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Cobra

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  1. Haha
    Cobra reacted to Pipemaster in Sing along everyone ! !   
  2. Like
    Cobra reacted to snowmaster2112 in Gaspesie23   
    Life doesn't get any better 

  3. Like
    Cobra got a reaction from PLAYHARD in QuebecRider.com contributing memberships   
    Received my invoice via email today, all paid up with tip. Thanks again to all hard working people behind the scenes on making this site the BEST on the net👍
  4. Like
    Cobra got a reaction from PLAYHARD in QuebecRider.com contributing memberships   
    Paid invoice along with tip. Thank you to all the hard working people behind the scenes on making this site the best on the Net.
  5. Like
    Cobra reacted to wng-2 in Tour De La Gaspésie 2023   
    Myself and two friends completed a Clockwise Gaspe loop this past week. The three of us first did this trip in 1997. Hard to believe it's been 26 years. 300 mile days were the norm then, 200 is appropriate now. We unloaded in Monticello, Maine Tuesday the 7th, and rode to Fort Kent. Wednesday morning we crossed the border into New Brunswick and headed West until we grabbed the Quebec 561. This trail hadn't been done in a while, but was good going. We hit the 35 and made our way to Mont Joli, and stayed at the Quality Inn. Good trails and weather  all day. The next day we continued East  and stayed in Mont St Pierre at Le Delice. Good trails all day.  This place seems to have declined a bit  over the years. I never stayed at the other hotel, but I have understood that the Delice is nicer. Friday we continued East in light snow, trails were great , but the weather blocked some of the most beautiful scenery of  the peninsula .As we got out to the end of the peninsula, the snow became heavier, and visibility was poor. The snow became deeper in the trail. We headed into Riviere Au Renaud for fuel. The trail  through the long field is not staked and was invisible. Fortunately I had been there before, and my GPS showed us the trail. The trail into the gas station was completely drifted in. We decided not to risk that, and took the stump trail to the Caribou Inn. We were able to get a room, so we stopped there for a short day. We took the road up to the gas station for fuel and essencianial beverages. The food at the Caribou is very good, rooms are just ok. The next morning it was still snowing. It appeared that a total of pretty near a foot had fallen.  We hoped that the crew  of big sleds would break trail back out to  trail 5 for us, but they weren't moving. We decided to try it around 0900. We got out of there without issue, and trail 5 had been broken. We quickly rode out of the snow into Sunshine, and the trails were great. When we reached Chandler, my 2021 Viper threw a "C1600" alarm. We pulled into the Motel Chandler. It looked deserted. Beatrice came to the door, and I asked if I could use the wifi. A quick google search revealed the code had to do with an open circuit for the thumb warmer. Everything else worked , and all fuses were good. I was satisfied I could just run it. In the meantime, Beatrice called the dealer, who was closed on that Saturday afternoon. She was making other calls for us. By this time it was after three O'Clock. We had already determined that there were no rooms at two hotels we called in New Richmond. We decided to stay there. While we were enjoying a "Pepsi" in the room, Beatrice came to the room with information from one of her call backs regarding the thumb warmer, and to run it. The restaurant at the hotel was closed. Beatrice drove us to and from the Dixie Lee for supper. Very nice lady that went out of her way to help. We tipped her well. One other note about that Saturday. We rode into the Skidoo dealer in Gaspe around 10:30 to find it closed. No store hours were listed on the door, and three vehicles pulled into the parking lot apparently expecting it to be open. This suggests  that this is not the norm, but it wasn't very convenient either. We were able to get some Skidoo oil at the fuel stop in Grand Riviere. Sunday was breakfast on the trail at a club house, and spectacular trails all the way to Pointe-A-la-Croix. There is a poorly marked intersection just East of the city that can easily put you on the orange trail bypassing the city. We had a nice room and meal at the Interprovincial, and fell asleep with the Stupid Bowl tied at 35. Mundles towing took across the bridge after breakfast. New Brunswick 17 was  perfect for an hour or so. 37 Klick East of Kedgewick , the trails turned to junk for a couple hours. Disappointing after a nice week in Quebec. Probably just bad luck, but New Brunswick never seems to fail to disappoint. We crossed the border at Van Buran Maine, and zipped down to the Hampton Inn Presque Isle on good trails.  An Hour flat to the truck Tuesday morning . Stopped at the Yamaha dealer in Topsam, a Tech came out and separated the plug in the center of the handle bars, and determined no power going to the thumb warmer from the switch. This makes the switch suspect, with all fuses good. If anybody has ideas on that, I would appreciate it. Overall great trip. I don't get tired of that region. Some photos at the link below.
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZV7t71fobf8xD1r89
     
