mccaffrey

Rode out of RDL this chilly 7F morning. Brad, Mark and me from NH, Marty and Steve from NY.
Headed southwest on 5 and 35 through Pohenegamook, gas in Cabano, gas in Lac Des Aigles (not a recommended gas stop, lots of pavement to gas), then 35 towards Mont Joli.
TQ’s were definitely best groomed, perfectly flat and very great Indy car action. Fields were a bit drifts, but not bad.
A few sections of orange trails like 544 and 571 were not whooped, but could use a grooming.
Clear and sunny for most of the day, ending in cloudy windy and blowing snow.
Very windy here at Gaspesiana, wind howling from the St Lawrence, we all had excellent seafood, their specialty.
Very light traffic today, by 11am we passed 1sled, was a police sled but did not stop us. I didn’t even notice it said police on the hood, and saw no radar  ;<)  Then a small tour or family group making a souvenir video south of Cabano, and only a few others by the end of the day. Could count them all on 10 fingers ;<)
Tried to find a sailboat for Brads summer enjoyment, but nothing in his size in the dry dock.
As reported by others, plenty of snow and they are grooming daily. We saw several groomers out today.
Off to the south shore tomorrow, maybe Baie Blue.
Not many pictures today, too busy riding, besides it’s hard to beat Mikerider and Towings pics ;<)

Club Motoneige Mauricie and Club Compte Champlain say they will continue grooming if possible until the 31 of March. After that date it’s over as their rights of passage on private lands expire on March 31. So if you want to get a last run in near Shawinigan and want it groomed you got 2 weeks left near hear. Just thought you might want to know. 

We are 5 riding out of RDl on Monday the 19th, hope to see lots of QR's on the trail......no, wait....this just in.......you should all stay home on your couches because conditions will be all mud, no gas at any of the gas stations, LaCache will be closed, the Rock has sunk, all the surfacers are broken down, Internet and electricity will be down across the peninsula, Groomer will be on vacation in Barbados, views of the Chic Chocs will be horrible due to volcanic activity, Policia will be radaring everyone riding across the muddy fields, a North Korean EMP will render all sled ignition and fuel injection systems useless, Trudeau banned snowmobiles over 2 horsepower, and Trump plans to close the border after we cross on the 18th.  Much better to stay home and not risk it  ;<)

Chenail du Nord is off the beaten path but there's plenty of fuel there to get you back ! 

Just back from a week in the Gaspesia area accompanied by our friend Snowcruiser. We left home after dinner by car on Saturday March 3rd and returned home on Saturday the 10th in the late afternoon, a trip of 700 miles by car and 1040 miles by sled. This was our 4th time in Gaspésia, the last one was back 4 years ago
The mild temperatures that we had in the  last weeks are certainly related with the poor trail conditions we encountered on a large part of the trip. I was expecting that with the warm temperatures but it was a notch worse than expected, no offense to you Groomer, the Tq5 in your area was nice!!!  Luckily, our relaxed vacation pace gave us an easy 160 miles/day average which was just enough in these conditions especially for my passenger. Here is the trail path of our trip:




Our drop spot in Gaspésia was in Mont-Joli at the motel "Mon Joli Motel". We slept there Saturday night before leaving by sled and finally Friday night when we came back before going home the next day. This was our third time at this location mainly for free parking and their recovery service in case of problems: we leave them our car keys and in case of problems they can come pick us up with our rigs at our request. A service we have been fortunate to never use up to date but still provides a significant peace of mind for the trip. In addition the place is nice, beds are comfortable and the food at the restaurant very good.



We had a very cloudy week but a bit of sun in the first 2 days. I hesitated to make a ride report on this trip, doing it as I usually do would make a too big project for the moment(I have a lot of photos and videos) so I'll go  differently with what marked us more than a detailed story . To begin we headed south via the trail # 5 on good trail conditions (Mont-Joli is the place where the  trail#5 come back on itself as the road #132 that goes around the Gaspésia do ).



