revct1

Very, very nice. A monster of a lift. We haven't been in that area in awhile but we may have to make a trip there next season to see the bridge. I'm hoping the Federation has some permanent rights to the approaches for the bridge. Everybody out there, respect the trails. Please. Jack & Sandi

Would rent a car work? Use the car to go to St Michel with the 2 drivers and then drive both vehicles back to Roberval. Rent a car starts and stops at Roberval. One day rental. Jack & Sandi

Hi Mike. Glad to hear the trip wasn't a washout. The FCMQ map showed some riding where you found it but limited or closed west of RDL. What a short season. Jack & Sandi

Hi Chris, I haven't seen that Relive app before. It is really neat. Was there much of a learning curve to it? I'm thinking taking pictures. Does it use up much battery in the phone while you are using it? Do you just start the app and put the phone in your pocket? Do you need to keep the phone plugged in to charge? I'm a little bit of a dinosaur when it comes to new tech stuff. Thanks for posting. Thanks, Jack & Sandi

Hi Don. Sometimes after the day's ride it is tough to sit down and bang away at the keyboard but it is worth it. I like reading your posts too and all the other folks that contribute. It keeps our community together. Hope you can get a little more riding in. Have a great summer. Jack & Sandi

It was great seeing you guys too. Last year we didn't make it so this year was a little more special. I think we got the best of the short season. Let us know what your schedule is for next year. Stay healthy. I'll send you a PM or e-mail later. Jack & Sandi

Hi Jeff & Sandy. I can't click on "Likes" either. One of my laptops I can and the other one I can't. I also can't go to the next page in a thread. I have to back out and click on the page I want to view. With that said, we hope to see you next season. I was told you couldn't make it this year. Sorry about the situation. We have been there too. I don't know if we will get another trip in this year. Take care. Jack & Sandi

Good morning Don and Mrs. That 518 is a well kept secret. Don't tell too many people. Everyone is in a hurry and they take trail 5 to make time. We have found over the years, the green and yellow trails do not have the traffic and are frequently the crown jewels of the area. It is not the miles any more. It is the smiles we love. Jack & Sandi

We are back from today's ride. We went out 383 to St Bruno and then the local trails to the bridge in Alma. From there to Relais du Lac and back to the Delta via 93. Most of the riding was still OK but it was warm. In the woods, it is still good but the road crossings, the fields and the south facing hills are turning from snirt to dirt. Any road running is pretty bare. It is forecast to stay above freezing overnight and thru tomorrow. Then the temps are suppose to drop but still no snow or only a centimeter or two. A storm is what is needed after this warm up. There are still areas that have decent snow and very rideable but you may have to go thru some bad stuff to get there. The groomers are still out and managing to do the amazing with what little snow they have to work with. I don't think they will be out tonight since it is going to be warm but they may prove me wrong. We are loading up and heading home tomorrow. We were going to head home Sunday but decided not to ride tomorrow and take the black trail instead. If we don't come back up again, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe year. Jack & Sandi

Looks like it was a good ride. Thin in spots as expected but the groomers are doing their thing for us. Nice pics. Jack & Sandi

Yesterday we did a ride to Mt Apica. We rode 83 east to 368. Both of these trails were fine. 23 to Apica was getting beat up. A lot of sleds run 23. After lunch we ran back up 23 to Hebertville for gas. With the sun out and the temps getting warmer, the south facing hills are showing some dirt now. In the woods the trails are still good. We then took 383 all the way back to the Delta. This was fine since most of 383 is in the woods. We are going to ride today but it is forecast to be above freezing today, tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow a little rain. We are thinking of heading home Saturday instead of Sunday. Next week the temps are back to a more normal range but still not much snow in the forecast. A few centimeters but no big storm. A very dry winter. Jack & Sandi

