Byrd

Going to give you a bit more. Then bedtime. 
 
we are going nowhere it’s out n back 2 days from here Universel..
Got some new hardware and trying it out while getting mrs ice some much deserved seat time. (She gets very little) nature of the game. 
 
Sena 50s awesome. Group mesh and love it. 
CKX Mission Carbon helmets. Why I waited till now i do not know. Game changing comfort and vision. Badass. 
 
Wheels down February 9 at RDL. This is a special year. That’s it. It is what it is and if you want to ride you can make it happen simple as that. Bitching about it or wondering how it will hold up is a waste of energy. 
 
Close to hotel is boney i have seen worse and rode worse returning here before. Not far out much better we left with no set plan. Following what felt good. 
 
526 to TQ85 to First orange we can find. Let’s Go. 
early morning TQ85 nice and then orange fresh groomed. Beautiful. 
up orange to 544 another beauty  very few sleds and great trail. 
new helmets are sweet. 
now 571 and another stunner. Real nice. Then to TQ5 to the trail of the day 518. WOW WOW WOW, never rode this it is spectacular 
east n 518 to local orange down to Fabien sur mer. To a scenic overlook just niot the best day for the views. But awesome riding. 
Gassed on the orange there right on the 132 been by on the road never on sled here. 
 
to be continued 

No hot tub out the window here.
 

Waking up and having breakfast at the Barrage Gouin. There were us three, 4 guys from Rochester and 4 guys from Tug Hill region here last night. So 10 New Yorkers and Mon ami Andre……LOL
was a GREAT day on trail yesterday. 190 miles from camp via 345 and 83. And other than three New Yorkers passing by us leaving the Kanawata parking lot….we saw NO ONE all day. There was one sled in the parking lot when we got to Kanawata at noon. He was sitting at a table with a broken hand all swelled up. Day before they were heading into kanawata and 37 km before they got there he hit a big up/down divit in the trail. Snapped his wrist, bent handlebars and riser block and busted up his windshield and glove box cover going ass over tea kettle. Their truck was in St Zenon and the other guys were coming back to get him. Thankfully he and his machine were not hurt more. 
the trail between Kanawata and Casey was in fine shape yesterday and everything was freshly groomed thru Casey up the 83 and all the way past Haltaparche as was the Gouin trail with no tracks. There is plenty of snow to ride albeit not normal amounts up here. One has to be extremely vigilant as the groomers can not get the trail perfect because of lack of snow so a “surprise “ can come out of nowhere. The Alliance du Nord groomer was sitting in Casey and I’m sure he was sleeping somewhere and be rolling again today. Rest assured that even though the iMotoneige app dosnt show it groomed IT IS.

we are heading east today and spending the night somewhere over LSJ area. Looking forward to a cheeseburger at the “22” today.

That picture gives a whole new meaning to high miler 😁

That picture gives a whole new meaning to high miler 😁

Can confirm that the Kan-Casey express is in TOP conditions, the groomer (Alliance) is sitting in Casey as of 2 pm (probably sleeping there somewhere and that it is groomed all the way to Haltaparche and past there. Trail up to the Gouin was fresh groomed with no tracks.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

And we’re back!  M&M Tours are on the move again, trailered to La Bannik at Ville Marie. Restaurant was closed due renovations, local restaurants will deliver most days but Mondays…..good thing we always have trails snacks; snacks took a beating. 
 
Woke to -10 and sunny, headed south  on 63 to 43 and spent the night at Dumoine des Valley Guides. Lunch stop at Temiscaming, food great especially  the poutine! Back out to Kipawa for gas ( there’s a restaurant that we did know about)  hopped on the lake and ran it down to meet trail 43 and then onto Valley Guides…we were 1st tracks for over 100km.  Good scenery on the trail, amazing waterfalls/rapids. 
Etienne at Valley Guide, is fluently bilingual and “provides warm meals and comfortable beds to weary travellers”. Individual cabins and homemade (really  good) food delivered hot to the cabin, dinner and breakfast!
Late start, to the town of Swisha for gas where we were the true definition of being a Canadians was defined: we love winter but others are anxious for summer to start.  Up to Pourvoire Pavillon La Vérendry for the night.  Trails have been perfect, 11 out of 10, hard to find a bump; actually meet 2 groomers today. Spoke to Gilbert, 1 of the groomer drivers, he groomes 180 km stretch of trail 43. He did tell us that they are only allow to groom during the day; the reason for this is because there is no longer support for groomers during the night if something happens. He actually has a nice construction trailer, with satellite tv, mid way up the trail where he spends the nights.
Getting ready for a big ride to Rouyn-Noranda tomorrow, we have an appointment at BRP for 9 a.m. For Jazz’s sled as it has been having fuel problems.
 






