viper2

I guess if Miquelan is closed you would have to ride into Waswanipi. We did that years ago on our first trip up there just to be safe, its pretty far off the trail but if you have to it's there.

Thanks for the report Alain, looks like things are shaping up. Hopefully it stays cold.

Hi Skip, I agree with Snobeeler, and def. ask how conditions are at LeCabanon, there are 5 or 6 groomers run out of their lot so they know what is what. As a rule of thumb north is usually better early in the season more snow and less traffic. I would start with an easy run the first day like down to Mattawin and if you are feeling up for a big day head to Kanawata or even Casey. Let us know how you make out.

Nah, I don't think that's it 'cause that is loading fine ;)

Great news

Don't worry about it Alain, I think my computer is acting funny right now, between the x box and netflix my 15 year old son is dragging my speeeeeeeeeeeed doooooooooooownnnnnnnnn.

Thanks, I have been riding Quebec trails for over half of my life and probably been on 90% of them. I won't really be using this like I would in my car when travelling on an unknown road but more like a backup when something doesn't seem right.

Just keep in mind they don't go green until the trails are 100% clear,marked and groomed at least once. So hopefully the snow is starting to pack down and it will only be a matter of a week for many areas..........Let's keep our fingers crossed

thanks again for the info. Jack, the sad part is I have been using an etrex legend for quite a few years for hunting. I guess one of my problems is I really don't know for sure what I am looking for out of a GPS on my sled. I really am not going to spend any time before a trip trying to map it out because we don't ride that way, we get as far as we do in a day weather that is 175 miles or 375 miles then we stop and get a room. I always figured I had to follow the trail markers anyway so why a GPS but we have gotten ourselves into trouble before and it would be nice to have some backup. I don't know I just hope I don't get myself into more trouble with this thing. Anyway it will be a fun new toy for sure.

Thanks for the report Alain! Looks like the season is finally starting, I don't if it's my computer today or what but the pics were very slow to load but very much worth the wait after a long hot summer.

Looks like 18 cm on that above listing. Hopefully the Tamarac will post.

Hi Chris, welcome to Quebecrider. There are plenty of gas stops up there, I recommend going on the FCMQ site and in each region you can request a trail map. The regional map shows alot more detail esp. services than the main Quebec national map. If you can go at least 100 miles on a tank you will be OK just pay attention and know which ones you can't pass. I have done that trip often, although I do prefer taking the 369 from lac du Repos instead of staying on the 33 through Manwan. It is a little longer but usually much better trail. Gas can be had at Repos,Lac Chateauvert,Casey, and Parent. This route from St. Zenon is about 275 miles to Clova. From Clova you can usually gas at Balbuzard Sauvage then Lac Faillon, and Senneterre. If you are going to take 93 from Senneterre toward Chibougamau you should gas at Lebel sur Quevillon. After that there always has been gas at Miquelan and I would definitely top off there. I think it is like 90 or close to 100 miles from there to Chapais where the trail passes right pass the gas station. A word of caution, the 93 from Quevillon to Chapais is an abandoned rail bed. You will have to leave the bed at Miquelan to gas so watch for it. The gas is 100 yds. off the trail but if you are flying you will miss it. After you pass Chibougamau there are only 2 fuel stops before Ladore, you may be able to pass the first one but you must stop at the sawmill it is referred to as Scicerie 54 and the trail passes right through. Then you can easily make it to LaDore. If you do take the 33 on the first day all the way to 13 then on the way home you should take 83 west from St. Hedgewich over through relay 22 past Wemotaci (all of these are gas stops) then watch for 369 south. This trail is def. one not to miss, usually great conditions and scenery. There are rooms at Kanawata, Chateauvert, and Repos as well as gas. If you think you want to stay at Kanawata call ahead it is a beautiful place but sometimes books up. Good luck and let us know how it goes. P.S. we like pics

