towing

And...
 

Matane to New Richmond 
cold wind this morning in Matane. 8am departure. First 2km from hotel best described as “scrappy” frozen dirt and gravel. Once starting up the hill no issues. Just the first 2km. Frozen solid trail here much different than a week ago. Scratchers deployed, we roll. Farther from Matane the better it is getting. 30km and its real nice even some fresh dusting of snow here. It’s cold for sure today. Take off the gloves and you will know it. Quick break at closed Relais St Paulin. Seen maybe 6 sleds headed west so far. Trail is beautiful. 
Onward up the 595 actually seeing some small drifts of snow here. Like real winter. Cloudy a bit so Caro’s first winter peak at the Chic Chocs is obscured. Tomorrow on the way back will be better. 
More to come
 

If  you rent a cabin you will certainly having food for supper, the note was for lunch  takeout at noon 👍

Hi sledfarmer!
when I passed there (at Repos) on March 5, it was indicated that they were stopping the takeout food on the Sunday March 14. Also on the #33 just before the Manawan(on west side), expect a rought 1,5 or 2 miles because of a plowed road section for logging operation. The rest was perfect.
Have a safe ride and enjoy!

If  you rent a cabin you will certainly having food for supper, the note was for lunch  takeout at noon 👍

Hi sledfarmer!
when I passed there (at Repos) on March 5, it was indicated that they were stopping the takeout food on the Sunday March 14. Also on the #33 just before the Manawan(on west side), expect a rought 1,5 or 2 miles because of a plowed road section for logging operation. The rest was perfect.
Have a safe ride and enjoy!

Awesome!
We were booked for Grizzly Lodge but couldn't go due to closed border.  So we did West Yellowstone in January.  Going back next week.

Steve calls back he got us hooked up
He gives us Dave’s number to call him direct. He is available. Dave is the man. 
Class 1 truck driver lots of experience no worries with pickup and trailer. He says no problem, Alain explains where truck is parked and how to get in it. He says it’s under control. He will be on the road to us at 6:15am. Perfect.
He arrives at 8:10am in Matane. Load sleds pack gear. We are off like a prom dress for RDL. Awesome nice guy and used to groom for club in RDL. Snowmobiler and I explained Quebecrider to him and he texted me a screen shot of him signing up this afternoon. Great asset found in RDL. Certified rescue driver when needed. Best $200 ever spent. We tipped him too. But hey taxi was $330 from Matane or from RDL same price cause you pay coming and going. 
His number is saved in my phone and look forward to seeing my new friend anytime I get to RDL. 
Great conversation about trucking and all kinds of stuff 2 hours passed quickly. Into RDL and it is bare near hotel. Mud.and grass. We say our goodbyes for now. And westbound 20 to Quebec City lunch at St Hubert and back in Trois Riveres at 2:40pm.
Certainly not how I hoped my season would end, my rides with the wife this year were the highlight, watching her mature as a rider is awesome. 
My sled is off to the doctor on Monday just in case things turn around for a last hurrah. 
This season was a tough one but no need to tell you all who could not even get here. 
Next year we will make up for it. Big Time.

 
 

ALWAYS an adventure!

Despite what I have seen here in Matane, I want to ride to Rimouski at least on Saturday.  The gang in the rooms next to me here in Matane live in RDL. They confirm not gonna get back to Universel easily by trail as there is a trail but its a 4 wheeler trail now with no snow on it. Basically from junction of TQ5 and TQ85 outside RDL to hotel....thats a long ride in mud/gravel.
i have come back late season many times and had to ride some ugliness here but usually still patches of snow on trail to skip from one to another. Again goes back to no real base under the snow on trail. 
The wind is forecast to continue all night and into tomorrow. I almost had Alain convinced to try for Rimouski. Not doing it. I go to get another drink and talk to my wife on phone. 15 minutes later he is calling me telling me he needs me so we can arrange with the driver for his truck he found. OK then. 
He is slick boy, let me tell you. He calls taxi service in RDL explains everything to the dispatcher. This poor lady her head must have been spinning with all he told her. She says let me call the owner and he will call you direct. Perfect. Few minutes later and its Steve the owner of taxi company. Alain again explains entire situation. Says what we need is someone who can go to Universel use number keypad to get in truck, keys are in it, bring it to Matane. Tomorrow morning. 
Steve says I got 3 different guys in mind let me call you back in 5 minutes. 
To be Continued....