     
     
    http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_112053478_HDR.thumb.jpg.f36d6ca9de10625ca7ebefaeacb447c4.jpg
    http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_112117742_HDR.thumb.jpg.a47ad492f05631160c4343fdd40124d6.jpg
    http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_122832758_HDR.thumb.jpg.31cc159607cf6beb7a47e1543638489f.jpg
    http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_122839865_HDR.thumb.jpg.0c335b6633ef15480043ffb456bfc504.jpg
  6. Like
    Cobra reacted to snowmaster2112 in Champlain/Gazoduc/Zec Tawachiche photo ride-report february 11, 2023   
    Alain, such beautiful pictures and what looked like a PERFECT Quebec snowmobile ride day. Saturday no less...LOL
    007    "No one does it better" ....than Alain & Kristine   !!!!!
    Thanks SO much mon ami for the report and pics. Gets me excited for trip to Gaspe soon. Have not done in quite awhile and really look forward to it. Will be nice to get out of the bush for a change...LOL
  7. Like
    Cobra reacted to viper2 in LeCabanon/St. Zenon trip   
    Sorry forgot to post the last day, Day 4 Thursday. Decided to do a shorter day so we could get loaded up for home Friday morning. We took 63 West to St Zenon then continued to LaGlacier. Trail groomed nice to LaGlacier but rough after there. Trail passes through a forestry operation and there is about a 1/2 mile on the plowed and sanded logging road. This is the smoothest section of 63 Lol. Go down past Bazinette still rough. Finally groomed again at St. Emilie and we continued to St. Damien. There we picked up 23 and took it to 350 to Koubek’s for lunch. After lunch headed up 345 and back to LeCabanon 130 miles for the day. 750 miles for the 4 day trip. Trails mostly good some great and some rough. This area as always has a lot of traffic and gets used by a lot of tour groups. We still like it for the simple reason there are a lot of different loops that can be made from one spot and a lot of great places to stop trailside. They usually get very good snow as well and many use it as a gateway to the Quebec North








  8. Like
    Cobra reacted to dooright in Tour du Lac , Team Vermont   
    It's been like 5 years since we've looped the lake  
    This past Tuesday 2/7 we landed in Saint Raymond with a" normal " trail ride in mind . 
    Off Wednesday morning heading to the Delta like so many others 
    As Dave said,  We're actually staying in a place with a thermostat and a reliable shower  😄
    Super conditions,  2-8 of new over decent trails with blue skys most of the day 
     







  9. Like
    Cobra reacted to towing in St-Côme ice sculpture festival pics ride report   
    Last sunday we did a ride at St-Côme ice sculptures festival. I would have prefered a sunny day for pics but we got a gray and snowy day with comfortable winter temperature.
    We did the ride from home which  finally looks like that

    We had just got few very deep cold days and the trail base was hard as a rock very nice

    snow had continue to accumulate

    There is a small trail section shared with ATVs and they don't groom their trail, they plow!

    The Sculpture festival was just started and most ice art works were not completed, more work in progress but the festival continue for the 2 next weekend so those who will have the chance to go will see even an better exposition than us. Again the gray day gave deceiving pics but it give an idea of what it looks like


    In the middle of the village there is a large life-size fresco in construction under the western theme


    this boat is quite impressive

    This festival is always a great snowmobile destination in Lanaudière, trail #343 crosses right in the middle of the village so you can't miss them. you still have until February 19 if you pass in this area.
    We looped back home by getting on the #63 trail and went south.


    The trail over Riviere Noire in St-Jean de Matha wasn't safe yet and we had to pass on the road bridge. I was scared a bit by looking at those slushy sled's tracks but I heard from non officials sources that they had staked the river this week.

