretty much negative numbers on a scale of 1 to 10. I wish I had pictures for you. My buddy and I were going to try the loop up to Fer A Cheval and 100 lacs, but after trying to get out of town, we were shot and went back to the Comfort in and got drunk at the La Cage. Trails within a 5 to 10 mile radius of Mont Laurier should all be at least yellow if not red. I would recommend studying the snow map https://www.weather.gov/nerfc/snow and go where there is snow. It's not Mont Laurier.

Love that second shot!! Don't think I'd ever get tired of taking that corner!!

Great report Alain! Thanks for letting us ride along...vicariously!

Thanks for the info. This should save an extra 45 min. off our next drive. BTW, I 'accidentally' purchased our 3-day permits through your club for this last trip. Meant to buy through the Valley Nation there in Montpellier since they've helped us in the past, but didn't figure this out correctly on line. You guys all do a great job!!

Just got back from a 4-day'r that started and finished in Montpellier. No problems getting in/out of there. There are a few pockets of rough here and there but further north all good. Where do you park in Mayo?

Been reading your posts for years Bill. Been around Lac St. Jean years ago and hope to do again. Heading to NH Sat. for a trip from Concord up to Pittsburg and possibly beyond. Probably won't get to you, but hopefully someday. Keep up the great work.... or should I say play!!!