Byrd

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.

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

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.
 






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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.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.   

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

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

I don’t post offen usually for help planning trips.  I have been reading Quebec Rider forever and riding Quebec longer,  since 1987 to be exact,  and it’s hard to think of a trail or area I haven’t rode.  This years final trip was to do the complete figure 8 of the Gaspe,  which I have done many times.  The weather was warm but overall conditions were good,  a little snow starve around Carleton.  For this trip my grandson, Hunter was able to go over college break with over crew,  which at my age this was very special to me.  My riding crew, Dennis, Chuck and Tommy all have known Hunter before and we had a great time.  Chucks sled 900 turbo ski doo started acting up 30 miles before our stay at the Caribou hotel, but he was able to limp in with.  So this is where the other special part of this trip gets me to post.  At the Caribou we meet several Quebec rider members I have read over the years.  First we met Linda sled girl and her husband Joel and have a visit and she sends a pic to our old friend Saguenay Bill who I haven’t seen now in a few years.  Onto the restaurant after settling in and we met Iceman and NH Moose and Snohorse.  These guys were very friendly and most helpful with our sled problem.  Turns out to be exactly what NH moose though it might be,  the sock filter in the fuel pump.  Great visit with Ice and crew at dinner and breakfast then off to BRP dealer in Gaspe.  Great service here folks, took Chucks sled right in and had the fuel tank off and pump out within 45 minutes replacing a nasty looking fuel sock and very dirty in line fuel filter as well.  Probably got some bad fuel somewhere.  Price was reasonable and the folks at EM ski doo Gaspe were top shelf.  Then onto Murdochville for the night, but not before meeting Iceman and crew again on the trail,  another meeting with them the next day on local 150 north of New Richmond.   I have always had great responses to questions I have asked on Quebec rider in the past as I plan my next adventure,  but I must say it was special finally meeting some of the folks that have helped me on the site in the past.   Just when you think you have rode every trail along comes Icemans private trail the 150 which was perfect and that brings me and our crew to the end of another season.  To all have a great summer and stay healthy and safe,  Fred

Next day we headed to the colibri for the shuttle. We had gotten a little  🌧️ last evening so we had scratchers down. At a RR crossing, one of my scratchers caught the rail a just about tore off. I was able to bend it around so it would somewhat work. Our scratchers are the spring loaded skidoo scratchers that we've had on many sleds through the years with no problems. I guess bad luck and a snow free crossing was bad combination. Now if the rails aren't snow packed, I clip them up. 
   The colibri transport vehicle was better than in past years, but the trailer this yr is a drive on- back off. Still $40 a sled.
  We had planned 2 days at the Normandin (the old Bernieres) to taxi into the city, plus there are 2 good dinner options across the Rd. The Normandin restaurant and a st Hubert. A storm happened the next day with some snow and a lot of snow. We stayed in as the highway from Q city to RDL was closed part of the day and the taxis were suspended. So we took a cab into the city the next day, and stayed a 3rd night.
 

March 15 Wednesday 
 
Gotta love spring snow in the Gaspe. Woke to maybe 2 inches at motel. Had breakfast said bye to Fred and his crew headed for Gaspe. Never saw Linda before we left. Headed west on TQ5 more snow higher up and sticky stuff too. Constantly wiping visor with glove. PITA. Cest la vie today. Good practice as i have not gone red stick hunting yet this season. Yup. I still can do it. Well mostly anyway. A good way down the trail we are following trail along plowed road. I thought trail jumped off road but we were headed for bonus miles up a windmill access trail. Well no harm no foul. Got out and quickly got re oriented, all good. Some tricky spots with wind and blowing snow. I have seen much worse. But was still fun. We gas in Madeline Center I think its called. Then continue to Murdoch trail. Beautiful run up to Murdoch. Less new snow as we came west on north shore but still some new everywhere we went today. More snow as we climb into Murdoch. Took time after gassing to stop to see Jacque at Copper. I really do not want to get into anything regarding the post made but I will. I understand not being satisfied and not getting service as you feel you should as paying customers. But he is truly having a hard time with staff. And the comments about him and competition and he should sell are out of line. Ok you had a bad experience. You shared your experience. To warn others. Great. It’s over now. 
Don’t like it there? Fine go stay at chic chac or rent air bnb. Jacque has always been there to support all snowmobilers and i have never had a bad experience. He does a real lot behind the scenes there for the Club in Murdoch and this all goes unheard of. 
Thats that. Moving on.
 