Headed east now TQ5. Very nice here to Cap Chat. Throwing caution to the wind (literally) and trying not to think about the possible repercussions should a tree fall in front of me. YOLO. We stop at intersection for Village of Cap Chat. Have seen no sleds since La Cache. We are moving on. 2km further and now we got a big tree. All the way across trail. No going around. There is barely room to get under way on the left. Someone has already broke branches off to squeeze under.


i pull down on my tall windshield and squeeze under. My Alain gets close but he cannot get under. I was just about to tell him, let me do it, we can make it. When another group arrived from the east. As it turns out it was them who broke the branches to get under this tree. They tell us forget going east right now cause just a bit further is a bigger tree down and they could not get under, around or over it. 
That was all Alain needed to hear, we would not be going further east and not eating that Tomahawk steak at Hotel Cie. Well we need to arrange things now and my friend his wheels are doing à burnout. He is very worried about being able to get to the truck, with the possibility of more trees blocking trail west and then the news of trail all gone near RDL. 
We need gas either way so down to Cap Chat. Now those who have been to Petro Canada there know it’s literally right next to the River and the wind is crazy strong here with nothing to block it. Huge whitecaps and waves breaking across the street. We get the gas and go hide behind building from wind and start making calls. 
Quality Inn Matane has 2 rooms for us in back by pool, first floor. Perfect. Now we cancel St Anne. They are super understanding as usual very awesome place. So now we need to get to Matane. 
No issues getting to Matane but noticeably lots of snow gone from just a day ago. Lots of bald spots and the uphills and corners some wiped right out to mud. Big difference. I am thinking to myself if it’s like that up here in the hills I am gonna be abusing my sled bad to reach gas and hotel in Matane. Oh well it’s all part of the game. Sure enough just out of the woods through industrial park there toward Quality Inn is down to earth. A patch of slush here and there, but ain’t nothing to groom here by town even when it refreezes. It is killing me to run in this shit. But is what it is. 
To put the cherry on top while at the gas station I bust one of the springs on my Rouski wheels, now that is lovely. Nothing a rubber bungee cannot cure but just more work. Bare asphalt mud and more asphalt, cannot believe have not seen temp light yet, waiting to cross road to hotel it comes on. Later than I expected. 
Grind it across and around back to rooms after checking in. Not how I wanted to end the day. But snowmobiling has a way of thwarting even the best made plans. And I love it. Keeps you sharp and makes you be a problem solver. 
Well we are in Matane now. Truck in RDL. I have Rimouski booked for Saturday night as that was on original plan, that will change too. Mister Alain is hell bent on being in his truck tomorrow after what he has seen and I am starting to think it’s what needs to happen,
The question now is, how do we make it so?
To be continued..

Ride to RDL or not? Hmmmm?

We continue 595 up to juncton TQ5 at Relais St Paulin. Talked to Keedon(bad with names) he works at La Cache he confirmed my suspicions that Relais St Paulin never opened this year. He does not know what is the plan for next season
We take a break here at intersection wind is howling fierce. There is a big sign suspended. Over trail headed east the sign is big its flapping like a piece of paper the 2 telephone poles its  hanging from are bending. We talk about bailing for Matane to lessen the distance for Saturday so we can drive home earlier  got no cell service up here to arrange anything. We turn right direction St Anne des Monts
Noticing some larger trees down now but so far able to get by.....
That would change and so would the plan again
to be continued

