MrsGTRider

Finished up our trip Saturday afternoon no issues other than one of our sleds not starting in the record cold we experienced the last couple mornings.. -52f ! Unreal. Needless to say we didn’t take many pictures or start much before 10am the last couple days. All in all a fantastic trip with a great couple of friends! 

Shepards pie buffet tonight
 

Finished breakfast got squared up and geared up. Much warmer today not quite Aruba but not nortb pole anymore. Under Layers back to normal operations. 
 
There was a big group here also from Montana Adventure, Martine said they are out of St Alexiis des Monts they were 7 or 8 with the guide all french from France. Nice to see some big tourist groups. 
 
They were already outside almost ready to leave i had spoken to the guide they were doing stricty trails. Last night they were in La Tuque, to Windigo, and now to Gouin tonight. 
 
Long story short they beat us out the driveway as they are westbound too toward Wemo on TQ83. 5 minutes head start. 
 
We are good. I catch last guy in under 5km of the driveway from Windigo. Damn gonna be a long few KM. Cannot pass here way too much snow dust and not safe. Trees have been cut but they still are sticking close to trail not worth the risks. 
 
I know a good guide will be stopping at the junction with TQ83 and counting his ducklings. We will scoop them here. And we do without any drama. Westbound and hammer down. 4-6inches of cream cheese on trail. 4 others left Windigo early. They are obviously ahead as there are tracks here. 
 
Fast run into Wemo, os Snohorse said later it was one of the smothest runs through Wemo ever, for sure the fresh snow helped alot as did the new trail dropping into town up over the mountains with the Scenic lookout. This also reported earlier by Team Vermont. Thanks guys.
It’s this kind of intel i find the most helpful. When a trail changes and you kniw about it then when you get to ride there it’s nice to know before.
 
Leaving Wemo westbound immediately after the gas station you cross the first single lane road bridge then continuing on you come to a right turn onto another small single lane road bridge. 
It’s here we stop to pay our respects to my great friend and father in law Gaston. He died here Easter Monday in his beloved Mack semi doing what he loved. 
Emotional day as this has weighed on me the entire trip knowing if eventually this ride gave us it all….we would pass here today. 
Gaston’s memorial cross is covered by the snow, but its there in the woodline. 
Miss you everyday mon ami. 
Now we are off to investigate this plowed section of TQ83.
 
left Gaston a Team sticker 
 
 

Got home from the Gaspe trip Monday January 30th, Decided Tuesday gonna head right back up Sunday the 5th for a week at LeCabanon. Just 3 of us on this trip, my 77 year old Dad will be leading this trip. He has been staying here since the mid 80’s and LaGlaciere before that. We leave at the crack of 9AM 😂 not as chipper as he used to be, it’s ok we will ride at his pace, he will lead. We head out on 23 in the East direction. Take that down to 345 and go check if Koubek’s is open, they are not on Monday’s apparently. We roll up 23 to 350 towards Lac Blanc. We take the gas there then continue up 349 through Lac au Clare back up to 23. We still head East and have a late lunch at the old Cabane Chez Hill. Forget the new name. After lunch double back on 23 to Sacacomie for gas then back 23 all the way to 345 and into LeCabanon. 200 miles for the day, trails ok not great, not terrible. They had an accumulating snow yesterday and the trails that were not groomed last night were a little loose and some bumpy, not bad