Further we go down 597 it gets deeper this new snow. Patches of freezing rain now mixed with snow. At hut by local to Gaspe. Is Fred and his Team. We talk a few minutes then bail south 597. Gotta be 8-10” here heavy wet snow. Sucking gas trying to blow open this trail on the right, one has gone south it seems but everyone else headed north. We reach TQ5 but already on thr low fuel light. Ran it out at less than 80 miles. Go for my extra gas, very unlike me, I never filled it this year. Been riding with it empty. NHmoose gives me life. We cruise into Chandler. Rough near here. 
Gas up and decide to go get spare belt for NHmoose at skidoo.
 
Find our way to dealer and John is looking for a 571 belt which will also perform well with any Ski-Doo model using 417300531.
 
We get him his new belt and off to Hotel Fraser. 
 
Another great day.

Here is the ride we did on sunday March 12th

it's one of my classics ride but I admit that this season with the St-Maurice river closed and the detour in the Mauricie wildlife reserve on the #360 it added some body work to an already big day ride.
We left at 8:30 towards St-Zénon. The trails near my home were just groomed but very hard in the morning, scratcher mandatory!

There is still a lot of snow even in the south of the area. I had put on the roller skis to do 2 shorts side of the road sections but no mud to start the day. Here in the maple grove in St-Norbert

For the rest, no roadside or marginal section to go north. Here's a guy who holds his right to cross!!!

Beautiful trails going up to St-Zenon.

We fuel up at the Cabanon before continuing towards the Taureau dam on perfect grooming


We went through the dam. The reservoir level is already very low.

And started the #360 to the east. It was not freshly groomed but still nice and fast

Riding the #360 in these conditions on a blue bird day like this is near the peak of snowmobiling happiness!!!


We took a first real break at stop #440, our usual spot

The 2 picnic tables... there's still snow there!

The 2nd part of #360 to Mattawin had been groomed overnight and was perfect

The beautiful Mattawin River

We finally arrived for dinner at Marineau at 1:30 p.m. with 245 km on the meter. The lunch rush hour was already passed but despite this superb day and conditions there are already fewer sledders on the trail.

We took a good lunch break (still so well received by Marie-Josée at Marineau) refueled and continued on the #360 which was perfectly groomed

Past the #355 junction, the #360 to the south had not been groomed recently and was less good. Near St-Joseph de Mékinac village on a plowed road section the groomer will really have to built us a little sidewalk on the side of the snow bank soon, there is way enough snow for the groomer to do that.

To the south of the village there is another short short plowed road section and then it becomes quite nice

On the #23 to the south the rivière des envies is holding up and was solid but this one is always to be watched at spring 
It's not the snow that is missing there!

The St-Maurice was still solid, no slush

We then took back #3, a little bumpy but still going fast. There is a short section of plowed road in the power lines which would also require a small sidewalk to not play in the mud!
Otherwise it was riding fine

We crossed the St-Maurice at the Gabelle and it was still very good

We fueled up one last time and took a little break in St-Étienne before continuing on #3 trail. A little bumpy at first in the woods but nice and fast in the fields.

The whole rest of the trip was nice with a good snow cover

We finally got home around 7:45 p.m. with 475 km on the meter, very satisfied with our ride but haven't took long to fall asleep that night!
Despite the impressive snow cover, the season is already well advanced. Some outfitters in the north, such as Repos and Kanawata have announced that they will close after this next weekend which is quite usual for them. Some others continue to operate until the trails close...
There is still great snowmobiling to do, it's often the best conditions of the year so enjoy these last weeks of sledding
Alain

To get the Chibougamau experience in its totality,  staying downtown at the Hotel Chibigamau is a must.  You and your friends will come away with great stories to tell your grand kids, and you will receive a decal proclaiming 'I survived a night in Chiboug'.   A five star experience.

Had this happen a couple of times one fix was done by a sheet metal screw the other time we threaded a bolt in and covered with jb weld both worked for over a 1000 km . Very little pressure in the cooling system. Pack extra antifreeze just in case.

