towing

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

We finally received a good snow drop of around a foot or a bit more on last Satuday (16 January) with still mild temperatures just below the freezing point. It was still mild on Sunday morning so we just did a short 45 miles run from St-Gabriel de Brandon going north on the #63/#23 round-trip to enjoy the scenery before the soft new trail base turn bumpy.

I mounted a short video of our small ride. The video is in color but have alot of white!!! outstanding scenery, too bad the sun wasn't there.
The temperarure drop to January like weather in the next days and with this new snow, most snowmobiles clubs will be able to open their trails and I expect the trail network to greatly shape up this week up to the south of our area even if some swamps and rivers will still need more time to be safe. We can tell that this season will really begin with the conditions we have now
Alain

Our first Pandemic ride of the season. Considering lack of snow in many areas the map showed our best success for shortest commute would be the run from Saint Ann du lac to the Gouin. Map was showing green for go. We each drove up separately and met in Mt Laurier. Nothing available in Saint Ann as all booked. Comfort Inn was a happening place. Parking lot was full of trucks and sleds.  Picture included. I thought at first they had Valet parking as there was an attendant. No he just there to tell us where to park so everyone could get in. Registration was easy but had to sign  a form saying you're healthy and only people of same address in room. They gave you a  list of restaurants that deliver. St Hubert was our choice. Spoke sort of to  a guy, he's French I'm not and the gist was trails weren't very good but he had only gone local.
Woke to find only a small amount of snow. Was disappointed as I had expected more. Off to Saint Ann to launch. Arrived and the lots & street were packed with rigs, more than I had seen before. Given this was one of the few areas its understood. Plan was the local up to the 13 and then 83. Off across the lake some slush but nothing of concern. Once off the lake the trail was used. I'm guessing the trails being good is like going to the bar and at the beginning she's a 5 and then as the nigh goes she becomes a 10. Well onwards. In fairness it did get better and some areas were actually good. Still rather be riding than sitting at home reading the latest on Quebec Rider 🙂
We stopped at Fer Cheval for gas. Wasn't overly busy. They have set up 2 fire areas to relax and warm up. take out was available and some enjoying a beverage. Pictures included.
 
Off we go towards Parent. Trails OK until about 10 miles before. Once you're in more of the bush and off of the roads its big need of snow. We opted for the road where we could since there was a couple of inches of fresh. Gassed and grabbed a snack as it was lunch time. We were luck the weather was about -2 C which is pleasant. Decided with snow on the road to well take the road. Nice 60 miles of smooth running to the Gouin.
Check in was easy and the same drill. Off to our room. They have the main entry-dining area closed off. Its just the lounge area where you enter-exit now. So it was room service Drinks started at 2;30, dinner we opted for 5;30. Place was booked for the night as well. Options was fish or chicken with a soup and desert. I opted for the chicken and sugar pie 😋 Picture included. If you are a group of 2 you had to eat in your room, we were 3 (buddy & son) so we could eat at the 1 table in the lounge but had to have masks if not eating. They also gave you your breakfast to put in the fridge for morning.  The 2 fox came by for scraps. Sorry none from me. Woke the next morning to maybe 4-5 inches of new snow, picture attached. Nothing to make the day a challenge. We had planned on going back the way of 345,33 and 53 but we heard gas lines were long at Repos. Not surprised as Manawan is off limits. While we were getting short changed on the snow up north our spouses  sent us pics of over a 1 foot at out places with the the note of Hurry home to clean please. So we hit the trail a bit earlier for us at 8 and went back the same route. No pictures today. Just gas & go. Road back was good. Did get startled when we came across the snow plow but the road is big enough for us all. Once we hit Parent and down trails with this new snow had really gone to shit. Oh well. It was interesting when we arrived back at the truck our 2 rigs were the only ones there at 1. Day before packed, next day empty. Must all been day riders. Typically many rigs with people out saddle bagging. Maybe it will change as more snow comes. 
Overall good run for the first of the season. With this new snow in many areas and colder temps this week it should only get better.

