snowfarmer

This morning it is sunny with a few wispy clouds in the sky.  Today is a good day for riding.  Some days are better than others and today might just be one of those better days.
A look at the groomer map and it shows a lot of the trails were groomed overnight.  We decide to go back across the mountain and maybe take 35.  We head out on 587 west.  This trail wasn't groomed last night so there's some fluff.  As we approach the top of the mountain, I see tracks where the groomer from the La Redemption side turned around.  Yipee!  

Trying to load pics but I can only load one.  I'll have to check to see what am I doing wrong.
As we descend the west side, we take 579 which is also groomed.  This is fine.  We stop at Les Hauteurs to top off the tanks.  I don't know this area real good and I'm not sure what stations are open on Sunday.  We take 579 to 5 to the junction with 35.  35 was previously 548.  Trail 35 looks perfect.  
Let me break away for a second.  Have you ever been in a boat on a lake early in the morning before any wind comes up and the water is dead still?  You ride along in the boat and it is as smooth as silk.  Well today we are in that boat, it is a snowmobile.  And the lake is trail 35.  This is spectacular.
35 is going to take us to Squatec.  A few sleds approach every now and then but it is relatively quiet for traffic.  We haven't been on this trail in a long time and I'm wondering why.  The lesser traveled trail sometimes turns out to be a jewel.  Sandi is cruising along in her own world.  She loves this type of trail.  35 is a mix of rolling hills and gentle curves.  Precious!  This is one of our best rides in a long time.  Many other trails have been great but every once in awhile everything comes together and the ride becomes really special.  This is one of those.
At Squatec we take 571 to 544 west.  Only one very small section that wasn't groomed.  We then take a short local trail over to 85 and then into Universal RDL.
What a great day.  This year is turning out to be fantastic.  Come on up and get some miles on those toys of yours.
Tomorrow we go to Hotel Bernieres.
Jack & Sandi

I'd like to welcome Hotel Lac Carling as our newest advertiser here on QuebecRider.com.
 

Jack and Sandi, Great report and always an adventure,  Certainly know that feeling of gear coming off the back. Not sure if you have checked these straps out but they are the best. In addition to the normal tie down procedures, I always have a couple of these going over the top as a safety back up.  They actually are really good as the primary tie down strap as well. Very well built, rugged and they work.
 
Enjoy your trip, and keep those great reports coming
 
Happy trails
RR

Martin at hotel complexe Pelchat came to find us to tell us to get out of Dodge lol he said the snow could be measured in feet and he wouldn't groom until at least Thursday so our decision was easy. We woke up this morning and made tracks up the Pelchat trail for Mt. Valins. Wasn't groomed recently but nice. Gassed at Chappelle then had lunch at Valinouet at The Bistro. Continued on 93 to Alma for the night. Thought I posted this once but never seemed to go through

Left Maniwaki at 1:30 on Wed. 19th hit devils mountain and on to Mekoos for the night. 
Thur. up 53 to 33- 13 to 83 trails freshly groomed and fast. Saw five different Lynx on 53 pretty amazing! Lunch in Parent and onward across 83. Just before Windigos turn off we saw two moose.. What a day! Windigo for the night.
Fri. 83 to Relais 22 faaaast! fuel and head down 73 -355 -360 -345 to Le Cabanon for the night. Overall trails held up good. Esp. 83-360. LaTuque was wet with water holes.
Sat. 63 groomed to perfection after SMDS through the reserve. Half way through my buddy noticed a bearing race/ring on his foot board.. not good.. Inspection found it to be the jack shaft bearing.. 2017 Pro S Switchback.Decided to try to ride it out hopefully making it out to the west side at Red River a lot closer to our rig than heading back to SMDS luckily he made it to the RR grade and finally she let go shearing the jackshaft completely off!! Dropped a pin and left the sled and onward to Maniwaki on a mushy 53-local-324-63. 1.5 hr trip back up to retrieve sled and back in town by 7:30. Could have let go in a lot worse places.
830mi. 3 days and change.

 

Letter from a Farmer in St Maurice. This guy gets it. 

