revrnd

Pretty much sums it up. Hydro One is a Crown Corporation & is looking @ any way to nickel & dime consumers. The province used to have reasonably priced hydro rates. Not anymore. We now have some of the highest rates in Canada. The governing party has gone on a stupid green energy fit that some states have also gone along w/ while others have said no to. The province pays more to producers of green for kilowatts, than they sell it for. Yes it makes no sense but that's the way how current gov't works. There's been a lot of media coverage about this Bill. It was 2 years old, not sure if it's been pulled back or not.

The gas station in La Reine burned down several years ago.

When we rode thru there was no sign of gas "on trail" in '08. Before that there apparently was someone selling gas on the trail along the A105Q. Can anyone confirm the status of gas in La Reine or Dupuy? Several gas stations in La Sarre. We had no gas problems running from La Sarre to Cochrane w/an Apex, 2 500SS sleds & a 600 SDI.

Thanks. I remember passing thru Dupuy, but it's never been metioned as a gas stop.

Does anyone know if there will be gas in La Reine this season? Lots of questions on the Ontario forums from folks wanting to run A105Q. We rode from La Sarre (further east of La Reine) to Cochrane in '08 which is 114 miles/184 klicks. We filled up @ the Ultramar, the 1st station we saw on the east side of La Sarre (117 miles to Cochrane). La Reine to Cochrane is 93 miles (mileages confirmed by GPS). No sign back then of any gas sales on trail along Lac Abitibi as there was years ago. We had 2 500SS sleds, my 600 SDI & a carbed Apex. I don't recall anyone being shy on gas when we filled up @ the Esso in Cochrane. Trail had been groomed & we didn't exactly putt along. Mind you if you're pushing snow, your mileage may suffer.

I see that Powermadd now offers gauntlets for their handguards. We have been using Choko gauntlets (no longer available) during our trips to northern Ontario. Just curious if anyone has used them. They don't appear to be as bulky which would be nice if you could put these in your trunk bag when you don't need them.

If your travels take you into Ontario, the info @ this link will be helpful: Click

I've been using a Garmin Legend Cx in my truck & on my sled for the last 2 winters. I've had it to Amos & Hearst on the sled & as far south as Atlanta while on holidays w/ the truck/ I use Topo Canada when sledding & City Navigator North America when in the truck.

I picked up some Quebec info last weekend @ the OFSC's Go Snowmobiling Show in Toronto. I noticed that some motels that previously were listed as "FCMQ Secure Hotels" are no longer listed. Does anyone know why? Is it based on a annual fee like a chamber of commerce or did these accommodations have "issues" that caused them to be removed from the list?

I've updated the Quebec accommodations listing & there's over 800 businesses included. I've also added to the mileage list. To get to them, click on the Quebec link in my signature. If you're not a member on the site, you'll have to register 1st.

My problem w/ the Extreme not being in a Tall size is that if I was to buy a large (rather than a medium) to get a longer leg, the suit would be HUGE on me (I'm 6' 2" as well, but 170 pounds). Looking @ the specs, like Bill says the Deluxe should be OK.

Bill, correct the link, it's mispelled. Thanks for the note. Choko is going to be @ the Go Snowmobiling Show in Toronto this weekend. Hopefully, they'll have some samples to try on. Right now I have a pair of 'doo bibs that are Medium Talls. These pants w/ my old boots (replaced this February w/ Sorel Glaciers) weren't the best on the new REV. The pants would creep up towards the boot tops & there wasn't a lot of coverage over my calves. Kris

I'm in the market for a new pair of bibs & have a question. I see in the Choko catalog that you can't get the Cordura bibs in Tall sizes? I've got a 34" inseam & have always gotten Tall sized bibs. Do you think this would be a problem? I don't want to get a size larger than I need for the length as I don't have a lot of "girth" if you know what I mean.

I'll look into that. Also: As I compile the information for the accommodations spreadsheet, I've noticed a lot of businesses don't take credit or debit cards. When you make reservations, you may want to enquire about payment methods before booking a stay.

rfm, I checked the link & it appears you have to sign up & get a username (no cost) to view it. Kris

Since a few people have asked about a Quebec guide after seeing my Ontario motel list, I started working on 1 this spring. It's online now & there are about 300 lodges & motels listed. If you have any suggestions, please PM me & I'll add them to the spreadsheet. To view or download them, click on the Quebec link in my signature.

AFAIK, there are no plans to change the ID req'd to enter Canada. It's what will be req'd for people entering the US that is changing.

Do any of you guys check out HCS? If yes, could you PM me about a certain motel that's all over the Quebec forum ;) ? If you've stayed @ it, give me a honest opinion of the place (in the PM). I also have a security question about it. Thanks

I'm working on it right now. I've got about 60 businesses listed. I've emailed the various regions for their maps. Hopefully it'll be ready this summer. For those of you w/ info, no need to rush.

I'm thinking of starting a Quebec accommodations guide to complement my Ontario listing. If anyone would like to help, copy & paste the form below into a email. Do this for any places that you've stayed @. Also, rate whether the place(s) were excellent, good, fair or not recommended. Send them to my email address mxz_kris at sympatico dot ca Business Name: Address: Location: (Example: 2 kms east of town on Highway 17) GPS position (if known): Phone Number: Toll free: Email: Web address: Number of Rooms: Number of Cabins: Number of Cottages: Restaurant: yes or no If yes, is it licensed If no, is there a restaurant nearby: yes or no Hot Tub: yes or no If yes, indoor or outdoor: Indoor pool: yes or no Trailer parking: yes or no Sled lockup: yes or no Gas nearby: yes or no Snowmobile trail access: yes or no If yes, what trail #: Rating: EX, G, F, NR

Thanks Bill. How is Choko's sizing? They don't have Tall sizing. My 'doo pants are a Medium Tall. I noticed w/ the way I sit on my REV, that the legs tended to creep up my older Sorel boots. I now have a pair of Sorel Glacier boots (quite happy w/ them) that are taller so this hasn't been as much of a problem.

Have you ridden them in a lot of powder snow? How are they for keeping your butt dry? I've got a pair of 'doo pants that are MY1998. They keep me warm, but they're starting to loose their waterproofness if there was any. The were the 2nd from TOTL that year from 'doo.

It's not clear by the maps but the stake line hits the shore just west of the mouth of the Blanche River. There wasn't any signs on the shore & all the tracks were leading up the Blanche. We rode it a ways then connected w/ the A107Q where it crosses the river. There's a short stretch across a field then you're in Quebec west of Notre-Dame-du-Nord..

I posted my track log in the GPS thread in the General Forum. The beginning & end of the 2 reroutes we encountered are marked.

Here's the track file from my trip thru the Abitibi area. I've noted where the TQ83 has been rerouted. From what is found on the GPS file available from the FCMQ site.