SnomoGary

It was another nice day of riding albeit cold.  -22C when we left and it warmed up to -20C this afternoon.  Not many sleds out on the trails.
Today Joe and I leave the Universal and when we get to 85, I turn left, north, towards the SkiDoo dealer in RDL.  I can tell Joe is thinking "Where is Jack going?"
I stay on 85 winding around thru town then I turn right onto one of the local trails in the direction of Cacouna.  This runs along the railbed and is nice.  Flat, smooth and fluffy on top.  Boy is the snow dust in the air.  Sorry Joe.
We get to the next intersection and turn right on 565.  Now I'm all set.  Nobody has been on this yet.  I'm staying on 565 and it joins 5.  We run for about 8 miles and then branch off to the right still staying on 565.  We follow this until we hit 85.  South on 85 for 10 miles and then right on 35.  85 is great but cold.
35 was groomed last night.  Only a couple of sleds have been on it before us.  Some nice stretches thru here.  We stop at Relais Chevalier.  Closed as expected.  Four sleds pull in.  The drivers are speaking French.  Not many Americans up here.
Next, we get to the junction with 561.  Hmm?  I've never headed south here towards New Brunswick.  What do you think Joe?  Its early, we got gas and nowhere special to go.  The relais' aren't open (yet).
OK.  I turn left and about 10 miles in there is an intersection marked trail 550 to the left.  The map shows it as a yellow unmarked cul-de-sac.  550 is further east by Packington.  Does anybody know if this goes all the way thru to Packington?  The map shows a 10-15 mile gap to trail 550.
Today is not the day to try it.  5 miles later and we are at the border with New Brunswick!  Ok.  We accomplished what I wanted to do.  U-turn and back up 561.  We get on Lac Pohenegamook.  Boy is it cold on the Lac.  Half way up we cut left over to the Irving station.
We go inside to warm up.  They have sandwiches here, coffee, all kinds of goodies.  We grab a sandwich and have lunch.  Oh it feels good to be in a warm place.  I miss the lunch stops.
Back on the sleds and north on 561.  On 565/35 for awhile.  We pass Les Explorateurs and stay on 561 all the way where it runs with 5.  North of that and just before St Alexandre, we turn right on the local trails and make our way over to St Antonin.  A little while later and we are back at the Universal.  A hot shower awaits.
In a little early but that's OK on a cold day.
We saw a couple of sleds early this morning and then a few more on 35 and 561.  If the restaurants open up next week, even half capacity, I expect more sleds.  The trails have a superb base to them and with the cold, have set up nicely.  Unless there is a warm up, the trails will be fine for a long time.
Until tomorrow, be safe.
Jack