My friend and I were finally able to get back on the trails of Quebec for a few days. Unloaded in Monticello, Maine, and stayed in Fort Kent Maine. We crossed into New Brunswick Tuesday, and rode East and into Quebec at Degelis. We took the 571 and stayed in Mont Joli. Didn't really have time this trip to make the full Gaspe loop this trip. Decided to head back West and stayed in Riviere Du Loup. Planned on two nights there, but decided to cut it short due to the much talked about pending nasty weather. I was more concerned about the high winds than the cold. Zero visibility sux, and of course slows you down. I have dealt with large drifting issues before, and definitely wanted to avoid that. Too old and fat for that. We rode to Presque Ilse, Maine from Riviere Du Loup on Thursday, via New Brunswick, entering Maine at Van Buran. Short ride to the truck Friday morning. 0 degree F temperature  wasn't an issue, and the winds hadn't caused too much drifting yet. Back to the truck by 0900, and drove home. Nice little trip. Trails were great. Hope to make a longer run soon. The cold followed us South. I am definitely thankful to have a heated shack this morning. A little chilly for Southern Maine. Some Photos of the trip below.
Motoneige dans le Maine et la région du Bas-Saint-Laurent au Québec
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/536096704_Temperature4February2023.thumb.jpg.221b8855b6a512d3b95257ebf6b69576.jpg

We are heading back home to CT this morning.  Padragon and I rode the past two days in the Artic vortex.  Sandi stayed at the Universal.  I was wondering if we should have too.
Friday was a ride to Squatec.  We stayed on what was groomed as much as we could.  Trail 5, 565, 540 and 571 into Squatec.  This route is mostly in the woods but the fields were drifted and blowing snow pretty good.  Not many sleds out.  I wonder why?  🥶
We were too early for lunch so we had to stand on the porch for 10 minutes.  The shades were pulled down so we couldn't see in.  A few minutes before 11:00 am the door opens.  Boy does that heat feel good.
Planning our ride back, I was thinking about the way we came in and Padragon asked about trail 35?  I said it is over the mountain and a little further but shows groomed.  So we decide on 35.  I'm leading and about halfway up, I miss a right turn.  One of those spots where the "road" goes straight and you see the cut thru the trees but the trail goes to the right.  I ran past the turn by 20'.  A little tugging and pulling and the sled backs out.  Pay attention Jack.  Too cold to be making mistakes today.
Other than my little missed turn, it was a good choice.  It was cold at the top of the mountain but all wooded and the trail is like concrete.  With less wind than in the fields, it was good.  We turn right on 85 and cruise back to the Universal.  Not a long ride but we did ride.
Saturday it is warmer but not by much.  Padragon and I head out.  Again we look for the groomed trails. 
So 5 west to the little connector over to 526 and back to 85.  526 is a nice trail thru the woods.  If we time this right, we will be at Cabano around 11:00 for pizza.
85 going thru the construction is the worst of it today.  It is pretty open and the wind is blowing the snow around.  We take our time and make it thru.  Top the sleds off at the Shell station in Cabano and over to pizza.  Perfect, 11:00 am and the doors are unlocked.  We are the only ones here.  I thought there maybe a few locals coming in via car or truck but nope.  Just us two.
A couple of pepperoni pizzas and back on 85 north.  The wind has finally calmed down and it must be a balmy -20 C out here.  The sun is out and that makes it feel even warmer.  We turn left on 544.  This trail is perfect.  Not much traffic on it this year due to the logging going on local 40.  Saturday there are no logging trucks and the wind has blown in enough snow to cover up the sand on 40.  The last mile on 40 is old school rough.  This isn't getting groomed this season due to the logging.  We get to 526 and it is sweet looking.  We go straight on 526 to Explorer and then right on 561.  The trails are set up so good from the cold and no traffic makes it a perfect ride.  At trail 5 we turn right and finish the day into the Universal.
It was a cold two days but it is still snowmobiling in Quebec.  There is plenty of snow up here and the groomers are out every night.  After a late start with the snow in January, February should turn out to be a good month.  Pack up and head north.  The trails are waiting for you.
Jack & Sandi

We stayed there this past week, forewarned about the food due to “lack of staff”…..I can see why they may not return to full kitchen unless business drops, it’s an easy no hassle alternative, sadly. 
We did the Chibougamau loop, clockwise from Shawinigan. 
Maybe we crossed paths. 
That run across the bottom from kanawata to faillon was the best stretch / ride from our loop for sure without a doubt, just over 400km. 
Spent an hour is in that same warm up shack getting a fire going, cutting some wood, restocking the wood in the shack from the storage shed and enjoying the scenery!

