poltodoo

So not the Perce / Gaspie  but a rock in PEI??

Slightly better odds than catching 355 good 🤪

Myself and two friends completed a Clockwise Gaspe loop this past week. The three of us first did this trip in 1997. Hard to believe it's been 26 years. 300 mile days were the norm then, 200 is appropriate now. We unloaded in Monticello, Maine Tuesday the 7th, and rode to Fort Kent. Wednesday morning we crossed the border into New Brunswick and headed West until we grabbed the Quebec 561. This trail hadn't been done in a while, but was good going. We hit the 35 and made our way to Mont Joli, and stayed at the Quality Inn. Good trails and weather  all day. The next day we continued East  and stayed in Mont St Pierre at Le Delice. Good trails all day.  This place seems to have declined a bit  over the years. I never stayed at the other hotel, but I have understood that the Delice is nicer. Friday we continued East in light snow, trails were great , but the weather blocked some of the most beautiful scenery of  the peninsula .As we got out to the end of the peninsula, the snow became heavier, and visibility was poor. The snow became deeper in the trail. We headed into Riviere Au Renaud for fuel. The trail  through the long field is not staked and was invisible. Fortunately I had been there before, and my GPS showed us the trail. The trail into the gas station was completely drifted in. We decided not to risk that, and took the stump trail to the Caribou Inn. We were able to get a room, so we stopped there for a short day. We took the road up to the gas station for fuel and essencianial beverages. The food at the Caribou is very good, rooms are just ok. The next morning it was still snowing. It appeared that a total of pretty near a foot had fallen.  We hoped that the crew  of big sleds would break trail back out to  trail 5 for us, but they weren't moving. We decided to try it around 0900. We got out of there without issue, and trail 5 had been broken. We quickly rode out of the snow into Sunshine, and the trails were great. When we reached Chandler, my 2021 Viper threw a "C1600" alarm. We pulled into the Motel Chandler. It looked deserted. Beatrice came to the door, and I asked if I could use the wifi. A quick google search revealed the code had to do with an open circuit for the thumb warmer. Everything else worked , and all fuses were good. I was satisfied I could just run it. In the meantime, Beatrice called the dealer, who was closed on that Saturday afternoon. She was making other calls for us. By this time it was after three O'Clock. We had already determined that there were no rooms at two hotels we called in New Richmond. We decided to stay there. While we were enjoying a "Pepsi" in the room, Beatrice came to the room with information from one of her call backs regarding the thumb warmer, and to run it. The restaurant at the hotel was closed. Beatrice drove us to and from the Dixie Lee for supper. Very nice lady that went out of her way to help. We tipped her well. One other note about that Saturday. We rode into the Skidoo dealer in Gaspe around 10:30 to find it closed. No store hours were listed on the door, and three vehicles pulled into the parking lot apparently expecting it to be open. This suggests  that this is not the norm, but it wasn't very convenient either. We were able to get some Skidoo oil at the fuel stop in Grand Riviere. Sunday was breakfast on the trail at a club house, and spectacular trails all the way to Pointe-A-la-Croix. There is a poorly marked intersection just East of the city that can easily put you on the orange trail bypassing the city. We had a nice room and meal at the Interprovincial, and fell asleep with the Stupid Bowl tied at 35. Mundles towing took across the bridge after breakfast. New Brunswick 17 was  perfect for an hour or so. 37 Klick East of Kedgewick , the trails turned to junk for a couple hours. Disappointing after a nice week in Quebec. Probably just bad luck, but New Brunswick never seems to fail to disappoint. We crossed the border at Van Buran Maine, and zipped down to the Hampton Inn Presque Isle on good trails.  An Hour flat to the truck Tuesday morning . Stopped at the Yamaha dealer in Topsam, a Tech came out and separated the plug in the center of the handle bars, and determined no power going to the thumb warmer from the switch. This makes the switch suspect, with all fuses good. If anybody has ideas on that, I would appreciate it. Overall great trip. I don't get tired of that region. Some photos at the link below.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZV7t71fobf8xD1r89
 
 
 
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_112053478_HDR.thumb.jpg.f36d6ca9de10625ca7ebefaeacb447c4.jpg
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_112117742_HDR.thumb.jpg.a47ad492f05631160c4343fdd40124d6.jpg
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_122832758_HDR.thumb.jpg.31cc159607cf6beb7a47e1543638489f.jpg
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/IMG_20230211_122839865_HDR.thumb.jpg.0c335b6633ef15480043ffb456bfc504.jpg

Nice trip today south to Packington enroute to Baker Lake, N.B.  Last attempt couple weeks ago groomer turned around just after Packington so we couldn't get through. Today the loop trail from Packington down around to #85 20 miles below Cabanno is groomed. But the turn off to New Brunswick is not open.
jak needed to stop at the Cabano SkiDoo dealer,  Last time there two weeks ago I missed noticing he has a new building that I am guessing he will move into this spring. It is huge!!!  And just a few hundred feet from his old place which is small and cramped and looks like a dealer out of the 1960's. But a great bunch of people there.
 Also tried a new restaurant in Cabano on #85.  Auberge Gare.   Very old red /w yellow house just feet from the trail, sledding south on #85 it is on the right just before entering downtown Cabano.  Inside you feel you entered an 1920's home.  There is a bar with stools and tables, and two other rooms, and it all looks like you are inside someone's home. Lots of antiques. Food was very good and very reasonably priced.  Great find.
mike

Back in the late 80’s many locals would tell us there was 10 women to every man in Alma. A useless fact now I guess

It's been like 5 years since we've looped the lake  
This past Tuesday 2/7 we landed in Saint Raymond with a" normal " trail ride in mind . 
Off Wednesday morning heading to the Delta like so many others 
As Dave said,  We're actually staying in a place with a thermostat and a reliable shower  😄
Super conditions,  2-8 of new over decent trails with blue skys most of the day 
 

We were there last week great area up by lac-a Jim , sweet trails just don't go directly through Alma!!! Go around as ice shows.