Yesterday Sandi took a day off. Dave and I went out for a little toot. Once again the groomer map showed most trails done overnight. We took 83 west to St Bruno and then 23 north. 83 was fine. 23 is showing the lack of snow thru Alma. A lot of snirt where the trail runs in town and across the bridge to 93. When we were at the bridge, I recalled the first time Sandi and I were there many years ago. The trail stopped in a small park just before the south side of the bridge. This was way before many of the businesses were there. There was a pay phone in the park. Remember pay phones? The trail map had a phone number printed on it to call for the transport. A dime went in the pay phone and I called the number. I don't know where the phone rang but it was answered and I was told the transport would be there in a few minutes. If I remember correctly, a van with a trailer came over the bridge to transport us and the two sleds. It wasn't much money. A couple of dollars per sled. He brought us across the bridge and dropped us off at the Tourist Center's parking lot. Off we rode. Boy things have changed but that shows you how into snowmobiling the Quebec people were and still are. Back to our ride. There was a club member checking trail passes at the intersection of 23 and 93. A quick look and he waved us thru. I like the little re-route around Alma that was done a few years ago. It gets the trail out of the yukky stuff in town. As we approach the intersection of 93 and 367, I see a dozen sleds parked. Must be a group of newbies reading the trail sign. Nope, I see two Police officers checking sleds. Odd to be out on a Wednesday. Usually weekends are better since there is more traffic. The officer asks for the paperwork for the trail pass. He checks the pass number on the paperwork to the number on the sticker on the sled and waives us on. Its good to see them out checking. Of course we weren't going over the speed limit as we approached them. The 8 mile stretch of 93 along the power line is fun and we turn left onto 367. It is starting to snow a little. What a pleasant sight. Not hard but a nice light snow. Just enough to kick up some snow dust into the air. We pull into Vauvert just to see that it is closed on Wednesdays. Off we go on the local trail to St Jeanne d'Arc. There is a bar on the local trail just before St Jeanne. We stop to see if they have food. Just beer. I wasn't sure of the French but he may have said food on weekends. Off to St Jeanne and we tank up the sleds. Back on 93 towards St Augustine. Relais Érablière is open. I haven't stopped here in a long time. It has been closed whenever I've rode by. Good stop for lunch. Not many choices but soup and an all dressed hamburger with fries of course is fine. Back down 93 to the 367 intersection. The Police have left their post. We turn left on 367 and run along to Evaion Peribonka. Right on the local trail and then 328 thru Begin. All nicely groomed. At 93 we turn right and work our way back to the two bridges and back to the Delta. Another lovely ride. Around Alma and back in Jonquiere the trails are showing some snirt. No snow in the forecast and worse that that, it is warming up for the weekend. I think north of the river and down thru the park should be fine. In town, the road crossings and parking lots I imagine will be showing more pavement. The big fields are thin on the hills and corners. Quebec desperately needs some snow. Jack & Sandi

Not much in the forecast for snow. This weekend there is going to be a little precipitation but the temps are going to be right around freezing. A little snow or a little drizzle? It has been three weeks since any significant snowfall in Quebec. Jack & Sandi

I'll practice loading a picture. This is from the other day on trail 383 / the old local 22. A lot of logging has been going on. The trail is way off in the middle of the picture.

Today we had a very nice ride. A little short so we could get back to the Delta to visit with the new arrivals from across the pond and Michigan. The grooming map looked excellent this morning. We took 83 east then 368 all the way to 23. 83 was very good and 368 we haven't been on for awhile. It has been rerouted from where it crosses autoroute 175 to 23. It is wider and more open now. Such a great improvement. 23 was groomed to perfection also. We then took 83 back to the Delta. Not much traffic on the trails today. Probably being a Monday. Many more trailers at the Delta now and saddle baggers coming in each night. Starting to feel like winter. Finally! Jack & Sandi

We are at the Delta but we booked it a month ago. Last year we couldn't get a Wednesday night too. Try La Sagueneenne in Chicoutimi 800-461-8390. Bar, restaurant and pool. It changed ownership a few years ago so I can't say good or bad. It is on a spur off of 83 about 1 mile in. The spur ends at the backside of the Hotel. There is an Ultramar on the spur. Turn right just before the back of the Ultramar. Follow the trail behind the businesses then it crosses route 175 under the power line. La Cage and Comfort Inn is to you right. Continue on the sidewalk and follow the tracks. You are almost there. La Montagnais is also over there but not quite accessible by sled. Jack & Sandi

That is true about MichRev. Sandi and I will see you this afternoon.

