SnowCrazed

Hi Mike, had a Polaris Sp Assault 144 last year with the 600.  All you need is a clutch kit from NSP and get at least 15mpg all the time.
And alot better performance. With the 12 gallon tank, I did over 170 miles a couple times.  I used Klotz at $39 shipped to your door.
I'm using Polaris VES this year with my SKS 146 at $37 from my dealer.  Ran 4 strokes for years but having fun again on the 2 strokes.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Tom,       I came up a week, gave myself another week extension, and now another three day extension. Going home Wednesday AM for sure. May need a 'go fund me' for this trip. lol                
I can't believe how good the riding is. Even RDL has good snow cover.

Beautiful trails all day. Brutally cold.
One of the pics I'll post is a guy who probably started for the tunnel coming towards RDL and saw how bad it was. Hit reverse and went too far backwards. Must have happened last night. Then a first this afternoon. Stopped for speeding. Saw I was from Maine and asked if I knew the speed limit was 42. Said yes. Said he got me at 98. First thought was damn mice under the hood on Viagra again, then wondering how long I would be in jail. Then I realized he gave speed limit in mph and my speed in kilometers. Whew, only 18 over. Told me to slow down and waved me through.
mike
 

It was nice meeting you in your office last night Mike. 
Snowdogs in the middle. 

Where as Maine got clobbered with snow, you have made a good decision. The drive to RDL is long and just plain sucks for a short stay.  Retirement is the only answer!  But ooooh that hot tub after riding.
 

MPG might be much better with the 129 (vs my 137) and no studs. I get the Poo oil for a whole lot less than $50 (and the Doo oil isn't all that much cheaper)!!
It's time for a change buddy!!

Polaris Snow Check is pretty impressive with all the free colors and options of upgrades, and that some are free is pretty impressive.

I want to give an update on the advertising situation regarding the Universel Hotel to all QR members.  But again, I don't want this to divide us as members, but just want to keep all in the loop as to what has transpired.
First, I donated the money for the advertising of the hotel to QR,  feeling this might make it an easier decision for the hotel to get on board, and if the hotel was happy with the results they would become a yearly member.
Secondly, I told the QR administrator that should the hotel not sign up, the money I paid would turn into a donation to QuebecRider.
Third, I met with the VP of the hotel. She was very nice and seemed interested. Afterwards, I let the QR administrator know that he should contact the hotel VP as it would appear it might be she is interested and knows that an anonymous member has paid the first year of advertising for the hotel.
The last I have heard, the QR administrator was having problems with his e-mail and thus was not able to contact the hotel VP. I have heard nothing since,  but I assume he has been working on this issue and will eventually have some news, one way or the other.
Thanks,
mike
 

I went to the NH Snodeo Friday and rode the new 900 Turbo in the Grand Touring, Adrenaline, Enduro and X versions. Wasn't very crowded so I kept riding them over and over. Also tried an 850 Enduro, 850 Backcountry X Renegade 147, XRS 850 gade, X 850 gade, mid-season MXZ 600R and the Blizzard 600R. I really wished they had a non-turbo 900 in the gen 4 to try...
My impression of the 900 Turbo is if you have a 1200 now, you will be very happy and/or love the 900T. Great power, no turbo lag, can't even hear the turbo, sled gets quieter the faster you go. It should be no surprise, the 900 Tubro feels very heavy compared to an 850 or 600 in the same chassis. In general, I find the Gen 4 steering to be heavy feeling (it certainly is heavier than the steering on my Pro S Switchback) and the 900 T compounds that. Of the four versions I rode, I felt the "X" package rode the best.
I also got to try the new Oxygen helmet out on the trail. It is noticeably lighter than the Bv2S and quieter (there is additional sound protection in it). I didn't find a great improvement of left and right visibility but the visibility looking down is amazing. Heated visor and plugged in is mandatory (or cracked open). I closed it not plugged in and it started to fog right up.
My favorite sled of for the conditions and trail type was the Blizzard 600R. The mid-seas MXZ 600R is way too stiff for my likening. The new 600R is very different than the older 600 e-tec. Most notable is no engine breaking like the older 600.






 

I shot a GoPro video of my ride on the "X" model 900T. This is the shortened version. I get roosted by the 900T in front of me and shortly after that was where I could stretch it out a little. It was not pinned.
 

