doo4adoo

Saturday Feb 10
Rain and freezing rain overnight. Got up to survey situation 7:30. Not raining, radar showing worst is past so, off to breakfast then we will make a go out to check things out. Its warm though. 
 
Dressed down best we could, first damn helmet I had that doesn’t leak air. Solid and warm. 
 
Mrs Ice has to do class work for monday so we are going out and around back early. The plan was perfectly timed as we returned to Univerel it began to rain again an still gray and sprinkling on and off. 
 
Left hotel and another first this trip, I neglected to mention yesterday it was the first time for Mrs to negotiate through a pack of 5 two up sleds as we passed. I will let her tell you. Nicely done. Cleanly safely and politely. As could be. 
Today the first is over the bridge right here to the orange trail. Hey it’s the little milestones that keep me going. This is a new trail for me as was the 518 yesterday. Still nice here but we are sweating, Jackets open and snow soft. Too warm to enjoy. But not raining. 
 
Orange local along the 20 to St Andre here to 559 boney along roads and crossings. It is what it is. Otherwise very nice. Greens and orange. Everyone touring running TQ 5 and it shows. 
559 to TQ 5 east to 561 the to Club house for a break there. The 526 is next it was showing some use. Too warm but starting to get more cloudy and windy. One two up and a single holding us up a bit. The two up leading is one you have those dreams about. The one where you are in you lane minding your business and round next turn comes this guy keeping cemter left. Wow. 
Caro was leading us and she said I am so afraid watching this guy. Afraid I am going to see something I don’t want to. She gets it. Very proud of her progress she soaks it all in. The force is strong in this one. 
Finally they go left on orange to join TQ5 we continue 526 up to TQ85 railbed bike path holdind up great, after relay at TQ5/85 here its got some ugly looking spots by peat moss bogs. Bad.
Into town not worst i seen. Asphalt all bare basically everywhere.
back with whopping 75 miles but Wife had fun and so did we, too warm now starting to rain again. This adventure is being called. Until next time RDL
We will return
will it be this year?  Who knows
Mrs Ice gets all credit for photography 

 
 

Going to give you a bit more. Then bedtime. 
 
we are going nowhere it’s out n back 2 days from here Universel..
Got some new hardware and trying it out while getting mrs ice some much deserved seat time. (She gets very little) nature of the game. 
 
Sena 50s awesome. Group mesh and love it. 
CKX Mission Carbon helmets. Why I waited till now i do not know. Game changing comfort and vision. Badass. 
 
Wheels down February 9 at RDL. This is a special year. That’s it. It is what it is and if you want to ride you can make it happen simple as that. Bitching about it or wondering how it will hold up is a waste of energy. 
 
Close to hotel is boney i have seen worse and rode worse returning here before. Not far out much better we left with no set plan. Following what felt good. 
 
526 to TQ85 to First orange we can find. Let’s Go. 
early morning TQ85 nice and then orange fresh groomed. Beautiful. 
up orange to 544 another beauty  very few sleds and great trail. 
new helmets are sweet. 
now 571 and another stunner. Real nice. Then to TQ5 to the trail of the day 518. WOW WOW WOW, never rode this it is spectacular 
east n 518 to local orange down to Fabien sur mer. To a scenic overlook just niot the best day for the views. But awesome riding. 
Gassed on the orange there right on the 132 been by on the road never on sled here. 
 
to be continued 

When you hear please let us know. Hoping to be there Feb 20ish as well 

We are back from today's ride. We went out 383 to St Bruno and then the local trails to the bridge in Alma.  From there to Relais du Lac and back to the Delta via 93.
Most of the riding was still OK but it was warm.  In the woods, it is still good but the road crossings, the fields and the south facing hills are turning from snirt to dirt.  Any road running is pretty bare.  It is forecast to stay above freezing overnight and thru tomorrow.  Then the temps are suppose to drop but still no snow or only a centimeter or two.  A storm is what is needed after this warm up.
There are still areas that have decent snow and very rideable but you may have to go thru some bad stuff to get there.
The groomers are still out and managing to do the amazing with what little snow they have to work with.  I don't think they will be out tonight since it is going to be warm but they may prove me wrong.
We are loading up and heading home tomorrow.  We were going to head home Sunday but decided not to ride tomorrow and take the black trail instead.
If we don't come back up again, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe year.
Jack & Sandi

Rode out of Jackman again
 
75 to 25 then local trail up to 535 to 55.  55 into Notre Dame des Pins and on of my fav pic spots at the covered bridge.  Then 75 to 535 again to 545 back to 75.
 