I had left a message to Groomer.  Being in his backyard and having never met in person, the opportunity was too good to not going shake the hand of the best photographer in Gaspésia!  So we went having our lunch at the Albertville Clubhouse where he came to meet us. Our lucky star gave us a big bonus having Mr and Mrs Gt riders in persons, Jim and Gemma were there at the same moment. It was so nice to have a great talk with all those passionate peoples. a real great add-on to our trip!
I know JG you are more at ease on the other side of the camera but thank you for having been willing for the group pic with us

here outside before leaving
 
 
 




This day we had went to sleep at Pointe à la Croix and the next day we continued on #tq5 to New Richmond. Here the New Brunswick on the other side of the river 

Many deers  in that area.



Enough for having to pay more attention. I watched a lot for deer tracks in the woods as in this one  where there was a good flock. We powered the Lumix with the zoom and made some good shots, really beautiful animals





We then rode north on the #595 to La Cache where we spent the night. Probably the most rought trail of our trip that had not seen the Dozer for a very long time. During a break to our surprise we saw a mosquito on the venture cab! if the mosquitoes come out at this time here I won't imagine what is it in summer!



The next day, leaving La Cache we saw the only moose of the trip ... I would have liked to see one in better shape but it is what we got! It left just his coat that had been moved by wild animals during the night.





We then headed for the Chic-Chocs trail toward Murdochville. During our climb we were impressed by these snow blades on the trail side



A little further, while we were stopped on the trail side to take pictures of the rear view, another "virtual friend" recognized us and came to meet us. It was a pleasure to meet you in person "Je me souviens"



While we were talking with him, a little fox appeared in the back scenery



Kristine got the Lumix out and made a series of good shots of this little curious





When I parked my sled on the side of the Cooper infront a window in Murdochville. A knocking on the glass make us realize our friends Coyote and Jocelyn with whom we did our Chibougamau annual trip 6 years ago were just inside at their table for lunch!!! Another great surprized meeting that put some shine on our trip!
After our lunch, we went down the #597 toward south. I stopped for a short break around sixty miles from Murdoch at the spot where the dozer turn around(club change) because I remembered having seen gray jays the last time we went there 4 years ago. Well there were some still there and not fearful at all.



they came to get their treat in our hands and stayed there a long time pecking and watching us



We went to sleep at Grande-Riviere and continued to Perce the next day. Seeing the famous Rock is a must in Gaspésie





After Perce we wanted to keep going north but the TQ5 was closed because of a river so we should had to turn back and retrace our steps to take the #597, a pretty  big detour. Because we have hard heads, we decided to go to see by ourselves. It was not ideal but very feasible to cross especially north as we did. There was about 6 "of water on the right side.



Here seen from the other side toward south direction, it would have been more difficult because the skis could go under the ice and the approach was steeper



We continued toward the north side and went to sleep in Grande-Vallée. There was an annoying high frequency ripple  4 to 6 inches deep on a very large portion of this last segment, we had the feel of riding on a railway.. after several hours it get really tiring.
The next day we continued west. Those who already did gaspesia know it: most of the mountainous spectacular scenery is from Mont-Louis to Ste-Anne des Monts and in between Mont-St-Pierre is an icon in this area. The point of view of the hang-glider platform is a classic but I put here some others points of view of this same spot that we like alot
   




And on west side 



For fun, from this same place Kristine tried a full zoom with the Lumix of the hang gliding platform on the other side: impressive!


