neksledr

Up this morning early to check the grooming map, and it didn't look like we were in for a smooth ride! After a quick waffle and bowl of cereal, we are on the sleds at 6:55am, we need to get to Godbout in time for the boat. Much to our surprise.....the trails are fantastic. Ran off 70 quick miles and pull into Forestville for a splash of fuel. From there all the way to the Club Nord neige Relais bridge we we're first tracks, and met the groomer making his return trip. From there to the big bridge before Baie Comeau, the trail was a little used, but still super fast with minimal bumpage. Rolled into the Ski Doo dealer in Baie comeau to grab some oil for Molly's sled. Had 175 miles already and it was only 11:15! Topped off with fuel again, grabbed a quick snack and headed to Godbout. Have never run this section of trail before, and it was a blast! Nice rollers and some great scenery, and the sky opened up with some blue. Rolled into the parking lot where our yacht awaited us at 2:30 with 237 miles. Enjoying a few cold ones as I type on our journey across to Matane. An absolutely perfect day on the Doos!

Molly and I drove up from Vermont yesterday and landed at Berniers in Levis. Plan is to run two days up the Nord side of the St Lawrence, take the ferry from Godbout, and run two days back on the Sud side. The shuttle picked us up at 8am this morning (asked for earlier pick-up, but 8 was the quickest they offered??) At 8 on the dot our ride across the creek arrived. Out of the gate from Colibri the trails were groomed flat and fast. A layer of ice had formed on the newly groomed trail. We were running first tracks for the first 30 or so miles and loving every bit of it. We eventually caught up to a few 'tour' groups, but they were easily picked off and our pace improved. Ran hard all the way to Relais Le Michelieu where we stopped for fuel and a quick snack. Kept east on the 3 trail and was mostly good for another 65 miles until St Simone where we topped off the tanks. Did see an Iceman sticky on the jct sign before the gas, so I knew we were headed the right way. This is where hell broke loose! The next 45 miles up to the tadoussac ferry were sack smacking, kidney punching miles. Obviously, there is a groomer strike going on in this vicinity. After the ferry, the trail is groomed fresh as far as Sacre Cour, and then the remainder of the ride to Pelchat in Les escoumins is fast, but bumps in every corner. Overall, a pretty good day, but overshadowed by the 45 ass kicking miles! Pulled into Pelchat at 5pm with 261 miles, not bad considering. Plan to be on the trail early headed to the boat in Godbout for the ride across to Matane.

Glad you're back in the game Mike! Molly and I arrived at Berniers late this afternoon, looks like we missed Jeff and Sandy by a few hours. Taking the shuttle to colibri in the morning, then up to Les Escoumins at the Pelchat tomorrow night. Tuesday we will be on the trail early attempting to catch the ferry in Godbout before departure at 5pm! If that happens we'll spend the night in Matane, then head in your direction for wine and filet with you Wednesday night if your still in your office? Hope to see you! Terry

Wow! A not til nearly noon start and you still accomplished north of 200 miles riding two up!! That's impressive, thanks for bringing us along on the ride, and great pics.

ugh...not needed

That's awesome NH Moose! Thanks for keeping us in the game with you! Looking forward to the next report as we're headed to Pelchat Complex on Monday night from Levis

Another great report with lots of great pics Alain, thank you! Looks like the trails are holding up nicely. Great run!

Don, no Iceman stickers in those photos, what up?

599$

What about pics of your new beaver paws Jack!

It completely shocks me that the 1200 has been discontinued???

Molly and I left our camp in Averill, VT on Friday morning and crossed through Norton customs. Trails had been groomed perfectly flat and zero traffic. The fields and road crossings however were showing some snirt. Overall, great cruising, but very slippery in the turns. This was to be just a short test run for a Sunday ride when friends arrived. Came back through Beecher Falls and back to camp with 70 miles in just a few hours. On Sunday after friends had arrived we headed back through Beecher Falls with plans on running up to the Sawyerville Hotel for a beer and to watch a few laps of the race. There was 3-4 inches of fresh snow and the trails were perfect and fast. Still had to watch for ice in the corners, but that proved to be quite fun after lots of practice! Arrived in Sawyerville around noon to find the doors locked up tight! Apparently Sunday is a day of rest there. So, jump on the railbed of 55 and covered the 8km to Cookshire in what seemed like 60 seconds, Wow, that railbed is fast! However...Resto du Vieux Tonneau was closed as well, so no refreshments here either. Backtracked and took 55 west in search of an open establishment. While on the railbed headed back Molly and friend Julie had a couple of deer decide to cross in front of and between them as they were heavy on the flippers! Could have been a bad outcome, but everyone was fine. Only after arriving in Compton did we find an open watering hole, but no race here as the Olympics were taking center stage. After a quick break we jumped on the 521 and bee-lined for the Norton crossing. Only 125 mile trip, but the trails were fantastic and we met maybe 8 sleds total. There is a lot of fun to be had in the Eastern Townships for sure, and no competition on the trails.

As they say, shit happens! Good thing the log didn't end up in cab with you! Will be back your way early March, I'll bring a saw and take care of the pesky log!

Rut Roh JG! What happened, the window blow out at high speed? Don't worry, they make new ones every day!

Nice report NY Ski Dooer! Appreciate the intel on the eastern townships as I have a camp in Averill, VT and I skip across the border in Beecher Falls a few times a year. I am headed to camp this afternoon and will probably head over in the morning. Have had lots of great miles in that area, with very low traffic. Terry

Nice pics Mike, looks like your adapting well to this new life! Molly and I are doing a 4-day saddlebag loop from Bernieres starting March 5, shuttling across the river for two days, and back two days after taking the ferry from Baie-Comeau. Have reservations at the Universal on Wed the 7th, maybe we'll see you there! Keep up the great reports and pics! Terry

Trailblazer, what up? That last run through Gaspe burn your track off? Come on, looking for your report!

Mike, got a question for you......how many vinos / blue moons last night??? I think you might need to ease into this retirement buddy. That 'wolf' was probably just a neighborhood house cat that looked bigger at a distance! Congrats on your new life, and remember to bring a newspaper with you when you return home! Ride safe and have fun, will be looking for daily reports. Terry

Hi Jack and Sandi- Well, I can't comment on Sunday driving, cause that just hasn't been the norm this trip! I am learning to appreciate this sled a little more every mile though. We ran from Perce, to Gaspe, up to murdochville this morning on the same tank of fuel. JG and I took exactly the same amount of fuel this time. Maybe we have turned the corner on break-in and I (Molly) can expect better numbers. After close to 900 miles the last 3 days, I think this sled is ready to hand back to Molly! Short run back to truck in RDL tomorrow, then black trail home. Still undecided on what to order for next year!