Miles long

This trip from Forestville, returning to Forestville was 2600 miles

Day 2 
Left Sept Isles at 8am. Had nice breakfast at Comfort Inn. Loaded up and off we go. Trail much like we left it yesterday no grooming and fresh snow, No tracks headed east. We will change that. We make good time to River Moise as expected. From here the adventure really just is beginning. The snow is deep and Randy and Mark are taking turns finding the way for us. This day was quite challenging. Perhaps the most challenging day I ever spent on a sled in Quebec. 
They say "you learn something new everyday" well today I learned alot. Several things in fact. 
1 This Team from VT don't play and they are pro's. Big respect for the teamwork and the skill showed today. Words here will not duly do justice to what we achieved today. I can tell you but unless you lived it, You just won't understand. Big thanks to them Mark, Randy, Greg and Dave. Would not be here without them. 
2 I know now why the amount of people who have actually been to Havre St. Pierre by snowmobile is not very many. The trail is not a trail, its there, but not really. Especially now after 12" plus of snow and winds that created drifts throughout the powelines(which is the main route for most of the way) the size of Peterbilt trucks. Hairy shit. 
3 My sled is quite capable of making its way in deep snow. just don't hesitate. 
Ok now seriously you may want to go to Havre St Pierre. Great. Think again. Cause unless you got a GPS track and a solid crew of at least 4 experts. You are being foolish. There is no sticks, not many signs and you are on your own for more than 40 miles. Thats alot of decisions to make is it up there to the left? Down to the right? Up thst hill? Choose carefully cause your  life depends on it. There are cliffs and drop offs that are so beautifully hidden with the drifts it's not for beginners. 
Today was a long long day. I have never worked so hard for 100 miles ever. 8am-2:30pm to get to Rivere Tonnerre for gas and snacks. Yeah, check that moving average. Do the math. Not easy. Did I mention bring strong guys to help you out? Cause when you get stuck it's deep. I rode 5 or 6 today. Best place for me. We got 4 Doo's 3 1200's and one 900, one Sidewinder and my XTX. I needed to back down one big hill one cause the others dug such a trench they left me nothing to work with. One other time saw me just thrown too far right on a big climb.  But just a pull on my ski loops and i was out. The same can not be said for our leaders they are making decisions on the fly and encountering drits that are incredible. We did alot of digging and studying to find where was the best way to get through. After Rivere Tonnerre there was more sticks to guide us, trail was in woods, but still powerlines here and there. Still drifted bad, but we make better time. 25 miles from Havre St Pierre we find fresh groom trail we are delighted. We exploit this for all it's worth and hammer down. Into Hotel Havre at 6:15. 
Thanks to The Team Vermont and Trailblazer. I made it to Havre St Pierre. Mission Accomplished "failure was not an option"
Talks are aleady in the works for next years ride. Probably starting in Baie Comeau and shooting east of here as far as trail will let us go. I can't wait.
We were hoping to go 50 miles east of here then back but time will leave that as unfinished business for another time. But the objective has been reached. 
Tomorrow back west to Port Cartier. Should be a different game now that we broke a trail through "no mans land" 
in Rivere Tonnerre we chatted with some guys in the store they said last group to come through was last week. Thinking for sure was none other than Roadrunner. So no one else been through since them last week. 
Big respect also to GT Rider who I know made this run 2 up with Mrs GT. You are so lucky it was not drifted like this was today my friend. 
Tired. 



 
I need to make a withdrawl. Ice needs a new Apex....

 

 
Wanna get to Havre St Pierre? Look for these and good luck!

 
 

Don't ever ask Iceman to do a snowdance before a ride, you will be sorry 😀 And yes, this is the trail, we were not playing in the snow 😏

DM, we deployed everything we had, all 4 scratchers were down on my free ride and that kept me from overheating, many of the other sleds needed all scratchers deployed and hoods off too. It was more the shorter 146 sleds that have a shorter heat exchanger. The 1200 checked out again, no failures changed , all grounds tightened, 90 miles of trouble free test riding this afternoon.  We are doubtful however.  We will get another chance tomorrow to test!

The Apex is fine if you stay on paved trails sitting down, seen so many burried apex within feet of the trail just sunk and they are Heavy, almost need a tow truck if stuck with bags on...  Many friends that have had them will never go back after riding the new chassis. 
To each their own; some would never get their butt of the seat even to fart, some would prefer to rarely sit down, some do a bit of both... Each riding style has a different type of sled style better meant for their likings...  
Maybe the problem with yamaha is their branding for sleds has gone down since disappearing from the popular snocross racing market for past several years.  The younger generations miss the whole concept of a pristine fit and finish and build quality that has been the norm with Yamaha, they just want the sled with the monster logo on the windshield somewhere that matches Hibbert or Lavalle...  They also miss out on the two stroke market which is still well over 50% of the total market I would guess. 