 
The trail condition was among the best of the trip in this area up to St-Anne des Monts. I had booked the evening before a cottage in St-Octave de l'Avenir at the Village Grande Nature where we went for the night. Here the view from the auberge on the Chic-shocks mountains with our chalet just down right. The top mountain view was chopped by the cloud line on this pic




A different experience in a cottage, relaxing near the wood stove after a sledding day was magic



I don't know if they followed us or if we attract them but I saw gray jays on the porch on the next morning! I went out with a bit of lunch and yes they let themselves be tempted once again



For our last day we went west on #TQ5 and then went down south via #591trail  and finally took #587 to La Rédemptionon pretty good trail conditions to see the Montagne St-Pierre. Although less spectacular than some other times we had seen it, the frost was present and the scenery very whiten




 
We then went back to Mont-Joli, gave a break to the Yammy in the trailer and passed one last night at Mont Joli Motel. We did the car black trail ride home the next day on Saturday.
A  trip of a bit more than 1000 miles that went well, the Venture which have now 14500miles act in an exemplary way and my old ADBoivin skid who took a good beating had pass throught without flinching. We would have like more sun, colder weather and better trail conditions but having the chance to ride during an whole week with my best half and a good friend, enjoying the nature beauties in such great area, meeting old friends and making new: I think I'm really blessed, life is good!
Alain 
 

We get on the ferry and meet with Je me Souviens and his friend. We have some snowmobile talk. Later at Matane we meet for dinner. So nice to run into fellow Quebec Riders. Thanks for the company and conversation.
Well that's it for 2018. 
Happy trails to those of you out riding.

23miles to go. The last 10 nothing. Wide open space. I wouldn't want to be stuck in a storm around there.
We get to the hotel and dump some dead weight. We take a little ride east. We get stopped at a sticker check. They ask if we are going to Blanc Sablon. No sir Hotel Du-Havre. We continue on. We stop to take a pic of the club house and the groomer pulls up. He speaks English and invites us to check out the inside. Super nice guy. He rides like us two up alone. We head back. Chez Julie is calling. We meet up with Team Green. Great dinner and company. Lots of snowmobile story's. We bump into the guy from Montreal that rode with RR & TB. More great Snowmobile story's. 

Luckily today we had a destination only 140 miles from Escoumins since we woke to 6 inches of fresh snow on top of the freshly groomed TQ3, and still snowing hard.  Wind was calm so it as not drifted at all. Broke trail towards Sacre Coeur, slow and steady going, no problems other than low visibility. A 2-up passed us which made it easier to read the trail. Very enjoyable, but happy there was only 6-7 inches, and no traffic. was single track most of the way which sucks, especially in the turns where oncoming is likely running up the middle, but only passed a few sleds all day.
South of Sacre Cœur the grooming stopped and the trail is twisty, which slowed the pace, but sleds leaving Coronet earlier opened up the trail nicely.
 
Only 1 ferry in service, not sure why, so it too a while. The crew packed the ferry full, literally from end to end.
Gas in St Simeone with 102 miles on the tank.
Nice run into the Fairmont Richilieu, in early to enjoy and sight see. 140 something miles for the day, felt like more :<)
 
Outdoor pool and hot tub was great as always, nice chat with JBlavl and his brother in the hot tub, then off to dinner at St Hubert in the casino. Ribs, chicken, pot pie, etc. great menu, casual dining away from the main building.  My new favorite way to eat at this stop. lots of renovation completed at the casino. Brad and Mark enjoyed their first Richilieu visit and are talking about adding it summer trips with their wives.
Sleds are resting in the garage, now costs about $15 a night per sled.  Still,a great stop, but prices are up across the board.
Tomorrow a short run back to St. Ray for our last riding day. Not looking forward to this section as it’s usually beat up and lots of local traffic, the price you pay to stay at the Fairmont, but luckily there seems to be a lot of grooming today and tonight in the
area, so should be as good as it gets.
Saw a vandalized Iceman sticker, will call the RCMP and launch an investigation.

Left Sagueneenne same times as few other groups, probably racing against the  competing hordes from the Delta hotel also heading to Mt Valin. 
Trails were great up to Onichiway, further north the better the trail conditions with the higher elevations and lower temperatures.
 