I am writing today expressing my great disappointment in the choice of the means of pressure that the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA) has made recently.
Indeed, the decision to boycott the snowmobile trails on our land makes me jump a lot and this leads me to ask several questions.
I would like to share with you those that are part of my reflection.
Do you think we are targeting the right people by opting for this? Do not you think that penalized people will be our own customers?
Indeed, the snowmobile relays that serve our products will be the ones who suffer the most. Is it really on them that we have to exert that pressure? Do we really want to make them suffer?
I believe we should be loyal partners to those entrepreneurs in our regions who are dependent on our actions.
Moreover, we will tarnish our image towards the fans of this sport, who are also our customers.
Are we truly logical and true partners when making our choices?
We should make it our duty to be positive actors in the economic development of our regions.
Where has our solidarity and gratitude for our customers gone?
My goal today is simply to inspire reflection to ensure that our choice is logical and thoughtful.
Good snowmobile season, dear customers!
Mario Massicotte
Agricultural Producer
Saint-Maurice
 

Facebook can be a useful tool.......Rapide 7 back in business.

There was a press conference this past Friday at the comfort inn in Tremblant to announce the openning of a new trail that will link St Faustin to Tremblant re establishing the the route from St Agathe to Tremblant lost by the closure of the Petit Train de Nord a number of years ago. Here is a link to the announcement roughly translated on the Diable et Rouge club FB page.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1085133484930832&id=115355755241948

Hello from the Auberge Motel Drakkar in Shawinigan. Many of you know, but for those of you who are not familiar with us, we are located in Shawinigan on the site of the former Motel Safari. We are committed to taking care of you snowmobiler's and look forward to being able to welcome you to our completely renovated rooms. We offer secure gated parking and a heated garage for your sleds. We here realize how much Bernard (may he RIP) had an impact on snowmobiling here in this area and are committed to provide you with the best experience possible while here in Quebec. 
Please give us a try you won't be disappointed! We look forward to seeing you. 

Nice run! Probably the warmest January run you have done in a long time! Florida now I bet!

Day 8:  Friday Jan 20th
Pulled out of the Roquemont in Saint Raymond at 6:00am with a temp of 26*F.   The plan was to get in a full days sled ride but still be at the truck by early afternoon & hit the black trail towards home.  This weekend is the "free weekend" and I for one plan to sit it out.  Busy trails are not my thing.
Took 73N and ran the railroad bed towards La Tuque up to Riviere-a-Pierre then continued 73 up thru Zec Batiscan & Reserve de Portneuf.  Trails were perfect.  Fast, smooth with some fresh on top.  I haven't been up this section of 73 in many years & forgot how beautiful it is.  After about 50 miles we backtracked down to Saint-Raymond & got gas.  Continued 73S, 3W, 302N, 23W, M4, LT to truck.  Loaded up & started for home at 2:45pm.
Was a great trip with fantastic trail conditions thruout our travels!  No reason for anyone to hesitate heading up for a ride.  
234 miles for the day
2165 miles for the trip
 
 
 

Back up again this weekend. Took a nice ride today after driving up this morning.  Trails soft but in nice shape.  

Here is the continuation from the Lac St Jean post for trip 2.
We leave Mt Apica.  The trail is good.  It has some drifting from the wind overnight but easy enough to follow.  Its a quick cruise to L'Etape.  Not much traffic out today, Monday.  We run into L'Etape to top off the sleds for the final leg of the run.
We head back down 23.  The trail is nice.  Wide and in very good shape.  We are making good time.  A couple of breaks along the way.  About 15 miles from St Raymond we see the groomer starting his trip north.  We pull over and give him a thank you wave as he goes bye.  The rest of the ride in is nice and we behaved on the fresh groomed surface.  In a little early and we unload the sleds in the daylight.
It was a great four day run up to the Lac and back.  23 was good and the trails up at the Lac are excellent.  Now it is time for food and a few refreshments while we plan our next trip.  Maybe the end of January?  A ride to RDL would be nice.  We haven't been there yet this season.
Happy trails to all.
Jack and Sandi

hi eddie !!!
hahha...sure...but , i was too tired !!!
temps still at - 8c !!!
grooming tq 5 for the free weekend...expecting many bumps late sunday night !!!
broke the little pole for the light on the drag while cutting branches...i ll fix it tomorrow...guys were too busy at gas station to weld it !!!
pics from last monday night !!!
 
