Je me souviens

Jeff, Drive up to Chibougamau, should be able to ride some snirt up there, lol. Show us some pics of the Great Gaspe!

Crazy, looks like the three of you had a blast. When I met Eddie & Dave at last summer's gathering I knew they were a pair of bird's. It's funny, two years ago Jim and I met those two at Gouin, they were the ones that figured we were on QR also, always great to meet fellow members out on the trails

Alain, sweet trip, I did that a few years back with fellow members, there are some serious stretches on 93. Maybe next year I will get to go back, once you head above the Seneterre you can really open the Yam up eh? Bonne fin de season

Can't wait to come back next year the Majestic Baskatong

Back at the Baskatong Dominic's Club

the crew at the Pensive Sud on sunday Snake falls

Shannon and I decided to do one last run up to see Dominic and the rest of the crew along the way. As per usual, Parked at the Rabaska, and took off after breaksfast. I think the masestic Baskatong has the remnants of old Native spirits, almost every time we have stayed there, Shannon and I have some wild dreams. Breakfast hit the spot, the Baskatong was misty and the trail was freshly groomed. The FCMQ had been up the week end before, so Martin and Dominic made sure to have the grooming done to tip top conditions. The road leaving the Rabaska was hard as a rock, we played in the ditch a little to keep the lube on the slides. We entered the Petawaga ZEC, I am grateful for all the work Martin and his wife Dominque put in back before the holidays. Ferme Neuve had a mini ice storm that left behind a lot of trees that needed to be cut in order to have the beautiful trail through the ZEC. First stop was the Pensive, Francois and his buddies had a party the night before, so they were still sleeping when we went through. Tony and his brother Carl were the only two that were up, they welcomed us in for a pit stop. One of the advantages of being men, is that we can stop as we please along the way, not so much for Shannon, she has to plan the water consumption carefully. We both got back in the saddle and hit le chemin Lepine eager to enjoy the scenery. We made it to McDault's, Lonny and his son Lance were enjoying the sun as we pulled up. I am pretty sure Lance is well on his way to becoming an expert hunter/fishermen/trapper, Lonny takes the time to teach him to enjoy the woods. Lonny told me to be back before lunch on Sunday, as he had to take Lance back to town to get braces on Monday. I took note of the appointment, and continued Nord. We made it up to Clova early, so we went over to the Tamarak to see Alain, Carole and Monique. Shannon and Monique chatted while I spoke with a gentleman from Trois Rivieres, he told about the highlight of the Chaudiere Appalaches region, I took notes, as I plan to take Shannon there next season. Carole let us sample her appetizers as we chatted, her and Alain were preparing the night's feast, as all the rooms in the town were booked solid for the night. I guess Shannon and I were not the only ones that had the same idea. We headed over to Dominic's to get our room, we took off the suits and put the slippers on. I took a few moments to chat in the play room with some guys from Val D'or, they had traveled the path Lonny had told me about. Straight from Val D'or across to the the Lepine Rd. "hors sentiers". They had sleds equipped for that kind of stuff. Turns out, Luc was an expert on off trail adventures, I took more notes. After a few beers supplied graciously by Luc's father, we were ready for the feast. As you can imagine, Dominic and McGee had their hands full withe the place packed. Shannon enjoyed her sugar pie, I had the blueberry for desert. We headed in for the night. The next morning we let the crowd go first, then Shannon and I went in for breakfast. I had the dejeuner Clova as I always do, eggs, ham sausage, bacon, home fries, cretons, toast, OJ and coffee. We hit the trail direction Sud. We made it on time to see Lonny, Lance valet parked my sled for me. Shannon had her mandatory pit stop, Lance showed me how he trained the man's best friend, Ti Loup to smile upon request. We continued down to see Francois at the Pensive. they were packing up to go play around Stammond for the day, I wished I had an extra day to go play in the woods with those guys, I think they may have few tricks up their sleeve around the region. Shannon offered to bang in for the day, but I knew it would be an ill advised extra day off. While we were there a few guys from Pennsylvania needed directions, Francois was glad to let me help him with the translation. I mentioned QuebecRider.com to them as I always do with fellow snowmobiler's, as I was turned on to it by a fellow member, while trolling DooTalk. We continued on through, got back in the Petawaga for the last leg of the trip, we stopped to see what snake falls is all about, looks like a sweet place to spend the summer, right on the beach listening to the falls in the background. As we were pulling back in to the Rabaska, we saw Martin with the Rabaska custom summit loaded into the truck, turns out that lucky duck was headed up to Clova, to test drive next year's summits thanks to the boys in Valcourt. We loaded up and headed home. Thanks to all the people who put the work in for us to be able to enjoy the chemin Lepine, including Ubald, Dominic's groomer operator, who makes the 14 hour one way run through the woods on back to back days for all of us to enjoy. Cheers. The crew @ the Rabaska Headed through the Petawaga Carl & Tony Headed up Lepine I can see how this could happen if you don't let her breathe a little McDault's Lonny & Lance Lance and Ti Loup McGee Dom & Linda Dominic gave us the lover's suite A good way to get the kids up to camp

