doonali

In my 34 years riding in Quebec I have found markings to be excellent UNTILL you really need one. It amazes me how trails are marked in places not really needed but when you pop into a town to a maze of streets with nothing to go by and tracks gone from recent snow. Overall though Quebec clubs do a amazing job.

Thank You, Looked on FB to confirm.

I believe club Les Our Blancs reported on FB that they were opening 13 towards Mount Laurier within the last day or so.

Day 2 of M&M tours. Woke up to 1/2 inch of ice, covering machines. Took seats off and brought inside then up for breakfast. Machines back together, left at 10 am. Fait chaude Natalie (hot Natalie)  had great hospitality once again. 30 km of the 386 was plowed, bank was groomed up nice. Rest of the ride up to Kitcisakik was excellent. Gassed up at the Rez, self psyched up to hit the Fou Fous. On up to Louvicourt for lunch. Girls wanted to get into the "sauce", but we decided to do a little loop. On up 83, to local trail, west to the 313, back down to Val-D'or.  Won't mention any names but somebody's wife mad a wrong turn on a VTT trail. Arrived at Forestel just after 4 pm. Trails are in good shape but many trees down across trail. Lots of cowboys in town tonight, going to get out of Dogde early tomorrow morning. 

Eat in bar much faster. Never had an issue. 

We've done it , need lots of extra fuel and a long track sure helps … It's not a trail ride for sure 

People have an unclear idea of what the FCMQ is.  It is not some sort of large and powerful agency with unlimited resources with the 250 odd Québec clubs at it's beck and call.  It is merely a coordinating body whose employees, including it's Director-General, are under the direction of the Administrative Council.  This council is comprised of the elected representatives of each of the 13 administrative regions, as well as the Federation President.  Those representatives are elected by the member clubs in each region, and are subject to term limits. FCMQ presidents are elected from the ranks of those regional representatives, and are chosen by the administrative council through an electoral process. Only the permanent staff are salaried employees. The Administrative Council, including the President, are all volunteers.  To sum up, the FCMQ does not tell the clubs what to do.  It coordinates, advises and liaises with the Provincial governments.   It is the clubs that tell the FCMQ what to do based on regional and provincial discussions, and not the other way around.  Most times, when folks say the FCMQ should do this and that, they are unclear on what it's proper function is, and how it operates.
As for off-trail trespassers, the clubs themselves are acutely aware of the issues, and do their best to hinder these entitled, disrespectful jerks.  However, as is the case with most volunteer endeavours, resources are scarce, and it's a sad commentary when those resources must be directed into installing thousands of metres of snow fence rather than towards more productive activities such as signing, brushing, bridge building, etc.
Right of ways are negotiated by individual clubs, and club directors are the first to know when there is a problem.  We were fortunate, in our club, to have had this problem diminish somewhat.  I even had a landowner, with a mix of arable land and wooded areas, congratulate me on the good behaviour of our riders during the previous season.  This, after years of problems with "free riders" on his property.  I do not know to what we can attribute this change but, hey, we'll take what we can get!  Most other area clubs have not been so lucky.

Would be real nice if the trail was groomed to the Pensive but then it would be a crap shoot to the bridge which I hear is not groomed and from my last atv ride through there it’s loaded with branches so there’s that for those of you who like to get adventurous.Then over the bridge like Je me Souviens posted its plowed and sanded to Rabaska do that’s a big no no noway going that way.
Better to buzz down the 83 to the 13 and head south. The 13 south of Fer a Cheval meets up with a local trail on the left, take it, its far better than the 13 into Ste Anne du Lac.

bonsoir !!!
 
back from st alexandre...lac saumon and the lake.
not too cold !!!
 
jean-guy

Kwick Nick is running the 2.6 track. No issues with cooling out west but we have to get back to shawini in a couple days

Day 4 
February 6
 
Great dinner at Forestel and a great sleep. This morning no hurry as we are not early risers. We got all day and this group can get it done. After all this is supposed to be fun so, what’s the hurry to run outside too early? Not us. We take our time, nice breakfast and on way out of restaurant I meet the owner of Hotel Forestel, Robert. We had a great conversation. Super nice guy. Finally dressed and sleds loaded, 9:45 departure, perfect. We are headed for Amos. We track down into town and out the local trail from in back of Beric Sport. Cold this AM. Even now. Ice is Icy. To the 309 which we rode yesterday back to Val d’or. Great conditions here on 309 and totally different in daytime. We run it all the way to TQ93, then stop at warming hut there to thaw out a bit. Fire was going and heat felt good. 
 
