Good morning!
Ran into mikerider on Wednesday when we pulled in, only to be reassured that we made the right decision to come here to ride.
Jumped on the machines yesterday not really knowing where we wanted to go. Sunny days usually call for a TQ5 powerline run to Rimouski, but ended up heading down past Cabano on 85. The lake and it’s surroundings looked beautiful, but a wicked temperature drop once you get close to it. Grabbed 561 and headed toward Pohénégamook, but ran into a small issue. Caution tape was run across the trail where a guy was working on his sap lines. Thought the trail was closed (plenty of snow BTW...like mid winter riding conditions) but went up and asked him if we were good. He said yes, just go slow. Every 100 yards for two miles was a caution tape ribbon across the trail, but that guy had a wicked sugar operation, it’s massive.
Chevaliers clubhouse burger and small poutine hit the spot for all five of us.
Watch the lake when you get on it. It’s fantastic slightly off the beaten path, but dig down a foot or so and you’ll find slush. Gassed at Irving halfway up the lake.
Just 155 for the day but it was absolutely perfect. No rush, just some great cruising. Mikerider evidently took our recommendation when we ran into him in January with roadrunner that he visit L’Estaminet (restaurant) in town. He isn’t exaggerating, the place rocks and we hit it every night we are here. I have to say, the restaurant here at the Universel hasn’t come up in the world especially in the last year. We’ve been running down the street for a McMuffin every morning rather than waiting forever for something mediocre and overpriced here. However, the rooms are still excellent and the nordic spa can’t be beat!
If you’re looking for a nice last run, RDL is the spot.