Do you suppose you could pack enough beer to go from La Dore to Chibougamau? 
 

hope you won t mind if i bring my friends !!!
 
jean-guy

That is for the Seniors QR ride! 

I haven't used the old forgot my wallet trick on a date for some time 🤣

As my buddy Rick always says ..."snowmobiling hasn't turned out to be the money-making proposition I thought it would be".

Sad but it is big business up there. Sometimes the establishments are at least complacent. Small towns they know who the culprits are. Dirty dealerships that make the keys, 
Once in st George a guy talked to the bartender,  a few calls and he was able to buy his sled back, obviously involvement by the bar.
Lock everything cable a tire to the frame , take every precaution shit bags everywhere!!!

Nice catch on the gender bender.
But are we still allowed to say erect?
That reminds me, and kinda still on topic of deeeelish groomed trails... A favorite quote from one of the 50+ buddies I've dragged up to become at least part-time Québec sledheads over the past 24 years:
"DUDE! IF I KNEW IT WAS GONNA BE THIS GOOD, I WOULD'VE WORN A CONDOM!"
 
 

A quick trip report…
We started in notre dame du nord Saturday morning. Stayed at motel coutu - decent spot with a surprisingly busy bar. Saturday made it to Amos via R-N and La Sarre. Trails were overall great - few rocks poking through here and there but nothing to worry about. Lots of traffic on trails but it was a Saturday  
In Amos stayed at the Atmosphere which was great. Got food delivery from Joccivano. One sled wouldn’t start in the morning but found a boost quickly (thanks!) - par for the course when -27C.
 
Day two was to Matagami; trails were great and basically no traffic. Ate lunch at the gas station then on to Lebel sur Q and motel du lac. Trails were awesome all day with no bumps and decent snow (less than normal though). Bar/pizzeria in town was the only place to eat and had to walk there (7 mins). Good selection of bar items and decent food. Brought the sled battery in this time so no issues starting. 
The last day we head back to the truck in NDN via Val Dor. Trails were great for the most part there is a few sections of rough trail near La Force and some sections were more snow is needed. 
 
Overall great trip and QC never disappoints!
 
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_02/3555A6B2-0FCF-4EC7-8C42-CEDA5F8ACF02.thumb.jpeg.c4d4d47d3dbd56213ed21946c586befa.jpeg

Phil’s too busy with other things than worrying about winter……
 
 

Did Phillip see his shadow this morning?!
#SixMoreWeeks!
 

If my sled starts we will be riding, you must be getting soft. Come on man. LOL

Main course
 

Today Chibougamau to Amosphere , skimpy for about 10 kilometers south of Lebel sur Quev the rest is excellent.  
 

Muchas gracias Alain!  You ROCK!
Thanks for bringing it to those of us that have yet to bring ourselves to it!
Yes sir, those flat light conditions can be pretty tricky to nav in the open areas.
And special thanks for keeping your boss happy, so that she continues to bless us with the excellent photography!
Enjoy!

here the ride we did Sunday January 29 under a temperature of -12C with snow

Left St-Thomas near Joliette around 9:00 AM to go have a lunch at the Lac Blanc outfitter near St-Alexis des Monts.
Despite the snow, the visibility in the distance was correct, we could easily see the stakes, but it was difficult to see the relief of the trail. Luckily,all trails had been freshly groomed and with the deep cold night the conditions were perfect.

As usual in these snow conditions, visibility was almost perfect in the woods

Since the snow had just started, we chose to do the most fields section in the morning before there were too many snow blades. Here on #3 in St-Cuthbert.

This weather reminded me of when I was a kid and the school closed due to snowstorm and i was spending the day at playing in the storm.

It ride extremely well, perfect trail. We went through the #63 and then took the #350 in the St-Paulin sector.

To note in this sector, the gas station in the village of St-Paulin is closed on Sundays.

The trail was nice and beautiful snowy scenery


We arrived early around 11:15 for lunch at the Auberge du Lac-Blanc

It was wise to arrive early, the service was fast and impeccable and it was more busy when we left an hour later.

Although we had to come back home early for a family dinner, since it was still early we were able to stretch the ride a bit by going north on the trail à Gaston (#350 northwest).

Again, very cold temperature helping, the trail was mint and the beautiful 3" layer of snow that gave a smooth ride in powder

The little 900 ace is a lot of fun to ride in these mint wooded trail conditions.

The snow cover is getting impressive in Lanaudière/Mauricie, in the good ones that we have had for several years

We quickly pass by  Koubec 

And went back down south via trail #345 which was perfect.

We went through the Mandeville sector

I was tempted to take the marked trail on Lake Maskinongé but with the snow and the wind my sweetheart was not very comfortable with my plan so we kept on the land trail

The trails were a bit more rough in  St-Gabriel sector but I was not surprised because I had read they had a major breakage on one of their 2 dozers at the end of the week and they only have one left to groom their entire territory.
We went back down to the St-Cuthbert sector where we resumed the morning trail path to return home. There were more snow blades in the fields but it was still riding well

We were quickly back home around 3:40 p.m. with 232kms of happiness on the meter
The season is now with outstanding conditions and we finally have some real cold to freeze the trails and make them more solid. I expect the few rivers that were not safe yet to be ok by the end of the week with the weather forecast ahead.
Gentlemen, start your engines and go!