GT Rider

Groomer, It must feel strange to use such a small machine on the snow It looks like great conditions. Thanks for the photos.

Thanks for the report. It looks like you had a memorable trip. That is a great shot of the wolf.

My last 3 days were warm with some rain. The snow that was left was very soft. on 93 going toward Valin before turning on 328 there were long sections of mud puddles and dirt. I don't see how it could recover as the temps have been high. Bill said there were open sections of water around the lake. It looked like the area was done to me. I guess you could call K31 and ask.

Thanks. My wife has a great sense of adventure. She enjoys the trips as much as I do. We have done a couple of 2100 mile saddle bag trips.

Here is a shot of my track from 08. It felt like a long ride on the street.

When we left for home it was a warm 38 with no signs of precipitation. On 175 toward Quebec. It snowed to Drummondville

Day 10 50 Miles I dropped off the rental at Evasion and we stopped by to check on my sled. I had to wait till 12:30 to pick it up. I drove over suited up and took it for a test drive. I was shocked that 383 was in decent condition the rain and warm temps were taking a toll. I had a chance to test out my sled and brought it back so he could give it the once over. It felt great.

Day 9 93 miles We Trailered to the Ski-Doo Dealer in Chicoutimi and headed for Ste-Rose-du-Nord. Passing the airport on 93. Trails were like mashed potatoes. I did not take pictures of the dirt and mud puddles but it got real bad to the 328 turn off. 328 was real soft but ride-able.

Day 8 220 miles I went to evasion and rented a TZ1 thanks to Mikerider's advice. Finally made it to breakfast. Went to check the damage. Trail 383 was nice. Trail 83 was a horror but the scenery was fantastic. We found a great place to have dinner in L'Anse-Saint-Jean called Auberge La Fjordelaise.

Day 7 11 miles We were going to breakfast at Relais Bouleauniere. Just after crossing the dam I lost power and it stalled. I thought it might be a battery issue as the fuel injection does not like low voltage. Two gents passed by and offered to help me get a battery. long story short it turned out to be a piston. I got towed to Bouchard sports and he dropped us off at the hotel. 10400 original miles. I wont complain. We decided to take a drive around the lake. Farm Feild with big drifts. Snowmobiles crossing the lake.

Day 6 282 miles Skibeedoo. This thing was huge Tried to catch a view of the lake.

Day 5 77 miles Dropped off my sled for springs. I found a rental yamaha and had it delivered for a test drive. We went to Relais Bouleauniere for breakfast. Then we went over to the Ha Ha. It was raining and snowing big wet flakes. I did not take a picture. I decided not to go on the ice so we went around to 368 to get the view from the other side. Well along the way on a fairly smooth trail the suspension collapsed. That ended my test drive. I called the rental who came and picked us up. I then went to get my sled with the new springs.

Day 4 244 miles. Local trail by Lamarche. On the way back down from Conscrit.

Day 3 180 miles When we got to 93 passed the air port it became clear that I needed to change my rear springs. I did not follow my planed trip but went to the dealer asap. Set an appointment for Friday and looked for smoother trails . 383 nice and smooth. The crossing to St Charles. Just before crossing a bridge on 93. We went over to Evaison to see about rentals. No good till next Monday.

Day 2 216 miles. Trail 367 freshly groomed. By the dam at Onatchiway. We passed by the cave.

My wife and I decided to stay at the Holiday Inn in Jonquiere this trip. It was great to meet so many QuebecRider's at the hotel. Here are some photo's from our rides Day 1 258 miles. The GPS program was not always 100% accurate. This was not the Mont Victor-Tremblay over look. A quick fuel stop at Chapelle. A fantastic view from Bovin. The view from Marguerite. The Ice flow at Lac Canots. We made our way back to Chapelle for dinner. Then back to the HI.

Mid Range, Nice report. I enjoy reading about your trips. Nice photos too.

Joel That is very generous of you. Thanks. My wife felt a little more comfortable on the Yamaha than the TZ1. I think seat position was too high for her. She was moving around a lot. That is a deal breaker. I felt that the Yamaha was down on power and it felt tipsy. The ski's were lifting. After the suspension problem it's stock fell off the charts for me. The TZ1 was the better of the two for me. Over all It handled better and had better power. The Grand Touring 1200 is high on my list for a test drive. Jim

Hi Bill, I am Glad you made it home safe. When I left Thursday I was surprised how much snow was coming down on 175. I saw a big rig buried on the north median. Yet there was nothing around Jonquiere. I wanted to say thanks for all the great info. You helped make our trip a great one. We are looking forward to the summer get together.

I found mud, water and mashed potatoes. Its done. Warm Temps and rain finished it. I am leaving in the am.

I am leaving tomorrow am. Don't come. Its over. Nothing more to say.

I put 77 miles on the yamaha and the rear suspension collapsed. I got lucky it happened as I approached a Relais. I heard this has happened before.... I also rented a TZ1 cat I liked it better. I felt that it handled much nicer than the Yamaha. Now I need to try the Ski-Doo.

I am looking out of a 6th floor window at the Hi now. The trails are beat out of the Hi. I trailered to the other side of the river yesterday. 93 is done. I would think Val D'or they are getting snow now.

258 miles today. 383 / 367 / 328 / 93 / 252 / 254 / 251 / 93 / 367 / 383 Stopped at summits Boivin, Sainte-Marguerite. Overcast day but who cares. Went to Lac Canots found someone dug in and helped him out. Trails were much smoother on the way back. The Groomers are out.

Hi Bill My Wife and I are driving up to the HI on Sunday. She cant wait to try the new Choko gear. We hope to log a few miles with you.