Well it’s later now or earlier,  honestly way too much of my favorite beverage after a day riding last night.
Here is the summary.
side note, talking to people at Francis they say Rivere du Loup took a big hit to snow and is questionable if you can get to Universel without several KM of Gravel Mud Riding. Alain had called Reception at Universel and news was not encouraging. She said not sure if you can get down to hotel. His wheels were spinning on this. I was not overly concerned as that is a tomorrow problem. But for him it’s throwing a wrench in his ability to enjoy today.
Woke at Hotel Francis and was looking decent outside. A bit colder but grey for sure. We load up and leave at 7:15. It’s now raining not too heavy but enough. My partner is not a happy camper. I had planned to go to La Cache then to Murdochville then through Mont St Pierre to Saint Anne des Monts a ride we have done together before. 20 minutes into the day he is not having any of my extra bonus ride. He says at La Cache we continue on the 595 direct to hotel. Not sure what we would do there at 1pm but he is determined. 
Up the 595 near Ski Pin Rouge I see 4 deer. So they are here. Couple of spots not far from Pin Rouge you can see was some serious landslides that they bulldozed through to open the trail. This is why the 597 is cut off from Murdochville from the Chandler side. Now its rain mixed with snow and wind is picking up big time. Trail still soft but riding is good. Closer to La Cache better trail, colder here and niw just snow Flurries. Into La Cache 9:15am. We are gonna hang out a while here. Alain loved his bacon cheeseburger yesterday and has another for breakfast I went for the grilled cheese with bacon. Awesome people here and very friendly. 
 
Once they knew i was the Iceman from Quebecrider, The new owners were asking me if I knew Snowmaster2112 as their native brothers and sisters apparently have written songs about his adventures in Abitibi,  Matagami and parts north to Chibougamau. Stories are being shared and passed on all throughout the Native community. I assured them he is indeed real and just like so many others unable to enter the promise land.
Gave out alot of stickers to all the staff. Very appreciative they were. I was glad to give them. We got plenty. So please don’t hate us cause you aint us.
More sleds arriving and Alain strikes up talk with two guys headed for Matane. They had friends said its a no go to Universel. Tabernac I am trying to get him to let that go for now but it ain’t happening. Big wind now outside with Snow/Rain mix. 
Time to push on. 
10:25 we leave up the 595 north. When I say wind It’s serious wind. I am watching the trees thinking at any one minute I could have one in my lap or around a corner. Lot’s more to think about. Branches down all over on trail. A few smaller trees but easily gone around or over.
to be continued....

1:52 when we leave La Cache down the 595, this side is nice and we run it hard. Its like its end of March mid April snow. Wet and heavy. Trail is not bad just soft as hell mushy. My man Alain is tiring out he did not sleep well last night and I am having to slow down today when I am out front to wait on him. He shot the wad yesterday running like he did. Hey 65 years young he does just fine. But tired today no doubt.
Not seen one Moose or Deer and not even much sign. No noticeable tracks or nothing very strange. Even by Pin Rouge where it’s usually loaded with tracks and at least a few deer, seeing none. (I think it’s because of covid) Trail has held up well considering even near town here not bad. When temps drop and they groom it up will be good to go a few more weeks if it stays cold enough. 
Into New Richmond and to Hotel Francis. Good dinner at restaurant (pub side closed) 
i count 25 sleds here. Was 10 total in Matane last night. 
275 km    felt like a half day to me and a 2 day ride for Alain. 
Until tomorrow.


 

I installed a fuse box (30 AMP) connected to the battery. When the machine starts the accessories (GPS, Lights, Winch, Mrs GT stuff) get power. It has worked great for the 2 seasons so far.  I can give you the info when I get home.
We do not use the heated seat. If it is snowing you will be on a wet seat.

I was knowing this popular furry friend would make few of you smile...
I note your recommendation Gemma, it would certainly be very confortable.
Kristine was reluctant to be "wired" to the sled in the past, she got traumatized seing her sister (many years ago when we ride with her) having 4 wires tying her on her boyfriend sled backseat. We get older and she finally accept the heated vest 4 years ago, the heated gloves the next year and she would not ride again without them now. I add this season the electric visor (an other wire!) and she appreciate too. Maybe I will be able to add the socks next year! 
We were usually using hotpads in the boots for the colder days. The brand "Hothands" 2"x3" individual pads rated 18hours are very efficient and really last the whole day( they are usually still warm after 24hours!) in contrary as the regular hotpads that are rated 8 hours and last 4! 
The vest and glove Kristine is using are the brand "venture heat" without wired control box, but the vest have an integrated 3 heat setting managable from a small unwired remote control that Kristine keep in her mitts. Im pretty sure it is possible to add on some insole or pants to the system
But I'm a bit worried to overload the sled electrical system. it's hard to know exactly the power amount available after all sled's features took their part... i'm pretty sure the 'broiling" double heated seat probably take a good toll on it!

