Grampsledder

Luggage set up for 850 , using combo bag from 800. D-rings on running boards. Great trip last week. Pittsburg to Millinocket . Fort Kent , Cabano to Montigmany, next Lac William, then back to Pittsburg .

Dropped down from Pittsburg NH to Beecher Falls, Vt. where we entered East Hereford, QC. From there we rode fresh powder - all formerly groomed for the entire 113miles + - . Our objective was to travel 523 to Sawyerville where we would pick up 525 to La Patrie and then onto Chartieville & Pittsburg NH. While traveling on 523 we came to an intersection where a signpost  advised La Patrie was to the right. Subsequently we made the right and followed the directional (arrows) signs as the trail had no number. Well the trail went from steep and wide to a goat path and steeper. Additionally the directional signs became further apart where at times we wondered if we missed a turn off as the snow banks were high. How they formerly groomed the goat path (sled ?) I do not know as it was tight and hilly. It was obvious the trail had been recently cut as remnants of former trees were visible in the middle of the trail...Eventually (*25 miles + -) we dumped out onto trail 525 and turned right - only a few miles outside of La Patrie . The new trail / unnumbered caused us to circumvent Sawyerville in its entirety and roughly 10 less miles than our planned trip. If you choose to take the new trail I suggest you ride with another as we only met one soul (FCMQ Trail Patrol) who  confirmed for us we were going in the right direction and that the trail was recently cut and not yet on the FCMQ map. Had we not met the trail patrol man we would have turned around as we were unsure if we were going in the right direction and off the GPS & paper map. (* Suggested mileage - guessed - could be more - could be less.)

I do read French and it means no trail closure. Government is backing off on taxation reforms with the farmers. On top of that Laurent Lessard (Minister of Agriculture) is sending us a snowstorm for next week. Perfect timing for my 9 day saddlebag trip.

Rode it 2 weeks ago all groomed but a short section. Turn right at T and you will come to 3 go South on 3 to Sacre Coeur get fuel & food run back up the 93...200 ish...Watch for the moose along the river!!!

Thanks Sandi and Jack for the info on the TekVest.   Mine came today.   I was on the upper end of the size but opted for the smaller one-a size small.   There is plenty of room for layers.   I have been thinking of one for a year since breaking a rib last spring.   Bill's accident was a good incentive-small mishaps can hurt!    Thanks again.
Pam