slomo

I crossed at Chutes de Blondeau  both last year and the year before and ice has always been very good , only one  issue , its a bit of a challenge trying to find the trail  on the Ont side if your coming from Quebec , its not marked and not groomed for nearly 2 km . We had to follow the tracks across couple of field to hook up to the trail.

Dominion is also the name of a grocery store chain in Canada - mainly Newfoundland now. There MUST be a tie in somewhere! It was three wise men who visited Jesus's birth in Jerusalem - MUST be a tie in to the three Venezuelans. My great aunt dated a guy named Chavez. Or maybe it is these guys....."Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego--who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up"  ... there is six six six...six battle ground states, but times two...do the math. 
Statistics indicate that those proponents of conspiracy theories are also anti vaxxers....win win.
Meantime, waiting so see what kind of self-defense Giulianni is going with having been accused of sexual impropriety with a woman in scenes from the latest Borat movie. Really sad, as previously I had such a high regard for the man and the way he handled 9-11 in New York. The U.S.A. has done some great things and been a great country - hopefully things get better after January 20. Trails should be open by then as well. 

I know one guy in Ohio going to head out west to Yellowstone. Places out that way. There must be some decent sledding in Minnesota, Wisconson, or other states just south of the Canadian border? A bit of a drive from the east, but extra vacation and planning might provide "different" destinations. If you have no other choice...

America's Mayor / Trump lawyer mistakenly books a press conference at Four Seasons Landscaping, thinking he has got the Four Seasons Hotel, next to an adult sex shop and across the street from a funeral home. 

 
According to news reports, the sex shop has seen 7,000 customers visit over the past few days, but expect that this will soon pass. A registered child molester is seen standing behind Giuliani waiting to speak. 

 
America's new hero is the landscaping company employee who calmly booked the parking lot for Giuliani's staff as if this normally took place on their premises.
You can't make up this stuff. Well, there will be those who will say it's fake news....
 
 

I'm looking at this as an incentive to visit a region of Quebec that I may not have previously considered...quite a long trip from where I am, but have always wanted to see that bridge!
After all, it is the trails and the clubs that build them that lead to the businesses. 

In some ways there may be a silver lining to the border closing...our American friends will re-discover snowmobiling choices in their own country ....we have already seen good information shared about Maine and other areas. Myself, I am on a email feed for Pittsburg Ridge Runners in New Hampshire, and totally impressed with the community effort behind sledding there, would like to get there sometime as well as other areas if and when there is snow.
 
 

THESE ARE PERFECT FOR 2020...…………...

Given the response from the sledcore mulisha crowd demanding their rights blah blah blah last spring when Mr. Nicholson posted some crucial warnings about covid19, the same yahoos will probably ignore this message or his challenge. Past history regards his missives to riders to stop trespassing, stop using aftermarket exhausts. etc. being an indicator.

Given the response from the sledcore mulisha crowd demanding their rights blah blah blah last spring when Mr. Nicholson posted some crucial warnings about covid19, the same yahoos will probably ignore this message or his challenge. Past history regards his missives to riders to stop trespassing, stop using aftermarket exhausts. etc. being an indicator.

There was a time in Ontario when the remote club in Dubreuilville was in danger of loosing club status as they would not get 50 permits purchased through their club. A number of us who didn't ride there bought there and they got their 50. (permit money is now distributed differently)
This came to mind with the pandemic this year, so I emailed the FCMQ to see if any remote clubs were, as we say "sucking the hind tit". They recommended a certain club on the north shore. I ride all over the place with no particular club preference, so when I bought my trail pass, I put their number down on the form. I will be getting another pass before December 1st, so will be engaging with the same strategy. 
Might be something to consider if you are purchasing a couple of passes and traditionally buy from some of the more popular clubs in Launardierre, Chaudierre Apallache, etc. where populations are larger and many people purchase through those clubs.
BTW - permit purchase was very smooth this year and insurance rebate arrived promptly as well. 

So I have read the Covid update and the FAQ on FCMQ website and all is not clear for me. What I think is if there are regions in Quebec that have a lockdown for Covid you will be restricted to only riding in your area. I'm thinking that if that happens then being from Ontario there will be no areas for me to ride. If I am completely off base please tune me up.
https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/
https://fcmq.qc.ca/en/faq/
 

HOOTERS
Two guys grow up together, but after college one moves to Georgia and the other to Texas. They agree to meet every ten years in Florida to play golf and catch up with each other. 
At age 32 they meet, finish their round of golf, and head for lunch.  "Where you wanna go?"  "Hooters."  "Why Hooters?"  "They have those servers with the big boobs, the tight shorts and the gorgeous legs."  "You're on." 
At age 42, they meet and play golf again  "Where you wanna go for lunch?"  "Hooters."  "Again?  Why?"  "They have cold beer, big screen TVs, and side action on the games."  "OK."
At age 52 they meet and play again. "So where you wanna go for lunch?"  "Hooters.  "Why?"  "The food is pretty good and there's plenty of parking."  "OK."
At age 62 they meet again.  After a round of golf, one says, "Where you wanna go?"  "Hooters."  "Why?"  "Wings are half price and the food isn't too spicy."  "Good choice"
At age 72 they meet again.  Once again, after a round of golf, one says, "Where shall we go for lunch?"  "Hooters."  "Why?"  "They have six handicapped parking spaces right by the door and they have senior discounts."  "Great choice.
At age 82 they meet and play again.  "Where should we go for lunch?"  "Hooters."  "Why?"  "Because we've never been there before."  “Okay, let’s give it a try."