     We finally got back home at the end of afternoon with another 232kms of good sledding in my neck of the wood!
    After few days in arctic cold the temperature seems to stay warmer than usual but it is not the snow that is missing! still snowing actually, may have a bit of rain tonight but not an issue for sure. It's  the best time of the season to enjoy!
    Alain
  10. Like
    Cobra reacted to towing in Joliette/ Lac Blanc outfitter /Koubec photo ride-report January29,2023   
    here the ride we did Sunday January 29 under a temperature of -12C with snow

    Left St-Thomas near Joliette around 9:00 AM to go have a lunch at the Lac Blanc outfitter near St-Alexis des Monts.
    Despite the snow, the visibility in the distance was correct, we could easily see the stakes, but it was difficult to see the relief of the trail. Luckily,all trails had been freshly groomed and with the deep cold night the conditions were perfect.

    As usual in these snow conditions, visibility was almost perfect in the woods

    Since the snow had just started, we chose to do the most fields section in the morning before there were too many snow blades. Here on #3 in St-Cuthbert.

    This weather reminded me of when I was a kid and the school closed due to snowstorm and i was spending the day at playing in the storm.

    It ride extremely well, perfect trail. We went through the #63 and then took the #350 in the St-Paulin sector.

    To note in this sector, the gas station in the village of St-Paulin is closed on Sundays.

    The trail was nice and beautiful snowy scenery


    We arrived early around 11:15 for lunch at the Auberge du Lac-Blanc

    It was wise to arrive early, the service was fast and impeccable and it was more busy when we left an hour later.

    Although we had to come back home early for a family dinner, since it was still early we were able to stretch the ride a bit by going north on the trail à Gaston (#350 northwest).

    Again, very cold temperature helping, the trail was mint and the beautiful 3" layer of snow that gave a smooth ride in powder

    The little 900 ace is a lot of fun to ride in these mint wooded trail conditions.

    The snow cover is getting impressive in Lanaudière/Mauricie, in the good ones that we have had for several years

    We quickly pass by  Koubec 

    And went back down south via trail #345 which was perfect.

    We went through the Mandeville sector

    I was tempted to take the marked trail on Lake Maskinongé but with the snow and the wind my sweetheart was not very comfortable with my plan so we kept on the land trail

    The trails were a bit more rough in  St-Gabriel sector but I was not surprised because I had read they had a major breakage on one of their 2 dozers at the end of the week and they only have one left to groom their entire territory.
    We went back down to the St-Cuthbert sector where we resumed the morning trail path to return home. There were more snow blades in the fields but it was still riding well

    We were quickly back home around 3:40 p.m. with 232kms of happiness on the meter
    The season is now with outstanding conditions and we finally have some real cold to freeze the trails and make them more solid. I expect the few rivers that were not safe yet to be ok by the end of the week with the weather forecast ahead.
    Gentlemen, start your engines and go!
  11. Haha
    Cobra reacted to MrGutz in Zec Martin Valin   
  12. Like
    Cobra reacted to snowmaster2112 in Fer a Cheval   
    I all seriousness ...it could have been bacteria in/on the salad. Swear to god I got a guy I work with who refuses to eat any greens because he is convinced the Mexicans are shitting/pissing on it in the picking fields. 
  13. Sad
    Cobra reacted to scorpionbowl in Lac Blanc   
    I was surprised to see this, I've always had a good time at Lac Blanc. These people must not be members of QR, or they would know how and why you lock everything up...
     

  14. Like
    Cobra reacted to towing in Joliette/Grand-Mere by #3/#63 trails photo ride-report January 15, 2023   
    Here is the ride we did last Sunday

    With the good snowfall on Friday followed by a mild temperature night, we already knew that the trails conditions would deteriorate  quickly under the effect of traffic, so we postponed our departure to Sunday. We launched directly from the home in St-Thomas de Joliette on Sunday morning under a beautiful sun and a temperature of -15C.

    Superb winter conditions, very hard frozen groomed trail  giving ideal conditions. Here on #3 towards Berthierville

    The wood sections were very snowy

    Nice encounter on this winter morning


    The La Chaloupe river is ok but stay in the marked trail!