In Matane
 

Quick 40 km into Matane. Gas for the Apex and Pepsi for the Jack for me. Announcing a small amount of rain tomorrow and high temps +8c. I am melting.
270 or so Km today piece of cake. I got my work cut out to keep up with Alain he has one speed. Wide open. 
Tomorrow to New Richmond through La Cache. 
 

Few more
 

Left hotel 8:15 ish. Lots of Blacktop as to be expected in town and hotels. Thin trail near universel. After a few KM gets fine. Not expecting any real groomed trail with the temperature but trails are great. Straightforward ride today to Matane. We will take the shortway in Rimouski. To mont joli. 
Trails in good shape, maybe 6 other sleds at Universel last night and about that same number here in Matane tonight. Traffic is light. Pretty warm today. Is nice but i am the Iceman. A bit too warm for my and the Apex liking. So much so Alain ran me out of gas shy of Mont Joli at 175km. Man I need to work to stay with him. Big thumb. 
Gas Mont Joli then on to St Damase relais for lunch and a break.(stripped down out of my suit to cool off.) ID verified upon entry to relais 2 per table. Great lunch long time since I stopped here. Local crowd hanging out in relais. Day shift. 
We ran like the wind as we arrived in Relais at 12:40 after a few trail side stops
to be continued 
 

Back in paradise. Little abbreviated Gaspe Mini Tour, I am happy to be here. The local rides with the wife I would not trade for anything. It’s surely different with mon ami Alain. 
 
This ride is dedicated to all of you, the dedicated Quebecriders who find themselves wishing they were somewhere else on their snowmobiles. I know you all will be back in Quebec next season. It’s been a very different season for me for sure. I miss my Riding buddies and am missing reading about everyone else’s trips throughout Quebec. 
 
Been trying to get away since mid February. Just did not come together until now. 
 
Arrived at Rivere du Loup at 4pm. We left Trois Riveres at 1pm. 3 hours door to door.
Dry black trail helps alot. Also not much wind which when driving the 20 east or west to or from Rivere du Loup makes a difference. 
 
Checking in hotel they verify we are coming from Orange Zone. All good. 2 people per table in dining room. They also verify you name address and phone number upon arriving at restaurant.
 
We got thrown out at 9:30 as we were breaking curfew. Yelling across the room talking with people we met from Montmagny. The resto staff was nice about it and they told us when we came in that by 9:30 had to be back to your rooms. 
 
This is probably worthy of its own thread. But this guy owns Ford dealer in Montmagny, him and Alain get talking cause Alain ordered a 2021 F150 platinum something, and evidently there will be no F150 delivery this year. Missing parts in assembly line holding up production. Maybe someone here knows more on this. Maybe it’s just Canada do not know.
 
To be continued.
 
Dinner last night in Hotel Universel
Bacon Pizza and frites

Ok 2nd day March 3, 2021

Starting from Mont-Laurier after a good outdoor breakfast at Tim's



We headed west on #63 trail to get on the #322 and ride on the Baskatong reservoir. Fortunately it had snowed a bit overnight because there is a long plowed road section at the start of #322

Here is a first video which summarizes this section. For best viewing, turn on the sound and crank the player's quality to 1080p on the big screen.
 
Then we did the local trails in the Devil Mountain Regional Park. Here to start, the tower's mountain and the Devil's mountain views
We then went for an outdoor lunch at Windigo Falls. It had been several years since I had been there and I was a bit disappointed to see that we could no longer approach the fall site by sled. We have to park and walk a 700-800 feet to get at the base of the falls but the walk is well worth it! I also climbed up and went up the river a bit to capture some nice images
 
We then headed east on #322 trail through Chutes St-Philippe and passed the #53 trail to take a local trail toward north that took us to the Kiamika dam. We then joined back the #53 to our night destination
We ended the day with 154miles and we heated the wood stove in the evening in a chalet at Mekoos



day#3 to follow...

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...