It's after breakfast and the decision was to make a small loop and come back up thru La Baie and see the fishing village. 83 south it is. A few miles out and 83 crosses autoroute 175. Straight thru the intersection and the trail goes into the field. A change here. The trail keeps going straight instead of left into the woods. It runs a good mile and then goes thru a couple more fields. Nice and open. We come to a stop sign and this is where the cul-de-sac for Chicoutimi joins. A little easier running. You don't go behind the houses any more. That is part of the cul-de-sac now. Then we are back on the old 83. Good running along and we turn right onto 368. The trail has been a little bumpy but enough snow. No trouble with dirt. A few miles in and the groomer for Laterriere made a pass from here last night. We turn left on 383 still following the groomer's path. We are first tracks now. What a nice ride this is. Crossing back and forth over the quad trail. The quad trail is on the old road that went to the old Relais Boullanaise. I know I must have missplet that. The trail gets cranky after the old Relais. Still groomed but tugging back and forth on the handlebars. We pull into Ferland for coffee break. A few sleds and quads outside. Sunny day and mild temps. What a great day for riding. We continue south on 383. Just after Ferland, wow has this area been logged. Much of it has been clear cut. A lot of nice scenic views. The trail has been changed around here too. It's following the access roads for the logging operation. Nice gentle sweeping turns. The up and downs are too big for big trucks. Maybe its access for the smaller equipment. 383 now cuts back up to 83 on what was the old local 22 trail. It joins 83 near the spur to St Felix. 383 no longer goes straight south to 83 where there was a warming hut. 83 is used but in decent shape. We haven't seen too many sleds today. I would have thought there would have been more traffic for such a nice Sunday. At the little bridge for the cutoff to La Baie, Trail Security is checking sleds. They have 3 sleds stopped and the younger riders are pulling out paperwork. Oh oh for them but good for us. One of the Security workers motions for us to continue on. Into La Baie and gas up the sleds. We cross the road and get on the local trail that runs on the walking path. Slow going here of course. In town and it is narrow and bumpy. We jump down onto the bay and see the fishing house scattered all around. A lot of activity but as we approach the north side, we notice no fishing village! The signs are up and the lot markers are here but no fishing huts. The only thing I can think of is the bay was so late in freezing thick enough, the trucks and tractors used to pull the houses onto the ice weren't allowed on the ice. I don't know. A disappointment because it is really cool to see the village. We get off the ice and back on the trail. Oh my is this bumpy. I don't think this has been groomed this year. The red stakes are in the ground and the stop signs are in but no grooming. Rough is being polite. About 8 miles of torture and we finally join back onto 83. The rest of the ride back to the Delta is nice once again. We get back early enough to trailer Jason's rental back to Evasion. Overall it was a nice weekend for them. Tomorrow they drive back to Connecticut. Sandi and I are here for the week. Can't wait to see Pat and Gary. They should be on a plane right now coming across the pond. See you tomorrow. Jack & Sandi

What could the conversation be? I'm low on gas. Is there a station nearby? My son just got his first snowmobile and I'm showing him the trails! I was out late last night at Joe's Bar & Grill. I'm avoiding going by the Police Department! Is this the way to Tim Horton's? My wife is in labor and this is the shortest way to the hospital! Jack & Sandi

I woke up at 2 am during the night. Boy was it foggy out. It has cleared off now, 6 am. Today is a short day. Jason has to have the Evasion rental back at 3:30 pm. We won't go near Mont Valin on a weekend. That is just asking for torture. We had enough bumps yesterday afternoon. We will discuss a ride at breakfast. Jack & Sandi

