revct1

This morning the wind has died down and the sky is beginning to clear.  It looks like a great day for riding.
We leave the Sag and take 367 to cross the two bridges.  We stay to the right on 134.  Today it has been broke and not too bad.  We are on our way to Mount Vilain so at 93 we turn left.  Ah, this was just groomed last night.  The sleds are warmed up and we are off.  Just before St Ambroise we turn right on 367 and it is still groomed.  This is Quebec grooming at its best.  All the way to Mount Vilain it is perfect.
A couple of sleds in the lot but its early.  We go in and have soup and coffee.  The workers here are as friendly as ever.  Looking out to the Canadian blue sky and the sleds parked in the lot, this is vacation!  The snow piles around the lot are already 5'-6' high.
We get back on our sleds and continue west on 367.  This part of 367 has had a little more traffic but is still wonderful.  Some light puffy snow has blown in over the groomed trail to make the ride so smooth.  I fall back a little from Sandi to stay out of the dust she's kicking up.  We jump on 328 and go to L'Ascension to top off the tanks.  We get back on 328 and run to Alma.  Many times this early in the season, this area can be thin but there is plenty of snow cover today.  We turn left on 93 starting to make our way back toward the hotel.  A little choppy around Alma.  After we cross over the 23 intersection, 93 smooths right out again.  This part of 93 is so much fun when it is smooth.  It has gently turns and a few rollers here and there.  Such a nice ride.
At Relais Montangarde, we stop and read the sign.  The relais is going to open Jan 6th.  Continue on to St Ambroise.  Its early so we turn left on 93 and run back up thru the potato field and return on 134, the way we came up this morning.  Back across the two bridges and back to the hotel.
Most of the trails were groomed last night.  Maybe so they don't have to groom tonight, New Years Eve.  
What a great ride today.  The riding this year compared to other years has been great.  For those of you that follow us each December know that we have had years that we had to trailer to Valinouet to ride.  Not so this year.
See you tomorrow and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Jack & Sandi

This morning the wind has died down and the sky is beginning to clear.  It looks like a great day for riding.
We leave the Sag and take 367 to cross the two bridges.  We stay to the right on 134.  Today it has been broke and not too bad.  We are on our way to Mount Vilain so at 93 we turn left.  Ah, this was just groomed last night.  The sleds are warmed up and we are off.  Just before St Ambroise we turn right on 367 and it is still groomed.  This is Quebec grooming at its best.  All the way to Mount Vilain it is perfect.
A couple of sleds in the lot but its early.  We go in and have soup and coffee.  The workers here are as friendly as ever.  Looking out to the Canadian blue sky and the sleds parked in the lot, this is vacation!  The snow piles around the lot are already 5'-6' high.
We get back on our sleds and continue west on 367.  This part of 367 has had a little more traffic but is still wonderful.  Some light puffy snow has blown in over the groomed trail to make the ride so smooth.  I fall back a little from Sandi to stay out of the dust she's kicking up.  We jump on 328 and go to L'Ascension to top off the tanks.  We get back on 328 and run to Alma.  Many times this early in the season, this area can be thin but there is plenty of snow cover today.  We turn left on 93 starting to make our way back toward the hotel.  A little choppy around Alma.  After we cross over the 23 intersection, 93 smooths right out again.  This part of 93 is so much fun when it is smooth.  It has gently turns and a few rollers here and there.  Such a nice ride.
At Relais Montangarde, we stop and read the sign.  The relais is going to open Jan 6th.  Continue on to St Ambroise.  Its early so we turn left on 93 and run back up thru the potato field and return on 134, the way we came up this morning.  Back across the two bridges and back to the hotel.
Most of the trails were groomed last night.  Maybe so they don't have to groom tonight, New Years Eve.  
What a great ride today.  The riding this year compared to other years has been great.  For those of you that follow us each December know that we have had years that we had to trailer to Valinouet to ride.  Not so this year.
See you tomorrow and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Jack & Sandi

