doo4adoo

This past weekend
Left The Roqe and went to the chalets & spa
The 83 west was not really open all the way, fyi
Mt Apica is CLOSED. That presented a problem since we said lets not stop at L'Etape and gas at Apica
Fortunately there were some sleds carrying gas and we traded a belt that a guy on a yami needed and made it north to Hebertiville
 

This past weekend
Left The Roqe and went to the chalets & spa
The 83 west was not really open all the way, fyi
Mt Apica is CLOSED. That presented a problem since we said lets not stop at L'Etape and gas at Apica
Fortunately there were some sleds carrying gas and we traded a belt that a guy on a yami needed and made it north to Hebertiville
 

This past weekend
Left The Roqe and went to the chalets & spa
The 83 west was not really open all the way, fyi
Mt Apica is CLOSED. That presented a problem since we said lets not stop at L'Etape and gas at Apica
Fortunately there were some sleds carrying gas and we traded a belt that a guy on a yami needed and made it north to Hebertiville
 

Im heading to St Raymond tomorrow night and sledding north Saturday morning 
no destination yet. Will see where the trails take us

I think the fat lady is going to back off. I just received an email alert for Mont Sainte Anne saying 28cm in last 24hrs
Lets ride!

I think the fat lady is going to back off. I just received an email alert for Mont Sainte Anne saying 28cm in last 24hrs
Lets ride!

Perfect 
thanks 

yes but beware. I've tried calling Clova yesterday and today, no answer. Called  Balbuzard and they are closed. I forgot to ask if anyone there to sell gas. So best to call around and see where you can eat, gas and sleep. I'm sure Parent is a go being that its a town.

Cool, Thanks
Will have to see if I can find a recruit to go next weekend or so

Where is this?
cant find it on the map and I usually go towards the delta but this looks like a nice option 
thanks

We've been invited this weekend by the girlfriend of one of our sons to spend a night at their family cottage on the shores of Taureau Lake in St-Michel des Saints. A great opportunity for us to do the reservoir loop in relax mode on 2 days. Here is the final trail path of 303 miles traveled  during the weekend.


Saturday morning, -9C under a clear sky and a beautiful sun when we left home in St-Thomas de Joliette . Finally it was not a so good idea to start from home, we were knowing that the 5 first miles were in Berthier snowmobile club that had closed during the week but still having the signage so we went for it. We got ice, ruts, and a plowed section but once in Joliette's snowmobile club, it was just groomed during the night and the fields trails were impeccable



We took the trail through St-Félix de Valois. The residential section was bare, no more snow but once crossed it was ok. Here in a maple grove tapped with buckets that we don't see often anymore



Every trails in the fields were still in very good condition, here on the old railway in St-Cléophas. All in all, we can say that the good reliable conditions began north of St-Gabriel de Brandon, souther than there, conditions were too uneven



So once in the mountains north of St-Damien the conditions were still winter, very good



The pourvoirie Réal Massé being closed, the Mandeville snowmobile club had groomed a shortcut of 1 mile which avoided us to go through there and saved us about 5 winding miles so very nice. In the 90 curve  with the wooden mirador, we then passed straight.





We then continued the #23 to the Cabanon. No spring's signs there





We stopped early to refuel and eat at Cabanon and then went right toward the Taureau Dam



conditions were impeccable in the best of the season





We took a good break at the dam, chatted with people who were there and took some pictures of the place





By taking our time a bit too much we were starting to be a little tight for being on time for the appointement with our son near the Auberge du lac Taureau so I opened up the throttle which was easy enough with these perfect conditions





several wide and fast trails sections in this area





A little before arriving at the Auberge, the trail passes right on the shore beach and you can see how low the water is, a good 50 feet lower than the summer level



We finally joined our son and his girlfriend at the agreed time. We went on the emptied lake with them before returning to his girlfriend's family cottage. They also ride a venture, 2 decades older than mine!



It's been a long time since I went outside the regular trail on the lake, you must always be very careful while riding on the emptied reservoir ice but it's impressive, very special like this dune normally submerged in summer in the middle of lake.