NHmoose had the choco banana crepes at Eva this morning.
 

TQ83 is beautiful today. Some blown in spots but really very spectacular. I have fond memories of this trail from last March and not sure that day can be beat as that day it was immaculately groomed end to end white asphalt. Some fluff right as everyone is riding the middle (SHOCKER). I am doing what i can to widen it out. So far no sleds. First warming hut empty no takers. I have cooled off now glad i did not striop off that fleece earlier. We continue on super trail. Next hut has 4-5 sleds. First we seen today. No stop we roll by. Just a bit further first oncoming traffic, i think i scared the guy as he was riding like most sadly, safety in the middle. They are 3 wait no here comes a fourth he is giving me the fist i notice and his 5th rider is right behind him. Seems to work this hand signal action, brava. Cruise on down to hut by bridge here we stop. Take a few minutes to stretch and take some heat inside. The group from other hut arrives but rolls on. Waited a bit then off like a prom dress for Relais 22. Beautiful run all tge way. Pull in and wait our turn behind the other group for gas. Not too many sleds for a Saturday but a few. We go on in. Christine looks at me right away, she knows me but is not sure at first then says you’re iceman…we both laugh and it’s nice to see her again. Got settled in had beef noodle soup and a poutine with pulled pork which was damn good. Times up we are ready to get this banged out fast rip and done for today. As we are paying she asks where you staying tonight. I feel bad she asks us every time and answer is Windigo. I love repeat love the hospitality and food and yes most importantly the gas pumps. However the sleeping arrangements just not for me. To each their own right? Or is that not allowed?
 
I screw up right out the gate. The one marked 83 west Abitibi.
At first it did not occur to me but then it clicked. I saw the Pont Ferme sign.
Trail was destroyed whoops here they is, whoops here they is. I zoom out the GPS and i see it. 
 
Pretty sure it was markusvt and dooright aka Team Vermont. They posted about this that 83 arrives on 73 south of 22. 
 
Not turning back i can be stubborn that way. We bang through it. I see the TQ83 ahead we will join with it  We jump on actual trail its mint. C-ya. Next stop Windigo way. Smooth sail 40km to the door. 
 
Happy to see Martine, Daniel and Stefanie. 
I get set up near a plug for my sled in the morning. Daniel says back it in the shed and close it up. Ok sir. Merci Beaucoup. 
 
Full house tonight plus the chalet. Smoked meat and Chicken wings with chocolate mousse cake dessert…..yes please. 
 
All is good in the hood. 
 
83 west tomorrow.
 
 
 
 

More pics other days
 
 

Good to finally meet the ice man and crew very cold for most but not for us short ride but a lot of fun at Lac A Jim to night  Look at this delicious Fondue chicken and beef 

Sandi and I are back at the Universal.  The ride to Moose Valley was my first trip.  240 miles and a very nice ride.  All but 10 miles was groomed the night before.  Like Mike said, low traffic during the week.
Yesterday we did a ride to Tourville.  Again, most of the trails were groomed the night before.  What wasn't groomed only had a day's worth of traffic.  Tourville had one room open.  Not packed like on a weekend.
Today should be a nice day of riding.  I'm waiting for the grooming map to be updated.  Tomorrow and Saturday are forecast to be cold days.  Those may end up being shorter rides.
Jack & Sandi

Few pics
 
 

All is normal at 100 Lacs , great steak dinner and dessert. Sorry I forgot to take a food porn pic! I’ll get a breakfast pic.

Past 10 days of riding the trails have been amazing. About a foot of snow since my arrival. Yesterday;s run to Moose Valley epic. Trails are very quiet weekdays.
Got to try Jack's new G5 850. I am love struck. Maybe G5 600R short track in my future.
Good to return to RDL after the Covid lockdown. 
mike
 
 

83 heading towards Val-d’or 

Today 2/1 was Amosphere to Lac Failon, some grooming needed on the western side of 83 but as you get closer to Val-d’or It was what you expect for Abitibi, Senneterre to Failon was mint! 