We continue on the 93 west. Good trail here always nice never disappoints. We cruise into Amos and go to get gas near the Bombardier dealer off the river. Here I finally get to meet Viper2 as his group is there getting gas too. We talk a little while. They are headed for Royaun Noranda, we are northbound for Matagami. Nice to finally meet Viper2 a fellow Yamaha brother. We take time to warm up some at the gas station. Out of there around noon. To Matagami we go. Through Amos all good. Up to 396 and beautiful just awesome fresh groomed no tracks going north. Just on southbound side. Hard fast trail. No gas in St. Dominique. Big sign warning next gas in Matagami. We will be spilling some cans for sure. Oh we we gots to be going. I am not into conserving gas, aint gonna happen. Big fast beautiful trail, we gonna ride them like we stole them. So we do. Beautiful conditions but wicked cold at speed for hours straight. I am on a mission to get to warming hut. 141 km from gas in Amos to Warming hut. Beautiful conditions. Crossed paths with two groups headed south. First group not well behaved. Trail two groomers wide and these guys are on my side in the corner. Seriously people? You need to ride each corner like someone is coming every turn. I really just don’t get it. Stupid. Is it really that hard to keep right? If you cannot stick it on the right every corner, you are riding above your abilities, simple as that. Slow down or sell the sled it’s just a matter of time till your time is up. You are gonna hurt someone. Ok rant over. 
 
Into warming hut at 2:15. Fire was almost out. Kwiknick gets it torquing good. We thaw out nicely and take a nice long break. Improvised lunch of snack size candy bars,(Kwiknick has got a giant stash of chocolate) and some pepperoni snacks thanks to NH Moose. Mmm good. We have a conversation about gas. I am already riding on my low fuel light. So is Kwiknick. No choice we dump some now. We got 60km to go. I got a one gallon roto-pak but NHmoose gives me his Ski Doo jerry can as his 900 ace should cruise into Matagami no problem. Merci, Mon Ami. Kwiknick pours his jerry too. Off we go at 3pm. Another 43 km and Snohorse calls on radio his backcountry is getting close to be out. I stop he pours half a can. He keeps half, as Kwiknick is already back on his low fuel light. Good choice as Kwiknick is out of gas with 10km to go, Snohorse dumps the half can in Kwiknick and tells him to back it down, baby it to gas station, He been chasing me all day and hammering on that freeride. We continue on into Matagami at 4pm. Gas up and head to Hotel Matagami. Check in and unload. Glad to be here. 
 
Great trails but cold. 
 
Not a giant day today but it’s not about the miles. 
 
187 miles.
 
Until next time.
 
Ice out.

Kwik Nick installing a Canadian Tire stick on mirror to be legal. Im sure he didnt want to, but beats a fine.
Kit Kat really needs to bring the great flavors to the states, I love the 70% dark, but these new Tiramisu are even better, and the espresso are great too!  Will be hunting down some bulk packs on my drive south.

Day 3 actually Day 4 since we did ride Sunday in the Lanaudiere and Maurice area that I posted in the regional section. Today we left Senneterre and took 93 West.  Very cold this morning-16F no restaurant at the Senabi so we head to Barraute for breakfast and a much needed warm up. We continue on 93 to Amos where we top the gas and bump into Iceman at the pumps. After a nice chat we move on and find a warming hut with smoke in the chimney just after the Berry local trail. We warm up and make the final run into LaSarre to the Villa Mon Repos for the night. 93 did not disappoint today was smooth and fast and low traffic. Was cold cold today and with snow starting early afternoon we welcomed an early quit into the hotel at 3:00 and time to relax

Respectfully your talking about two different issues. Staying off lands your not supposed to be on and also tearing up the trails. If you think your ever going to tell all the locals north in Quebec what track lug or length he can use to get around up there it won’t go. It’s not paddle tracks tearing up the trails and I see more shorter tracks going off trail as long tracks just look for the holes where they were stuck. It’s like guns. It’s not the gun causing the problem it’s the guy holding it!!!! I don’t feel you can blame a class of sleds just the drivers!!