Trail were great again this day, avoided the high traffic areas.  
2 flocks of turkeys in that field had to be over 40 birds.
175 mile day

Better screenshot 
 
 

Well, 6 of us reluctantly headed up on Saturday, the 3rd.  Being that is was free weekend, we wanted to try and avoid heaving traffic areas, so we parked off 322 between Mount Laurier and Maniwaki and headed North on the local trail towards Le Pensive.  We continued on for a stop at Club Gatineau.  Trails to this point were 9/10 with good snow and little traffic.  Went on to Club Notawissi and then down the cutoff to Club Fontbune for the night.  This was my first time staying there and let me tell you, awesome little place.  The team there works their butts off to make sure you have an excellent experience.  Fun staff, nice cabins, awesome food.
The next day we headed back the way we came and up to Le Pensive and Lepine road to Clova.  Very little traffic and even though Lepine wasn't groomed, it was a real nice ride.  The logging at the end wasn't even very problematic, sort of looks like they are done there and other than the last mile or so, there was plenty of snow on the road for lubrication.  Clova was exactly what you would expect, although I did overhear it being said Dominique may be considering hitting Lepine with the groomer. 
The next day we headed towards parent.  Clova to Parent was pretty tuned in.  They are now working you around the logging there, so other than some stretches to cross water run offs and some crossings, you weren't running the bare road.  I give it a more than acceptable work around.  Parent to 345 intersection was total dog shit.  I think they may have groomed one time, but I needs hit 2 or 3 times before it comes into shape.  There seems to be enough snow on the trail for grooming.  I was thankful the new bridge was in.  We were prepared to cross, but after seeing with my own eyes, I understand why those who have crossed said it was an adventure.
345 down to Kanawata and then down to Repos was freaking awesome.  11/10 for sure.  Fast and Fun.   We continued on down 33 to Auberge Taureau for the night.  Snow is definitely thin as you get down that direction, but groomers are doing a great job keeping the trails in as good of shape as possible.
Next morning we head out 360 to 345 and head back north.  This section of 345 was almost as good as the northern section.  They had it tuned up real nice and it was quite enjoyable.  From Repos, we head west over to 53 and down to Meekos.  I give this whole stretch 8.5/10.  A few obstacles to be mindful of hear and there, mainly water wash outs, but all and all, pretty nice ride.
Half the group jumps in the lake at Meekos, we have a good meal and wait for the next day wondering how it might be getting back to the truck as we decided to man up and try going down the St. Anne Du Lac, Devils Mountain, etc. picking our way back to the truck.
Well, this ride had lots of ups and downs.  There were sections that you would have felt like full on winter conditions and sections that would feel like the end of March with lots of rocks, gravel, etc.  That being said, sleds never overheated and we made back to the truck at 11:30.
We were all super happy we came up and it ended up being a great trip.  I would say 900 total miles, 50 or so utter dogshit, 200 ish 8/10 and the rest were classic Quebec.
 
Now for the real question..........What's it gonna be like in say a week or two 

I twisted myself around at that same spot last weekend.  Now that 345 pops out north of repos screwed up my sense of direction.  My trak maps is from 2016 so it’s not really up to date.
Ben left the horseshoe at least 3 years ago.  The place is now owned by the mining company that is prospecting the copper vein just north of the outfitter.  The two ladies running the joint now doo a great job.
I hope the prospecting doesn’t lead to mining in the area, that would be more problematic than logging. 
 
The WIFI password is the name of the company:  KINTAVAR.
There is a report on radio Canada on the whole operation.  I found a video on YouTube last summer showing some of the exploration.

Out on a 3 day bash. La Tuque to Pourvoirie la Dore via 73 , 355 , local ,  93 .. left turn to pourvoirie.  All pretty decent,  good snow  , low snow,  logging , Feeder to the run up lac Eduard groomed ! .. no deal breakers.  