What a nice day.
Joe and I left this morning with no big plan.  Lets head east on 5.  There was quite a bit of grooming last night.  Sandi gave me the OK to take her sled, the new 2021 MXZ X 600.  Remember we didn't ride at all last year.  She wants me to soften it up.  A few extra cheeseburgers helps to fatigue the springs a little.
Off we go.  Once again the trails are groomed and smooth.  A little fluff from the overnight flurries.  I've got Sandi's sled with the suspension set pretty soft.  I notice its a little heavy in the handlebars.  We get to the junction with trail 5 and I decide to put a little more pressure on the center shock to lighten up the front end.  Off we go and it is better.  This is starting to feel like her old MXZ.
Riding along the front end does feel lighter.  Of course the smooth trails makes the ride exceptional anyways.  Joe and I swap sleds.  I would like another opinion.  Joe rides the MXZ from the former Relais Verte to Relias Trois Pistoles.  A nice variety of trail from straight and fast to twists and turns in the woods.
We stop at Relais Trois Pistoles.  Joe gives his nod of approval.  He said Sandi is lighter than him, yea, but her sled is good as is.  We swap back and bail off of 5 and head down 571 towards Trois Pistoles.  Another fresh groomed trail with an inch of fluff.  Turn right on 518.  FarmerOld was on this last week and said it was great!  I haven't been on 518 in a long time.  Boy I should take this more often.
The less traveled path is sometimes the better one.  Most people run 5.  You got to get on some of the green and yellow trails once in awhile.  They are many times the best kept local secrets.  518 is one of those secrets.  It runs close to the river thru woods and farm land.  Not much change in elevation but wonderful lefts and rights with a few camel backs.  Lets run it Joe.
The sky is clearing and it is warming up, -15 to -12C.  The snow dust is in the air and we are moving.
We get to St Eugene de Ladriere and there is a Crevier station.  "How much gas you got Joe?"  "About 3/4 of a tank.  I'm good."
A mile later and we are at trail 5 at Relais Moulin.  I didn't realize how close this gas station was to 5.  Remember that just in case.  It looks like the relais is closed.
I have an idea.  I discuss it with Joe and he agrees.  We turn right on 5 and start rolling.  You can sure run the speed limit here on the power lines!  😁  I rarely see it this smooth.  As Commander Cody would say about driving his hot rod Lincoln, "The telephone poles look like a picket fence!"  My apologies to those of you that don't know that song.
We get to Relais Trois Pistoles.  "Joe, how are you doing on gas?"  "Good.  I can get 140-150 miles on a tank."  "OK.  We will have 140 miles at the next gas station."
We continue on 5.  A little over an hour later and we are at the gas station in RDL.  Joe takes 34 liters and I take 32.  Not a lot left in the tanks but we made it.
We go to the Universal.  Here is our lunch stop.  Since the relais' are closed, we decided to go back to our rooms at the Universal for a lunch break.  Something different heh.
We both have a light lunch and watch a little TV.  We are full, the snowmobiles are full and there is still plenty of daylight left.
We are back on the sleds and heading west down local 45 that runs along the river and parallel to auto route 20.  Another fine example of the yellow local trails that are superb.  About 10 miles out and we get to the Shell station.  Here you can cross over route 20 on the local auto road and hook up on trail 561 which we do.
Once again, 561 does not disappoint.  We run this to the merge with 5 and continue on.  We turn right staying on 561.  The trail just keeps getting better.  We get to Relais Exploratuers and turn left onto 526.  Stay straight on the local 44 to pick up 544.  Like I said, these green and yellow trails can be the best.
544 takes us to 85 where we turn right for a couple of miles and then a left staying on 544.  This is slightly longer than 85 but a different ride than the railbed.  544 breaks off to the right and we stay straight on local 44 to go back to 85 and ride it all the way back to the Universal.
What a nice day.  Forget about work and all those other things.  Enjoy the ride!
Tomorrow it is forecast to be cooler.  A high of -19C.  A few flurries falling out there now.  More rigs in the lot too.  Mostly Quebec and Ontario.  I did see a couple of Massachusetts trucks.
Until tomorrow, be safe and think about coming up here for some of the best riding in awhile.
Jack

Good to hear Jack,  braking news here we don't have to test to get back into UK date it kicks in to be announced this afternoon..  hope you a joe have a great trip looking forward to the reports... be safe..

Good to hear Jack,  braking news here we don't have to test to get back into UK date it kicks in to be announced this afternoon..  hope you a joe have a great trip looking forward to the reports... be safe..

Thanks for sharing Jack,  love reading you're reports safe trip home and hopefully see you on 7th February...  

Awesome news!!  Heading up Feb 3rd!

Love it, heading up the 29th!

Or in Jack's case 100 %  lol ......

I'll say today was a fine day of riding.  Cool temps, great trails, no traffic and fantastic company, JAK and two of the GutZ guys.
We went west on 5 then took the connector to 526 and to Relais Explorateurs (single arch).  The trail was firm and smooth.  We got on 35 west and this was even better.  The railbed went by quick and before we know it we are at the junction with 557 that goes over the mountain.
You know guys, 35 is good but look, 557 was groomed last night and there isn't a track on it yet.  557 it is and off we go.  The first 20 miles is a nice mountain trail with gentle twists and turns as you climb in elevation.  Beautiful!  Then the trail is on a road for 15 miles.  It doesn't get much better than this.  Just cruising along, blue sky and sunshine.  We can feel the heat from the sun thru the shield.  Snow dust in the air behind us.
The relais in St Pamphile is closed like most of the others.  We continue on into town and gas up.  U-turn back to the relais and left on 55.  Another trail that was groomed last night.  Wow.  Perfect all the way up to 35.  Turn right on and it is still groomed.  We are making time now.  The kilometers are ticking away.
About 15 miles in and we are at the little connector that takes us up to 5.  Off we go on the connector and then right on 5.  A little choppy here but that is comparing 5 to what we were just on.  5 is still fine.  We stay on 5 the rest of the way back to RDL.
Quebec really knows how to take care of the trails.  Thanks!
Jack