Clova and Parent have it and I believe Relay 22

Wait..... you keep your ID, thousands of dollars, truck keys and wallet in a backpack?

It's easy for people to rag on Tug Hill but don't forget there's a lot of hard working volunteers making the trail system happen. Like most places you'll find if you can ride during the week the trails can be as good as anywhere.
Hopefully you have a great time. As someone else mentioned there's a lot of pits tops to check out.

This really is becoming a big issue and the land owners (understandably) are not going to put up with it.  It will hurt the entire sport.  
We do as much of the adventure type riding as anyone, but each rider needs to know when and where it’s acceptable and to what degree it’s acceptable or it threatens this awesome sport.
As Rev indicates, more education for everyone will help. The Zecs and Crown land, unless marked otherwise, are, to the best of my knowledge, allow snowmobile activity. But this topic needs to be on the front of every conversation moving ahead.
Lets hope it can be managed before major damage gets done to the system.
 
RR

After some light rain/drizzle and freezing rain yesterday, we got  an inch or two of light snow over night. Looks like it should be good conditions again.
 
mike
 

Woke up to a beautiful blue bird day today!   The replacement stator for my Apex XTX did not make the shipping cutoff yesterday from Sherbrooke so my sled won’t be ready until tomorrow.  No fret.  Staying at a great place - Le Petit Manoir du Casino in La Malbaie.  Right next door to the Casino & Manoir Richelieu.  Not a bad spot to spend 2 nights!  
Rented a new ride for the day from a great guy Pierre Couturier of Top Location Motoneige right on the property!  How convenient is that. I HIGHLY recommend Pierre.  He went WAY out of his way helping me, arranging my dead Yamaha sled pick & delivery, arranging the mechanic, driving me to my hotel with all me saddle bags & gear, translations with the mechanic & shop, texting, calls etc....
Rode out on a Ski-Doo 900 Ace Renegade.  Nice horse indeed!  Florida Snowman like!  Rode from La Malbaie to Clermont (be warned NO GAS in Clermont! Station under renovation to become a new Shell station.  Hopefully completed in a month or so). Continued on The Clermont Express up to L’ Anse-Saint-Jean. Took gas and did the reverse route back the hotel.  What a fantastic afternoon!
Hopefully my Yami is ready by early afternoon tomorrow provided the stator arrives in the morning as promised.   Jim & Eric are up in LSG tonight & will be heading my way tomorrow so we can get this party started! 


 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Day 2
Woke up to blue skies and checked the grooming app, TQ 23 green! Decision made. TQ 23 up to mt apica for lunch. Freshly groomed single pass, I assume the groomer will coming back tonight for the second pass. At letape Eric's fuel I light on mine showing 4 bars? Fuel gage off or is he burning more fuel. Can't chance it into letape for fuel and we take the same. Fuel gage off, just like on the 1200's  Contnue on to Apica for lunch. Quick stop at the overlook. TQ 23 to the 368 groomed to perfection! Into the Saguanee for the night. Only a handful of sleds today no oncoming. Like tom said, a blue sky day for sure! Really loving the 900tXRS  Feels a lot lighter, love the power. Downsides, colder then the 1200, the throttle is taking a lot to get used to, way to jumpy even In standard mode. Wish they didn't switch to the new throttle. I,m sure I'll get used to it. Snow moving in tonight till Thursday with possible freezing rain. Going to stay North to hopefully avoid it. Hopefully Tom gets his sled back early tomorrow to head North!
 
 



 

Some things have changed in Manawan since my first visit in 1995. A nice new grocery store with gas pumps without cages or locks and the Auberge Manawan that I've only heard good things about.
  With that being said some things haven't changed, stray dogs running the streets that look to be starving and kids interested in the outside world and that occasional stare like you have three heads......

We have been going to St. Zenon for years and historically did early January when no one else was open yet. The last 6-8 years have not really been doing that trip but before this year the last 2 times I was there we left Le Cabanon for home at 5AM and got pulled over both times in St. Zenon by the Police just as a check that we were not stealing anything. We welcomed it and actually thanked the officer  

Back to sledding for our first 2019 ride, the snow cover has improved and the trail network get pretty much completed in the south of the region while it is already well run further north. Being able to start from home we then  improvise our ride that happened to be this in the end



It was pretty cold yesterday, -21C blue jay day, top conditions to have beautiful trails. Here in the fields near home in Joliette direction


 
To go toward St-Félix de Valois the trail configuration have been modified to pass nearer of Joliette city just behind Lapointe sport brp dealer. 