This morning the wind has died down and the sky is beginning to clear.  It looks like a great day for riding.
We leave the Sag and take 367 to cross the two bridges.  We stay to the right on 134.  Today it has been broke and not too bad.  We are on our way to Mount Vilain so at 93 we turn left.  Ah, this was just groomed last night.  The sleds are warmed up and we are off.  Just before St Ambroise we turn right on 367 and it is still groomed.  This is Quebec grooming at its best.  All the way to Mount Vilain it is perfect.
A couple of sleds in the lot but its early.  We go in and have soup and coffee.  The workers here are as friendly as ever.  Looking out to the Canadian blue sky and the sleds parked in the lot, this is vacation!  The snow piles around the lot are already 5'-6' high.
We get back on our sleds and continue west on 367.  This part of 367 has had a little more traffic but is still wonderful.  Some light puffy snow has blown in over the groomed trail to make the ride so smooth.  I fall back a little from Sandi to stay out of the dust she's kicking up.  We jump on 328 and go to L'Ascension to top off the tanks.  We get back on 328 and run to Alma.  Many times this early in the season, this area can be thin but there is plenty of snow cover today.  We turn left on 93 starting to make our way back toward the hotel.  A little choppy around Alma.  After we cross over the 23 intersection, 93 smooths right out again.  This part of 93 is so much fun when it is smooth.  It has gently turns and a few rollers here and there.  Such a nice ride.
At Relais Montangarde, we stop and read the sign.  The relais is going to open Jan 6th.  Continue on to St Ambroise.  Its early so we turn left on 93 and run back up thru the potato field and return on 134, the way we came up this morning.  Back across the two bridges and back to the hotel.
Most of the trails were groomed last night.  Maybe so they don't have to groom tonight, New Years Eve.  
What a great ride today.  The riding this year compared to other years has been great.  For those of you that follow us each December know that we have had years that we had to trailer to Valinouet to ride.  Not so this year.
See you tomorrow and we wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Jack & Sandi

Hi RR.  It does kick up some snow AND I'm getting better mileage than Sandi's 1200 but you really don't buy this sled for mileage.

RDL area looks really good for this early in the season.  We know you will make the best of it.  Happy trails RR.
Jack & Sandi

Hi David.  Not many miles on the 850 yet but it does feel good.  Sandi and I keep a sled for three years and then trade it in.  This year was my turn.  I've stayed with two strokes but toward the end of last season, I was giving it serious thought to go four stroke 1200.  Sandi has had three 1200s and they have been great.  We swap back and forth and I could go either way.  The no oil and longevity had me leaning to the 1200 but then BRP came out with the 850.  
Oh crap, BRP had to do that.  Now I've got to try at least one 850.  So here it is and the Gen-4 chassis with the 850 is quite the set up.  Sandi rode the 850 a little yesterday and she favors her 1200.  I favor the 850.  Maybe that is why there are so many choices when it comes to sleds and other toys.
I would think anybody that likes the 800 e-tec will like the 850.  I look at it as 800's big brother.
Jack & Sandi

Today the groomer website shows 367 as being fresh groomed so we head toward the two bridges at Shipshaw.  We will try Mont Valin.
367 is groomed.  We cross the two bridges and turn right on 134.  The snowmobile trail isn't even broke but the quad trail is perfect.  We make a mistake (oops) and run the quad trail a few miles to the water tower.  Ah ha!  The groomer turned around here.  The snowmobile trail is terrific.  We run up to 93 and turn right toward St Honore.  This stretch is so nice, straight and fast.  Time to get the 850 to stretch its legs a little.  Not fully broken in yet but it feels good.  We stay on 93 to Valinouet.  A little choppy in some of the corners but pretty good overall.  Here we top off the tanks and continue on 93 to La Chappelle.  Around Valinouet it is typical, a little rough from the extra traffic on the hill.
At La Chappelle, we have a couple of cheesburgers all dressed and take a break watching the crazy off trail videos that are always playing the TV screen.  The snowflakes are starting to fall.  We decide to head back down the same we came up, 93.  A good ride back.  A few snow squalls on the top of the mountain with some pretty good wind.  Most of the trail is good with a few choppy areas around Valinouet.  As we get back down on the flat land, the snow lets up and we cruise back to the hotel.
Snow predictions for tomorrow are all over from 10 cm to 50 cm.  The weather forecasters here are like in the States, they don't seem to be able  to agree.  Time will tell.
Have a good night everyone.
Jack & Sandi

OK.  I meant to talk about the 850 but supper was calling.
Now this isn't to turn the thread into this sled vs that sled.  I try to keep my reports about the trail conditions.  This is for all those that are wondering how the Gen-4 850 is.  We have a Gen-4 850 Renegade X.  It replaced my 800 E-tec Renegade Adrenaline.  Yes Dave the 850 was the first sled out of the tent during the fire.  It just happened to be closer to the door than Sandi's sled.  
With only one day on the 850, I can say if you liked your 800 E-tec, you won't be disappointed with the 850.  In my humble opinion, the Gen-4 handles and rides better than the 800.  The suspension feels more balanced from front to rear.  It is peppier and does pull very smooth.  I won't say anymore because I just don't have many miles on it.
Until tomorrow's ride, good night.
Jack & Sandi