Good to hear Jack,  braking news here we don't have to test to get back into UK date it kicks in to be announced this afternoon..  hope you a joe have a great trip looking forward to the reports... be safe..

Good to hear Jack,  braking news here we don't have to test to get back into UK date it kicks in to be announced this afternoon..  hope you a joe have a great trip looking forward to the reports... be safe..

Good to hear.  One less item you have to deal with.  See you soon.  It has been a long two years.
Jack & Sandi

For those riding Maine this season, did  my first full day ride today out of Millinocket. Conditions are excellent.
Owner of Baxter Park Inn says thanks to all the QuebecRiders that have stayed here this season. He thinks we're a good crew.

Not that they can't improvise & find a workable clearing if one wasn't near one of those designated spots with the red signs, but it'd be pretty handy if one was near one.
And kinda like paying for a trail pass that never gets used (heaven forbid), you know the dough's going to support & sustain a good cause. The Airmedic mission & vibe seems pretty badass. 
https://www.airmedic.net/articles
https://www.airmedic.net/article/saut-haute-voltige-securite-lysanne-richard
https://www.airmedic.net/article/comment-lunettes-vision-nocturne-permettent-vous-sauver-en-tout-temps

Hi Jack and Sandi, thrilled to see you're back and your 2022 post! I'll probably get hammered for saying this but I know something that would help your shoulder and snowmobiling: jump ship to Polaris. 🙂 Be well, we'll be following your season and hopefully it all returns to normal in 2023!
Terry 

Air Medic is very cheap and if you get seriously hurt in the bush it may save your life and your fortune....everyone should have this

Hello! Mrs. Ice here. 
Did you miss me? 
 
So we went out for a ride today. We wanted to go yesterday, (Saturday) but it was -34 C. So we waited for today, it was much better -31 C when I woke up! 🤣🤣Hahaha !!! 
 
I was excited to try on my new pants which finally arrived this past week. I tested them good, wore only my hypnose pants underneath. I guess I was ambitious, will need to add another layer when it’s below -25 C. 
 
Lover was proudly wearing his new FXR jacket as well and he wasn’t cold at all! Great purchase. 
 
We didn’t go very far, we took trail 3 west and a local orange trail to St-Louis de France. Then We reached 351 along the highway. This is one of my favorite place to rip it!!! 😆Just past Champlain. However, I had to be careful due to a lack of snow, some bumps and bushes sticking out. That shouldn’t be a problem after tomorrow’s snowstorm. (Supposed to get 30 cm)
 
We made a left and took a local orange trail to St-Luc de Vincent. Back to St -Narcisse to rejoin trail 3. 
 
We saw more sleds today than during all the days in Gaspésie. But it’s ok, I ‘m glad people enjoy the outdoors even though it’s cold and restaurants are closed. That’s why we chose to do a short one, 2 hours it lasted. 
 
Trail took us back to Turtle lake, through Shawinigan to home.
 
After Gaspésie we brought the sleds to Moto Thibeault, our mechanic. Lover had me installed some snow trackers because my stock Yamaha tuners were close to worn out. 
Now, I can steer even better. 
 
I told lover that I would gain speed because it’s easier to steer and it stays where I want it to be. Awesome! What a change! 
 
Also, Mr. Iceman let me ride in the front for a very long time today! Yeah! That way I have to stay on the right even more because I’m the first one meeting other sleds, so no warning coming my way! It’s fine! I can handle it! But it was fun to be the first one. I like it when it’s just him and I but with more people I feel a certain pressure to go fast enough so they don’t get bored behind me… so I’m comfortable doing my own thing in the back! 😉
 
It’s was a great short ride in this cold Canadian weather. 
 