    We continued on #3 to the east with perfect conditions

    Another great encounter! they weren't nervous at all, just happy to run outside

    In the St-Barthelemy sector where the trail get souther the snow was a little swept but on an icy base it ride very well

    I chose to keep #3 and go through Maskinonge village instead of #63 which goes through St-Justin. It's good but there is a section of 500' swept away where you can see the dirt. In the afternoon we came back by St-Justin on #63 instead and it's more snowy

    Here Ste-Ursules sector


    We are used to heading between #3 and #63 via St-Sévère but the Rivière du Loup that we have to cross direct on the ice is not safe yet so we opted for #63 trail

    We took a break on the beautiful site of the Magnan Falls in Charette

    The falls are usually completely frozen but this year you can still see the water flowing


    We continued on #63

    And took the #3 towards St-Étienne

    And crossed the St-Maurice on the #3 at the height of La Gabelle. A few slush spots but it's marked and rides well

    The east side of the St-Maurice was a little rougher but still ride well and the snow cover is very good

    We stopped to eat at pizzeria du Lac at Lac à la Tortue near Grand-Mère.

    After a good meal break we left and retraced our steps on the same route with a few exceptions. Here in the area of Notre Dame du Mont-Carmel

    We did a pitstop in St-Étienne. Unlike past years where the trail passed in the yard between the gas station and the BRP NC dealer, the trail this year passes behind NC and you have to take a very short trail to go to gas or at NC

    We saw this impressive dogs team on the way back, there are 2 wide...

    We took a break again at the Magnan Falls in Charette but at the top of the falls this time

    As I said at the beginning it's rare to see the water in the falls it's usually all hard frozen

    We then continued west. The trail conditions had deteriorated a little since our lunch but from the fork of the #350 St-Paulin sector it became very beautiful and fast again until St-Cuthbert.

    Here a snow bridge not far from the village of Ste-Ursules

    We took the #63 to go through St-Justin, it was superb

    We came across the Dozer de St-Barthelemy without the drag which was at finishing some work on the trail

    We went through St-Norbert to come back, the trail was more bumpy from the traffic but it was ok

    We were back home around 4:30 p.m. with 322kms (200miles) of happiness on the meter!

    I know that most of you won't ride that south but the good news is that the trail network enlarge and is getting more and more connected to spread the traffic through. There are few rivers mostly along the St-Laurence river that are not ready yet. St-Maurice river is crossable but the trail on the river is not ready yet. The interactive map seems pretty accurate now on the trail condition. 
    If we can keep getting January like temperature it will be perfect...
    Bye!
    Alain
  15. Like
    Cobra reacted to Snobeeler in St-Zenon photo ride-report January 6, 2023   
  16. Like
    Cobra reacted to towing in St-Michel des Saint/Marineau Mattawin photo ride report January 8, 2023   
    Thanks Daredog! We get used to the skidoo, I was knowing from the beginning that the Yammy+Expert-X Boivin rear skid combo would be hard to replace and it is the case. I enjoy the 900ace touring until I encounter a rough trail section...not that the skidoo is not good and I improved it with 3 Elka shocks but the Expert-X was at the next level... The skidoo shine as for fuel usage/increase mileage range and the heated seat is a great addition that Kristine and me are both enjoying more than expected when it's very cold.
    I left you a small musical clip put together from this last ride image
     
  17. Like
    Cobra reacted to dooright in Team Vermont mid week travels   
    SMDS up to Windigo today,  various conditions but all pretty decent early season riding . Nice lunch at Camp de  Casey , Norm is no longer there but the new guy Rafael seems a excellent addition.  83 has a reroute east of Wemotaci , passing by a nice lookout over the river and village.  Apparently we're the first overnight guest here at Windigo for this season Martine tells us ! 








  18. Like
    Cobra got a reaction from iceman in Here kitty kitty   
    JUST SEND IT!!!!!!🤣🤣🤘
  19. Haha
    Cobra got a reaction from quebec bob in Here kitty kitty   
    JUST SEND IT!!!!!!🤣🤣🤘
  20. Like
    Cobra reacted to Snobeeler in St-Zenon photo ride-report January 6, 2023   
    Today between Cabanon and Mattawin.



