Je me souviens

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!!!

Exactly!

I feel like I was actually riding that etec, got my heart pumping when the skis came up a little after the rise on the trail. Wow I cant wait. I bet the three guys in the Laurentides were having a blast, looks like another proud kitty owner was trying the new toy on for size. I may not be a AC fan, but wholly shit I feel like SD needs to up the ante quick before they loose some of the market share to the power hungry big bore crowd abandoning ship for the horses thundering under the green hood. Ever seen the videos with Hitler complaining about skidoo suspension ambition vs power delivery? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mewnHJxlYAs

Alain, Good to hear that we can squeak one more season through the park. Staying in St.Donat at the Auberge des Laurentides at the condo'hotels du manoire on Lac Archambeault became much less interesting now that getting into the park is not possible via the Pimbina entrance. Seeing the Pimbina sign used to always register a good feeling every time I drove by. Seems as the systematic elimination of the highlights in the park will send the sleds over to SMDS in greater numbers. First we lost the cafeteria, then the Pimbina entrance, next year will be the icing on the cake with no more Caribou entrance possibility. I hope we can still feed the birds on black mountain. I don't really enjoy St.Come past coin Lavigne. I will forever enjoy the run down 63 to the airport bar in la Macazza, however finding a good route with appropriate length will take a little research on the interactive map. As fun as Lepine Rd. is, it is another 1.5hrs past St. Donat. I wonder how the interstate between Mt Tremblant and Mt Laurier is doing? Last year looked like 15 was being extended. Here is a shot of the brand spanking new bathroom for the beach sites on 63. Came in handy for the less fortunate species that cannot pee standing up.

Timbo, great to hear the history of the place, I remember one of our first trips with Bernard as the starting place we went there for lunch, probably 6-7 years ago, I thought the place was unique. I have yet to go back through the Mastigouche by sled, went with Shannon and rented a cabin in Mandeville last year, decided to drive the truck through the park for a different view of it with leaves on the trees, that is when you realize how much ground you can cover by sled, as compared to by car. Really is a testament to the fact the Quebec has many large beautiful parks that actually encourage snowmobilers to travel through, unlike Tremblant. Speaking of which...has anybody heard the latest on what the trail system will look like around St Donat this year? Or perhaps caught a glimpse of the Lanaudiere's trail map yet for this year?

Timbo, Call Kyle at Roberts Sports Center in Clayburg NY. Tell him or Nick, whomever answers the phone that you need a trailer pronto! Obviously the price I quoted is for the base model 12', came with ski glides the paddle grabber it came with looked shoddy, so I immediately called my buddy @ Camoplast and had him hook me up with a track piece that was not good enough for retail use, and made my own traction mats. No interior light, not sure I love the single ski bar location, no marker light up top, but like i said "base model". Some DOT reflective tape and VOILA! perfect way to get the toy to the hill. http://www.robertsport.net/locations.htm Its the Saranac location on Silver Lake Rd. Really nice people, even better people, always have lots of the parts you actually need right there in stock. I bought my sled & trailer from them, love the service, best dealership experience.

About to reach Martin's then off to the reservoir! The observation tower by Mt St. Magloir ?

Exactly why I am joining Greg's club again this year. A lot of us support Les Caribous Conscrits, which is good because they start first and finish last, however I believe a lot of people would not find St Baby St Ray such a great place to start from without 23 North of L'Etape being flawless most of the time, under heavy wear and tear from the Honiaks. Those damn Honiaks, you gotta watch out for them all the time!! Seeing as I am on the topic, I think perhaps the single most important safety tip many overlook worrying about whether or not to give hand signals, which if you can safely do the first guy in line should!!! IS TO RIDE RIGHT, THAT MEANS STAY ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE TRAIL!!!! I see a lot of the "first trackers" in the middle on the twisties, one of these days you might just wish you were, when you meet your twin brother coming the other way, riding in the middle just like you. Anyone know where these two pups frolik during the short winter days? Hint: It the other way up to see Bill out of Sweet Baby St Ray... PS I Know it over kill mentioning SWSR the last three posts, however don't lie to yourself, you know you like the short truck ride up the 40, I see a lot of US plates from CT, NY, VT, NJ, NH & MA in the parking lot come January.

I am with you, for $3000 get a triton 12' clamshell and call it good. Light, no brakes to play with, and perfect for the job. Don't get me wrong, if you got the cash, a big trailer is nice, but you got a lot more weight, and a lot more maintenance, I love my Triton, and will stick with that for now. My friend has a big white elephant, four place, non aluminum, v nose with all the bells & whistles, it's sweet....but bring a Diesel to pull it with, or go home. If you don't have the big paw in front of the big elephant, you are going to have white knuckles the whole way to Sweet Baby St-Ray. Oh By the way, I got my Collett Communicators in the mail yesterday, can't wait to hear what Shannon thinks of my driving all day. lol To be able to warn her the next time we see some honiaks coming the other way, or go over an obstacle, and lest we forget the deceiving corners on Lepine Rd. is priceless. LET IT SNOW!!!!

What is the Lavenrendrye park like to ride in? One of the last parks I have yet to ride, would love to see some pics, and or a comparison to the Laurentides park or any other area that would be comparable. Thanx

We made it out to the show on Sunday, you can't cover it all in one day. Going to go all week-end next year. Grass drags, freestyle, and watercross could all be seen while standing in one location. Enough vendors to spend a day, I never got to see Bill, but my buddies ran into him, sorry I missed you Bill, Chad and his old man had a laugh when they said you were you looking for George the talker, I spent a long time buying some gear, taking notes while trying on all the new Klim gear. Now to get the sleds ready to ride, and plan some trips.

Boy Oh Boy, I might have to pull the trigger on the trip now.... ...Can someone let me know how to get the kitchen pass? Never had to worry about the pass before, now there is "new management" in town, I think I might need to get "La Direction" on board with this one. George Please advise.

Thanks for the info trailblazer

Goose, thanks for the info and the pics. Looks like you hit all the hot spots; Clova, Sweet baby St-Ray, TQ23, and last but not least, the Great Gaspe. Where would you recommend a first timer try? Asides from the obvious Gaspe, where are the really neat places that bring the most enjoyable woods riding? I would like to go up to the Rabaska, and head to Clova for a week-end ride. Is there anything I should know? Remember I have never done that L'epine rd. on anything but a sled. I think Dominic has a great place, and I think I could leave the Rabaska Saturday morning and make it to CLova before nightfall, and head back the same way Sunday. What do you think?

Goose, looks like a lot of fun. I really would like to see some areas by quad in the fall. Do you have any experience in the clova area? Post a couple more pics if you have them.

When and where are the NH grass drags?