The grooming map looks good. They were out in force last night. We head back up 373 the way we had come in. We wanted to go to the zoo but couldn't find the trail for it yesterday afternoon. Today as we head north on 373, we see the auto road for the zoo but no signs or snowmobile trail leading to it. One would have to run the side of the auto road to get to the zoo. Carry on. We go by Relais des Buttes and turn right to cross the river. Instead of the local trail to Dolbeau like we came in on, we turn left and head towards Normandin. The trails are fine this morning other than a little thin in a few corners. Nothing to get concerned about. Turn right and go thru Albanel and then head south towards Dolbeau. Just before Dolbeau at the intersection of 93 and 901, there must be 20 - 25 sleds here parked all over the trail. The maps are out and they are looking at the signs. Come on guys, at least pull over to the side of the trail so others can get thru. We get past that mess and continue on. Nice riding to Relais Vauvert. Good spot for a coffee and bathroom break. Quite a few sleds here. Most of the riders are almost as old as me. They must out taking the wife for a ride. Great day to do it. After Vauvert, we take the local trail to St Jeanne d'Arc. This trail is always nice. Not much traffic and it is well groomed. After Relais Erabliere the trail is getting rough. Still enough snow but just a lot more traffic. Its getting pretty bumpy into the truck stop. This place is full. There has to be 50 sleds here. No wonder the trail is beat up. A good lunch as always and off towards the big bridge on 373. This is a very scenic trail but everyone must be heading to the bridge. The trail is showing a lot of wear. First time we are at the bridge and it must be Happy Hour here. Got to be 25 sleds before the bridge and another 35 sleds up on top of the hill overlooking the bridge from the east side. Everyone is stopped, taking pictures and having beverages. I'm sure they aren't consuming alcohol. We stop and no beverages for us but I have to take a few pictures. I'll try loading a couple. I usually don't have very good luck doing it though. Quite an impressive bridge. Back on the trail. Very rough going down 482. As we get further away from the bridge, it smooths out a little. I decide to take 328 to the east and then 134 south to the two bridges. 134 is perfect most of the way. The last 10 miles or so get rough again and the snow is thin on the hills and corners. Not as much snow the closer we get to Jonquiere. We cross the bridges and get back to the Delta. The best riding was from Alma to St Felicien yesterday and then today from St Felicien to St Jeanne d'Arc. A lot of traffic the closer we got to the east side of Lac St Jean. It is the weekend and many people were out. Lets see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks guys. This season had such a late start, it is good to get a few really nice miles in. We are here for a week. No snow in the forecast and temps are OK until the end of the week. Then it is suppose to get warmer! Its February and we are in Quebec not Connecticut. It should not get above freezing. We shouldn't need the suntan lotion. I imagine sled sales will be down this year due to the short season and lack of snow. Maybe there will be some good deals on left over sleds next year. I know we won't have the miles we usually put on. Back to the Delta after breakfast today. Jack & Sandi

