towing

We stopped for fuel and head East. We decided to take a break at Relais Tourbillan.

We crossed the covered bridge at Saint-Edgar. The trail was holding up down to TQ5

We take a quick break at La Cache and head south on 595. Again the trail is in super condition. It’s a great run down to Pin Rouge. Last time we were in this area there were more deer than I could count. I am taking it easy on the lookout. I am surprised that I only spot 2 and they were shy no pictures.

As we head west the sky is getting a bit cloudy. It’s a great run this time around. We have had a private trail so far (54 miles). I see the lookout sign for Mount Lyall. We go to investigate. As we approach I see about 15 snowmobiles. We get a few pictures and head off to La Cache.

We get on the Chic Choc trail to La Cache. We are in luck the trail is in super condition. 

Day 3 233 miles 

We are packed and ready at 8. It’s a blue sky day. The trails out of Murdochville are in nice shape. 
 
 

After lunch we are heading to the shell station in Grande-Rivière. When we get back to TQ5 it clears up again. We go a few miles and back to fog. We gas up and head for Murdochville. When we reach 597 it clears up. The trail is in nice shape. We get up around the orange trail and pass the groomer. It’s a nice ride into the Copper hotel.

We are heading to Perce. I want to take some photos. There is a road bridge crossing we went over that was melting fast. I don’t know the name of the town. After that the trail was kind of beat up. It seemed like a reroute. We crossed over a new bridge. The trail was back in nice shape about a mile or two before the Perce turn off. Heading toward Perce the blue sky is turning to gray. The trail looks like it has been just groomed. As we approach a street crossing there is a big buss load of people cross country skiing up the trail. There are emergency sleds with trailers ready for the skiers. I was flagged down and asked to use caution. We continue on and the fog gets so thick I had to stop at one point. It’s not going to be a picture day. We made our way to Rolands and had lunch.

As we approach Rivière-au-Renard we pass a groomer. I did not expect to see one on a warm day like today. We went as far east as were going and head toward Gaspe. It’s a blue sky and probably the warmest we ever had on the trail. We stop at the multi gas and fuel up. The street crossing is going to need some snow. Back on the trail and it’s smooth sailing.

The trail is in nice shape so far. Then we hit an open area where the snow looks thin. Thankfully the trail has a good base. I am not sure if wind or the sun was affecting it. Plenty or wind mills around. A bit farther East the trail gets twisty. 

Day 2 231 miles

We had a nice stay at Grande Vallee. We get packed up and head off shortly after 8. The trails are a bit thin getting out of town. Just out of town the trail is looking good. We spot the first of many wind mills traveling  East. There’s no one at the clubhouse.

Here is the 300 miles loop we did from home yesterday, Saturday February 15, 2020



It is one of our classics that we do every season, many miles but easy to do because there are many fast segments. Yesterday conditions were also ideal: cold to have beautiful solid trails that last all day (-22C at 8:15 when we started) and good visibility to be able to ride easily. In addition being able to do it directly from home: we are blessed!



We did it starting with the southside. As expected most of the trails were freshly groomed



Here in St-Barthelemy area, we even passed the dozer which was finishing his run





Its a good temperature indicator when you see the snow dust staying in the air like that...



When we make this ride, we always cut between  #3 and #63 near Louiseville on #350 trail , it's more direct.



As long as the little Rivière du Loup is good which was the case: solid and marked



The only problem at these temperatures is my gopro that I can't keep alive, it keep shutting off itself. I had to turn it back on maybe 12th time just to get there so I finally give up and left it off. Here St-Barnabé sector.





Here west of St-Etienne des Grès



after the stretch from the above pic, we had to turn left at the junction to follow #3 trail and  there is this clown face stuck to a tree ??? there are several of them in different places in this sector that have been there for years ... I had always wonder what was the meaning ???



After refueling, we cross the St-Maurice near the Gabelle dam. The last storm having left alot snow last week, the river is a bit bumpy but it's not bad



East of St-Maurice river, pleasant surprise: #3 trail was mint!





We got on the St-Maurice river in Grand-Mère (trail M19)



We then went straight at #23 trail junction to continue on the river



Be careful to follow the stake trail, it's a clear water spot on the left! The trail is well marked and it's impossible to miss it, just follow the safe route..