  21. Like
    Cobra reacted to towing in St-Zenon photo ride-report January 6, 2023   
    Under a cloudy sky with a little snow/-2C we made this ride yesterday January 6, 2023 in St-Zenon area through the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve starting from St-Gabriel de Brandon

    As a drop point we chose the parking lot of the Multifunctional Center 111 Chemin du mont Lanaudière (it's the road just past the Highschool) which is an official parking lot for trailers and the trail pass just aside. We arrived a little late and parked on the roadside in front of it. 

    Despite the last thaw there is still a lot of snow, the conditions are good here in the field in St-Damien.

    Even the big hill in climbing on the mountain was nice with barely a couple browning snow spots , otherwise very good. Given the traffic there were a few bumps but it ride very well.

    We passed the Renard Bleu outfitter

    The road is plowed farther this year but has been widened and our trail is next to it. We just have to cross it a couple of times as the trail change of side otherwise it's fine.


    the snow cover is very good


    From the #23 we then took trail #350 east.

    After this thaw I was expecting to ride on very hard trails but no there is a good layer of loose snow on top , thick enough that the skis were not even bite the trail hard base most of the time. Very good conditions


    Passed the junction for the #23 towards the Cabanon we continued on the #350 towards Koubec with even better trail conditions

     

    We stopped for lunch at the Relais Koubec (Outfitter Mastigouche)


    It's been a while since we stopped eating there. It was very good and quick and their huge double-sided fireplace in the center of the dining room always impresses me!

    After the lunch break we continued in the Mastigouche reserve. I did a round trip stretch on #23 eastbound. We passed the junction for the trail to Gaston (#350 towards Lac Blanc)

    Before turning around and continuing on #23 westbound


    The section of #23 which comes to reconnect on the #345 (towards the Taureau dam) is less used and as usual it did not disappoint us with its good condition and beautiful fast sections.



    There had been more traffic on the #345 towards the Cabanon. The snow cover remains good even if there are a few spots of more brownish snow in the few km that leave the forest road and which had been reworked with a bulldozer just before the season.


    We stopped to fuel up at Auberge Le Cabanon


    And we went back down to our starting point via #23 trail

    Real Masse outfitter, which had major problems with their plumbing and water distribution system during an extended power outage (christmas storm) is not open and the trail goes straight, trail not groomed yet

    the #23 south of #350 was weared from traffic and was bumpy on the way back south, especially in the section maintained by St-Charles club

    The last section groomed by St-Gabriel club was better but the traffic had still done its job. With the announced cold and grooming, it will come back good because the snow cover is good.

    To summarize,  the storm of December 23 had left impressive amounts of snow, the following thaw packed it down to give us a solid base for the trails and the last snow put some cream on the cake which gives very good conditions. There are still a couples of not frozen small ditches and you can still see the remains of fallen /damaged trees but the ride we did was very nice overall. 
    Trail opening and grooming is still underway, I know that from St-Zenon or Mattawin it is possible to go to Pourvoirie Repos. Kanawata wrote their trails was open (4January) and Alliance du nord club that groom norther on the #83 state that they finished opening trails and are at grooming them. Many places in Parent/clova were starting their operations this weekend. Latuque snowmobile club also state their trails opened.
    With the cold announced I expect that the open trail network will continue to expand and connect rapidly in the coming days
    Happy 2023 season!
    Alain
  22. Like
    Cobra reacted to EastMark in Saint Zenon Christmas Ride   
    Big fun

  23. Like
    Cobra reacted to snowmaster2112 in Saint Zenon Christmas Ride   
    I don't think I could make it up this hill
    Very steep

  24. Like
    Cobra reacted to snowmaster2112 in Saint Zenon Christmas Ride   
    Sitting by the brain St Michele right now
    The trail was a -3 yesterday at 5pm
    This morning it's only a 4-5  because the groomer guy didn't put his blade down far enough 
    I think he realized this as it looks better on the return side to LeCabanon where I'm heading back to now
    Just too much traffic 
    Meeting eastmark and wife in a little bit and we are heading south to St Jean de Matha
    Looks like the 23 is the best bet today 
    Did I say "tons of traffic " ??
    At least we ars all riding and there is no rocks, mud or water...LOL

  25. Like
    Cobra reacted to PLAYHARD in Côte Nord ( Les Escoumins)   
    I think we can tell he's all smiley in there?...
     

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