jean-guy
 

'' razor day '' in lac saumon !!!
mild temps...snowing when i left ..2-3 '' of fresh snow.....-8 c right now !!!
group of 6-7-8 before arriving to main street behind me !!!
tq 5 later tonight !!!
can t tonight ...but tomorrow ...i should celebrate 5000 posts with rouge maybe ???
 
 
jean-guy

1850 miles with no issues.
We road 228 miles today from Forestville to the Delta and I NEVER took fuel......The MPG conditions were variable all day but I found that range to be quite impressive.  (9.5 Gallons) plus 4 Gallon Jerry
The low fuel light was on in Jonquire but I did have a gallon left in the tank.  We were also carrying all the gear for our 8 day adventure.
Range translates to safety in QC when saddlebagging.
Realizing a two stroke isn't for everyone....myself included if this thing grenades.
If it doesn't and Doo engineers got this correct.  It's something to really consider in the future.
Sled is such a blast to ride.
My 2 Cents #NOTBRANDLOYAL
BJ
 
 

Here's a time saver but requires a little math  (some may already do this) - our group is 6, we all ride roughly the same sled, eat about the same, and drink about the same. I'm the "Banker". ONE bill for everyone, and I pay for everything.  When the bank is out of money, everyone throws in $100, and on we go. Pull into the gas pump 2 by 2 on each side of the pump. Fill one, and while you're moving it out of the way be filling the next, and so on. Again, one pump (you can use 2 or 3 to speed things up), one bill, one guy cashing out and we're out of there. Lunch, the bar, the rooms, etc. it all works for us. Want to see an outfitter's eyes light up with joy - tell them one check for EVERYTHING - all the rooms, the bar tab, the gas, etc. 6 individual guys checking out of an outfitter trying to figure out who had 2 beers and who had 3 could take you an hour. It usually takes us 10 minutes. Watch 6 or 9 guys fill up and pay individually at the gas pump - you might be there a while. At the end of the trip we divvy up any money left in the bank. One year we had 5 1200's and 1 E Tec. I figured out the total miles, gas mileage, and the E Tec got a gas credit back from the bank. Anyway, over the years we've learned that it all works out in the end for us, and saves a ton of time.  You have to have a good group though .  If you can't do all 9 on one, at least make partners (roommates, or similar sleds, or something). Anytime you can cut down on the number of transactions, you'll be much better off. Good luck!

I usually have a big group with me. One year I had 14 (we didn't backpack until we were down to 5), last year 4 came as a surprise making us nine and that was worse because I already preplanned a whole trip for five.  And I can tell you unquestionably it is a pain in the ass. Everything you do takes longer. Getting trail passes getting gas paying for your meals checking in and checking out of the hotel. And the poor sucker who rides in the back never gets to take a piss because as soon as he shows up everybody else is ready to go. Then you have nine possible missed corners nine possible blown belts and so on. I read all the time about guys doing 200 300 miles, hell 400 miles in a day. I got guys bitching when we crack 180.  It's all part of the fun.
Your plan looks good to me. your last two days will be short if you divide them up to Quebec city and to Shawinigan.  That's OK some of the guys might appreciate it. I would stay at the four points in Quebec City. There's a few others too such as the Quebec inn I've never been there. 
As long as you are resourceful you will be able to find anything you need almost anywhere when you are not in the bush. If you have some people who like specific oils or other things you should probably carry that. Otherwise a lot of places carry two-stroke oil, iso for gas, spark plugs and even belts but not hotels. Some places you will be  getting gas are servicing cars as well so you might be in a town where you might be able to hit a mechanic shop or at Canadian tire or another kind of box store. 
In a breakdown situation use your heads and get the sled to a town or nearest road and figure out from there. Depends on where you are and what's closest.  It's very common for locals to help even when there is a language barrier. It's also common to pay for a roll back or pickup ride.  RIP Bernard. 
 You should pre-plan where you're going to get your trail passes by calling ahead. Make sure everyone has all of the information they need and the proof of ownership for their trail passes otherwise some group of you will have them and some won't. That's no fun but can be exciting. 
There's already another recent thread about packing for bag trips and you should look into the GPS and security precautions threads. 
Have a great trip. 

