neksledr

Steven....we ride, we take fuel, we take quick pics, no exceptions!

C'mon Don! Everyone here knows she's answers to Petunia!

I tried to find sugar pie all day, no luck!

March 8 / Day 3. So not gonna lie, the predicted weather was causing some panic as we sat on the south shore and temps in the morning were 35 and climbing through the day! Our plans of heading to the Rock didn't seem like a good idea. No problem, we'll head into the mountains and see what the weather does. The 5 is groomed perfectly as we depart Baie Blue at 6am and we are first tracking all the way. We break left onto the 595 and head towards LaCache. This was groomed yesterday, but was smooth and fast as you might expect. Pulled into LaCache, topped off fuel, and we were talked into breakfast sandwiches! We were 'Welcomed to the Palace' by the guy and lady working, great people! The crossover trail to Murdochville did not show any recent grooming, so we were hesitant to take it, but what the hell, off we went. It was very drifted in the first high points, which made for a lot of fun! Not a trail for those looking for smooth sailing, but if you're up for an adventure, send it! It got better over the top, and we actually met the groomer in front of a relais, but hood was up with hydraulic fan problems, hoping it worked out. On to Murdochville for fuel top off, quick pic of the Copper, and then on to Mount St Pierre. The mountain trails ran just fine, but when dipping down into towns, it was solid mashed taters! Very tricky on corners, and lots of extra spinning. Continuing on the 5 headed west the trails were really good going, with the exception of dropping into towns. After Relais Moulin the trails were stupid fast. The long straights were almost boring cruising at 75 and beyond! Just an an amazing day was had after initially worrying about forecast. Pulled into the Quality Inn in Matane at 5pm with 351 miles. Not bad first 3 days, well over 1000 miles!

Jean-Guy, sorry for your troubles and that we didn't get to see you, hope you got your laundry finished! Your part of the world is so beautiful, could never grow tired of the big wilderness. Maybe next time we'll see you! Terry

And.....food porn for Chris/Snowmaster!

So, up and out of the gate at 6am this morning, trying to beat the crowd. 2 other sleds beat us out, but we leap frogged with them most of the morning, couple nice guys from Maine. Took the 5 and trails ranged early on from good to wind blown and drifted bad. A freezing fog was sticking to our visors making visibility very tough for a while. The sections of trails that had been groomed overnight were incredible with a couple inches of fresh on top, really great riding. The ungroomed bumped up sections obviously not great, but they were short lived and gave us a taste of reality! Stayed on the 5 all the way to the 579 which ran us into the 587 and into Groomers clubhouse in Albertville. Great lunch there, and pics for Chris to follow! Asked if the bearded ex-groomer was around, but no luck! From there we took a few orange trails to get back on 5 east which was in Incredible. We did jump off left on the shortcut orange into L'Alverne, then onto Carleton-sur-mer where we'll spend night at Baie Blue. Another extremely fast paced day with great trails, shut the motors down at 3pm with 294 miles. Weather not looking promising for tomorrow as temps rising overnight to 35 in the morning. Will check maps in morning and plan the day. Very low snow here.

Trails were incredible Steven, made for an easy day! Hoping we catch some of the same luck headed east!

Mike, I asked for the mayors suite, and they said you were AWOL, so I got it, but tough shoes to fill around here! Sorry we missed you!

Left from camp in Averill VT this morning at 6am, pulled into Universal in RDL before 5pm with 373 miles ticked off. Easily the most incredible day of riding I have ever had, trails were an 11/10 all day long! We are only two, so pace was kept swift all day with gas and go's and a quick lunch. Didn't take many pics because of that, but I've got thousands of primo shots in my memory bank that I wish I could share! Plans are to head towards Gaspe in the morning and do some exploring. This place is packed with sleds, so need to be on seats early in the a.m.!

The fact your able to report to us is a great sign Chris, best wishes for your bud. And Byrd is spot on, toys can be replaced, people can't. Take care of yourself 🙏

I hear you! My wife usually only gets one, maybe two trips a year, she doesn't get comfortable until some miles build up every year!

Great stories and pics Don and Caroline, you guys hit it just right!

Me thinks that by Caro's description of Don's previous nights 'singing' that the Jack run dry!

Woah, wait a minute!! Chris, are you conceding that you may have in fact been 'the nut on the doo'? If so, this thread is ramping up big time, and we need more input from you! On a side note, give our best to loverboy and Petunia!

Great story Kendoo, and glad you gave moose their space, they are at their weakest at that time of year. And.....because I know others will be asking....any chance the 'nut' on the ski doo went by the name of Chris, or perhaps snowmaster?

'Petunia' and 'Lover'.......oh boy, this is gonna be a great story!

Wow Steven, incredible ride, report and pics, appreciate it!

Hmm.... I don't recall anything about the walk back!