Today we had a very nice ride.  A little short so we could get back to the Delta to visit with the new arrivals from across the pond and Michigan.
The grooming map looked excellent this morning.  We took 83 east then 368 all the way to 23.  83 was very good and 368 we haven't been on for awhile.  It has been rerouted from where it crosses autoroute 175 to 23.  It is wider and more open now.  Such a great improvement.
23 was groomed to perfection also.  We then took 83 back to the Delta.  Not much traffic on the trails today.  Probably being a Monday.
Many more trailers at the Delta now and saddle baggers coming in each night.  Starting to feel like winter.  Finally!
Jack & Sandi

It's after breakfast and the decision was to make a small loop and come back up thru La Baie and see the fishing village.
83 south it is.  A few miles out and 83 crosses autoroute 175.  Straight thru the intersection and the trail goes into the field.  A change here.  The trail keeps going straight instead of left into the woods.  It runs a good mile and then goes thru a couple more fields.  Nice and open.  We come to a stop sign and this is where the cul-de-sac for Chicoutimi joins.  A little easier running.  You don't go behind the houses any more.  That is part of the  cul-de-sac now.  Then we are back on the old 83.
Good running along and we turn right onto 368.  The trail has been a little bumpy but enough snow.  No trouble with dirt.  A few miles in and the groomer for Laterriere made a pass from here last night.  We turn left on 383 still following the groomer's path.  We are first tracks now.  What a nice ride this is.  Crossing back and forth over the quad trail.  The quad trail is on the old road that went to the old Relais Boullanaise.  I know I must have missplet that.  The trail gets cranky after the old Relais.  Still groomed but tugging back and forth on the handlebars.
We pull into Ferland for coffee break.  A few sleds and quads outside.  Sunny day and mild temps.  What a great day for riding.
We continue south on 383.  Just after Ferland, wow has this area been logged.  Much of it has been clear cut.  A lot of nice scenic views.  The trail has been changed around here too.  It's following the access roads for the logging operation.  Nice gentle sweeping turns.  The up and downs are too big for big trucks.  Maybe its access for the smaller equipment.
383 now cuts back up to 83 on what was the old local 22 trail.  It joins 83 near the spur to St Felix.  383 no longer goes straight south to 83 where there was a warming hut.
83 is used but in decent shape.  We haven't seen too many sleds today.  I would have thought there would have been more traffic for such a nice Sunday.  At the little bridge for the cutoff to La Baie, Trail Security is checking sleds.  They have 3 sleds stopped and the younger riders are pulling out paperwork.  Oh oh for them but good for us.  One of the Security workers motions for us to continue on.
Into La Baie and gas up the sleds.  We cross the road and get on the local trail that runs on the walking path.  Slow going here of course.  In town and it is narrow and bumpy.  We jump down onto the bay and see the fishing house scattered all around.  A lot of activity but as we approach the north side, we notice no fishing village!  The signs are up and the lot markers are here but no fishing huts.  The only thing I can think of is the bay was so late in freezing thick enough, the trucks and tractors used to pull the houses onto the ice weren't allowed on the ice.  I don't know.  A disappointment because it is really cool to see the village.
We get off the ice and back on the trail.  Oh my is this bumpy.  I don't think this has been groomed this year.  The red stakes are in the ground and the stop signs are in but no grooming.  Rough is being polite.  About 8 miles of torture and we finally join back onto 83.  The rest of the ride back to the Delta is nice once again.
We get back early enough to trailer Jason's rental back to Evasion.  Overall it was a nice weekend for them.  Tomorrow they drive back to Connecticut.  Sandi and I are here for the week.  Can't wait to see Pat and Gary.  They should be on a plane right now coming across the pond.  See you tomorrow.
Jack & Sandi

If you are sitting home wondering about the trails get off the couch load up and go. We just ran 1098km and with the exception of low snow around Amqui all good to go especially with this new snow. There is a big reroute on the 595 south of La Cache. It takes you east and intercepts the trail to Murdochville for a short distance. I kept looking at my GPS thinking where the Hell are we going but it actually only adds 12km to the trip to New Richmond.

