iceman

Day 3 Tues. 
Today was a "back to our roots" loop. Riding the backyard playground. We are hiding up north from any rain we will see how it works out. 
Left Cabanon on 345 and it was excellent as my wife would say "it was more than good" hard and frozen we are railing it. We fly down to river crossing and on to join the 360/345 we go right and run down another perfect trail to make the left on 345 to get to M-20. Quick stop at intersection of M-20/345 then right on the best kept secret in the region M20. Wow she was a stunner today. Fast and hard. We burned it. Back to 360 and its just as nice. Just 10 from the bridge we catch a group of 6 in the tight part before the bridge at Mattawin. Tabernac hey at least they are doing the speed limit. But if i had to ride like that all day I would hang up my helmet. Too slow for Iceman and crew. At the bridge we make short work of the gang and pass them up to best em to the gas. Stop at Gas in Mattawin for a soda and candybar. Left Cabanon at 9:30 at Gas in Mattawin at 12:00pm with 93 miles via the M-20. Do the math. 
Ok off we go 360 to St Joseph de Mekinac. Nice trail here tighter then the others today but that is life. 2 sleds coming at me using it all. I just don't get how these guys ride nose to butt and right up the middle with zero regard for others. I may ride fast but I am in the weeds on the right always. Never up the middle. Just stupid. On a small tight trail like that. Passed trail to River it's not open yet. Continued on to St Joseph there is a small change coming into town but nothing major. Now we decline the gas here and trail 360 now becomes just so-so compared to trails we seen in St Zenon and to Mattawin. There's lots of snow but it's bumped up and I don't get it. Lazy efforts by the club here. No other excuse. Lack of grooming period. It's like they thought Scorpionbowl was coming today not Iceman, come on now. This trail has changed too. near the end where it joins 23. It arrives a bit further east on 23 then before. We join 23 and it's no better than 360. Don't get me wrong it's ok just not great like others we saw. We are picky. 23 to Grand Mere and onto the river. Quick stop to look at river direction north. There are sticks going up but i am certain it probably goes just to St Jean des Piles and no further yet. 
We continue on 23 and take gas in St. Flore at Petro T. 23 was just so so all hills bumped up bad and all the corners. Was junk all the way to 349 then like night and day. White Asphalt was back. The club here grooms right. Absolute bliss all the way back on 23 to join 345 and just super all the way back to Cabanon. 
240 miles 9:30-4:30 door to door 
snowing here lightly calling for 4 inches. 
Met snappyhank and combat super nice gentlemen here.
Also ran into dave. df1013 and his gang from Jersey  nice to meet them and talk trail.
Tommorrow to Barrage Gouin. Then Thurs at Windigo. Friday St. Raymond.
will try a few pics but internet tough here

Riding out of Lecabanon this week. Settled in for dinner Tuesday evening, and had the pleasure of meeting the Iceman. He was staying overnite and traveling Wed to Barage Gouin. Had a nice conversation with the former NEW YORKER, and he gave me one of the "FAMOUS" stickers. Very much appreciated. Will put it on my trailer come warmer  weather. Safe travels my new friend and take care. Thanks again Don!
SNAPPY HANK

Today's Ride.
Le Cabanon to Le Cabanon .......details to follow.
 

Miles...wishng you success in your adventure. Hopefully I won't be seeing the story about the search for you on TV or in the Newspaper. 
Be Smart, cause going alone certainly is not that. 

Wow, Carling looks like a great find. I see some squiggles on your map, Iceman no likely squiggles ;<)
Ride on!

Day 2 
Monday
internet not the greatest. Quick check in. 
Left Hotel this am and took local trail back to hotel Chasseur to get gas. Then on to local trail and south back to 3 in Mirabel. Rough going for 30km bent over trees and not groomed only broke br groomer no drag. Long. Back to 3 then up on 33 to 43 up and to St Come. Then to Glaciere. onward to Real Masse. Arrived and they were closed. No dice there. Saddled back up and on to Le Cabanon. In and happy a mere 190 miles this day. 