Haha! yes, best social distancing possible! I'm myself impress how good the footage come from the camera, looks like a magic carpet ride!
You are welcome! seems like an enjoyable plan! I imagine in a few years the same with 3D google,  it would be dangerous to spill the beverage! 😁
Yes, this virtual therapy had helped me to keep going since last ride in march. I really hope everybody will find a way to have at least a small season where it is possible for them.
You are welcome snowmoGary! I have tried the switch from photo ride report to video ride report this time. It is different and even more enjoyable than a pics report to watch. 
Thanks Mike! I had the chance that the night before had been at -16C with grooming and the day not too warm so the thin snow cover held pretty well. January is way too warm up to date, at least no rain up to date!
Yes I remember, you and me are sharing to same love for the rivers! We have so many rivers and lakes to explore here, you should give it a try when the pandemis will be behind us
 
Thanks grumpysanta! Pics reports were nice but video taken the way I do give a notch on the feeling to be there. I will certainly do more of those...
Bienvenue! It's a very nice spot for sledding, can't wait that this playground enlarge as it should with more snow to come

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Yes, it's in the later date for me for a first ride and with the thinner snow cover for the date. This week is still very mild but we have some snow preview on the weekend and January's like weather starting next week with deep cold. We still have to be patient...it will happen soon!
You are welcome Tom! To be honest, if we have to live a shitty sledding season I prefer that it would be this season than any other. With the covid's restrictions all is more complicated and restricted. I really hope to be able to have a decent season for the health of my spirit but I already know it won't be the best one...
it's still early in the season and the best miles are always more toward the end than the begining of the season so let's keep positive and see what 2021 have for us ahead. I will certainly keep posting for you guys as usual in the next weeks
Wish you too a good and healthy 2021 and the best possible sledding season in the circumstances
 

Awesome Alain & KriKri!  Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful videos! Unfortunately now I am even further depressed than I was already. I should be leaving for my first trip of the season to Quebec in the next few days but that won’t be happening.  This COVID-19 has got to go!!
We will live vicariously through your trips and postings! Please please please keep them coming!
Best wishes for a Healthy & Happy 2021!
Tom
 
 

Hard to believe how thin the snow is at this time of the year. I hope the conditions improve so you can help those of us south of the border to keep our sanity.  Stay safe and healthy and keep posting. 

Haha! yes, best social distancing possible! I'm myself impress how good the footage come from the camera, looks like a magic carpet ride!
You are welcome! seems like an enjoyable plan! I imagine in a few years the same with 3D google,  it would be dangerous to spill the beverage! 😁
Yes, this virtual therapy had helped me to keep going since last ride in march. I really hope everybody will find a way to have at least a small season where it is possible for them.
You are welcome snowmoGary! I have tried the switch from photo ride report to video ride report this time. It is different and even more enjoyable than a pics report to watch. 
Thanks Mike! I had the chance that the night before had been at -16C with grooming and the day not too warm so the thin snow cover held pretty well. January is way too warm up to date, at least no rain up to date!
Yes I remember, you and me are sharing to same love for the rivers! We have so many rivers and lakes to explore here, you should give it a try when the pandemis will be behind us
 
Thanks grumpysanta! Pics reports were nice but video taken the way I do give a notch on the feeling to be there. I will certainly do more of those...
Bienvenue! It's a very nice spot for sledding, can't wait that this playground enlarge as it should with more snow to come

It was finally the start of our 2021 season yesterday Saturday january 9! We had waiting for this since a long time and even conditions were not perfects it was a real soul therapy to ride again!
Other that the Pandemic issue, mother nature have not spoiled us up to date. Rain and very low snow level pretty much everywhere and temperature way too warm for the date. My area have begin to open some trails but it is still limited with low snow so we choose to go a bit norther than usual to begin our season by starting from St-Michel des Saints to ride the Taureau Reservoir and norther.
In place of a pics report, I will go with a video report this time with 2 detailed video to report the conditions we encounter during our ride.
here the first video that describe the ride from St-Michel to Repos Outfitter. 
  To comply with the government restrictions associated with the covid-19 the services suppliers have to adjust the way they usually serve us. At the repos the fuel is available as usual but food is only available to takeout (the dining room is closed) but the toilets are accessibles. We can rent rooms or chalet but we have to get the food and eat in our rooms.
A 2nd video will follow just below for the rest of the ride...
 
 

Next we took the #345/#360 trails to coming back south with a short stop at the Taureau Dam
here the 2nd video
So this is it for our season opener. We really hope for cold and snow but it's not what we have on the wheater preview... at least no rain forecast!!! 
We hope for the best to come
Alain

Next we took the #345/#360 trails to coming back south with a short stop at the Taureau Dam
here the 2nd video
So this is it for our season opener. We really hope for cold and snow but it's not what we have on the wheater preview... at least no rain forecast!!! 
We hope for the best to come
Alain

107 miles in 4 hours today in Tioga and Potter County. A lot of great groomed trails!