The view from the cottage on the reservoir is absolutely beautiful and there are many deers in the yard !!!



Kristine took beautiful shots


 
We had a great evening and a great time with our hosts. It seems to me that just a few years ago my boy was still playing with his toys at home and now we are received like distinguished guests by him and his girlfriend in a beautiful cottage ... time flies it is incredible!!!
Sunday morning we took it easy, Kristine was very proud to having snap those blue jay great shots







We then start our return and took back the usual trail on the reservoir



Although it is tempting it is not a good spot for speed runs because the ice is far from being even everywhere



We refueled at St-Michel and took the trail #63 to the Cabanon. There are some dirt spots that are starting to come out especially in the big south facing hills near the village but nothing serious yet.



The rest is still beautiful



We passed near the Cabanon and went north on the #23 trail to ride the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve. Still a lot of snow there...



The trail was nice with a bit of ripple in some curves but very nice overall



good snow and fast trails





We arrived at the pourvoirie Koubec a little before 2:00 pm and eat there. 



We then left on #350 trail to the west



And have taken the #23 on the same path from the day before but south. Here the diverted trail to the shortcut to avoid  Massé pourvoirie



the shortcut



We took a short break at the small snowmobile club's shack just up the big hill in St-Damien. Kristine took this amazing afternoon close-up of the moon 



 We then retraced our steps down to St. Gabriel.


 
As written earlier the good conditions were north from St-Gabriel and south from there the difference was noticeable on the conditions compared to Saturday morning with some dirt that was beginning to appear. To avoid the village of St-Felix we passed by St-Cuthbert/St-Norbert which at final had too bare and dirty spots and was no better than the saturday route. We had just enought water holes to cleanup the skid after  the dirt runs!!! We finally arrived home around 5:30 pm with 303 miles on the dreammeter for the 2 days.
In summary, the season is over near home but still a lot of snow north in the mountains and Mauricie side seems pretty good too. The temperature and precipitation in the next days will be decisive to know when the clubs will be grooming again. I suggest you to follow the developments here on the trails conditions website: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Good season ending!
 
Alain

Ride was great. Took the 53? up and was smooth and fast in Mt Laurier I 2 hours. Took the 63 back to the 319, 323 and 43. Good and was apparently groomed Saturday night as well. However as nice as it was with the weather this week I wouldn't count on it as being as good and frankly expect for this section to close after,
if you need another for Cote Nord next season, PM me. I'm looking at going. This an last season my buddy had things come up at the last minute and unlike Trailblazer I don't want to ride it alone.
Mike

Ride was great. Took the 53? up and was smooth and fast in Mt Laurier I 2 hours. Took the 63 back to the 319, 323 and 43. Good and was apparently groomed Saturday night as well. However as nice as it was with the weather this week I wouldn't count on it as being as good and frankly expect for this section to close after,
if you need another for Cote Nord next season, PM me. I'm looking at going. This an last season my buddy had things come up at the last minute and unlike Trailblazer I don't want to ride it alone.
Mike

Ice
i have both mirrors still in the box that should be the same as what you have Bought them years back for my attack but never used. 
Pm me your shipping address and will send them to you 
they’re no good to me anyway 

Ice
i have both mirrors still in the box that should be the same as what you have Bought them years back for my attack but never used. 
Pm me your shipping address and will send them to you 
they’re no good to me anyway 