The grooming map looks good.  They were out in force last night.
We head back up 373 the way we had come in.  We wanted to go to the zoo but couldn't find the trail for it yesterday afternoon.  Today as we head north on 373, we see the auto road for the zoo but no signs or snowmobile trail leading to it.  One would have to run the side of the auto road to get to the zoo.  Carry on.
We go by Relais des Buttes and turn right to cross the river.  Instead of the local trail to Dolbeau like we came in on, we turn left and head towards Normandin.  The trails are fine this morning other than a little thin in a few corners.  Nothing to get concerned about.  Turn right and go thru Albanel and then head south towards Dolbeau.  Just before Dolbeau at the intersection of 93 and 901, there must be 20 - 25 sleds here parked all over the trail.  The maps are out and they are looking at the signs.  Come on guys, at least pull over to the side of the trail so others can get thru.  We get past that mess and continue on.  Nice riding to Relais Vauvert.  Good spot for a coffee and bathroom break.  Quite a few sleds here.  Most of the riders are almost as old as me.  They must out taking the wife for a ride.  Great day to do it.
After Vauvert, we take the local trail to St Jeanne d'Arc.  This trail is always nice.  Not much traffic and it is well groomed.  After Relais Erabliere the trail is getting rough.  Still enough snow but just a lot more traffic.  Its getting pretty bumpy into the truck stop.  This place is full.  There has to be 50 sleds here.  No wonder the trail is beat up.  A good lunch as always and off towards the big bridge on 373.  This is a very scenic trail but everyone must be heading to the bridge.  The trail is showing a lot of wear.
First time we are at the bridge and it must be Happy Hour here.  Got to be 25 sleds before the bridge and another 35 sleds up on top of the hill overlooking the bridge from the east side.  Everyone is stopped, taking pictures and having beverages.  I'm sure they aren't consuming alcohol.  We stop and no beverages for us but I have to take a few pictures.  I'll try loading a couple.  I usually don't have very good luck doing it though.  Quite an impressive bridge.
Back on the trail.  Very rough going down 482.  As we get further away from the bridge, it smooths out a little.  I decide to take 328 to the east and then 134 south to the two bridges.  134 is perfect most of the way.  The last 10 miles or so get rough again and the snow is thin on the hills and corners.  Not as much snow the closer we get to Jonquiere.  We cross the bridges and get back to the Delta.
The best riding was from Alma to St Felicien yesterday and then today from St Felicien to St Jeanne d'Arc.  A lot of traffic the closer we got to the east side of Lac St Jean.  It is the weekend and many people were out.  Lets see what tomorrow brings.
 

We have returned from supper. 
So this morning, we wake up and look out the window from the tenth floor of the Delta.  Sandi, all of the vehicles out in the parking lot have snow on them.  Maybe an inch or two.  Not a lot but we will take anything Mother Nature will give us.   A good breakfast and we load up the sleds and head out.  Sandi's son, Jason, and his wife, Yushen , are with us.  Not a lot of snow, a few inches, but the trail has been groomed and really not much snirt.  Just a little at the top of a rise or in a corner but better than what we were expecting.
We head for the two dams.  Just before the two dams is the scale house by the gravel pit.  The trail did go straight to the dams and 383 went off to the left towards Spence Ski Doo.  The trail no longer goes straight.  You have to turn left and about 1/4 mile there is a hard right, signed, to go to the two dams.  Easy enough to follow but it made me think for a second.  Be careful of the hard right.  There is a good drop off to the side.
The trail to the dams hasn't been groomed in a few days but is in decent shape.  We are heading to St Felicien so after the dams we go left on 367 instead of taking Pickle Park.  The trail is good.  Thru what were the scrubby pines which are now really tall, the trail is very good.  Cross by Geant Trailer and we turn left on 93.  Oops, detour around the Crevier station.  It is closed and there is the temporary construction fence around it and an excavator in the parking lot.  Looks like that station is coming down.
Not too far into 93 and it bears off the old trail and heads south.  I remember this from last year.  10 miles of a still young new trail and it is twisty, narrow and bumpy.  This is not what Quebec is known for.  Finally we get to road crossing.  I see a sign that says St Charles 2 km.  We cross the road and get on the old St Charles trail heading back to the warming hut where 93 used to join in.  The trail is much better now.  Sit back and enjoy the ride Sandi.  The further we go the better it gets.  The new section of 93 around Alma where the auto road was expanded is nice.  No more bumpity bump in Alma.  That is history now.
Time to tank up at St Henri.  The Petrocan is an easy in and easy out.  Good bathroom break for the ladies.  Now the trail is really getting to feel like Quebec.  The trail thru the fields is wide, flat and fast.  The sun is out bright and it is a beautiful day to be riding.  A fair number of sleds are out.  Everybody is behaving and staying on their side of the trail.  Cruising down the 8 mile stretch of power line after St Monique.  A little bit of chatter in the trail but still a beautiful ride.
We turn left on 367, the Peribonka trail I like to call it.  All of this is just gorgeous riding.  We have found where all the snow is in Quebec.  Maybe it isn't as deep as it usually is but it is smooth.  We pull into Relais Vouvert for lunch.  Only 3 other sleds here.  What a beautiful day.  My phone rings at lunch.  Who could this be?  Oh, I won't say my "friend's name" but he was scheduled to be with us but changed his mind at the last minute thinking the trails would be bad.  I tell him how bad the trails are so he won't feel like he is missing a really good ride.  More snow for us.
Back on the sleds and ride on.  We cross the river at Dolbeau.  Turn left on 901, local trail to St Felicien.  We catch up to 3 slower sleds.  I take my time thru the woods here and stay behind them.  We get to a nice open stretch and we carefully pass and give a thank you wave.  Making good time thru here.  These yellow trails are always well kept.  We cross the river at Relais des Buttes.  Boy is this place packed.  There has to be 30 sleds here or more.  No need for a break now.
We run down 373 and pull into Hotel du Jardin.  It has been awhile since we have been here.  A lot of businesses along the road.  The first time we were here, this was all empty fields.  We came in from the back side of the hotel back then.  What a difference but I'm dating myself now.  That was a time when snowmobiles had pull ropes to start them and reverse was tuggin' on the rear bumper.
It looks like no snow in the forecast but the temps are going to stay below freezing.  We head back to the Delta tomorrow.  See you then.
Jack & Sandi

