snowfarmer

I'm fortunate that i live just across the border. When I was young & high school days, the 70's my father sent me every weekend to Perkins Quebec at Mcgregor Lake.  Doing 50 miles a day back then was tough, lol. Usually would end up at Hotel St Pierre on Saturday nights. Even though I wasn't nearly of legal age quarts were served. This place also always had an ice track out front and usually about mid night the silly racing started. Many good times until about 81 when my sled was stolen and that was it until the mid 90's. Neighbor convinced me to get back into it. Bought a new ZR600 and thought that was king. Had i stayed riding around my house I'm sure it would have. I was hearing about this place called Mout Laurier. Apparently the center of the sledding Universe. We drove up and couldn't believe all the rigs & sleds. This was going to be awesome. Took the Petit trail - rail line down to Tremblant area, you could do it back then, lol. Well i found by 600 was pinned the whole way and I wanted more. Next season came the 1999 Thundercat! Well from then I was only venturing locally around the Mt Pellier area and some times back to Mt Laurier. One weekend when i had no partner I was on the internet and found a guy who would ride with me ( I believe its Gary known as Quebec1).  I would meet him at Mt Laurier and we would head north for the day. Here I was thinking JB Scott and back would be a good run. Well that day we went to Parent and back! While i though that was a huge day he sledded back to his place in St Agathe that night. I think he was close to 500 miles for the day. Well after seeing these big fast trails I was hooked and realizing there was a lot more out there I could and wanted to try and as they say the rest is history.Haven't bought an Ontario pass in years. Still the infamous Cote Nord to tackle but otherwise seen most other areas. New GPS just delivered today and prepping for next season.
But the best resource for any sledder wanting to ride Quebec is this site. The members on this site are truly amazing and were blessed to have this site and all these tremedous people offering help and advice.
Stay safe through this. Winter will be back.
Mike

At the end of February 2006 my new Yamaha Rage only had 110 kms on it. Trying Quebec was always in the cards for “someday”, but with a shut out for snow in Nova Scotia, someday was now! Thankfully, two other friends also had new gear with no miles, so the arm twisting was minimal! We set off from PALC on an early March morning, and by the time I reached the top of the ski hill I knew that I would be screwed for ever sledding around home again! In 2008, five of us did the Matane, Godbout, Chicoutimi, Quebec City loop. Met Saguenay Bill and had bookings with Bernard at the Motel Safari until a blizzard changed our plans. Called Bernard to cancel and he told me “That's fucking sleddin”. I never did get to stay there or meet him. Actually only ever got across the St. Lawrence that one time. So much good trail from St. George to Gaspe that it gets hard to justify trucking further..
In 2008, flogging it for the ferry in Matane, I came around a corner after the St. Fidele cable bridge to meet a New Holland groomer with a heavily bearded operator in it. Being half shy and a little short on time, I missed my chance to meet Jean-Guy and have never been able to catch up with him since. Same goes for Andyman, positive I fueled up beside him in Amqui that very same day. Met Eddieskidoo in a blizzard on the Gaspe in about 2014. We turned around and him and Skidoo420 kept going towards Mt. St. Pierre. If I remember right, they never made it and had to get trucked back. Wild snow, I think that there was 70cm by the end of it. Anyway, I am trying to talk a little more to the folks I meet on the trail in case they are members here. Always nice to put a face to a name.
I haven't bought a local trail pass in a few years, one local mile is harder on gear than 10 up there. That, along with the hospitality and availability of services, makes it hard to turn a track at home. Some year though, I am going to sled up there right from my door, just to say I did it.
One of the cool things is; of the two guys I went with in 2006, I have always gone up with one, if not both of them every year since. Sometimes you just gel with certain guys.
As others have said, this website is the icing on the cake of the best sledding I have ever done!
Thanks to all the contributors for their time!
 

My first time was with a buddy that would do 3 or 4 day minimum rides, and huge miles, he and his buddies all had RX1’s and only wanted to let you ride with them if you had newer 4 stroke, i worked in a family business and was not able to do that many days away from work. For years he kept telling me how great the riding was, so finally he had a spot open for a 3 day, we drove to Thetford Mines it was 2004, I had a 03 F7 and the first morning I thought the pull start rope was going to break took me a dozen pulls just to get it loose enough to start, it did finally start, and was amazed at the trail system, signage, and views. Have been riding in Quebec every year since.