Onichiway was not very busy, only 3-4 sled wait at the gas pump. so gas and a sandwich and off to KM31 for gas. As usually, Mont Valins trails were beat up, not as whooped as it can get, but just not fun for 20 miles miles.  We survived and once on the Pelchat trail it was a fast run to Escoumins, 40 miles of full speed super grin inspiring highway into Pelchat Complex was a needed finish after the Valin bumps.
Saw my first Lynx ever today, on the lower 3rd of the Pelchat trail, a big fluffy one trotted across the trail 75-100 yards in front of me with a stealthy trot. I saw tall whisky tufts of hair above its ears, and it’s long hind legs, so I’m pretty sure it was not a Bobcat. In hindsight I should have stopped and took pictures of it’s foot prints.
 
Working our way south today, Target is Richilieu
 
More pictures tonight

Left St Felicien this morning, warm today, saw 41F on my thermometer at one point.
The section near Lac Au Jim is now called LT700.  93 now officially bypasses Lac Jim and St Thomas Didyme. It now hooks westward and later loops back in to its normal path over the top.  The new part of 93 was not on my 2017 paper map, or our just updated GPS maps.
Scratching our heads.....GPS and intuition said go to the right, the old way to Lac Jim, so of course we went....left, following the <93 sign and the groomer.  Went a few miles, what a fantastic trail (chemin breadcrumbs on the map), groomed, but headed due West.  West...WTH? Stopped a couple times to chat, and decided to keep going and eventually it turned north and east, and reconnected. Perfect trail, so we did not want to turn around ;<)
It had some shiny new 93 signs on it, but no town names or clues, so we were confident, but not positive. It paid off, some of the absolute best trails so far.
Ran 93 through Dolbeau, gas at Belize at St Jeanne D Arc with 120 miles on, more than expected due to those bonus miles on 93. Best tank of gas on the trip so far.
Shipshaw and down.
St Felicien was deserted so we winged it tonight with no reservations, headed to Delta to say hi to Bill and stay over. As we rolled in saw a line of sleds outside and lots of riders chatting. No rooms available.
Cell call to Sagueneenne, lots of rooms, 25 minutes later we check in. Sleds are camping, out in the tents.
Some of those folks we saw outside Delta, also rolled into Saguenneenne later.
Road crossings and getting around in town are really junk in Jonquiere and Chicoutimi, the warm has taken its toll. I also forget how treacherous the many highway road crossings are too, no way that would fly in the states.  
Avoid and bypass to stay on good trails outside of towns is a must as spring springs. Loose gravel and mud are on the way!
May head to Onichiway tomorrow as we have not had a relaais burger yet. We definitely dread the trek back to Shipshaw to cross back over the river to get to the good stuff, so we are calculating now.
 

With our Adventure riding mentor , Team Maine’s , Early rider, getting ready for the 2000 mile Cain’s Quest Race in Labrador this week, we decided several months ago that we would return up the White Road and meet Rob at the check point in Lanse au clair.  At this point he will be 1335 miles into the race and has a 12 hour layover in Lanse. 
We have a big crew of 9 making the run, including 3 QR members, 603, Trailblazer and yours truly. 
Several of of us are leaving Forestville for Sept Isle this coming Thursday, meeting a few more in Sept Isle, than making stops in Havre St Pierre, Chevery and onto Lanse au Clair Labrador. Weather and mechanical issues permitting 😋
This is a trip similar to last year with the exception, that we will be returning back down the White Road after the rendezvous. 
TB, 603 and I will update as our trip unfolds.
Here are some links to the Cain’s Quest Race, they have a great tracking system to allow those interested, to follow the racers progress.
Happy Trails
RR
http://www.cainsquest.com/
 

Day 5
Todays plan was to head to chibougamau then up to misstissini for the night. Tq93 freshly groomed all the way. Rail bed exciting as usual. Pull into chapis st 1130 for lunch 140 miles. Check on the possibility of trekking up to misstissini, no good trail not open this year dam! Suns finally out warm temps, oh well. Deceided to check out some of the orange trail and check out the lodge st ouje bougoumou which was full. Tons of snow up here. Looks like winter with snow still on the trees. Played around there and the orange trail around chibougamau. Saw the trail to misstissini one sled track. Another time I guess. Into hotel chibougamau 203 miles. Is it a tradition here to be greeted by a stewed Indian evertime you come here? 2nd time here and both times greeted within the first 20 min. This women tripped over my ski and almost ripped my mirror off looking for a smoke. There’s a few more in the bar here! Tomorrow down towards LSJ.
 