Hi Chris, welcome to Quebecrider. There are plenty of gas stops up there, I recommend going on the FCMQ site and in each region you can request a trail map. The regional map shows alot more detail esp. services than the main Quebec national map. If you can go at least 100 miles on a tank you will be OK just pay attention and know which ones you can't pass. I have done that trip often, although I do prefer taking the 369 from lac du Repos instead of staying on the 33 through Manwan. It is a little longer but usually much better trail. Gas can be had at Repos,Lac Chateauvert,Casey, and Parent. This route from St. Zenon is about 275 miles to Clova. From Clova you can usually gas at Balbuzard Sauvage then Lac Faillon, and Senneterre. If you are going to take 93 from Senneterre toward Chibougamau you should gas at Lebel sur Quevillon. After that there always has been gas at Miquelan and I would definitely top off there. I think it is like 90 or close to 100 miles from there to Chapais where the trail passes right pass the gas station. A word of caution, the 93 from Quevillon to Chapais is an abandoned rail bed. You will have to leave the bed at Miquelan to gas so watch for it. The gas is 100 yds. off the trail but if you are flying you will miss it. After you pass Chibougamau there are only 2 fuel stops before Ladore, you may be able to pass the first one but you must stop at the sawmill it is referred to as Scicerie 54 and the trail passes right through. Then you can easily make it to LaDore. If you do take the 33 on the first day all the way to 13 then on the way home you should take 83 west from St. Hedgewich over through relay 22 past Wemotaci (all of these are gas stops) then watch for 369 south. This trail is def. one not to miss, usually great conditions and scenery. There are rooms at Kanawata, Chateauvert, and Repos as well as gas. If you think you want to stay at Kanawata call ahead it is a beautiful place but sometimes books up. Good luck and let us know how it goes. P.S. we like pics

Thanks Jack, I went with the SD card I ordered it today. Last night I updated my maps and software, I can't believe when you buy the 550 it doesn't come with the USB cable. Luckily I had one that fit the GPS. Thanks for everyone's help on this one now I just have to get a mount.

Thanks Farmer I'll make sure and do that I'll check that out, thanks Thanks Jack will that same mount fit the 550?

Thanks Jack, I did shoot an e-mail to TrakMaps to find out if I go with the SD card would I still get the reduced price to upgrade say in a year or 2. Price really is not what I am trying to weigh here it seems either way is the same and I am not in a hurry as I won't be heading up till the end of the month I just want to get something going.

Thanks for the help, which RAM mount do you have? I went on their website but there seemed to be so many. Are there any made for sleds or just bikes? I realize there probably wouldn't be much difference but I never really looked at one mounted on a sled. I have an 09 Apex.

Is there any advantage to getting it that way other than being in a hurry for it? I was thinking of going with the SD card.

Thanks Shane, now if I buy the trakmaps do I still need to download any thing else like Mapsource or a map of Quebec? And even if the answer to that is no is thereany reason why I should or is that part of the SD card?

Anyone have anything new to add to this? Just got a nuvi 550 ,Merry Christmas now I have to figure the best approach to maps. I am not real savvy with all the tech stuff and it seems there are a few different directions to go here, free, paid SD card etc. I just want the easiest to use and setup, I think I remember something about trakmaps on here too? I have an etrex legend that I have used for hunting for a few years so I am not totally lost. Until now I never really saw the need for a GPS for snowmobiling but I think it could be neat gadget to have esp. if we get off the beaten path. Thanks for any help, I figure this post started a few years ago maybe there have been some changes or things to stay away from.

I don't know, but according to the snow depth chart there isn't a flake anywhere near there. :angry:

One little trick to try is just say you will sleep on the couch in the lobby, they come up with options real quick

Hello Alain! can't wait to hear your trail reports and see your pics. I enjoyed the pics you took on the bike this summer and the new bridge. The new bridge is surely not where I thought they were going to put it but I guess it's better this way to hit all trails. I do miss the old trail thogh on thesouth side of the river. Have a happy and safe holiday

He He getting an itchy trigger finger there iceman I think you didn't check the date of tha first post.

Do youself a favor and drive a little farther, not just for the security but also the trail conditions. Stay away from Berthierville Shawinigan not that great either and Mt. Tremblant is not snowmobiler friendly at all. Years ago alot of people left from St. Donat but in my opinion its too hemmed in. I would go at least to La Glaciere, they have secure parking as does Le Cabanon. Real Masse is another option, I prefer Le Cabanon they have probably the ultimate location, you can park there and stay and ride different trails each day and come back to a nice bar and heated pool and hot tub or you could do a saddlebag trip from there and be in Clova or relay 22 in a days ride. And I don't think they would charge you anything to park in the corral esp. if you stay at least 1 night. Oh they also have a separate corral for the sleds.