A late post for yesterday.  Our last day on the sleds.
We leave RDL and take 85 south.  So smooth with only a little bit of chatter.  We stop in Cabano for gas and continue south on 85 to Degelis.  Here we turn left onto 571 and work our way up the east side of Lac Temiscouata.  We haven't been on 571 before and it is a nice wide trail.  Looks like it is on logging roads or roads that are closed for the winter.  A few maple sap farms along the way.
We stop in Squatec for lunch.  While we are waiting for the food, in comes Oilman and his brother.  They are also out enjoying the day.  It is good to see you guys.
After lunch we head back to RDL in the same fashion as yesterday.  571 north, 544 to 85 and in to the Universal.
Sorry for the short post but we are loading up the truck and heading back to CT.
For those of you on Gaspe, keep an eye on the weather.  It looks like some snow coming in this week and next.  Good for the trails and bad if it blows around and drifts.
Happy trails.
Jack & Sandi

I went to the NH Snodeo Friday and rode the new 900 Turbo in the Grand Touring, Adrenaline, Enduro and X versions. Wasn't very crowded so I kept riding them over and over. Also tried an 850 Enduro, 850 Backcountry X Renegade 147, XRS 850 gade, X 850 gade, mid-season MXZ 600R and the Blizzard 600R. I really wished they had a non-turbo 900 in the gen 4 to try...
My impression of the 900 Turbo is if you have a 1200 now, you will be very happy and/or love the 900T. Great power, no turbo lag, can't even hear the turbo, sled gets quieter the faster you go. It should be no surprise, the 900 Tubro feels very heavy compared to an 850 or 600 in the same chassis. In general, I find the Gen 4 steering to be heavy feeling (it certainly is heavier than the steering on my Pro S Switchback) and the 900 T compounds that. Of the four versions I rode, I felt the "X" package rode the best.
I also got to try the new Oxygen helmet out on the trail. It is noticeably lighter than the Bv2S and quieter (there is additional sound protection in it). I didn't find a great improvement of left and right visibility but the visibility looking down is amazing. Heated visor and plugged in is mandatory (or cracked open). I closed it not plugged in and it started to fog right up.
My favorite sled of for the conditions and trail type was the Blizzard 600R. The mid-seas MXZ 600R is way too stiff for my likening. The new 600R is very different than the older 600 e-tec. Most notable is no engine breaking like the older 600.






 

I went to the NH Snodeo Friday and rode the new 900 Turbo in the Grand Touring, Adrenaline, Enduro and X versions. Wasn't very crowded so I kept riding them over and over. Also tried an 850 Enduro, 850 Backcountry X Renegade 147, XRS 850 gade, X 850 gade, mid-season MXZ 600R and the Blizzard 600R. I really wished they had a non-turbo 900 in the gen 4 to try...
My impression of the 900 Turbo is if you have a 1200 now, you will be very happy and/or love the 900T. Great power, no turbo lag, can't even hear the turbo, sled gets quieter the faster you go. It should be no surprise, the 900 Tubro feels very heavy compared to an 850 or 600 in the same chassis. In general, I find the Gen 4 steering to be heavy feeling (it certainly is heavier than the steering on my Pro S Switchback) and the 900 T compounds that. Of the four versions I rode, I felt the "X" package rode the best.
I also got to try the new Oxygen helmet out on the trail. It is noticeably lighter than the Bv2S and quieter (there is additional sound protection in it). I didn't find a great improvement of left and right visibility but the visibility looking down is amazing. Heated visor and plugged in is mandatory (or cracked open). I closed it not plugged in and it started to fog right up.
My favorite sled of for the conditions and trail type was the Blizzard 600R. The mid-seas MXZ 600R is way too stiff for my likening. The new 600R is very different than the older 600 e-tec. Most notable is no engine breaking like the older 600.