Lets hear the stories of how you became a QuebecRider. I thought it would make an interesting thread to have members share the story of how they became regulars sledding in Quebec.
The story started for me in the winter of 1998.  A group of buddies invited me to join them for a 5 day ride around the Gaspesie.  This was my first saddlebag trip, and first trip to Quebec.  I hesitated at first and one of my Buddies said it would be the "Trip of a Life Time"!  We made the loop and he was right, it was the most incredible trip I had ever been on.  In true Gaspesie form we were caught in a huge snowstorm and all learned why you head for the motel when it starts snowing hard in the Gaspesie!  It was only about two days into the trip and I realized this is what snowmobiling is supposed to be like, and from then on I was a "Quebec Addict".
Since that trip have been to Quebec not less then 3 times every winter and logged tens of thousands of awesome miles. Not long after that first trip I found a website called Hardcore Sledder where I met many other Quebec enthusiasts.  Andyman and Groomer were some of the first members I met that have become great friends.  Then QuebecRider.com was started..........the rest is history.
 

hi steven !!!
 
in 2005 , i was lurking on hcs....when i saw there was lots of people asking questions  about the gaspesie.....season 2006 , i asked my brother to register me on hcs...
then ,if memory still good...late june , member asked me if i could do both ...hcs and qr ...i registred on qr  few days later...no problemo ...i left hcs a few months later...
you re right...you and andy are the first i met .....then ...eddie ....dave and curtis...and later that same season....or the next one...jackstraw ...phil and eric...etc  !!!
 
jean-guy

bonjour jackstraw !!!
 
thx...bring back great memories ....my only regret back then....i was nt speaking much when meeting people at the clubhouse !!!
but helped tons with the years !!!....snowing this morning !!!....wet snow !!!
i had nt much grey hair back then !!!😁
07-08......great season.....i was grooming on dec 2 .....and last run , after a storm ....april 5 th !!!
 
jean-guy

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

Historically owning Yamaha and Polaris has been better plus they pay better yields . Having said that who knows if they will keep their yields? 

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

That was a good article back then and I believed  in all what was said and I  was hoping it was going to be all right! Its not quite as relevant anymore as far as the human toll to finances and everyday lives are concerned.  I’m sure we all know someone who is in a tough spot or some kind of a bad situation and all be can to is to try and help a fellow friend or someone we don’t know. We will all get through this it just might take a little longer then originally thought.Man kind will prevail !
 

I want to start by saying my hats off to all the members that post pictures and do write ups every night during their Quebec snowmobile adventures.  Some like Snowmaster2112 and others updating us a couple times through their day.  I have been very lazy this year, never posted a picture or write up and been on five trips to Quebec this winter. My first trip was December 17 and last trip ended March 22, the last official day due to Covid. 
Pictures are going to be fewer and further between now except for Groomer who thankfully never stops sharing pictures.  So I thought to make up for my laziness all winter I would share a few of my pictures this winter. Hopefully some of these remind you of some p!aces you have traveled or places you have plans to ride.
 

I edited yesterday a short video from the files I took on this ride to the Black Mountain in February.  For the gray jays lovers...
 

Rolled into LeCabanon yesterday with my buddy about 1:30 with this on the odometer. All from this winter with a brand new 1200 left over. I feel EXTREMELY lucky to have been able to do this this season. Just in the “nick of time” too. It was sad leaving yesterday but the memories will last forever. Seasons come and go but THIS ONE is one that will NEVER be forgotten. It was like a cumulation of years of riding that all pulled together and enabled me to have the BEST year ever. Lifelong friendships were made and the riding was beyond spectacular. I want to give a “shout out” to all the people who made my winter so enjoyable:
”André” my soul brother in Quebec who puts up with me for going on 20 yrs. Thank you mom ami  You ARE the best
Jeff from Dansville, NY ....my BFF riding partner. I promise I will try in the future to get us in before dark. Especially when it’s 30 below
Glenn from Vermont....the guy who I have laid down the most miles with over the years. May we have many more my friend 
Kenny from Pikogan, My native soul brother who hooked me up in so many ways. Can’t wait to see you again my friend 
Jeff in Joutel for hosting my crazy ass for two nights while i assaulted the 396 trail mercilessly 
Samuel, Alex & Elphonse (half-ounce) in Miquelon for some of the CRAZIEST partying I have ever done. You guys ROCK !!
Nancy in Desmairsville for being the sweety she is. Thanks SO MUCH for your hair dryer 
Isabelle in Chapais for hooking me up with the locals and providing a GREAT place to stay
Kenny Loon in Mistissinni for the EXTREME hospitality and showing me the native culture and food
Clifford & Brian (the “Twin Towers”) from Oujé-Bougoumou for letting me camp out and have a fabulous moose steak dinner
Andre & Jeanie in Parent for having a 4 star place to stay while in town.....and letting me use your garage to work on my sled...LOL
All the peeps at the Parent depanneeur. Cynthia, Elodi, Alice, Veronica (Tony’s fiesta wife)& Karine. And Tony.....the worlds best groomer. Thanks for that 10 mile late night groomer ride brother.
Yann from Parent. One cool dude. Had a great time partying with you.
”Popper” the 40+ yr Skiddo mechanic from AB Sports in Senneterre for taking care of me multiple times
Jack and “ little girl” from Lac Faillon. You two literally made my winter. One seriously AWESOME dude
Jean-Guy from Haltaparche. This man is what Quebec is ALL ABOUT. Your hospitality is sincerely appreciated!!!!! Can’t wait to see you again my friend.
And to all the GREAT fellow QR members I got to meet and spend time with this season:
Cobra......we WILL lay down some tracks in the future 
Pipeman & Ike.....two seriously great dudes (and riders) had a BLAST hanging and riding with you guys  p.s.......that shower in Ouje was appreciated more than you know....LOL
Blueblood....we live WAY too close to not get together this summer. Fantastic dude. Bring your wife. I owe you guys a couple Captain & cokes
Je me souviens ....great guy and crew from Plattsburgh
Iceman....what a fu&* up I was. Next time I WILL wait no matter what.....LOL
Quebecbob.....your “one in a million” (maybe two).....look forward to seeing you again my friend 
But the MOST thanks goes to my wife Sandy for supporting me (and us) while I pulled this crazy stunt off. I LOVE you honey !!!!
i wish EVERYONE the VERY BEST off season and HOPE to see you all again next year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