Had this happen a couple of times one fix was done by a sheet metal screw the other time we threaded a bolt in and covered with jb weld both worked for over a 1000 km . Very little pressure in the cooling system. Pack extra antifreeze just in case.

Had this happen a couple of times one fix was done by a sheet metal screw the other time we threaded a bolt in and covered with jb weld both worked for over a 1000 km . Very little pressure in the cooling system. Pack extra antifreeze just in case.

Had this happen a couple of times one fix was done by a sheet metal screw the other time we threaded a bolt in and covered with jb weld both worked for over a 1000 km . Very little pressure in the cooling system. Pack extra antifreeze just in case.

Day#4: Matane/Forestville
A day that started early to be on the wharf around 7:15 a.m. for boarding the 8:00 a.m. ferry to Baie-Comeau

Once boarding done we go upstairs in the passenger section for a 2.5 hours to relax. We had plenty of time to visit this infamous boat which has caused so much talk for the wrong reasons, but in our case everything went well.

It is therefore a little before 11:00 am that we begin our snowmobile ride on the north side of the St-Lawrence river.

and we went west on #3 trail

The Manicouagan River footbridge is very impressive

Very high in the air, it offers us a very nice view of the surroundings (to be seen in the video)

We stopped at Chute-aux-Outardes for lunch and then continued on #3 trail, which we kept for the rest of the day. Being a mountains, lakes and rivers lover, I really like the north coast.


The famous section of #3 trail in the Pessamit sector which was closed for almost 2 seasons is now reopened and apart from a few 50km/h signs we barely recognized it and realized that we had already passed when we arrived at the Betsiamites river bridge

We continued to Forestville where we arrived around 4:00 p.m. with 181 km on the clock to spend the night at the EconoLodge
I put together a fairly complete musical video memory of this fourth day that I share with you below. Set sound on and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
 
Day#5: Forestville/La Malbaie
We start our ride at 8:00 on the trail from the Econo Lodge in Forestville because we had a good day ahead with a gray weather and a little snow.

Beautiful mountainous and wooded sections on trail #3

We decided to not going down south to les escoumins to keep the day's milage reasonable and cut through by the local trail bypass

Approaching Tadoussac

We ate there before taking the ferry of the Saguenay River.

Here, leaving Baie Ste-Catherine

It was more snowy in the afternoon but it was riding well

We took trail #378 which goes further north instead of keeping trail #3 which went down along the river. The route is beautiful but it was more bumpy on the 2nd half, we regretted it a bit.
Arrived at the petit Manoir du Casino around 4:30 p.m. with 290 km on the dream meter

The services on site are very good and the 2 spa areas, especially the Spa O'Quartz with its tropical decor and its many pools and waterfalls, is an exceptional place to relax after a good day on the snowmobile.
I put together a fairly complete musical video memory of this 5e day that I share with you below. Set sound on and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
 
Day#6: La Malbaie/Quebec
An outstanding sunny day awaited us for the last day of our trip, seen from the hotel on our way to breakfast...

We stayed closer to the St-Lawrence river to continue west taking the locals and trail #378


Here's the view at Baie-St-Paul

We took #3 trail further west. The trails were all very nice.

We took a lunch break at the Relais Ste-Anne, happy to see that it survived the covid's time well.

We resumed after lunch for the last segment, still on trail #3 west

Here crossing the Montmorency River on the west side  of Quebec city

As we expected a little, the trails were more bumpy when crossing Quebec city, especially west of this small bridge (St-Charles River I believe) where my wife seriously think of just walking through it !

But it got back to normal maybe a 12km further just after Val Bélair and we quickly returned to our starting point a little after 3:00 p.m. with a little less than 220 km for the day.

We were impressed to see the foot of snow accumulated on our van and trailer and had a good snow removal job to do, but despite the 2 hour drive to do, we came back home for dinner very happy with our trip and to relax in our stuff.
So an another very nice trip for us without problems which filled our heads with beautiful memories that I try to keep even more present with the help of my videos that I put together for each day.
Here's the last one, Day#6 La Malbaie-Quebec which is very nice with the beautiful sun we had. Set sound and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
Hope you enjoyed the ride!
Alain