Funny stuff mike, memories!
No more racing Yamahas down the lake for you.

Get rid of 5 guys. Just kidding, kind of. The last time we had 10 guys on a trip, we had a hard time doing 100 miles a day. Not to say it cant be done, but somebody with a gun better be in charge. One or two slow goers in the AM and gas stops and meals can really slow thing down to a crawl. Plus 10 sleds,if not all in good shape? Now if you really know all of your group really well and think they can do it, go for it. Your day trips dont look too long, and there are many hotels and services on your route. Take some time on this site, many posts about the places you want to go,If you drop down a few posts there is a great write up on things to take saddlebagging. Good luck and have fun.

Day 6:  Wednesday Jan 18th
The plan for today was to sleep in & wake up without the alarm clock.  Got up to 22*F & overcast skies.  Had breakfast & suited up.  Pulled out on the sleds at 10:30am.   Took 373N over the top of LSJ & got on 93.  Continued south to Sainte-Monique & got onto 367.  Went by the old ScoobyRaid (Relais Mont Vilain) to see how it looks these days.  They have put in some much needed capital $$$ improvements there.  Continued on 367 & crossed the Saguenay at Shipshaw.  Decided to go to the Delta for the night so we could check up on Bill & see how he's doing after this past mondays mishap.  We spent an hour with Juliedele & Bill on the sofa in the lobby of the Delta.  He's one tough dude!  No hospital for Bill.  He's sore & a little bruised but will recover quickly.  Lucky he had his Tek Vest on!  I won't ride a sled without mine on.  Had a good dinner & crashed out in the incredibly comfortable beds.  Nice easy day.
233 miles

Day 7:  Thursday Jan 19th
Woke up this morning to 2" of fresh powder snow & 26*F.  Had breakfast with Bill & said our goodbyes.  Pulled out at 8:00am & headed back over the Saguenay at Shipshaw to the north side.  Took 367 to 328 thru all the potato fields to Begin & Labrecque.  Then took 555 to 93 & crossed back over the Saguenay in Alma.  Got on 23 & continued down thru the park stopping for fuel at Mont Apica & L'Etape.  Continued south on 23 to Saint Raymond & checked in to the Roquemont.  Don't you just love the water pressure in the showers here. NOT!  I think the pressure was much better years ago when the place was Hotel Coline.  Trails were excellent all day with the exception of the short feeder trail to gas in L'Etape.   I always enjoy 23 going downhill (southbound).  The scenery & views are stunning.
253 miles

Glad to see your on the mend . Wish you a speedy recovery!

Day 5:  Tuesday Jan 17th
There are "good" days of Snowmobiling & there are "great" days of Snowmobiling.  Today was an "EPIC" day of Snowmobiling!  Definitely a Hall of Fame day from beginning to end!  
Woke up at Motel Senabi in Senneterre to 12*F.   I always try to get one or two days in each of my trips where I head out on the days ride 1-2 hours before sunrise.   There is nothing like watching a new day develop from darkness to daytime while riding my snowmobile.  We pulled out at 6:45am under a clear, star lit sky.  Once we crossed the river next to the hotel we made first tracks on a perfectly groomed ribbon.  I knew at that moment today was going to be special.  Took 93N towards LSQ and witnessed a spectacular dawn of a new day.  Truly breathtaking & calming.  First tracks all the way to LSQ!  Took gas & continued on 93N getting gas again in Desmaraisville, Chapais, Relais Lac Cache, Scierie 54 & La Dore.  Trails were ridiculously good & fast.  Tons of snow up here.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky all day.  No wind!  We did not pass a single sled the entire day in either direction!  Perfect trails were there for only us to enjoy.  You can't make this stuff up.  Timing, luck, karma, call it what you will.  We were blessed for sure!    Arrived at 6:45pm at Hotel du Jardin in Saint-Felicien.
421 miles