Breakfast 😀

30 January 
9:30 am no rush. No stress. Patience. Bust out the driveway and swing onto TQ3 est. Trails been groomed but did not show on Imotoneige on this morning’s update. This will become a discussion for later tonight. Nice smooth ride through Shawi Sud as we retrace our path from yesterday’s end of the day. We arrive on local trail back near rail yard and no dice this morning, another train blocking the crossing. Oh well back to turtle lac then to the River trail to join with 23. River smooth too. Open to go either way on 23. Marked and still closed going north to Mattawin. 
 
TQ23 through Herouxville then to St Tite. Big improvement in trail since yesterday but none was showing up as groomed on imotoneige but was definitely groomed. All the way to St Joseph de Mekinac 360 is sweet and up to join 355. We have seen a few sleds headed south then just near Train bridge a big group we pass on the road sectiom there 12 sleds easily. Trail is holding up nice and continues to deliver. Local trail to TQ73 right turn and hammer it. 73 is a slotcar track. Join back up with. The 355 headed north to Lac Edouard. Here tge trail is switched up from last year its running the quad trail almost alll the way to near Relais Trapper trail there. We continue 355 its ripping. Trail Down to get on lake is not a groomed trail so you need some patience. But the payoff is there as the lake is a beauty and snow is flat we can run here. Having fond memories of staying at Le Goeland and all the adventures there. Good times. Bypass Le Domaine and go gas at co op. Then up shortcut by post office to join 355. 
 
355 is beautiful and we have seen 4-5 other sleds. Very peaceful today. Beautiful trail up to section where the trail is along logging road. Bit of work needed on this trail through work area. Not the best. After this section its go time ad this trail has a nice flow to it. We get near the gas at Lac Bouchette. As we head up and cross train tracks there is a loader working not far there scraping trail down to ice. Not sure but at least was not very long section torn up. 
 
We gas up and decided to stop at Auberge Eva to see what they had to offer. 
We have never stayed here. I never even stopped before. Always driving on through to Roberval. Or further. 
today we said we are stopping here. 
 
scored sweet cabin great view down to Lac and free heated garage. Homerun and super well received. We will be back. Surely. 

28 January 
Not too many early risers at Chez Ice, this AM. All good no stress, going out for a shakedown run for Snohorse he is taking the Freeride on his Freeride 850 as the Backcountry is at the doo. 
 
We had played with syncing these Sena radios last night but we are all ready to go and we got zero coms. After using radios now I find it to be like riding with my GPS, do i need it? No, once you get used to something that improves your gameplay then it’s hard to go without. Nice to communicate while rolling. 
 
just could not get all 4 together. Finally we went with 2 radios myself and mrs ice. It’s Saturday and we take no chances. . We will straighten this out tonight. 
 
Geared up we bust on out. For Saturday we were expecting a little bit of everything. And exactly what we got. 
3 west near home like a Ukranian Highway after being shelled. We bailed on that after no long at all to hit the local orange trail headed for St Louis de France then on to Cap de Madeline. Not too shabby. Lets keep rolling these local trails so at Junction of 351 alongside autoroute 40 we go back up the local orange trail through St Maurice and join back with TQ3 in St Narcisse. Lots of fluff but smooth run really impressed with trails here. Some traffic but not crazy. TQ3 through St Narcisse here is best some but not terrible either. I seriously consider taking another orange local back through St Luc Vincennes to join up with 351 however we will probably return that way later so onward to the juction with local trail near St Stanislas that runs up to Relais Station in St Prosper. Been alot of traffic here. Real beat up we continue on we cross river in St Stanislas. Rough down here too but onward. Big detour as trail is rerouted to avoid completely the old Rogers Cabin. We ride on and continue down to join 351 and we go east toward St Anne de Perade. Here we pull it in to Ferme du Taurieu Microbrewery for lunch. 
 