After their epic ride, team members recuperate in varying fashions.  Our youngest member holidays in Cleveland this weekend, enjoying such cultural highlights as The Christmas Story (movie) House.  Is he turning on the famous Leg Lamp, or ?????
 

We had a moose on the trail ahead of us earlier this year.  We took our time and kept our distance behind him until he found a place to jump off the trail.  Deer don't mind jumping off the trail but this moose was waiting for the right spot.
Jack & Sandi

This adventure has been a year in the making. It started last winter when Team Iceman made a run for Havre St Pierre only to be stoppped cold by a big storm and forced back west from Baie Comeau. It was not long after I was contacted by Markusvt and dooright, they said next year we go to Havre St Pierre we will get you there. "Failure is not an option". Alrighty then I'm in. 
We kept in touch and the ride with Team VT consisting of Markusvt, dooright, greg-du-vermont and their buddy Dave has been long overdue. The combination of these United Forces of Team Iceman and Team Vt is quite the alliance. Add in the fact that we also have none other than Trailblazer Jean Guy himself and you have the makings of quite a crew of seasoned veterans. Ready for whatever comes our way. 
Good thing cause nothing up here comes easy. 
This trip has been in the works like i said from last season. mark and I finally narrowed down the dates based on my other commitments and settled on this week. 
With the warm and rain at home it was hard to be excited about getting out but the forecast would change for the better. 
I tried to get NHmoose in on this run but due to work obligations it was a no go. 
Both myself an Trailblazer like so many others have been following RoadRunner's loop here religiously. So when Jean Guy sent me a PM asking when we were leaving for the Route Blanche it was a no brainer. I told him we leave Wednesday for Forestville and beyond, want to go? His response...."does a bear shit in the woods?" Of course. 
 

I'd be willing to bet it's because they are cheap fucking shitty Chinese trailer tires which in Ohio is what every new trailer manufactured in Elkhart , Indiana comes equipped with! Trump needs to step up to the plate and ban the importation of these flaming health hazards! Being the owner of 3 dual axle trailers I can honestly tell you that I've been dealing with this problem since  I bought my first trailer in 2003. Good luck finding an American made trailer tire, perhaps you had better luck with finding something manufactured in Canada! Fuck China!!,,

absolutely no question about the cheap tires, I own a tire store right off interstate 90 in Massachusetts and see this almost daily. we buy from 5 or 6 different warehouses and manufacturers and they all supply us with Chinese trailer tires, it is very hard to find a dependable supply of quality American made trailer tires these days, especially 13 thru 16 inch sizes, everyone wants wally world, low price junk, you really do need 2 spares to go on the highway and most do not have even 1!!

Hope your bud can keep up with you!

Me too! Had it done in '88 after my dirt bike vs car encounter, a couple of revisions since. Get the locking cup! Dislocation's a drag.
Kept the wifey convinced the whole while that as long as there's a gas tank between my knees I'm safe! You will be too!
We took a stab at Mother Nature up there last year. Definitely a rush:  http://www.quebecrider.com/forums/index.php?/topic/4214-cote-nord-team-iceman-6-on-3/&
 

I enjoyed this trip immensely! If it weren't for hip replacement surgery on the 25th of this month I would certainly venture back on up here this season much wiser and better prepared to travel further East than my first attempt. I appreciate all of the words of wisdom and encouragement , hopefully everyone here has a safe and enjoyable sledding season  unfortunately I'll be watching from the sidelines, Rock on!

I'm carrying a satellite phone and a GPS  with the ability to use. If it gets to the point where I'm not comfortable preceding forward I'd have no issues turning tale and heading back. Originally was hoping to make it to Blanc Sablon and possibly further East into Labrador but with a delayed start and less mileage per day than I had planned for it's not likely to happen but will give  me insight into moving further along in future trips out this way.

And also the road with less services.  Thanks for staying in touch with us Miles.  We are all passionate about snowmobiling and know our limits.  You apparently know yours and that's refreshing to all of us that have been posting and reading about your adventure.  We would much rather meet you on the trail or in the hotel than read about you in a bad situation.  Good choice you made.
Jack & Sandi

The deep snow rendered this trail unpassable for me, the heavy wet snow made reading my GPS impossible as I had to steer with one hand while clearing my visor with the other , once I hesitated at the 3rd fork along trail that I came to my junk sunk. I walked 20 yards out and to see if there was room to turn around anywhere,  no luck.  3 hours of shoveling later I was on my way back to Sept Illes to ride the local trails and take in the sights. I spent hours with a hairdryer at the hotel drying out my gear before heading back West to Baie Commeau the following afternoon in another heavy wet snowfall which made for an interesting ride through the hills and  into town at 11:pm. Marcos Pizza is my new favorite hangout in Quebec!