The river trail was a bit bumpy but is still rideable at a good pace. The scenery is as beautiful as ever





Here the little trail as we got out from the river and pass under the #155 car road bridge




Then back to perfects conditions







The conditions were so good that we arrived at Marineau at Rivière Mattawin for lunch at 12:10 with 130 miles on the dreammeter



We shared there a good lunch with Cobra from here on QR that was starting his vacation alone in the area. I was knowing him from the many messages we had exchange in the past about the conditions and more, and the timing was good so we hook up there for some riding together after our meal.


The #360 was nice and fast with his as always superb views.




Given the nice trail conditions, we chose to expand the ride a bit by looping on the M20 trail.



This trail had never deceived us and was even nicer this time. The picture do not do justice to how good it is to do this stretch



a beautiful large glacier on the mountainside, outstanding when the sun shine



Good luck for trying to respect this sign!!!





The last 20% of the length is a little slower but so beautiful



We took a break at the #345 junction and we then continued south





We took another break at the Taureau reservoir dam. It was just 3:45 pm and it was going so well that for a moment I had considered looping around the reservoir on the #360 and pass through St-Michel des Saints but by doing a quick calculation, we already had a 300 miles ride with the initial plan so I decided to be reasonable and keep it more relaxed. Big thank you to Cobra for one of the very few pic where we are both Kristine and me on it



And another one of Cobra and me



We then crossed the dam and continued south. This red renegade have a darn nice look!



We met a dozer who was starting his run very close to the Cabanon where I stopped to refuel.



We then continued on the #23 south of the Cabanon where we passed this other dozer which was doing his south loop



We arrived at Réal Massé around 5:15 pm to taste a good vegetable soup and have a last good chat with Cobra. With my bad frenglish and the limited Kristine's 4 english words vocabulary, he had a good challenge but when people sharing the same passion meet, it all go well and we had a very good time together (for us at least 😂). Beside being a gentleman, Cobra is a very good experimented rider and we consider ourself lucky to had the chance to share a ride with him.



We left around 6:15 pm in home direction. The trail conditions were still good even in the evening on this cold day and we've been home a little before 8:00 p.m. with  309 miles on the dreameter, the smile still from ear to ear from this very nice ride.
In summary, the conditions are at their top right now, can't ask for better. Hopefully mother nature cooperate and the winter conditions continue so that we can still enjoy it for a while!
For more details on the trails in the area and more: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/

Alain
 

It was a great run today mon ami. Beautiful weather and trails and only saw 3 sleds on trail all day.....228 miles from Parent to Senneterre 
the 3 guys were definitely together but one was WAY back behind the other two. They we’re heading east towards Faillon. 
At La Villa now where there is 11 other sleds in parking lot, all Quebec. Guess I’m the “lone” American here....LOL
here coming in towards Senneterre this evening 

Tuesday 25 February 
Splendid stay as always at Hotel Matagami. Busy place the restaurant/bar gets alot of business from the people there in town. Out and heading down the 396 to 93 to La Sarre. Left at 9:30. Trail is nice. Has held up well just like the Lebel side. Grooming map shows 93 groomed to La Sarre. Seeing more activity with the colder temps. Gotta luv it. We are off. Nice temperature this AM cold is good. Have not run this trail down this direction in a long time. Same with the Lebel side yesterday’s ride seems we have done it the opposite way the last few times. Nice to shake things up. Trail has some spots where it’s open and the drifts have taken over but just a little bit. We run to first warming hut. Here we chat with two couples from North Bay, real nice folks we chatted at breakfast with the one gentleman. Met the rest of gang at first hut. They were leaving breakfast as we went in. We say goodbye and they follow us from the warming hut. The one gentleman says you guys can go first we don’t ride that fast. Okie dokie. We hammer down to second warming hut. We are there maybe 10 minutes they pull up. They ride pretty fast. We are leaving they are taking a break. Beautiful finish to St Felix for gas. It’s noon. Another gang we met at Forestel from Ontario. Parry Sound i think. They are headed up to Matagami. Eating lunch at the gas station. Nice store there got everything. Including Pizza and hot food. We have the usual full tank of super, Today is Reese’s peanut butter cups and a Pepsi. 
Finished we head off out 93 for La Sarre. Groomed and nice. Much more traffic headed east judging by ski tracks, well used since this morning  Its fast and fun. Quick run to Local orange trail I head south then back to 93 and on up to La Sarre. It’s been nothing but good trail today. Headed into gas we pass one groomer, nice. We fill up and get supplies for the hotel. On the way to Villa mon Repos here are 2 more groomers one following the other, I am thinking they must have just left the barn and will each take a different route a bit further out. Or if its a new technique I like it. Double grooming good just like double cheeseburger it’s twice as good. Good sign for the morning. Into hotel and what do we find? Villa Repos now has a Boston Pizza Restaurant in it. I like it. 
220 miles. 
Tomorrow we will recalculate and decide some things. We got a pretty good storm coming. I need to decide where to be. 
 