While I was at the Grand Prix in Valcourt, I noticed Air Medic had a table with brochures and information. I spent a few minutes to gather some information. The most interesting thing I learned was that if you activate your SPOT beacon, Air Medic will NOT come get you. The two entities do not work together, something I found rather disconcerting. This is most likely fueled by the fact that Air Medic is now offering their own emergency locator beacon. Cost around $350 CDN, once purchased does not require a yearly activation fee. Air medic currently has 4 post throughout Quebec. Soon to be one more in the Tremblant area. They are a private organization, do not receive funding from the government. They are the only ones really equipped to come get you, when you need medical attention in the woods. The SQ also have 2 helicopters, however they are not equipped for medical evacuation like Air Medic is. The beacon they offer does not seem as rugged as the SPOT device, just a visual remark made by me, I have not used either device. I just thought I would share some info with the fellow QR's. Here is the link to Air Medic. As per usual, the English version has some poor translation attempts, and no information about the locator beacon. http://www.airmedic.net/index.php?lang=fr&idPage=24&alias=

You guys still planning on Alaska this year? I cant seem to remember your name, but I met you at the chapel back in December, you said Cain's quest to defend the title and then off to Alaska, I expect you to keep us in the loop for your adventures

The legendary Chez Hill, our first years led us that way, old Bernard, rest his soul, showed us that place. How was Mastigouche? I brought Shannon through there last fall, we liked the area but I have not been back to Shawinigan in a few years, Sweet baby St Ray seems to be a more likely starting place for us. If I recall correctly somewhere near the Mastigouche there is a place that has a mini stadium carved out of stone with a cool entrance, have any idea what I mean? As per usual great pics, I am partial to the ones just before dusk, they are camera friendly.

Blazer, no gas after La Domaine, Kitchtassik is the next stop for gas, oh wait, correction, when you get to the main highway in the park, you can turn left and head 15 kms to the Pavillon Laverendry for gas, so answer is yes, however it adds a little to the day, depending on what you drive, you can easily make it to Kitchtassik from La Domaine. Mid Range definitely has the location for high mileage trips without the crowds.

Left the classic, met up with a couple from Ottawa during breakfast, he became my guide for the week-end. I had never been though the Laverendrye Park, fortunately for Shannon and I, Aurele & Line were happy to lead the way. Nice wide trails, no traffic, great temps, only complaint... I did not take enough pictures! Met up with Bob, Sean and his father Brian at the Forestel, they had left Mt. Laurier, stayed at Dominic's then headed down to meet us. 420 Miles logged for Shannon and I, not bad considering last years ordeal. Collett Communicators are the way to go, keep her informed of whats headed her way. Well worth the investment

WOW, what more can you say? Sweet trip. I had never heard of yellow boots, sounds like my hero too, thanks for the story Bill.