IMG_0330.MOV

Woke to -23, left at 9:30 after another good stay at windigo. Beautiful morning for a run down the reservoir to the local trail then to trail 73. Great run down till we hit the 355, rough trails all the way until the 23. Starting snowing heavy, back to see Reggie by 4:30. Great trips, great friends and met a few new friends along the way.   

Woke to -26 felt like -36. Good breakfast and on the trails by 10. Took the east Y of the local trail, broke trail all the way, lots of fun. In to Wemo for gas. Came across our second rescue this trip, another person fail to negotiate the corner. Lots of manpower out in no time. Off to relay 22 for lunch. Good soup, poutine and chicken strips. Back to Windigo for the evening. All trails good, really good and great. Beautiful sunny day. Lots of snow in this area. 

Temperature she go down, woke up to -33. In no hurry to leave this morning. Decide to change route and head straight up to Barrage Gouin….to old to ride in the cold. Trails good all the way to the bridge on 13. Trails rough all the way to the turn off to Barrage Gouin. Stop for gas at Parent, had to dodge a few snow boulders but all and all a good day. Arrived a little early, had to put on the auxiliary heat, all good now.

The temperature she go up, the temperature she go down. 
We are a few days into the tour, neglected to write. Left Oliphant on the 15th, 2 McKenzies 2 Moores, 10hr drive to Mont Laurier temperature +9. drove through rain and fog. Woke up to -6 headed north to 100 lacs. Trails choppy and icy to Ferme-nerve. Stoped at Mount Diablo, only three sleds there on February 16, hard to believe. North to 100 lacs perfect, stopped for lunch St Anne du Lacs for lunch and fuel. Somebody got stuck, not mentioning any names (mrs). 
Woke up -17, she go down, 25 cm of snow. Great service from the folks at 100 Lacs, machines dusted off for us. Headed south towards Rabaska lodge, but no reservations, OOPS. Ended up getting a spot at Club Fontbrune, nice place excellent staff. Woke up to -24, headed back to Mont Laurier. Scott shut off his machine before crossing river, would not restart, starter problems we think. Towed back to dealership, only 2 Km, new battery no luck. Down to rental office, Expedition available, sans turbo. Back to trailer loaded up and off to Iceland to see Reggie at Drakkar to meet up with the boy from Nova Scotia. 
Just over freezing in the morning, unloaded and headed to Camp Taureau. Made a few wrong turns around Shawinigan, lots of traffic but trails were surprisingly good. Ran out of gas just before Carbanon on the boy’s sled. Somebody forgot to fill it up, someone about my size, also gas caddy empty, another OOPS(not me, Scott’s doing). 
+2 this morning ride back up to 100 lacs, light traffic,  trails 10 out of 10.  We were going to take the lakes up, good thing we didn’t snowing very heavy. Sun came out, and got starting to get cold, -15 come dark. Temperature she go down. 

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

And we’re back!  M&M Tours are on the move again, trailered to La Bannik at Ville Marie. Restaurant was closed due renovations, local restaurants will deliver most days but Mondays…..good thing we always have trails snacks; snacks took a beating. 
 
Woke to -10 and sunny, headed south  on 63 to 43 and spent the night at Dumoine des Valley Guides. Lunch stop at Temiscaming, food great especially  the poutine! Back out to Kipawa for gas ( there’s a restaurant that we did know about)  hopped on the lake and ran it down to meet trail 43 and then onto Valley Guides…we were 1st tracks for over 100km.  Good scenery on the trail, amazing waterfalls/rapids. 
Etienne at Valley Guide, is fluently bilingual and “provides warm meals and comfortable beds to weary travellers”. Individual cabins and homemade (really  good) food delivered hot to the cabin, dinner and breakfast!
Late start, to the town of Swisha for gas where we were the true definition of being a Canadians was defined: we love winter but others are anxious for summer to start.  Up to Pourvoire Pavillon La Vérendry for the night.  Trails have been perfect, 11 out of 10, hard to find a bump; actually meet 2 groomers today. Spoke to Gilbert, 1 of the groomer drivers, he groomes 180 km stretch of trail 43. He did tell us that they are only allow to groom during the day; the reason for this is because there is no longer support for groomers during the night if something happens. He actually has a nice construction trailer, with satellite tv, mid way up the trail where he spends the nights.
Getting ready for a big ride to Rouyn-Noranda tomorrow, we have an appointment at BRP for 9 a.m. For Jazz’s sled as it has been having fuel problems.
 






IMG_0330.MOV

Temperature she go down, woke up to -33. In no hurry to leave this morning. Decide to change route and head straight up to Barrage Gouin….to old to ride in the cold. Trails good all the way to the bridge on 13. Trails rough all the way to the turn off to Barrage Gouin. Stop for gas at Parent, had to dodge a few snow boulders but all and all a good day. Arrived a little early, had to put on the auxiliary heat, all good now.