Today’s run

My favorite little doggy in the whole world......”Little Girl” at a Lac Faillon 

Some trail pics from the run so far today

Somehow I managed to get 20 years riding Quebec and never saw trees dropped on the trail by beaver and now twice this season
this afternoon about 5 miles from Balbuzzard 

At Faillon and we are having.........you guessed it..........club sandwiches 
left Parent at 930 ......272km and (on the trail) have seen or passed no one.

Here is the map of our yesterday ride February  22, 2020  Joliette/St-Donat


With the very mild temperature forecasted and the very cloudy weather we hesitated to go to the Black Mountain knowing that we would probably not see it at its best but we had still tried our luck. About -5C at start from home under a very cloudy sky. Here in the St-Ambroise de Kildare sector



The propane crisis in the fall left its mark here and I would like to take this opportunity to thank this farmer in St-Ambroise sector who still let us pass through his unharvested corn field



at the shack north of St-Ambroise we continued on #43 trail



The #43 is beautiful but it is definitely a slower/more winding trail. Here a bridge that will need repairs in the St-Alphonse de Rodiguez sector





Here, crossing the Ouareau river via the shared bridge for snowmobiles and ATVs



On the other side the trails are distinct although they cross and overlap few times and it is a bit confusing in some spots



We then took #310 to go through Notre-Dame de la Merci where we refueled at Pétro-T gaz station. Their large parking lot makes it an interesting place as a starting point for many snowmobilers.



We then continue along the #125 car road via a local trail for joining the #33 and then the # 317 trail



To finally head towards the Black Mountain



It's starting to rise...



It's starting to get snowier ...



And we arrive at the top just a little before noon. We were darn lucky: the sky has completely cleared and the sun was there! 



And gray jays are also!


With the mild weather, the decor was not frosty as sometimes but we were still very lucky to have had the sun with us. The temperature was mild and we ate a small snack right there to take advantage of all the beauties of the spot





We stayed there for a good hour and a half. In no hurry, we took advantage of the moment to admire the magnificent view ...





And we had fun with the gray jays who had fun with us too I think





On a clear day like that the view is simply spectacular ...



Sometimes there no need to being so equipped !!!



Kristine's technique with her old 2005 sony without zoom (which takes most of the photos from our reports) is just as effective!



The result...



We had a lot of fun with them and I almost drained my whole Go-pro battery just during the time we were there ... surely some nice videos to come when I have time for the editing...



We finally left a little past 1:30 p.m.



Here coming down from the mountain



I forgot to indicate it in our route map but we went to see the Mont des Cenelles a little further. Vegetation has grown and it is starting to be more difficult to see well



The best part of the view is directly from the trail going down, really beautiful...


We then continued on the #33 trail and completely went around Archambault Lake



And then headed  east towards Coin Lavigne





Here at the junction of the restricted acces trail of Parc du Mont-Tremblant



A little further on the #33 trail we encounter this: a loader bogged down on the trail



They had to use a bigger one to get it out of there ... They did pretty much damage to the trail



But 5 minutes later we crossed the dozer which was already on the way to repair the trail damage





So we continued with very good trail conditions



And stopped to fuel up at Coin Lavigne



We then continued on #33 trail, the section which had been announced closed earlier in the week but which was now re-opened and groomed



We took the #343 to join the #63 trail



that we took to go down south. Here passing at the Domaine Bazinet outfitter




We continued south and the trail conditions remained very nice for a mild Saturday. Here just north of Ste-Émilie de l'Énergie down the big hill.



And here passing at St-Jean de Matha ...