Gonna put this report here as we covered more than one region today and so here it is. 
This ride came out of necessity as Iceman originally had all week to head out and ride, However that changed Saturday when my time off was canceled. So it is what it is. I now need to be back in Shawinigan to work Tuesday night. So with this in mind. Ideas of going up to Saguenay were squashed. We decided to take advantage of the early conditions and the three days we have to ride to just ride trail we probably would never choose to normally and boldly go where many here would never bother. So it was decided.
Day 1 Sunday. 
Pretty nippley cold this AM but hey it's winter. We are in no rush as we bag up and leave Relais Iceman at 9:30am. Snohorse and I are headed TQ3 ouest until it ends. So we are off. Trails are real nice as we head west and we make our way along not alot of traffic with the cold this AM. We are taking 3 and 3 and 3 . Through Yamachiche and Louiseville on to Maskinonge then further west to L'Assomption. Near L'Assomption was a bit of goat trail through a swamp they have not groomed yet but nothing too bad. We did pass a section of "no mans land" with trees bent over bad for several miles leaving only one sled wide to get through....Further yet and we arrive through Terrebonne then to Mirabel through Lachute then we come to the end of TQ3. This is where we join 317 and we are repeating the ride Trailblazer did yesterday. Up 317 to Lac Macdonald around and past Auberge du Chasseur. We continue on and now it's been dark and we are not sure where we are gonna go. I find on my gps Hotel Lac Carling. Sounds good to us both. We arrive and are struck by the sheer size of this place. It's enormous. Pull up in front 4 stars. Sold. In we go. It gets better. With taxes and Breakfast $150 Canadian. Giant room gotta love love love it. Oh and free heated garage under the building just like at the Manoir Casino Charlevoix. Sweet. They are just open again under new management, first season open in 6 years. They are super snowmobile friendly and soon the sports bar will be open right here in the same building. Had a great dinner and met the Director of food/beverages and events. His name is Luc and a super guy. I've got all his info as he wants to become an advertiser on QR. This place is well worth the trip over here. Indoor pool and hot tubs. Wanna play tennis? 2 indoor tennis courts. Full spa. All the winter sport activities you could want. You need to check this place out and if you get near here show them some love. You will be glad you did.
For Scorpionbowl theres plenty of free Ice and fast free Wifi. 
280 miles today. Long day but fun riding trails you never been on. 
Sorry camera dead. 
But check out
https://hotellaccarling.com/
Looks as if there will be no avoiding rain coming this week. So going back Tuesday is not such a bad thing. 
 

Bullseye, Iceman!!

Well, Trailblazer, I recollect the Central having a couple real nice construction-site bunkhouse trailers to sleep in.  It appears Kanawata will be a major upgrade to that standard, not withstanding the unique atmosphere in the Central cocktail lounge :)

Spare sled key and spare key for locks. 
Less is more....for the clothing. Fresh undies and socks but don't need a new outfit for each trail night.
 
 

Gonna put this report here as we covered more than one region today and so here it is. 
This ride came out of necessity as Iceman originally had all week to head out and ride, However that changed Saturday when my time off was canceled. So it is what it is. I now need to be back in Shawinigan to work Tuesday night. So with this in mind. Ideas of going up to Saguenay were squashed. We decided to take advantage of the early conditions and the three days we have to ride to just ride trail we probably would never choose to normally and boldly go where many here would never bother. So it was decided.
Day 1 Sunday. 
Pretty nippley cold this AM but hey it's winter. We are in no rush as we bag up and leave Relais Iceman at 9:30am. Snohorse and I are headed TQ3 ouest until it ends. So we are off. Trails are real nice as we head west and we make our way along not alot of traffic with the cold this AM. We are taking 3 and 3 and 3 . Through Yamachiche and Louiseville on to Maskinonge then further west to L'Assomption. Near L'Assomption was a bit of goat trail through a swamp they have not groomed yet but nothing too bad. We did pass a section of "no mans land" with trees bent over bad for several miles leaving only one sled wide to get through....Further yet and we arrive through Terrebonne then to Mirabel through Lachute then we come to the end of TQ3. This is where we join 317 and we are repeating the ride Trailblazer did yesterday. Up 317 to Lac Macdonald around and past Auberge du Chasseur. We continue on and now it's been dark and we are not sure where we are gonna go. I find on my gps Hotel Lac Carling. Sounds good to us both. We arrive and are struck by the sheer size of this place. It's enormous. Pull up in front 4 stars. Sold. In we go. It gets better. With taxes and Breakfast $150 Canadian. Giant room gotta love love love it. Oh and free heated garage under the building just like at the Manoir Casino Charlevoix. Sweet. They are just open again under new management, first season open in 6 years. They are super snowmobile friendly and soon the sports bar will be open right here in the same building. Had a great dinner and met the Director of food/beverages and events. His name is Luc and a super guy. I've got all his info as he wants to become an advertiser on QR. This place is well worth the trip over here. Indoor pool and hot tubs. Wanna play tennis? 2 indoor tennis courts. Full spa. All the winter sport activities you could want. You need to check this place out and if you get near here show them some love. You will be glad you did.
For Scorpionbowl theres plenty of free Ice and fast free Wifi. 
280 miles today. Long day but fun riding trails you never been on. 
Sorry camera dead. 
But check out
https://hotellaccarling.com/
Looks as if there will be no avoiding rain coming this week. So going back Tuesday is not such a bad thing. 
 