Here is a screen shot of the interactive map for this sector and I added in red dashed the old approximate route for Joliette (who is not there anymore) just to give you an idea of the change. On the interactive map the trail to St-Norbert is still in red today but I confirm that it was groomed yesterday, we passed there on our return



Here near Notre Dame de Lourdes where the old junction was in the past years



We then crossed St-Felix and continued north. The small club shack that was in the same place for years has been moved
 a hundred meters in the woods just behind where it was and the trail path rearranged a little differently but as before, left St-Jean de Matha and right St-Gabriel de Brandon

https://vimeo.com/311081145

the snow condition is very good everywhere, here taking the old railway bed near St-Cléophas






And here just behind St-Gabriel de Brandon city



And here, riding up the big hill in St-Damien





We continued straight on #23 toward St-Zénon. Snow is obviously even better going norther, both on the ground and in the trees



Another important change, the #350 coming from Koubec now arrives on the #23  five miles south of Real Massé instead of  five miles north. We came back from this side in the afternoon





The interactive map has also been updated, the red trail showing the old closed route and the #350 trail in green below representing the reality



We continued through the #23, past Réal Massé ...



we then turned left on the # 350 toward La Glacière. Another interesting change there, the trail instead of going through the big hills now pass by the old route of several years ago. Some may recognize this big gazebo left on the trail side



Just infront, the magnificent auberge de la pourvoirie St-Zenon! I was so surprised to pass there that I had not even think to stop for lunch but by looking on https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/ they are really open. I put them on the bucket list for a next time...



We continued just a little further to La Glaciere



Where we had already planned to stop for lunch



After warming up with a good meal we continued on #63 trail toward St-Zénon village



And then north of the village we continued toward Le Cabanon





There was a small segment of an half mile that was really rought on this trail,  We then know from the Cabanon that this is because the dozer is not able to climb one of the icy hill just before ... The new dozers with rubber tracks spin on the ice while the old Gilberts with steel bars tracks were able to climb up ... the club will have to find a solution.
Otherwise the snow is really good in this area, impressive how it increased in the last month.




We stopped to refuel the venture at Cabanon.



And then took the  #23 toward south



We then forked into the Mastigouche reserve still via #23 east




The Mastigouche Reserve was one of the first places to ride this season and is still top notch. Here a picnic table buried under the snow





We then turned on the #345 south to go down toward Koubec. We just went into the yard and continued, there were many sledders there!



We turned to continue the #345  and then switch on the #350 a little further continuing west



it's here that the #350 route is changing this year. There is this indication and the trail turns to the left




A brand new trail to discover in Zec des Nymphes, very panoramic on the first part. In fact this new trail sectiion has everything from great fast stretch to narrow zipper on the mountainside!



We then ended up on the #23 trail five miles south of Real Massé where we already pass in the morning. We took it south and took a break a little further at the restaurant of the Pourvoirie St-Damien. We must have passed 100 times infront since all these years but we were never stopped. They are well installed, a beautiful fireplace inside with bar and dining room. It was a particularly cold day yesterday and the hot chocolate was really nice!




We then continued south, here the setting sun just south of St-Gabriel de Brandon



We then continued on #63 trail to go toward St-Norbert. Here the sun lying behind us when crossing the # 347 road



We then went through the local trail from St. Norbert/St-Elizabeth to St-Thomas which was closed in the morning. this trail had just been groomed during the day and had no time to harden so not very nicel but with a couple of days and  a couple grooming pass it will be top shape. We finally got home around 5:15 pm with a little over 191 miles on the dreammeter. In the end a beautiful ride with very nice conditions overall but pretty cold despite the beautiful sun.
The season is well started, the trail network is pretty much connected to travel between the regions, you can take a look here to have some more details of the areas you want to ride: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
the best of the sledding season is beginning. It's time to enjoy!
Alain

Ya, I thought that was a male name, when she came around the corner the first time I met her expecting a man you should have seen my face lol. My understanding is Dominic is the male version of the name.