The temperature she go up, the temperature she go down. 
We are a few days into the tour, neglected to write. Left Oliphant on the 15th, 2 McKenzies 2 Moores, 10hr drive to Mont Laurier temperature +9. drove through rain and fog. Woke up to -6 headed north to 100 lacs. Trails choppy and icy to Ferme-nerve. Stoped at Mount Diablo, only three sleds there on February 16, hard to believe. North to 100 lacs perfect, stopped for lunch St Anne du Lacs for lunch and fuel. Somebody got stuck, not mentioning any names (mrs). 
Woke up -17, she go down, 25 cm of snow. Great service from the folks at 100 Lacs, machines dusted off for us. Headed south towards Rabaska lodge, but no reservations, OOPS. Ended up getting a spot at Club Fontbrune, nice place excellent staff. Woke up to -24, headed back to Mont Laurier. Scott shut off his machine before crossing river, would not restart, starter problems we think. Towed back to dealership, only 2 Km, new battery no luck. Down to rental office, Expedition available, sans turbo. Back to trailer loaded up and off to Iceland to see Reggie at Drakkar to meet up with the boy from Nova Scotia. 
Just over freezing in the morning, unloaded and headed to Camp Taureau. Made a few wrong turns around Shawinigan, lots of traffic but trails were surprisingly good. Ran out of gas just before Carbanon on the boy’s sled. Somebody forgot to fill it up, someone about my size, also gas caddy empty, another OOPS(not me, Scott’s doing). 
+2 this morning ride back up to 100 lacs, light traffic,  trails 10 out of 10.  We were going to take the lakes up, good thing we didn’t snowing very heavy. Sun came out, and got starting to get cold, -15 come dark. Temperature she go down. 

And we’re back!  M&M Tours are on the move again, trailered to La Bannik at Ville Marie. Restaurant was closed due renovations, local restaurants will deliver most days but Mondays…..good thing we always have trails snacks; snacks took a beating. 
 
Woke to -10 and sunny, headed south  on 63 to 43 and spent the night at Dumoine des Valley Guides. Lunch stop at Temiscaming, food great especially  the poutine! Back out to Kipawa for gas ( there’s a restaurant that we did know about)  hopped on the lake and ran it down to meet trail 43 and then onto Valley Guides…we were 1st tracks for over 100km.  Good scenery on the trail, amazing waterfalls/rapids. 
Etienne at Valley Guide, is fluently bilingual and “provides warm meals and comfortable beds to weary travellers”. Individual cabins and homemade (really  good) food delivered hot to the cabin, dinner and breakfast!
Late start, to the town of Swisha for gas where we were the true definition of being a Canadians was defined: we love winter but others are anxious for summer to start.  Up to Pourvoire Pavillon La Vérendry for the night.  Trails have been perfect, 11 out of 10, hard to find a bump; actually meet 2 groomers today. Spoke to Gilbert, 1 of the groomer drivers, he groomes 180 km stretch of trail 43. He did tell us that they are only allow to groom during the day; the reason for this is because there is no longer support for groomers during the night if something happens. He actually has a nice construction trailer, with satellite tv, mid way up the trail where he spends the nights.
Getting ready for a big ride to Rouyn-Noranda tomorrow, we have an appointment at BRP for 9 a.m. For Jazz’s sled as it has been having fuel problems.
 






IMG_0330.MOV

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.

We waved good bye to Natalie at Pourvoirie La Vérendrye, we stayed in a cabin and pre made delicious meals were ready in fridge for us (Jazz cooked up a great breakfast). We were the first tracks up 396 to Louvicourt, gas & lunch at Hotel Royal; then across to Rouyn-Noranda for another great stay at Hotel Albert….a big day for us old riders, 420 km!  Thank goodness (and Groomer drivers) that the trails were 10 out of 10. 
 
the Moores had an early morning appointment at the BRP dealer, great service; changed the sock and fuel filter. Warned that the fuel pump was on its way out and to have a Plan B. Spent balance balance of day wondering around town and had a great dinner at Moulin Noir. 
 
Concerned about fuel pump, hoping our stars are aligned and as Austin Power says we also like to live dangerously. Headed north to Restaurant Le Poste for lunch, place was packed and the staff had a hard time keeping up. South to 93, across to Amos and the Atmosphere. Dinner at  joccivano Restaurant. Woke to 10 cm of snow fall over night.
Headed  north on 396 to Matagami and back down to Motel du Lac in Quévillon. Trails are still in excellent shape, light snow all day.
 
If you’re thinking about one last ride, don’t be afraid to come to this area.