Back up to the honey hole The "majestueux Baskatong", dont think you would want to take a dip in your thong... Word is out on the Rabaska...more and more people every time I go... Most of the ride is next to the Ottawa river, here is the view from the first bridge headed Nord... This is what the bridge looks like... Here is one of the many lakes you see in the ZEC Petawaga... Easy to see what all the talk is about concerning the Lepine Rd... No snow here... Just kidding... but there was a lot of snow... Try to stay on the trail, unless you have a paddle track... And that's it for now, next stop Val D'Or. If anyone has info on what to expect through La Verendrye park, please share. Thank you

McDoo and I headed up our favorite trail. A new experience, first one's to break it open after 8-10 inches of fluff on the way up, fresh hard pack groomed on the way home, good trip, good friends, paid homage to the guys that helped Shannon and I last year, class acts at the Pensive.

Not my videos, but thought it was worthy of posting... The GO PRO HERO, I guess I am the last one to not have one... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9brxSyIPPc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8kgACc2MoM&feature=share

You know me pretty well Je me souviens ;) . I will come back with pics tomorroy. I thought that was you. On veut tous voire tes belles photos.

I was reading the trail conditions section of the french forum CMIQ, I saw that someone has said parts of the Tremblant park are being groomed. From Coin Lavigne to the 33/310 trail over to the Rouge Mattawin park crossover. I would not be surprised to see a photo ride report from Alain either today or tomorrow. It's not much, but its a start...

Merry XMAS folks, let's get together and all collaboritively wish for SNOW direction NORD

Speedy Where were these pics taken? Speedy, I thought that was you. Did you call Onatchiway? They are really nice people, a little further west of the Chapel, which might not be a bad thing, as that seems to be ground zero for all the Honiaks. The last set of pics were taken on Sunday morning as I ran up the highway known as Bras Louis. Worst come to worst just book a room at the Holiday INN (HI) in Jonquiere and drive up for the day, I know it's not ideal, but sure beats not having a place to stay. I think one of the other members might have suggested that already, it is a viable option. When I spoke with one Maurice's employees at the place you called when we spoke, he told me that Saturday night there was not a room to be found in town near the hill, I would bet that is right for just about every week end for the next month Come to think of it, you could stay on the other side of the mountain at Hotel Pelchat, Martin is responsible for grooming the Pelchat trail, and is extremely well versed with the area. Just another option for you if the choices become limited.

Here are a few more...

Shannon and I got into town Thursday afternoon, went for a small ride, then tucked away for the night. Friday headed towards Sacre Coeur, met team Maine racing at the Chapel, had a nice chat, wish I could download his mental trail map of the area, sounds like has a few trick up his sleeve. Also met a guy that drove up from Virginia, his travel time eclipsed mine, made me feel like I was a little less insane for going up there for the a few days. Saturday we went up Bras Louis, back down to Onatchiway for lunch, took the private club trails back to the main drag, Sunday headed for a quick buzz on the fresh groomed. Total 400 miles logged on sled. Not a bad start for the year, conditions ranged widely, excellent to poor, I would do it again tomorrow. Here are some pics

The website usually states most of the info you need, including mileage of groomed trails. Keep browsing until you get ready to head up. http://www.caribouconscrits.com/english/index.html

The accident happened 50 miles west of Onatchiway, the man is stabilized in the hospital, air medic probably saved his life. I was at Onatchiway when two guys came in and called 911, the SQ was there in record time, helo was in the air within 20 minutes. I think the SPOT locator would come in handy in these situations. You would not have to wait for someone to run to a phone and make the call, you could hit the button and sit tight. Glad to hear he is OK, lady at the hospital said they operated on Sunday day after he was airlifted in. This is a scary reminder of how fast accidents can happen.

Linda, Did you make it on the trail to les Escoumins? Markus, I am praying like you that there is another snow event before long, Shannon and I headed up on Thursday. With all these fresh pics, I can almost taste it now... The Saint Honore location on the weather network website says snow fall warning for the Falardeau and Mont Valins region! SWEET!!!