To avoid everybody to download the link, here's the content:

I guess we all knew this was coming, it is for the best, for all of us, thankfully it is March and not November.Time for a heartfelt thank you to all who made this season a great one for so many of us and prayers that we all make it through this uncertain time to enjoy another season together, everyone be safe and stay healthy, looking forward to seeing everyone in 2021!!

So.....tomorrow we head for home. Sandy really likes her 137. We both love our oxygen helmets. We rode 9893 km or 6147 miles. No exciting stories or drama but we had a great time. We enjoyed visiting with the many Quebec Riders. 
    I think I like retirement.
I hope everyone finishes the year safely.
      Jeff and Sandy 
    

Now in the gaspe, which I also posted with pics under gaspe region. We rode the 587 out of cross pt and some locals to Amqui. Next day, the mummy trees, mont joli for lunch and on to matane. Spent 3 nights there, one day watching it snow, 1 day day riding. Then a night in st anne des monts, Grande Vallee, three nights in gaspe, one day ride to perce, a night in Bonoventure, then through la cache back to matane.

Ok back at the Delta, relaxed some and rode with many friends. Stayed for a little over a week. Helmeted pics only to protect identifies. I can say 3 countries were represented. Had a very good time.

Great stay at the Riotel Matane. Dinner was really good with lots of variety and if not overcast I bet the view would have been spectacular. Would highly recommend if in the area, well signed but a little sketchy getting there, lots of gas available near by. 
Checked grooming map, trail 5 groomed last night so we decided to go that way to  Murdochville.  Thought this would be the morning that we wouldn't be the last to leave but that didn't happen. On trail by 10:15. 
Does take long to reel in the first couple of guys, followed them for a bit and I think they thought it was their own private trail system as they were on the inside of every corner. Not wanting to be part of this we slowed the pace down with a short break then another stop for lunch at a Relais. 
Gassed up on the coast at Tourelle then continued on to Murdochville....Up the Mountain. Down the Mountain. Up the Mountain. Down the Mountain. Snow all day with 6 to 8 inches of powder on trials. Not many pictures due to weather.
Arrived at Hotel Copper and no rooms but when we called last week to make reservations Jacques promised we'd have a place to sleep. They took us over to a renovated duplex being converted into a big house with 6 rooms and 8 beds. Great spot. 
Hotel Copper for breakfast, every one from last night is already gone. Last to leave again! Off the the south shore. Up the Mountain. Down the Mountain. 

We did last week, starting sunday march 1st and ending saturday 7th our annual trip. We started our tour directly from home with goal to loop around  lac St-Jean and coming back by sled, a week trip without trailer. Here what's finally look like our St-Jean Lake loop

I will use a different format as for my report with video and pics and will post by segment of a day ay a time. You can come back here and see regularly for more content...
Here is a short video summarizing our day #1: Joliette / Kanawata 217miles
Spending the night at Auberge Kanawata

Kristine enjoying the fireplace in the evening...

More to come soon, stay tuned!