smclelan

I think the only Yamaha dealer in the Gaspe is in Pointe a LA Croix. Any good quality synthetic motor oil should work in your sled.

A very good practice!! I have witnessed what can happened if you dont lock the sleds up. Not good.

Sounds like a great few days!

There is one thing for sure, clubs in the Gaspesie can move snow. This area seems to get lots of extreme storms but the clubs know how to fix their trails quickly. I am sure by Friday it will be seamless. Hopefully the bearded man will keep on the trails till they are blue on the conditions map.

The Quality Inn in Matane is a good spot, easy to get in and out. I have never heard of sled issues in Matane. Ask for a ground floor room out back. Just follow the signs for the ferry.

The picture of the machine through the snow covered branch is very nice.

It is looking like the low snow areas are starting to fill in up there now!! Yes, the one with the little cabin is a nice picture. However picture #3 it looks like the trail hasn't been groomed in a very long time...perhaps the operator has been hanging out at the clubhouse flirting with the waitress too much!?!? LOL

My thoughts are Go For It!! However that said, I would recommend you leave RDL up to Matane and down through the Matepedia Valley toward Pointe a LA Croix and do the Gasps in the reverse direction you have planned. This will give the clubs on the North shore a chance to clean up the heavy drifting. Doing this you should still travel the Gaspesie in the same number of days you have planned.

OMG!!!!

I think I was in Matane that same weekend, our sleds looked the same as the ones in Mikes pics.

They could accomplish amazing things when you didn't have the department of environment criqueing every move. The beauracy in projects now cost incredible dollars and considerable time.

Looks like the Bearded man from the Gaspesie will have some news picks for us soon.

Never admitted defeat, have you ever heard the expression "let's go this way for a while, I have my GPS zoomed out". We ended up finding our way into LA Dore on a local trail. I bet you think that is funny don't you???

Good job Andy on the report. The helmets off spot was not far East of Relais 22, there was a sign for La dore We tried to find our way through but there were insufficient signage and no GPS tracks. We were within 1km of the 93 but couldn't find the shortcut we were looking for. This shortcut could easily save several hours and put you half way between LA Dore and the sawmill. Please note there is one track up over the hill ahead of the stuck sled, this was made by in my opinion the most skillful rider in the group, but I won't mention any names!!

We are working on the pictures, Ross (aka Diesel) took most of the pictures then took off on another snowmobile trip. Hoping to have them soon.

Thanks Mike for the test ride, it was great to try one. I was very surprised on how well the 900 felt. Lots of torque for traveling at trail speeds. The 900 will likely the power plant in my next sled.

The Stephen Harper government announced today in the new Federal Budget they will put $10 million dollars toward snowmobile trails. These are $0.50 dollars so with matching funds there will be $20 million in trail work done across Canada! This same government gave $25 million for trails back in 2009 which turned into $56 million worth of work! A good day for snowmobiling in Canada!!

Nice looking ice pics for your tracks. They should solve your problem.

The Esso burned a couple days before we passed through. I have heard of this company called Irving. :-)

I agree with Bill. I have been wearing Ckoko Extreme bibs for many years and have been out in very cold temperatures with no issues. When in comes to spring sledding in warm temps, just drop a zipper to allow venting.

Great report as always Alain! Good to hear the trails are in such good shape. andyman and I are heading out Thursday going that way. We will be joined by the infamous Timbo and Thad by Saturday. A trans Quebec tour!!

Haha. I knew it was. There was a gremlin on the site. We are heading out Thursday morning at 7am, so our route plans could change as many as 350 times between now and then. LOL

Thanks for the offer Mike!!

Sainte Anne des Monts I have always stayed at the Motel Brunante. Great spot, close to the trail and snowmobile friendly. Sometimes the front desk struggles a little with English but certainly not an issue. Gas station and restaurant right across the street, good food.

Tell us the truth of how you felt about your sled not starting. LOL