Hi everybody!
It's very hard to predict how this next season will go but I want to share here with you the latest news I got on last monday from www.snowmobilecountry.ca organisation that represents the Lanaudière/Mauricie regions for snowmobiling: 
- The snowmobiles clubs in our regions all intend to open and are currently in season's  preparation (ok, we already knew this one)
-Near all the hosts/Outfitters/Restaurants in the area who  usually receive sledders intend to be in operation for the coming season: This is very good news because with the sanitary measures I was afraid that some throw in the towel before starting and we would end up with big holes in the trail system/services. No one can currently predict the future and what will happen precisely but with what we currently know on 19 october (borders that can be closed among other things ..) our service providers intend to operate anyway this season knowing they will obviously need  to adjus to health measures and the context of the moment which will certainly give them some challenges.
-At the trail level, not too much change except that there will be forestry activity in the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve but trail #23 which cross the reserve and link Lanaudière with Mauricie will be open and closure doesn't seem too restrictive. We can see on the interactive map the sections in red that will be closed this season https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/interactive-map/
-Unlike the FCMQ, snowmobile country is printing a paper map this season! It is currently in production and should be available at early/mid-November. The dealers will have some and they will also  mail some to those who ordered them last year. If you are interested in having this paper map version 2020/21 there is a link on their site to request it at the bottom of the page: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/maps-brochures/
-it's the last news I have for the moment.  I certainly know that the  canadian border closure is the main bug for many of you at the moment and it is very bad but the sledding season is mainly from January to March and there is still plenty of time since the best of the season for this to change.
What we know for sure at the moment is that the trail opening underactions/preparations here are going well 👍
Alain
 
 
 
 

Correspondence from the FCMQ
 
PRESS RELEASE
News from your federation : The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec welcomes the 2020-2021 season with enthusiasm
Terrebonne, October 1st, 2020 - The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) is proud to announce the beginning of its 100% online trail permit sale for a second consecutive year. The goal of this procedure is still to lighten the club volunteers work load and to make the purchase of trail permits faster and more convenient for members. Through this system, volunteers can thus devote the maximum of their time to trail maintenance, a colossal task for volunteers. In addition, online purchases allow snowmobilers to purchase their trail permit seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day without having to leave home. Snowmobilers can therefore immediately acquire their trail permit with a $1,000,000 civil liability insurance from Intact Insurance, the official insurer of the FCMQ*.
The current health crisis has forced the FCMQ board of directors to overlook its operations in order to face these unprecedented times. Several establishments and in-trail procedures managed by club volunteers will be overlooked in order to respect Public Health guidelines. Information provided by the government of Quebec, stipulates that we will not be faced with a second COVID-19 related provincial closure, leading the board of directors to see the upcoming season with much enthusiasm, placing aside any potential plan. In the event of regional closures, please be assured that snowmobile member contributions will be used for trail network improvement and maintenance during this time.
 
A new feature has been implemented this year!
In order to satisfy our customers, we wish to provide a certain latitude when purchasing a daily trail permit. As you know, unforeseen events can compromise your riding date.
The FCMQ has revised its procedures concerning the sale of your daily trail permit.
Therefore, you have up to 72 hours prior to your riding date to make a change. Details at fcmq.qc.ca
 
Contest - Your best winter purchase
The FCMQ has set up a contest to promote the annual trail permit and to thank the snowmobilers who make their purchases during the pre-sale period from October 15 to November 15, 2020. The participants must go to the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec website (www.fcmq.qc.ca) and purchase an annual trail permit or an antique annual trail permit in order to be automatically entered in the contest. Participants have a chance to win one of four (4) prepaid VISA cards, valued at $1000.00 CDN each. Details at fcmq.qc.ca
 
The FCMQ interactive trail map
The 2020-2021 interactive trail map is online. We invite you to consult this user-friendly map, and to test the distance calculation tool.
Happy browsing!
The interactive trail map is well supported by Chrome and Edge web browsers. It is always recommended to use the latest versions. Internet Explorer is no longer supported.
Please note, for this season, there will be no printing of the trail map, nor of the services guide. We recommend you consult the web version of the trail map or you may also purchase our iMotoneige application to obtain all of the required information needed for planning your trips.
Thank you for understanding this temporary service interruption.
 
Online Customer Service
In constant evolution, the FCMQ's website now has a new Online support section to improve the Frequently Asked Questions, also making your research much easier. All of the information needed at your fingertips.
This section will allow you to target specific subjects’ categories, thus facilitating your research. If you don't find the information you are looking for, you may also communicate directly with the FCMQ's customer service department via an interactive form system. Simple, fast and efficient!
 