Day 1 Thursday 
 
Left Matane early 6:45. Had a quick breakfast and out the door. Typical spring conditions leaving hotel and up through industrial park from Quality Inn. Once up in the hills nice frozen trail to start the day. Did not need the scratchers. TQ5 to Local orange. TQ5 was real nice near Matane. No worries. Onto orange direction Amqui. Nice trail here as well, a bit twisty to start and small by Gaspe standards but opened up nicely as we rode south. Can’t reall go wrong with any of the interior trails here. Down to rejoin TQ5 and well well freshly groomed. Here i put down the scratchers just because. Smooth ride into Amqui and beyond to Groomer’s Club House. Took the gas behind the club house and stopped to chat with Victor outside there. Next run was down 587 to Matapedia. Alain has never run this one. It’s a beauty and not far from TQ5 it’s fresh groomed almost all the rest of the way to gas in Matapedia. Once there we realize we are making excellent time so we call an audible and cancel hotel in Carleton sur Mer. We decide it will be New Richmond tonight. This will make a very short day tmmrw to Chandler but means extra sleep and more time tmmrw for happy hours. I’m good with that. 587 back to TQ5 and down through Point a la Croix. All good. As the day went on for sure the trail got more soft and made for heavy steering. Thats life come spring time riding. Lots of snow for sure but many of the along the road spots are getting down to nothing and some places are already there. Not gonna last forever here for sure. On to Relais in L’alverne and quick lunch. TQ5 from here to New Richmond showing the time of year and the warm temps. Not rough but mushy and getting used up. Saw 6 sleds all day until here at Hotel Francis then saw 6 more at hotel. Then another 4 arrived. Rush hour. Great day and besides my sled looking snirty(f-ing hate that) that’s spring riding. 391km not bad considering Alain does not do 300 ever usually. Tomorrow’s another day. 
Until next time.

   Dirty Girl

my buddy went up that way this past weekend and said was great. He stopped in at 100 lacs for drink as well, all good

Spoke with my buddy and he got up Saturday and trailered from Mt Laurier to St Ann. Word was trails not that great between. This is where we usually ride from but since he was only going to Clova was hoping to extend his ride. He left things to Thursday before he called to book and all the northern places were booked. I suggest at least for Saturday booking in some where.
Wish I could join you but have to work part of Friday
Mike
 

I got a speeding ticket last winter on the rail line not far from Trailblazers chalet. I know there was police ahead but thought they were at the junction so was still doing 94kph. just under $300, my buddy who was behind me was some how going faster and his was mid $3's

My buddy left from either mt laurier ir ferme neive this morning 
i will get an update Monday and let u know 

Day 2, Fri 3/16) Morning plan executed, 6-7-8, up the 23 just about first tracks.
This trail's a fav of mine, since the first Quebec almost 20 years ago, at night, in heavy snow, with zero experience in riding & gear etc etc. 
Today's lesson confirmed: There's more to picking trails than just iMoto! The 90'ish miles from St Ray to L'Etape showed no recent grooming.
Because it didn't need it! It was amazing. Flat concrete in the beginning, dropped one scratcher, so no problem.
Then 1"-2" of cream cheese, then 2"-3" up to the pull off for the truck stop.
The 5 miles to & from the gas was pure merde. Decent time @ 11:00am. Went in for sugar & caffeine & a break. 
Back to the 23 north and uh oh, lumped up bad. iMoto said groomed last night? Maybe shouldn't have hung at the truck stop so long?
After the trail got bigger/faster it went back to mint. Then bits of lumps where we leapfrogged different groups. It pays to stay out front!
Apica had some action, keep moving. LSJ clubhouse/warming hut was pretty packed. I love seeing old salts out on the trails! Makes me think I've got a future!
Keep moving. Now Mike's out front with the '18 and the GPS and he's got wings.
Topped the gas in Hebertville and into Chalet & Spa Lac Saint Jean in Chambord. Just 200 mi, plus 10-15 of track spin. 
Aside from some smallish drifts in some open spaces the trails were perfect in this area. 
Plan was to get here before the outdoor pools & saunas close and still catch dinner, but OOPS it's 3:00pm and the spa doesn't open until 4:30!? 
Back into reception and Natasha reads our minds (or facial expressions)... BEER!
I don't really know beer, so let's have some local LSJ Oatmeal Noir, had me tripping (not the footsteps kind). 

This snowmobiling thing....has never been a sport for saving money!!!
 
But it is worth every penny when:  you are the first track, on a freshly groomed trail, for 70 miles, at -10°,  beautiful sunny morning, going whatever speed you want!