 

I went to the NH Snodeo Friday and rode the new 900 Turbo in the Grand Touring, Adrenaline, Enduro and X versions. Wasn't very crowded so I kept riding them over and over. Also tried an 850 Enduro, 850 Backcountry X Renegade 147, XRS 850 gade, X 850 gade, mid-season MXZ 600R and the Blizzard 600R. I really wished they had a non-turbo 900 in the gen 4 to try...
My impression of the 900 Turbo is if you have a 1200 now, you will be very happy and/or love the 900T. Great power, no turbo lag, can't even hear the turbo, sled gets quieter the faster you go. It should be no surprise, the 900 Tubro feels very heavy compared to an 850 or 600 in the same chassis. In general, I find the Gen 4 steering to be heavy feeling (it certainly is heavier than the steering on my Pro S Switchback) and the 900 T compounds that. Of the four versions I rode, I felt the "X" package rode the best.
I also got to try the new Oxygen helmet out on the trail. It is noticeably lighter than the Bv2S and quieter (there is additional sound protection in it). I didn't find a great improvement of left and right visibility but the visibility looking down is amazing. Heated visor and plugged in is mandatory (or cracked open). I closed it not plugged in and it started to fog right up.
My favorite sled of for the conditions and trail type was the Blizzard 600R. The mid-seas MXZ 600R is way too stiff for my likening. The new 600R is very different than the older 600 e-tec. Most notable is no engine breaking like the older 600.






 

This morning we go down to breakfast and look out at the low lying clouds on the ridge.  It is -3̊  C.  The cars and sleds are covered with dew.  Not a good sign but it is March.  After breakfast we load up and take off.  The game plan is to head to and make a loop back.
We work our way out of RDL and at Les Adventuriers we turn right on 5.  All good.  The trails have been groomed and no rain.  We turn left on the little connector to trail 526 and cruise to Les Explorateurs.  Cross the road and get on 35 the rail bed.  This had some attention last night also.  Things are coming together pretty good.  Sit back and run the rails all the way to Tourville.  A little choppy in some of the corners but very nice.  Too early for lunch at Tourville so we take a break with a couple of coffees.  The sleds are starting to roll in here.  Smile for the camera Sandi.

After our coffee break, we head south on 55.  Stop at St Pamphile for gas and head back on 557. 
A stop at Auberge du Lac de L'Est sounds good for lunch.  557 is good.  We take the spur down to the Lac and oh oh!  No more building.  Fire!
I'm having problems uploading the pics.  I'll finish later with the pics.
For now, today's ride was good.  The snow is getting thin near the St Lawrence but still fine up in elevation and in the woods.
To be continued.
Jack & Sandi
 

10 year run, not too bad......

I always like looking at the new iron.  I ride and buy mostly Polaris it has always worked for me and my ridding style.  With alot more Quebec miles planned now instead of ridding tug Hill and beating up my body the new turbo has my interest but not at more money than a 850.  That is disappointing.

Hi Mike.  Sandi says you are coming out of your shell.  Retirement is doing you well. 
We might try to schedule something for the beginning of March at RDL also.  We are at the Delta right now.  We are going to give Sandi's 1200 a run tomorrow and see if the anti-freeze leak is fixed.  Lets cross our fingers.
Jack & Sandi

Pics from the past two days.  Have occasionally been going by trees that look like they have white and red bells hanging from them. Turns out of be bunches of red berries covered with snow.
Also to pass along, east of RDL, the rectangular area between the St. Lawrence and trail #5 east, there are many green and secondary trails in this area that are little used and quite nice and can be a secondary route to make your way east on a busy weekend. Have been exploring these and I like 'em.  Access them by taking trail#85 N couple miles from hotel.        
mike
 

If mike ran out of gas, it wouldn't be the first time!

Mike: You don't have to out run the wolf just Joe... 😏

Thanks Viper.    The picture of the wolf track is pretty clear, what isn't clear is that is the front of my size 13 boot next to the track, which, knowing that, shows how big his paw is.
I wasn't scared, I was waving Joe to pull up real quick so he could see it, and because if the wolf was hungry, Joe is bigger than me.
mike

Very sad to part ways with Mike today. I tried to get him to come...Really nice ride over here to Amqui. Got here around 2 and went out for a 50 mile loop. 
Jack and Sandy, I had a great time riding and hanging with you guys. Really hope our paths cross again this season!!
Lets see if I can get pictures to load from an iPad...
 

With all these retirees I’ll probably have to get a second job to pay in enough social security they can enjoy their hobbies 

Nice color combo on that sled Terry