Last day (3.5). 100 lacs back to the truck at font brune. 
 
Dinner was great at 100 lacs, we even had the “honey moon suite” above the restaurant which is interesting.
 
trails were good till st Anne du lacs after which they sucked. Just not enough snow. Like others mentioned the groomers are doing miracles with what they have.
 
back to the truck by noon completing our 1220 km trip. Happy trails!

I just came back from Charlevoix. It was snowing there this morning but pretty well rain all the way back to Ottawa. 😞 

Day 3 relais 22 to 100 lacs via Parent and the decelles river crossing 😁
 
realis 22 was great, service was good and very friendly and the pork was great as well! Lunch was a snack in parent at the general store. 
 
The longer version of the river crossing is in the other thread but 50 kms was ungroomed (we knew about this and decided to run it) between 345 and parent. Then we checked on the progress of the new bridge and bashed across via the river.
 
after parent we arrived to 100 lacs for the night by 6 pm with another 370 kms (including one wrong turn!). And we have another busted secondary roller to report on a doo g4 with 5000 kms, but luckily it didn’t slow us down and we were able to just run it as is for the remainder of the trip.

The trails were great all day. Best yet. however there is a bumpy and stick section before and after Wemotaci. 
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_02/IMG_5204.thumb.jpeg.0efe6c6360beca349f94b484cf147154.jpeg

Got the chance to take a ride. Left Shawinigan this morning first 20km rodeo action. Met groomer near Lac a Tortue . Took local to 23 to join others at Chez Alain right at junction of 23 on river. 
Gather up the gang and 4 strong we took 23 to St Tite then to 360. All mint.  Sure could always use more snow but nice. Continue on 360 at Junction in Trois Rives St joseph de mekinac.
Tabletop to Mattawin. Unreal.  Gas in Mattawin took time to check on Snowmasters rig. Then 360 through the park. Very nice but lots of big rocks to watch for . Some ice in places but overall better then I imagined. To the Barrage Taureau and down i think is 345 this year on damn? But was even good down to Cabanon. 
 
Long lunch at Cabanon. Then off to St Michael des Saints, last 20km into town a higway to hell. But we knew this. 63 shit. 
 
Hotel Central tonight first time ever here. Nice stay great fun at bar and just glad to get to spin the track. 
 
Looking at Pipemans pics feels like I am slumming it down here, 
Unfortunately a longer ride will have to wait. 
 
Back to Chez Ice tomorrow. 
 
my office awaits. 
 
we shall see what we find tomorrow.
 
sorry got no pictures for ya. 

Cabaret Éden | Rimouski QC

Started in La Tuque up to St Felicien 373 around lake to Alma down to The Roquemont all Good!!!

Today we rolled from from Mattawin to Far a Cheval (Horseshoe) 360. 345 33. 13 . A little logging/reroute on the 345 before Repo and 33 west of Ropo. Nice day on the snow ❄️  ! 

Great reporting Mark!   Remind me, where is Jasmin?
I forgot to mention we stopped at the club house on the power line just before Rimouski. They were closed. But they turned part of the club house into a Refuge for when they are not open. The big room is partly partitoned off with metal locking curtains and has a separate entrance. It stays unlocked, is toasty warm, tables and chairs for about 30 people and vending machines for coffee etc.   Really well done.