I'm carrying a satellite phone and a GPS  with the ability to use. If it gets to the point where I'm not comfortable preceding forward I'd have no issues turning tale and heading back. Originally was hoping to make it to Blanc Sablon and possibly further East into Labrador but with a delayed start and less mileage per day than I had planned for it's not likely to happen but will give  me insight into moving further along in future trips out this way.

You are on a good machine but I see you are riding solo and it is your first ride in Quebec.  You know your abilities better than anybody else.  I have no idea what your experience is but services are far apart and cell phones don't always pick up a tower out there.  Stay in touch.
Jack & Sandi

After going over Early riders notes on this trip and talking with him on the phone this week, our plans are in late February, once we all ride into Port Cartier, we are to leave PC and ride to Havre St Pierre, the second day we plan to ride from Havre St Pierre to Chevery, 3 Rd day is Chevery to Blanc Sablon . This may be a long day according to Early rider.  Than onto Mary's Harbor vicinity in Lab, than Cartwright, than potential up to  Postville on the north Lab Sea, than back down to Goose Bay, than onto Churchill falls, than Lab city, than back to Port Carter or Beau Comeau depending on our route selection that day.
We have a large crew lined up for this trip, all coming in from different provinces and States, but we all know each other and have ridden together so that helps. 
As everyone has mentioned on here, this is a trip that needs knowledge, safety considerations and team work. On top of that you have good old Mother Nature who likes to corporate sometimes and challenge you other times, and mechanical issues that pop up invariably.
Early rider sets the bar for trips like this , his knowledge, experience and capability make it more doable. 
Everyone has given Miles long good feed back, so ride smart, ride safe and enjoy the journey, and share some pics!
 
Think Snow
RR
 

I'm carrying a satellite phone and a GPS  with the ability to use. If it gets to the point where I'm not comfortable preceding forward I'd have no issues turning tale and heading back. Originally was hoping to make it to Blanc Sablon and possibly further East into Labrador but with a delayed start and less mileage per day than I had planned for it's not likely to happen but will give  me insight into moving further along in future trips out this way.

I just installed a clutch kit from Dynamo Joe after having just stretched the skid and track from 137"-146". This sled has performed flawlessly going into its 3rd season.

2015 Backcountry Etec started the trip with 6580 miles should click 7000 by end of day. 2 strokes are the only way ride! No lead sleds in my immediate future!

Incredible,I love elevation changes they always offer an opportunity to get off trail and play! Also an outstanding job of grooming.

Day 5
Let's get this over with. Had a super morning. Dressed and got bags loaded on sled at 8:45 am, ah what's the hurry short day today anyway, plus I am so looking forward to riding 383 with no swaybar, yeah right. Go to start my sled and she is thowing a Code with an engine warning light, it starts but stumbles and wont't idle, saying Code 20, mmmmkay, I look it up and 20 is airbox sensor and or about 4 other things. I'm calling "Ghostbusters". Who ya gonna call? My man Pierre line one. After a 2 minute discussion he says it's the Airbox sensor left side above Clutch. Take it out bring it in hotel hit it with hairdryer. Ok then so it shall be. Bit of a chore to get my side panel off as it's frozen on there from all the busting trail. One connector and a Phillips screw and she is out and in my hand. Gave here a blast with the hairdryer. Put it back in. And hey voila, now we are cooking with gas. She is back to full glory, minus her broken swaybar.
Out the hotel nice and groomed on 83 and firm. Nice run all the way to La Baie and beyond. A short stretch after turn for St Felix not groomed as nice with drifts but not long at all. Down and left on a groomed 383. The big faster trail no big deal with no sway bar, however the smaller twisty lower speed is not easy and no fun. i'm working to keep her right and upright in them turns, this sucks. After Petite Saguenay is still all groomed but very soft, hmmm I'm thinking groomer is ahead of me or headed back up from TQ3. I am riding 75% with my issue and over and down here comes the tour group with the red sacks. I do like those dry bags they have as it very easy to see and it screams "most of us are dangerous, watch it" turns out the most dangerous is the guide, he's giving me the move over sign or trying to signal something(meanwhile I'm in the sticks already cause I am hard right) and he swerves with his one hand on the bars and is headed right for me. Ice is not happy. Frigging assh***, keep your friggin two hand on your bars. Cause you obviously are not skilled enough to signal and ride. Close call and I was just an innocent bystander.
Down into Petite Saguenay for gas as Playhard is a thirsty one. Regroup and take 5.
More to come.....