100km

With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays



This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat
It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint




We then took #33 trail west that was perfect



and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find.



A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... 





Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right


And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! 

Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees.



I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us.
 
We then got down the mountain...





And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... 



the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left.
We then continue on the #33 that was nice

The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice 




We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had

Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... 
let's get burry under snow!

This is a great idea!!!

If the tape is good you just kinda lean into it..... Zero effort!!!!
If it lets go.....hmmmm.... Maybe I didnt think this through.....
LOL
GutZ

Message from one of the sledders.......
Details of the January 15 snowmobile outing.
 Normally in January we leave early to return early due to the short window of light available.
 Yesterday we left around 10 am due to the cold for a route that we thought was feasible with the weather we had.  We were 6 experienced local snowmobilers and the ambition was to be back before nightfall.
 A non-remote loop route within 4 km of our cabins was on the menu.  The first hours were challenging but the fun factor was very high.  The sun pampered us, the terrain and snow was amazing.
 We had only one idea at the start and that was to complete this short route at the high level of difficulty without the option of retracing our steps.  We had overcome some steep losses in elevation over very short distances and this is precisely what made us postpone the decision to turn back, fearing the significant effort required to overcome this elevation on the way up.
 Around 3:30 p.m. we arrived above a steep waterfall surrounded by huge rocks and dense wood.  It was at this point that we decided that we were going to retrace our steps.
 From that moment we joined our efforts to come back... We shoveled, sawed, pulled and pushed together to overcome the most technical sections.  At no time were we in danger, lost or injured but unfortunately we did not have our satellite devices to inform.  In the event of frostbite or injury, we would have initiated a different scenario to request help and establish an emergency plan.  We hydrated and helped each other as best we could to carry out the plan.
 At the exit of the creek, 3 locals had located us and helped ease our return.
 Lessons learned :
 - Even if the route seems short and feasible, always leave equipped with what you need to get by.
 - Always tell someone the area you plan to go to.
 - Despite our constant progress, a satellite communication device would have been used to inform that we were not in danger.
 So touching to see how important and fast the mobilization, solidarity and efforts have been.
 Thank you very much!!!
 From the bottom of my heart ✨🤗
 Relay the chapel
 AIRMEDIC
 Ski Doo

I do remember.  That was probably when you realized you should've got a four stroke instead of that 600R hot rod.

I'm looking at the trail map to see today's ride.  We were going to get gas at the Irving station halfway down Pohenegamook but decided to stay on 35 and get gas at the other gas station at the bottom of Pohenegamook.  I've never been to it.  It is 5 miles off of trail 35.  Easy enough to follow the trail.  It's another Irving.
Looking at the map, to my surprise, we were 1,500' from the Maine U.S. border.  The border runs down the middle of the river along the side of road, Highway 289.  I've always known we were close to the U.S. but didn't realize it was that  close.
Jack & Sandi

We made it a short ride today.  This morning it was -26C.  This afternoon, after it warmed up, it was -20C, -4F.  Yea it was chilly out riding today.  I wonder what the wind chill was at say 60 MPH?
We went out 5 to the little connector to 526 and went to Pohenegamook via 544.  We got on 35 and rode to Louis du Ha Ha.  There we took 85, 544 and 44 back to the Universal.  It was cold on 85, the railbed.  The sleds love making the horsepower on these cold days but you really feel the temps when the speed goes up.  The snow dust just hangs in the air.  The caboose rider in the train sees nothing but white all day.  Sorry Joe!
The trails are fine.  They are like sidewalks with it being so cold.  Even trails that haven't been groomed in a few days, don't show much for wear.  No traffic and low temps, the trails stay pretty smooth.
The hotel is almost empty.  I don't know how many rooms are occupied but I don't think there has been more than a dozen vehicles here at any one time.  I remember past years that it would be tough to get your snowmobiles near your room.  Now you can put your truck, trailer and sleds all next to each other and not be in anyone else's way.
I hope this restaurant shut down doesn't last too much longer.  It must be awful tough on the businesses.  We are grateful to the ones that have been able to stay open and understand why some just can't.  So many of the relais are locked up.  It would be nice if they were allowed to open with 50% capacity.  You can go in and order, wait inside with a mask but then eat outside?  Some day it will be over.
Tomorrow we head to Connecticut.  We will be back at the Universal Jan 23rd, Sunday night.  We hope to see more riders then.
Be safe.
Jack & Sandi