Gonna put this report here as we covered more than one region today and so here it is. 
This ride came out of necessity as Iceman originally had all week to head out and ride, However that changed Saturday when my time off was canceled. So it is what it is. I now need to be back in Shawinigan to work Tuesday night. So with this in mind. Ideas of going up to Saguenay were squashed. We decided to take advantage of the early conditions and the three days we have to ride to just ride trail we probably would never choose to normally and boldly go where many here would never bother. So it was decided.
Day 1 Sunday. 
Pretty nippley cold this AM but hey it's winter. We are in no rush as we bag up and leave Relais Iceman at 9:30am. Snohorse and I are headed TQ3 ouest until it ends. So we are off. Trails are real nice as we head west and we make our way along not alot of traffic with the cold this AM. We are taking 3 and 3 and 3 . Through Yamachiche and Louiseville on to Maskinonge then further west to L'Assomption. Near L'Assomption was a bit of goat trail through a swamp they have not groomed yet but nothing too bad. We did pass a section of "no mans land" with trees bent over bad for several miles leaving only one sled wide to get through....Further yet and we arrive through Terrebonne then to Mirabel through Lachute then we come to the end of TQ3. This is where we join 317 and we are repeating the ride Trailblazer did yesterday. Up 317 to Lac Macdonald around and past Auberge du Chasseur. We continue on and now it's been dark and we are not sure where we are gonna go. I find on my gps Hotel Lac Carling. Sounds good to us both. We arrive and are struck by the sheer size of this place. It's enormous. Pull up in front 4 stars. Sold. In we go. It gets better. With taxes and Breakfast $150 Canadian. Giant room gotta love love love it. Oh and free heated garage under the building just like at the Manoir Casino Charlevoix. Sweet. They are just open again under new management, first season open in 6 years. They are super snowmobile friendly and soon the sports bar will be open right here in the same building. Had a great dinner and met the Director of food/beverages and events. His name is Luc and a super guy. I've got all his info as he wants to become an advertiser on QR. This place is well worth the trip over here. Indoor pool and hot tubs. Wanna play tennis? 2 indoor tennis courts. Full spa. All the winter sport activities you could want. You need to check this place out and if you get near here show them some love. You will be glad you did.
For Scorpionbowl theres plenty of free Ice and fast free Wifi. 
280 miles today. Long day but fun riding trails you never been on. 
Sorry camera dead. 
But check out
https://hotellaccarling.com/
Looks as if there will be no avoiding rain coming this week. So going back Tuesday is not such a bad thing. 
 

Bringing the batterie in with you at night is a good idea. Unless you have a sled like Iceman and Florida Snowman, you will be performing an abortion in the parking lot just to get thing out.
I recommend at least one person in the group to have a small set of cables with them.
With regards to clothing, undies for each day, only one extra pair of socks needed. 

A native is a MVP in the group.

THE Most Important. 

THE Most Important. 

Arrest of a snowmobile thief in Shawinigan
The Sûreté du Québec Multidisciplinary Support Team conducted Wednesday morning the arrest of Tommy Bruneau on the edge of a trail in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area of Shawinigan.
Publicity
The police wanted to intercept a snowmobiler on a trail in the morning, but the latter escaped instead of stopping. He was chased by the latter and they would have lost sight of him.
After about one hour of trail tracking, the police located an abandoned snowmobile. It was reported stolen. They followed footsteps and asked the help of citizens to finally find the suspect who had hidden behind cedars. They arrested the 30-year-old man on the spot.
Well known to the police, Tommy Bruneau appeared yesterday afternoon at the Shawinigan courthouse. A series of charges were laid against him: dangerous driving, escaping and stowing vehicles. The man will also receive a dozen reports of offenses related to the law on off-road vehicles, in particular.
You can run but you can't hide. 
 Nice Job by the SQ. Shawinigan
 

Still wondering how Jesus-Christ-Joann got that done?...