Day 5 to Matane,
    GT, sorry we missed you, I think you got an earlier start than us. Laying in bed last night listening to the wind howl didn't make me all that anxious for an early start. I saw a few sets of eastbound tracks that started at MSP. I assumed one of them was yours, maybe next time. Enjoy your ride.
   .Trails were all pretty good to st ann except  for a couple spots GT mentioned that were icy or thin up high in a logged area. The wind didn't seem to hurt that area.  After st ann some of the trails got a little bumpy in spots, mainly as you would expect in narrower sections like where the trail would share half road half trail. They also must of had some more blowing snow because they had drift bumps.
      Still a very nice day. The relay that we like for lunch just west of St Ann, we knew was closed on monday so we went into St Ann to subway.
     Catching the morning ferry and will post on Cote Nord site tomorrow.
       Jeff and Sandy 
 

Day 4, to Mont-Louis,
     Another ideal day to ride. Blue skys and very little wind. I think tonight will be different, its about 3:30 now and clouding up with some wind forcast for tonight. Got to Grande-Vallee early, got gas and a nice early lunch at hotel GV. The place then filled with a lot of sledders. A lot of them looked like 2up dayriders. It was a short day but between Gaspe and Matane is about 500k, which is way too much for us in 1 day so we have to split it somewhere. It has been several years since we ran the 5 between Gaspe and the 597. It seemed faster and more open than I remember it. There were a lot of windmills, so I'm guessing they are utilizing some of their new roads? Most all trails were in good shape today with not a lot of traffic.

Day 3,   Bono to Gaspe.  Woke up to fresh dusting of snow overnight. Rode out of town by the Bonaventure airport. The runway groomer was working. The 5 was groomed overnight. Heading est, we were making the first tracks except for the deer. We saw a few this morning but tracks were everywhere. 
    Beautiful day to ride, blue skys, very little wind, most trails freshly groomed. Quite a bit of traffic around chandler. We stopped at relay there for a bite and then into town for gas, there was a line.
   The bottom of the 597 and the bailey bridge cutoff were groomed overnight, sweet. There was a trailside conference on the 597 and gaspe intersection. 
   Haven't seen any sleds in town tonight as we went out for dinner.
     Jeff and Sandy 
 

Day 7 to Baie-Comeau,  More info about the Quality Inn we stayed at last night. Their included breakfast was pretty good,  eggs, bacon, sausage, you know the good stuff. Also on the 4th floor they had a free laundry. Only 1 washer and 1 dryer, but new machines and did I say free? We'd always stayed across the street at comfort inn, but no more. Also pretty cool, we could see a freighter anchored out in the bay from our room.
    I jinxed myself yesterday about the sunshine. Today was cloudy with a few furries but mild. Trsils were all good to Godbout. Between Godbout and BC a few bumps, mainly in the little hills. Still a real nice day to ride. Plenty of snow here.       Jeff and Sandy 

Day 6,    To Sept Iles. Caught the 8am ferry to Godbout. Nice smooth ride over with breakfast onboard. This trip, sleds were on first and off first, nice. 
   I hate to keep rubbing this in if you're not up here, but today was another nice mild, sunny day.
    7 other sleds crossed with us. When we all off loaded and took the local to the 3, everyone turned right.
     The first maybe 10 miles was still wide single track, but from there on everything was very good to freshly groomed.
    We stopped for gas and a soup at Tims in Port  Cartier.  From my room at the Quality Inn, looking across the parking lot I can see a St Hubert. I've  got an idea for supper.
     Jeff and Sandy
Sorry for all the boat pics, but I thought somebody out there may not have seen it  before, and it is an impressive boat.

Wasn't expecting this.  Dropped them a quick thank you note and they put it in their news letter.  Thought that was pretty cool.