Great lunch, my first time here we shall surely return. We bail out and hammer down for home 351 it is. Mrs Ice says she thinks she is tired of following me so i tell her have at it, I will follow you. I know she loves this run and run she does. This is goid trail here and we make time back to Cap de Madeline then on up to homebase. 
80 mile ride.
Got situated at home then the boys and I headed for Shawinigan Sud to eat at Shawinigan Smoked Meat. It did not disappoint. 
 
Back home and we settle in. 
Tomorrow we ride again local Mrs Ice has other commitments and will join us for dinner. 

 

i am way behind on this thread i will do my best to get us all caught up.

Friday 27 January 
Time for a little adventure and some on the fly planning. (Hence the Free part) cause we all know riding is not free. We are starting with a rough idea but nothing set solid. 
 
What we know is the players. Snohorse is back in QC, first run together since march 2020. We got NHmoose ended last season with this fine gent and mon grand chum Playhard. Missing you David. 
 
Snohorse arrived first early afternoon friday. We quickly made off for St Etienne to drop a Doo (one of his horses) off to get serviced up. The Backcountry 850 is unloaded and ready for its service appointment i set last week for Monday morning. 
We head back to the house next to arrive home is  mrs ice. She is headed to Shawinigan Cats hockey tonight to represent. We wait for NHmoose. 
he rolls in about 7:30 we spend hours bullshitting. 
Shawinigan pulls out the win over Sherbrooke GO CATS GO
We find ourselves well after midnight still going on. 
 
Tomorrow’s ride will be starting later. Oh well. Got nowhere to be and all day to get there. 
 
Very excited for mrs ice to jump in with us boys. She is very capable. Learns quickly this one does. 
 
 
 

here the ride we did Sunday January 29 under a temperature of -12C with snow

Left St-Thomas near Joliette around 9:00 AM to go have a lunch at the Lac Blanc outfitter near St-Alexis des Monts.
Despite the snow, the visibility in the distance was correct, we could easily see the stakes, but it was difficult to see the relief of the trail. Luckily,all trails had been freshly groomed and with the deep cold night the conditions were perfect.

As usual in these snow conditions, visibility was almost perfect in the woods

Since the snow had just started, we chose to do the most fields section in the morning before there were too many snow blades. Here on #3 in St-Cuthbert.

This weather reminded me of when I was a kid and the school closed due to snowstorm and i was spending the day at playing in the storm.

It ride extremely well, perfect trail. We went through the #63 and then took the #350 in the St-Paulin sector.

To note in this sector, the gas station in the village of St-Paulin is closed on Sundays.

The trail was nice and beautiful snowy scenery


We arrived early around 11:15 for lunch at the Auberge du Lac-Blanc

It was wise to arrive early, the service was fast and impeccable and it was more busy when we left an hour later.

Although we had to come back home early for a family dinner, since it was still early we were able to stretch the ride a bit by going north on the trail à Gaston (#350 northwest).

Again, very cold temperature helping, the trail was mint and the beautiful 3" layer of snow that gave a smooth ride in powder

The little 900 ace is a lot of fun to ride in these mint wooded trail conditions.

The snow cover is getting impressive in Lanaudière/Mauricie, in the good ones that we have had for several years

We quickly pass by  Koubec 

And went back down south via trail #345 which was perfect.

We went through the Mandeville sector

I was tempted to take the marked trail on Lake Maskinongé but with the snow and the wind my sweetheart was not very comfortable with my plan so we kept on the land trail

The trails were a bit more rough in  St-Gabriel sector but I was not surprised because I had read they had a major breakage on one of their 2 dozers at the end of the week and they only have one left to groom their entire territory.
We went back down to the St-Cuthbert sector where we resumed the morning trail path to return home. There were more snow blades in the fields but it was still riding well

We were quickly back home around 3:40 p.m. with 232kms of happiness on the meter
The season is now with outstanding conditions and we finally have some real cold to freeze the trails and make them more solid. I expect the few rivers that were not safe yet to be ok by the end of the week with the weather forecast ahead.
Gentlemen, start your engines and go!