Kinda makes the heart go pitter-patter...

Just FYI, Heads up out there for extra Patrols of Police and club Security. Extra Radar for speed checks.
 
A national operation organized by the Sûreté du Québec with the Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs will be deployed from January 6 to 8 throughout the territory.
This will increase the number of patrollers and trail supervisors in order to increase safety.
For more information: http://bit.ly/securitemotoneige
Good season for all snowmobilers!

Arrest of a snowmobile thief in Shawinigan
The Sûreté du Québec Multidisciplinary Support Team conducted Wednesday morning the arrest of Tommy Bruneau on the edge of a trail in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area of Shawinigan.
Publicity
The police wanted to intercept a snowmobiler on a trail in the morning, but the latter escaped instead of stopping. He was chased by the latter and they would have lost sight of him.
After about one hour of trail tracking, the police located an abandoned snowmobile. It was reported stolen. They followed footsteps and asked the help of citizens to finally find the suspect who had hidden behind cedars. They arrested the 30-year-old man on the spot.
Well known to the police, Tommy Bruneau appeared yesterday afternoon at the Shawinigan courthouse. A series of charges were laid against him: dangerous driving, escaping and stowing vehicles. The man will also receive a dozen reports of offenses related to the law on off-road vehicles, in particular.
You can run but you can't hide. 
 Nice Job by the SQ. Shawinigan
 

Took this from another site. Interesting read on grooming. 
Jean Guy tell us if you agree. 
A great write up from a club from Maine

