towing

Day 2 
Monday
internet not the greatest. Quick check in. 
Left Hotel this am and took local trail back to hotel Chasseur to get gas. Then on to local trail and south back to 3 in Mirabel. Rough going for 30km bent over trees and not groomed only broke br groomer no drag. Long. Back to 3 then up on 33 to 43 up and to St Come. Then to Glaciere. onward to Real Masse. Arrived and they were closed. No dice there. Saddled back up and on to Le Cabanon. In and happy a mere 190 miles this day. 

Gonna put this report here as we covered more than one region today and so here it is. 
This ride came out of necessity as Iceman originally had all week to head out and ride, However that changed Saturday when my time off was canceled. So it is what it is. I now need to be back in Shawinigan to work Tuesday night. So with this in mind. Ideas of going up to Saguenay were squashed. We decided to take advantage of the early conditions and the three days we have to ride to just ride trail we probably would never choose to normally and boldly go where many here would never bother. So it was decided.
Day 1 Sunday. 
Pretty nippley cold this AM but hey it's winter. We are in no rush as we bag up and leave Relais Iceman at 9:30am. Snohorse and I are headed TQ3 ouest until it ends. So we are off. Trails are real nice as we head west and we make our way along not alot of traffic with the cold this AM. We are taking 3 and 3 and 3 . Through Yamachiche and Louiseville on to Maskinonge then further west to L'Assomption. Near L'Assomption was a bit of goat trail through a swamp they have not groomed yet but nothing too bad. We did pass a section of "no mans land" with trees bent over bad for several miles leaving only one sled wide to get through....Further yet and we arrive through Terrebonne then to Mirabel through Lachute then we come to the end of TQ3. This is where we join 317 and we are repeating the ride Trailblazer did yesterday. Up 317 to Lac Macdonald around and past Auberge du Chasseur. We continue on and now it's been dark and we are not sure where we are gonna go. I find on my gps Hotel Lac Carling. Sounds good to us both. We arrive and are struck by the sheer size of this place. It's enormous. Pull up in front 4 stars. Sold. In we go. It gets better. With taxes and Breakfast $150 Canadian. Giant room gotta love love love it. Oh and free heated garage under the building just like at the Manoir Casino Charlevoix. Sweet. They are just open again under new management, first season open in 6 years. They are super snowmobile friendly and soon the sports bar will be open right here in the same building. Had a great dinner and met the Director of food/beverages and events. His name is Luc and a super guy. I've got all his info as he wants to become an advertiser on QR. This place is well worth the trip over here. Indoor pool and hot tubs. Wanna play tennis? 2 indoor tennis courts. Full spa. All the winter sport activities you could want. You need to check this place out and if you get near here show them some love. You will be glad you did.
For Scorpionbowl theres plenty of free Ice and fast free Wifi. 
280 miles today. Long day but fun riding trails you never been on. 
Sorry camera dead. 
But check out
https://hotellaccarling.com/
Looks as if there will be no avoiding rain coming this week. So going back Tuesday is not such a bad thing. 
 

Alain.....awesome report.  The wife and i will be in the area on Jan18-22.  Staying at the Montagne Coupee.  Looks like fantastic conditions.  Quick question...i know the ice sculpture Festival in St. Come is the following week after we are there but to they start building the sculptures early ??  would love to see some ice sculptures if possible. 
Thanks !!!
VTrider

Great job for  report ,its been a good few years since i ran those lower trails east of joliette

Excellent report.  Thank you. 

Looks good Alain! Hope the warm up this week doesn't affect the trails too much and hope for little rain

Beautiful pics, gives you the feeling of being right there. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Dave

Thanks for the report looks like a good base to survive the upcoming couple of warm days this week......I hope !

Nice run for sure, always great to leave from home.

Nice report . I forgot are these pictures taken with a go pro? I got a new camera it's a DXO one for an I-phone but the pictures are to big to download to this site. They are over 5mb.

Great pics and report.....thx for sharing. 

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

We are just back from a fantastic week on the warm Cuba’s beaches but I was looking forward to ride the venture again since our first and only one ride was on December 17th. Without any day target other than to have fun, we left directly from home (St-Thomas de Joliette) and decided the itinerary one intersection at a time. Here is the final route that it gave:



The weather shock of coming back home was really present with a 52 degree C drop at -22C on this Saturday morning. It was very humid and a layer of mist was still partially shading the sun even at 10:00 am. The trails have been groomed and the quality was impeccable




Very close to the #3/#43 trail junction there is a savanna that is always longer to freeze and it is with no surprise that we saw this hot hole in the middle that can be easily cross on each side. The good surprise is that the driver of the dozer had taken the trouble to back on several hundred meters on each side of the woody section to surface the whole trail just apart from the hot hole: I raise my hat to Carcamp snowmobile club!