About the FCMQ
The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec, a sectorial tourism association, is a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving its members for more than 45 years. It is dedicated to the development and promotion of safe snowmobiling throughout Quebec. The FCMQ defends the interests of its 198 member clubs and their 100,000 individual members. More than 4,500 volunteers contribute in excess of 800,000 hours annually towards the maintenance of the provincial snowmobile trail network.
*Some conditions apply, details to FCMQ.QC.CA
-30-
Media relations - Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ)
medias@fcmq.qc.ca 514 252-3076 ou 514 268-2649
 

While not in Quebec, enough of the riders here tend to include New Brunswick as part of their travels. Became acquainted with this new facility in Edmundston. ...something for your forward possible planning. On trail and many features for sledders:
https://www.choicehotels.com/en-ca/new-brunswick/edmundston/quality-inn-hotels/cnb12?mc=llyxcncnnbl&pmf=canada
 

 
The Pirate Restaurant lobster rolls nearby.

While not in Quebec, enough of the riders here tend to include New Brunswick as part of their travels. Became acquainted with this new facility in Edmundston. ...something for your forward possible planning. On trail and many features for sledders:
https://www.choicehotels.com/en-ca/new-brunswick/edmundston/quality-inn-hotels/cnb12?mc=llyxcncnnbl&pmf=canada
 

 
The Pirate Restaurant lobster rolls nearby.

While not in Quebec, enough of the riders here tend to include New Brunswick as part of their travels. Became acquainted with this new facility in Edmundston. ...something for your forward possible planning. On trail and many features for sledders:
https://www.choicehotels.com/en-ca/new-brunswick/edmundston/quality-inn-hotels/cnb12?mc=llyxcncnnbl&pmf=canada
 

 
The Pirate Restaurant lobster rolls nearby.

Travel from Whitehorse to Skagway one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the world. Take the ferry from Skagway to Haines and up through the Pass to Haines Junction, tour Klaune Park. From there go to Tok Alaska, then on the Top of the World Highway to Dawson City. It is worth a day or two there ( do the Sour Toe Cocktail), then travel up the Dempster Highway. Then back to Whitehorse. An awesome tour that I have done first hand and certainly recommend. 
 
 

bonjour !!!
 
earlier this morning....still snowing !!!
 
jean-guy

You are a travellin' guy ...let us know how it goes!
Intrigued....I looked this up. If you're in Yukon anyway and having gone that far, a few days more on a trip won't hurt. Beaver Creek (Canada's most westerly community BTW) is about a 4 hour drive from Whitehorse - although might be longer these days as I understand the highway has developed a bad case of large and long up and down waves due to frost) 

By the time I get out there again hope the exchange rate is a bit easier or I might be camping in my sled trailer.  :-)
Got my eye on this event....you never know....
https://www.toktodawson.com/
" Trek over the Top is an international snowmobile run from Tok, Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon. Riders travel over 200 miles of groomed trail through pristine wilderness to arrive in one heck of a party town!"  Takes place on a highway which is closed during the winter. Some good videos of the event on the web site.
 

Was just having a re-look at your map - consider highway 155 north out of Shawinigan - follows a long lake for quite some time, hills and forested areas. Gets you to Chambord from which point you can drive circle hwy 169 around Lac St. Jean, south to Tadoussac and whale watching. Might be a bit more scenic than the 4 lane north of Quebec city.




 
BTW - regards a western Canada drive if you were flying and renting- how about a trip up the Alaska highway continuing on to the new road to Tuktoyutuk? Been up that way into Yukon twice but would like to rent motor home type transportation in Edmonton and go up from there. 
Being fairly conversant with the Rockies - you could see most of what you want to see in 3 - 4 days - heading out highway 16 west of Edmonton to Prince Rupert would be a nice add on, very scenic, every turn looks like a tourism picture. 
 

Was just having a re-look at your map - consider highway 155 north out of Shawinigan - follows a long lake for quite some time, hills and forested areas. Gets you to Chambord from which point you can drive circle hwy 169 around Lac St. Jean, south to Tadoussac and whale watching. Might be a bit more scenic than the 4 lane north of Quebec city.




 
BTW - regards a western Canada drive if you were flying and renting- how about a trip up the Alaska highway continuing on to the new road to Tuktoyutuk? Been up that way into Yukon twice but would like to rent motor home type transportation in Edmonton and go up from there. 
Being fairly conversant with the Rockies - you could see most of what you want to see in 3 - 4 days - heading out highway 16 west of Edmonton to Prince Rupert would be a nice add on, very scenic, every turn looks like a tourism picture. 
 

With regard to Fuse6's west coast of Newfoundland tour, just finished putting this together for some folks from Australia wanting to drive out that way - crazy for Vikings. Might give some ideas. Lived in Newfoundland a few years, hoping to head to the west coast area for sledding this winter. Trip outline in first photo map and shows some accommodations.  Apologies in advance - it is called the Cabot Trail, not the Cape Breton trail as I have named it.....should be able to open in MS Word or similar....links should work( ctr key and click) and Quebec sledding map came in handy for part of the directions...
nfld trip by accomodations.docx