Now for today's ride report.  
We leave the Sag and head east on 83.  The snow depth is a little thin in the corners but it is December.  A little bumpy but it had been groomed within the last couple of days.  We turn right onto 368.  Running along and a few miles in - oh boy.  That is a groomer approaching us.  Today may be good.  The fields by Evasion are nice.  We can see where it was drifted before the groomer made his pass.  Oops.  The groomer came from his house on the left just past Evasion.  A little rougher but still good..  
We stay on 368 all the way to the 23 junction.  Time for a quick break.  Oh look at that.  23 was groomed overnight.  We turn right on 23 and it is perfect.  A few sleds have already been on it but very nice.  Not much traffic.  We run all the way up to Presbytere for lunch.  Soup and a club sandwich and back on the trail.
We head back down 23 and turn left onto 83.  Not perfection but good.  At Relais Grenouille, we cut across the corner of Lac Kenogami heading towards Jonquiere.  We get off the Lac and it is not groomed.  Oh well.  Maybe the trail will be groomed where the local trail comes down from 383.  Wrong.  
We saw the good now we are seeing the ugly.  This hasn't been groomed at all.  Here are a few wet spots in the swampy areas.  That is why Mr Groomer hasn't made an appearance yet.  We are 10 miles into this and it is bad.  The local trails running back up to 383 aren't even broke yet.  We stay on 83.  It could always be worse.  It could be raining too.  We get to local trail 6 and it is finally groomed.  Salvation!
The ride into Jonquiere and back to Chicoutimi is much smoother.  We tank up and put the sleds away for the night.
Note to myself.  Remember that 83 is not groomed early in the season because of the swamps.
Time for a little food in the tummy.
Jack & Sandi

OK.  I meant to talk about the 850 but supper was calling.
Now this isn't to turn the thread into this sled vs that sled.  I try to keep my reports about the trail conditions.  This is for all those that are wondering how the Gen-4 850 is.  We have a Gen-4 850 Renegade X.  It replaced my 800 E-tec Renegade Adrenaline.  Yes Dave the 850 was the first sled out of the tent during the fire.  It just happened to be closer to the door than Sandi's sled.  
With only one day on the 850, I can say if you liked your 800 E-tec, you won't be disappointed with the 850.  In my humble opinion, the Gen-4 handles and rides better than the 800.  The suspension feels more balanced from front to rear.  It is peppier and does pull very smooth.  I won't say anymore because I just don't have many miles on it.
Until tomorrow's ride, good night.
Jack & Sandi

Nice ride Gary.  The Claremont Express is such a good trip.
Don, Sylvie was our server tonight.  She was working by herself with quite a few tables.  The wait staff here in Quebec always amazes me.  They almost run from table to table.
Jack & Sandi

OK.  I meant to talk about the 850 but supper was calling.
Now this isn't to turn the thread into this sled vs that sled.  I try to keep my reports about the trail conditions.  This is for all those that are wondering how the Gen-4 850 is.  We have a Gen-4 850 Renegade X.  It replaced my 800 E-tec Renegade Adrenaline.  Yes Dave the 850 was the first sled out of the tent during the fire.  It just happened to be closer to the door than Sandi's sled.  
With only one day on the 850, I can say if you liked your 800 E-tec, you won't be disappointed with the 850.  In my humble opinion, the Gen-4 handles and rides better than the 800.  The suspension feels more balanced from front to rear.  It is peppier and does pull very smooth.  I won't say anymore because I just don't have many miles on it.
Until tomorrow's ride, good night.
Jack & Sandi

Now for today's ride report.  
We leave the Sag and head east on 83.  The snow depth is a little thin in the corners but it is December.  A little bumpy but it had been groomed within the last couple of days.  We turn right onto 368.  Running along and a few miles in - oh boy.  That is a groomer approaching us.  Today may be good.  The fields by Evasion are nice.  We can see where it was drifted before the groomer made his pass.  Oops.  The groomer came from his house on the left just past Evasion.  A little rougher but still good..  
We stay on 368 all the way to the 23 junction.  Time for a quick break.  Oh look at that.  23 was groomed overnight.  We turn right on 23 and it is perfect.  A few sleds have already been on it but very nice.  Not much traffic.  We run all the way up to Presbytere for lunch.  Soup and a club sandwich and back on the trail.
We head back down 23 and turn left onto 83.  Not perfection but good.  At Relais Grenouille, we cut across the corner of Lac Kenogami heading towards Jonquiere.  We get off the Lac and it is not groomed.  Oh well.  Maybe the trail will be groomed where the local trail comes down from 383.  Wrong.  
We saw the good now we are seeing the ugly.  This hasn't been groomed at all.  Here are a few wet spots in the swampy areas.  That is why Mr Groomer hasn't made an appearance yet.  We are 10 miles into this and it is bad.  The local trails running back up to 383 aren't even broke yet.  We stay on 83.  It could always be worse.  It could be raining too.  We get to local trail 6 and it is finally groomed.  Salvation!
The ride into Jonquiere and back to Chicoutimi is much smoother.  We tank up and put the sleds away for the night.
Note to myself.  Remember that 83 is not groomed early in the season because of the swamps.
Time for a little food in the tummy.
Jack & Sandi

Looks good Andy.  We've been looking at the snow depth coverage and the season is off to a nice start.  Lets hope it stays this way and we can all get some miles in.  Happy riding.
Jack & Sandi

We always like new trails.  Good to hear for a change instead of losing trails.
Cheers to the club for all their efforts.
Jack & Sandi