Just back from our stay at Otis Nature. A few changes from the old place, but very nice. Got there late on sunday as we had 6 of us and 3 of us were still waiting for covid test results on sunday afternoon and we had to change trailer and vehicle plans last minute.  Testing was much easier on the trip we took before Xmas. Across the border with 4 random tests, great. 24 hours to do the test, and weak to no wifi in the cabins, so we went to the resturaunt in the am and proceeded to go thru the 2 hour mess. All done and left the tests for pick up there, they will send some one to pick them up. They send someone next day, FROM MONTREAL???????
      Cold morning, but the covid test gives us some time for things to warm some before we go. Trying to plan a place to stop thats warm for lunch as we packed a small lunch to take with us. Headed south to Mt Apica. The orange trails down to the 93 were great. LOTS of snow up here, never seen more. Less as you get towards Alma, but still good. Hit the 23 as it showed groomed last night. Got about 6 inches of snow last night and with the wind the fields, drifted BAD. Really made a mess of all the great fields down there. From Herbertville south, perfect. Stopped to warm up and eat at the warming shack on the corner of 23 and 368, nice. Back up the 23 to 83 and 383 to the River, perfect the whole way.  Over the river and thru the woods to St Ambroise and the fields did not take the wind and snow well here. Turn into St Ambroise for fuel and closed? Covid hours? We should have enough to get back, but we have gas with us. Up the 367 and its wooded and pretty good, glad because its getting late and the temps are dropping fast. Pull onto the lake when we get back and it has dropped to -20f. 
   Up early Tues morning, and its COLD. -35 and the sun has not crested the hill yet. We had 3 cabins for 6 of us, because of covid rules only 2 unless immediate family, they will get fined if they get caught. We all gather in one for meals. Eat breakfast and see if the sleds will start. 2 of them are brand new and after a few slow cranks they start. The other 4 no go, got 3 started with jump pack, but the 1200 with us would not go. One of the guys brought a battery charger and we put it on for a while and it finally went. Well its 1:00 now and its up to -32F. We refuel sleds with gas we brought and just about froze our butts off. Back to the cabins. we have food, we have booze, we will ride tomorrow. 
   Wednesday AM, -25f. MUCH better, it will warm up today. Leave on the lake headed west on the 373. Head to St Ludger and stop to top off gas as we dont know whats open up here yet. The 373 is great, and it has warmed up. -10 seems great. Perfect all the way Girardville. Stop and eat a snack on the trail and gas up at Girardville. Hit the 93 est and it real nice. Have not been on 93 going this way in a few years and they have made some changes but its all good. Hit 373 in St Monique and its very good, Big snow over here.  Back to the cabins, nice day, nice to be back.
   Thursday AM, -20f. They opened the trail over the mountain to Onatchaway last night. It has been closed for reroute for logging. We tryed to get over that way before Xmas but could not make it. Fresh groomed last night and perfect. All the way to the Bras Louis. They are putting in power lines so the road from the top all the way to the ski area is plowed and sanded with BIG rocks. They have done a great job grooming the side of the of the road, not the GREAT ride we know it can be, but not bad. Temps are up to single digits above 0 so it seems hot today. Up the 93 to the Chapelle, the are serving food take out and have a fire going outside. The birds have found that covid is a great source food for them, they are all waiting for food on the sled windshields.  Back to the cabins the same way. Only a few degrees below on the way back.
  Fri AM, -20 this morning, but headed back today so no rush.  The lake is open for sleds and the place will be open for meals. The menu is not as big as it was before but looks to be fine. Did not see any Love Cherrys on the counter though. Very nice staff, could not have been more helpful. And they have gas, but did not check price.
  Hope to be back in a few weeks, Try to leave from Vermont to Riviere Du Loup.   GREAT to be back. And by the way, we are home and have not gotten our results of our random tests yet?

They won't sleep in the bush, they have been found safe and sound...
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