We have returned from supper. So this morning, we wake up and look out the window from the tenth floor of the Delta. Sandi, all of the vehicles out in the parking lot have snow on them. Maybe an inch or two. Not a lot but we will take anything Mother Nature will give us. A good breakfast and we load up the sleds and head out. Sandi's son, Jason, and his wife, Yushen , are with us. Not a lot of snow, a few inches, but the trail has been groomed and really not much snirt. Just a little at the top of a rise or in a corner but better than what we were expecting. We head for the two dams. Just before the two dams is the scale house by the gravel pit. The trail did go straight to the dams and 383 went off to the left towards Spence Ski Doo. The trail no longer goes straight. You have to turn left and about 1/4 mile there is a hard right, signed, to go to the two dams. Easy enough to follow but it made me think for a second. Be careful of the hard right. There is a good drop off to the side. The trail to the dams hasn't been groomed in a few days but is in decent shape. We are heading to St Felicien so after the dams we go left on 367 instead of taking Pickle Park. The trail is good. Thru what were the scrubby pines which are now really tall, the trail is very good. Cross by Geant Trailer and we turn left on 93. Oops, detour around the Crevier station. It is closed and there is the temporary construction fence around it and an excavator in the parking lot. Looks like that station is coming down. Not too far into 93 and it bears off the old trail and heads south. I remember this from last year. 10 miles of a still young new trail and it is twisty, narrow and bumpy. This is not what Quebec is known for. Finally we get to road crossing. I see a sign that says St Charles 2 km. We cross the road and get on the old St Charles trail heading back to the warming hut where 93 used to join in. The trail is much better now. Sit back and enjoy the ride Sandi. The further we go the better it gets. The new section of 93 around Alma where the auto road was expanded is nice. No more bumpity bump in Alma. That is history now. Time to tank up at St Henri. The Petrocan is an easy in and easy out. Good bathroom break for the ladies. Now the trail is really getting to feel like Quebec. The trail thru the fields is wide, flat and fast. The sun is out bright and it is a beautiful day to be riding. A fair number of sleds are out. Everybody is behaving and staying on their side of the trail. Cruising down the 8 mile stretch of power line after St Monique. A little bit of chatter in the trail but still a beautiful ride. We turn left on 367, the Peribonka trail I like to call it. All of this is just gorgeous riding. We have found where all the snow is in Quebec. Maybe it isn't as deep as it usually is but it is smooth. We pull into Relais Vouvert for lunch. Only 3 other sleds here. What a beautiful day. My phone rings at lunch. Who could this be? Oh, I won't say my "friend's name" but he was scheduled to be with us but changed his mind at the last minute thinking the trails would be bad. I tell him how bad the trails are so he won't feel like he is missing a really good ride. More snow for us. Back on the sleds and ride on. We cross the river at Dolbeau. Turn left on 901, local trail to St Felicien. We catch up to 3 slower sleds. I take my time thru the woods here and stay behind them. We get to a nice open stretch and we carefully pass and give a thank you wave. Making good time thru here. These yellow trails are always well kept. We cross the river at Relais des Buttes. Boy is this place packed. There has to be 30 sleds here or more. No need for a break now. We run down 373 and pull into Hotel du Jardin. It has been awhile since we have been here. A lot of businesses along the road. The first time we were here, this was all empty fields. We came in from the back side of the hotel back then. What a difference but I'm dating myself now. That was a time when snowmobiles had pull ropes to start them and reverse was tuggin' on the rear bumper. It looks like no snow in the forecast but the temps are going to stay below freezing. We head back to the Delta tomorrow. See you then. Jack & Sandi

Hi Don. I wasn't sure about the bridge crossing in the middle. We have never crossed it after all these years. We took the north trail to Relais des Buttes and then came down 373. We checked out the bridge crossing in the middle (auto route 169) once we got to the hotel and there is a dedicated lane for the sleds. This time of year there were also many tracks crossing on the ice below the bridge. We may have taken the south crossing that you circled a long time ago. That was OK way back then. I'll post later about trail conditions. We have reservations for supper. Yum! Gotta go for now. Jack & Sandi

Now that it is after 6 AM, the grooming map has been updated and I couldn't ask for anything better. It is showing purple all over, groomed last night. Even here in Jonquiere it shows groomed. Just a little bit of blue, groomed within 24 - 36 hours. The St Felicien ride should be fine. The weather forecast is -9C now and -5C during the day with very light wind. Does anybody know about the snowmobile trail crossing the river at St Felicien? We have always crossed the river north of St Felicien to Relais des Buttes. The FCMQ shows a trail going directly to St Felicien but it is crossing the river via auto route 169. Is that a transport or does the trail have a designated lane like in Alma? Thanks. Jack & Sandi