We then took the #3 trail eastbound. The pines of the windbreak lines typical of the place were all frosted over a small layer of remaining ice from the previous ice storm.



With the little haze still floating it was really beautiful






Winter in all its splendor!



We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow to the ground and the trail conditions look more like a late January than beginning, a very beautiful start. Here we see a little more the traces of the last ice storm





On the #3 trail a little east of Berthier, the Bayonne river is already ready and I am surprised to see that the dozer has even crossed it! Look at my mirror, it's so humid that a frost has formed over it! First time it does that ...



Surely no stranger with the haze that still floating over the snow ...



With all those fields in perfect conditions our rhythm was obviously fast and the cold biting so we decide to fork on the #63 to the north to ride in more wooded sections, more pleasant under the circumstances.



Here a short stop at the St-Gabriel de Brandon belvedere which is located just up a big hill north of the village named Mont Lanaudière, that was a small ski center years ago



There is still behind my sled a vestige of an old ski lift.



Considering the time ahead, already 11:15, getting on the # 23 north and going to have a lunch at the Réal Massé outfitter seems the perfect timing, so we continue north.



Even more snow as we go north, here climbing the big hill in St-Damien of Brandon



The snow is not only to the ground but also in the trees creating magnificent scenery







With the deep cold the quality of trail was top notch and we could ride at good pace.





It's really the big winter up there.





We arrive to eat at Réal just a few minutes before noon.



The good hot vegetable soup of Réal, the one we could eat with a fork with his much big chunks of vegetables in, it is one of our classic of the winter, always as good and comforting!



Although there were quite a few people, the service was good and fast and 45 minutes later we were already on our departure. This one chose the air way to come to eat here!



Was very nice to chat with Lus lsd and his buddy BoumBoum that we had not seen for a long time


Encouraged by the beautiful conditions beyond our expectations, we had continue on the #23 to the north





We had first think to switch on the #350 trail towards the Glacière and then go back down south on the #63 but it ride so well that we chose to continue up north on the #23



We were not disappointed, obviously it starts having a few traffic bumps from time to time but nothing to slow our pace.



Sign that there’s alot snow there this year: no rock and no trace of sand even near the Cabanon



We finally turn on the #63 just before the Cabanon towards the village of St-Zénon



Here seen from behind after crossing it, a sign that it is still the beginning of the season: a small ditch not frozen. We see it well in advance and easily crosses it. There was about 2"thick water and an hard pack base



Here the big hills towards the village of St-Zénon



Always as fun and beautiful to ride!





A little past the village of St-Zénon we stop refueling at the service station Crevier before continuing on the #63 trail south



In Glacière direction





Very nice conditions. We pass the Glacière and continue south. Much deep snow in this area





At the junction with trail #343 we continue south towards Bazinet Outfitter



The scenery is white coated there!






The Bazinet outfitter



I must admit that I had doubts about the next section of the #63 tot Ste-Emilie. With a more irregular base it is more difficult to get it good and we got it rought almost all last season but to our surprise it was very beautiful as I had not seen it as good since a very long time.

It was beginning to be a bit dark for moving pictures and I had to stop to avoid blurring. Here in the power line south of Ste-Émilie



The Black river just north of the BRP Géro sled dealer is already well signposted



We had continue with the sunset and took a small hot chocolate break at the TimHorton of St-Jean de Matha



We then came back home around 5:15pm via #341 and #43 trails, which were still nice despite a few traffic bumps in St-Félix of Valois area.

Finally a total of 171miles in outstanding conditions, far exceeding what we were expected. The trail network is well established even in the south which already has a good snow cover now and the cold of the last days will help overcome the last recalcitrant to freeze spots thus giving us a vast playground to ride on.


Get out and enjoy, the season is on...



Alain

Fuel tank in the garage at Hotel du Chasseur, for snowmobiles only and bring cash!!!


Big a$$ patato

 

Grumpy and I set out today to explore a new trail that came to my attention from CNC in a previous post. 
Given the rain earlier this week I decided not to take a chance leaving from the yard and running into unreadable conditions so the trailer it is to Rigaud and meet up with an old friend for our exploration.
We depart Rigaud on the 317 heading to Ontario but short of there we head north onto local trail to Pointe Fortune then ride through the Parc on the Ontario side then jump on the river and cross at Cushing, north again on local to the 3 then west to 317. Up to this point we were gifted with the trails. 317 north through the mountains up to Lake MacDonald was an Eco mode trail twisty like a bugger, lake was staked and so are all the others.Then up to the new trail that bridges the 317 to what was the 43 and now is a local. Okay we made the connection now it's a u turn back to the Hotel du Chasseur but before leaving we make a quick call to confirm if they are selling gas this year, bingo! We got gas and a lunch waiting for us. 
Afterwards heading back we come across a huge potato in the trail as many call it but by all means it is NO PATATO, a watermelon on steroids more like.
250 Klms for the afternoon run.