Apparently there are too many mouse lovers on QR or my writing skills and story telling are pretty bad. All mouse tales have been deleted.  Thanks for the honest feedback. I will stick with trail reports only.
mike
 

Day 1, Friday, March 9th 2018, 365 miles.
We decided to start at the Sheraton Four Points in Quebec City.  Nice rooms, nice food and huge parking. If you are trying to go north it is a better option for us than the St Foy area.  We debated on starting more north in La Malbaie  but voted unanimously against it in favor of more miles on the sled and less in the truck.
We woke to a fresh 4 inches or so outside and it was still snowing.  Breakfast at 7:00 and then out to unload 5 sleds, Me, Jay, Randy, Dave and Greg. On the trail at 8:00 or so.
We found awesome conditions on the power-lines in Quebec City.  No rocks and tons of snow.  They fully recoved from the rain and warm.  No water, no missing snow bridges, nothing ! A few snowmobile bridges redone since last season and some fresh signing, it was nice. There were lots more 30km maximum signs in town so we took it very easy. Most of route 3 was freshly groomed and really nice until Relay Mont St Anne.  It stayed nice until the 369 La Tape turn off then the snow started picking up and for sure no groomer had been here in a bit.  Big snowdrifts and hard going all the way to Relay Michelieu at the Baie St Paul turn off.  They have 2 huge gas tanks there now that I have not noticed before.  No worries we don’t need gas and continue on.
It is obvious that the groomer has been here recently which was nice.  A few small trail reroutes since last year but it was all nice.  A bit choppy before the ferry as it usually is.  Snowing heavy now and WINDY…….  We got off a bumpy Tadousac ferry ride and headed to lunch at Restaurant Chantmartin a few minutes up the trail, (I was wishing I put the peanut butter on my toast for breakfast because I was HUNGRY!).  We met some folks there that were calling it a day because of too much snow and hard going.  We finished an awesome lunch and marched on. Both gas options on the trail in town are no longer open and we did not want to get the one off the side street so off we go. We bypassed Pelchat and got gas at Relais Escoumin. I know guys had issues with bad gas early in the season here but we took our chances and all was well.  We told the lady in the relay where we were going and she said something about good luck and crazy Americans.  We wrestled the sleds on the Route 3 bypass due to the locals tracking it up every which way playing in the deep snow.
Our plan was to get to Chenail Du Nord at 5:00 with 320 miles but with all the new snow and a few excursions we were not going to make that.  We arrived in Forestville at 6:45PM to get gas.  I looked at the Chenail Du Nord side trail on the way by and there were no tracks and now the fresh snow was in the 12-18 inch range and still snowing.  We leave at 7:00PM after grabbing (3) empty windshield washer jugs for tomorrow.  I shoot a note to Benoit we are running a bit late.
We doubled back the few kilometers to the side trail and off we go. Fresh tracks for 1KM then off a huge bank onto a plowed back road, hum.......  We go a short distance and hook a left back onto the side trail and are ready for the remaining 60 miles.  Lo and behold someone had ridden it pulling a sled and it’s perfect! Benoit has this section pretty well signed to his door. I have GPS tracks if anyone needs them.  It’s dark now but we could easily go 65mph+ on sections of this trail.  We arrived at 8:30PM with 365 miles on.  Long day and the only over 250 miles day this year, but sometimes to get to the interesting places you have to pay a bit. We had new snow the whole way and everyone was happy to be there!  Benoit came out to greet us and get us set in our cabin.  He said he would go wake the chef and dinner would be ready at 9:15.
Quick unload, shower and off to eat.  The new chef was awesome.  She is a local Floresville woman living in the bush here for the winter.  The meal was awesome as was visiting with Benoit for the evening.  He took out his calculator and said 600KM in 12 hours in this fresh snow, and you got gas, and you ate lunch?  We said yes, he said crazy Americans.  We've heard that before.
Lots of snow today and everything open for business.  I can't see this much snow melting quickly so head on up.  Quebec City is a great place to leave from when the conditions are this good.
 

Curious to know if there is a sign at the end that says "The end"