Have you ever wondered why the groomer wasn’t out last night? Everyone has had a day where the trails weren’t as smooth as the day before, and you just can’t understand why. Well, here’s a little insight into trail grooming. 
* While most clubs that operate groomers are funded by sled registrations, gas tax refunds and membership dues, or the state/province, the guys running the groomers are quite often (almost always) volunteers. They’re up all night so you can have your fun the next day. They understand the importance of tourism and the impact snowmobiling has on their local economy, and they often share your passion for riding. Show them your utmost respect and don’t try to destroy the hard work they’ve just put forth. Remember, groomers have the right-of-way, not you. 
* The most important requirement for effective trail grooming is to have the snow at the correct temperature. The ideal grooming temperature is between +23o F and -5o F (-5oC and -20oC). As snow is collected in the 
drag, it has to be able to flow, like flour. As we all know, once the temperature gets close to 32oF (0oC) snow begins to stick together. Instead of flowing out under the rear pan, the snow builds up in the drag until it spills out over the top in large chunks or balls. These large chunks are dangerous when they freeze in the middle of the trail. 
* So you have a fresh 6” (15cm) of snow fall overnight. How come the groomer is not out? In order to groom effectively and make the trail more durable, the idea is to cut the mogul off completely, not just fill in the void. Moguls have a memory. If you just fill in the void with new snow, by the time half a dozen snowmobiles run over it, the new snow settles and the mogul is back again. When you groom fresh snow, the drag can’t be lowered deep enough to cut off the mogul because snow collects faster than it can flow out under the rear pan. Again, the drag fills up and spills snow out over the sides. After a fresh snow fall it’s often better to let the snowmobiles run it in and knock the air out of it. Then when the drag processes this finer snow, it packs much tighter. 
Often times, fresh snow means the groomer tractors can not pull as heavy of a drag, either. Lighter, smaller drags don’t pack the snow as hard nor do they cut the bumps as well. A trail may be groomed right after a snowfall, but it usually will not hold up nearly as well as after the snow has been packed and then cut. 
* Most grooming is done at night because it’s safer and more effective. Safer, because there are usually not as many snowmobiles on the trails, and when there is, the bright lights of the groomer are visible 
long before the machine itself. Grooming at night is more effective because it’s usually colder and the snow sets faster. Also, the longer the trail sets before too many snowmobiles ride over it, the longer it will last. Set up takes anywhere from two to six hours, depending on temperature and moisture content of the snow. Generally two to six or even more than ten hours may be needed for the freshly groomed trail to set up to where it is durable and will hold up to heavy snowmobile traffic. 
* For longevity of trail grooming, it is best to avoid riding a snowmobile on freshly groomed trails for at least two hours after the groomer passes. If possible, choose an alternate route to help improve the quality and durability of the fresh groomed trail. Avoid following directly behind a groomer because it immediately destroys the smoothing just performed by the drag. If you come up 
behind a groomer and the operator beckons you to go around, that’s the main reason, to allow him to groom without snowmobiles on the trail enabling effective trail set-up. He wants you in front of him, not behind him! 
* If you come across a “soft” or freshly groomed trail and you must use that route, try to minimize your impact on the trail: slow down; try to stay off the fresh grooming if the trail is wide enough to safely do so; operate only at the outside edge of the fresh grooming; ride in single file versus having everyone in the group take a different path on the fresh grooming; and don’t purposely fishtail or power through the soft snow. Do as little damage as possible by backing out of the throttle and reducing your impact until you get off that trail or pass the groomer. Better yet, turn around and take a different route. The mentality that “someone else will tear it up if I don’t” is what leads to a poor riding experience for all but the first few sleds to come through. 
* Grooming is usually not scheduled during heavy snowfalls or storms. Operator and snowmobiler safety are of principle concern, but it is also not productive to operate in these conditions. Sleds will soon pack it down, and the resulting groom will be far more effective. 
* Cold temperatures must also be considered for operator safety in case of equipment problems. Less miles of trail will get groomed in extreme conditions. As the temperature drops below -5oF (-20oC), steel starts to get brittle and equipment is more susceptible to breakage if it strikes a solid object such as a stump or rock. Although the groomer operator usually has communications equipment and warm clothes, waiting for a snowmobile ride 25 miles (40 kilometers) in the country at 3 AM can be a very uneasy feeling. 
* Understand that aggressive riding styles can impact the quality and smoothness of the trails you ride on. Fast starts and stops, powering through curves, paddle tracks, carbide runners, traction devices, and powerful engines can all combine to destroy the smoothness of a trail. So the next time you hit the brake or the throttle, think about how much damage you have innocently contributed to destroying the trails you would really prefer to be smooth. Try to not spin your track during acceleration or lock your track during braking. 
* Snowmobiles are much smaller and much more maneuverable than groomers, so always yield to a groomer. Always slow down 
* When approaching an oncoming groomer on the trail, slow down and move your snowmobile to the far right side of the trail. Realize that the grooming drag or tiller behind the grooming tractor may be very wide, and might extend wider than the tracks of the tractor and can essentially take up most (or all) of the trail’s width. If the trail is narrow or winding, you may need to stop at the far outside edge of the trail to let the groomer pass. When possible, pull off of the packed section of the trail completely. It is your obligation to get out of his way. 
* Anytime and every time you have the opportunity, tell a groomer operator how great of a job they’re doing. Remember, most are volunteers and many love to ride, just like you. They need to hear your appreciation if you truly enjoy riding smooth trails, or to simply have trails to ride on at all. The groomers are often the ones who help brush and sign the trails as well. They need as much help and appreciation as we can all give them. 
Hopefully this gives you a little insight into grooming. So if you see the groomer parked some day, it might not be ‘broke down’, we may be waiting for the right time 
Consider joining a club and or volunteering. Many hands make light work!!!
Ride safe and let's have a great season!!!

Arrest of a snowmobile thief in Shawinigan
The Sûreté du Québec Multidisciplinary Support Team conducted Wednesday morning the arrest of Tommy Bruneau on the edge of a trail in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area of Shawinigan.
Publicity
The police wanted to intercept a snowmobiler on a trail in the morning, but the latter escaped instead of stopping. He was chased by the latter and they would have lost sight of him.
After about one hour of trail tracking, the police located an abandoned snowmobile. It was reported stolen. They followed footsteps and asked the help of citizens to finally find the suspect who had hidden behind cedars. They arrested the 30-year-old man on the spot.
Well known to the police, Tommy Bruneau appeared yesterday afternoon at the Shawinigan courthouse. A series of charges were laid against him: dangerous driving, escaping and stowing vehicles. The man will also receive a dozen reports of offenses related to the law on off-road vehicles, in particular.
You can run but you can't hide. 
 Nice Job by the SQ. Shawinigan