 
We stopped to eat in St-Félix de Valois around 6:15 pm to take a good break. this section was the only one of the ride really worn out at the end of the day. Then we came back through Joliette. We finally arrived home around 7:45 pm with 219 miles on the dreammeter for the day, very happy with our visit to the Black Mountain which was even better than expected with the sun that showed up, and our ride with really good trail conditions on most of the route despite the mild weather.
We must admit that time flies and we will be entering March next weekend, so now is really the time to ride before it is too late! For ourselvest, we are taking our snowmobile vacation from next Sunday for a week and at the same time a ride report break. Continue to post your own ride reports!
Otherwise,  Pays de la motoneige trail conditions web site is always a good place to have details of the conditions in Lanaudière / Mauricie: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Think snow!

Alain

Here is the map of our yesterday ride February  22, 2020  Joliette/St-Donat


With the very mild temperature forecasted and the very cloudy weather we hesitated to go to the Black Mountain knowing that we would probably not see it at its best but we had still tried our luck. About -5C at start from home under a very cloudy sky. Here in the St-Ambroise de Kildare sector



The propane crisis in the fall left its mark here and I would like to take this opportunity to thank this farmer in St-Ambroise sector who still let us pass through his unharvested corn field



at the shack north of St-Ambroise we continued on #43 trail



The #43 is beautiful but it is definitely a slower/more winding trail. Here a bridge that will need repairs in the St-Alphonse de Rodiguez sector





Here, crossing the Ouareau river via the shared bridge for snowmobiles and ATVs



On the other side the trails are distinct although they cross and overlap few times and it is a bit confusing in some spots



We then took #310 to go through Notre-Dame de la Merci where we refueled at Pétro-T gaz station. Their large parking lot makes it an interesting place as a starting point for many snowmobilers.



We then continue along the #125 car road via a local trail for joining the #33 and then the # 317 trail



To finally head towards the Black Mountain



It's starting to rise...



It's starting to get snowier ...



And we arrive at the top just a little before noon. We were darn lucky: the sky has completely cleared and the sun was there! 



And gray jays are also!


With the mild weather, the decor was not frosty as sometimes but we were still very lucky to have had the sun with us. The temperature was mild and we ate a small snack right there to take advantage of all the beauties of the spot





We stayed there for a good hour and a half. In no hurry, we took advantage of the moment to admire the magnificent view ...





And we had fun with the gray jays who had fun with us too I think





On a clear day like that the view is simply spectacular ...



Sometimes there no need to being so equipped !!!



Kristine's technique with her old 2005 sony without zoom (which takes most of the photos from our reports) is just as effective!



The result...



We had a lot of fun with them and I almost drained my whole Go-pro battery just during the time we were there ... surely some nice videos to come when I have time for the editing...



We finally left a little past 1:30 p.m.



Here coming down from the mountain



I forgot to indicate it in our route map but we went to see the Mont des Cenelles a little further. Vegetation has grown and it is starting to be more difficult to see well



The best part of the view is directly from the trail going down, really beautiful...


We then continued on the #33 trail and completely went around Archambault Lake



And then headed  east towards Coin Lavigne





Here at the junction of the restricted acces trail of Parc du Mont-Tremblant



A little further on the #33 trail we encounter this: a loader bogged down on the trail



They had to use a bigger one to get it out of there ... They did pretty much damage to the trail



But 5 minutes later we crossed the dozer which was already on the way to repair the trail damage





So we continued with very good trail conditions



And stopped to fuel up at Coin Lavigne



We then continued on #33 trail, the section which had been announced closed earlier in the week but which was now re-opened and groomed



We took the #343 to join the #63 trail



that we took to go down south. Here passing at the Domaine Bazinet outfitter




We continued south and the trail conditions remained very nice for a mild Saturday. Here just north of Ste-Émilie de l'Énergie down the big hill.



And here passing at St-Jean de Matha ...


 
We stopped to eat in St-Félix de Valois around 6:15 pm to take a good break. this section was the only one of the ride really worn out at the end of the day. Then we came back through Joliette. We finally arrived home around 7:45 pm with 219 miles on the dreammeter for the day, very happy with our visit to the Black Mountain which was even better than expected with the sun that showed up, and our ride with really good trail conditions on most of the route despite the mild weather.
We must admit that time flies and we will be entering March next weekend, so now is really the time to ride before it is too late! For ourselvest, we are taking our snowmobile vacation from next Sunday for a week and at the same time a ride report break. Continue to post your own ride reports!
Otherwise,  Pays de la motoneige trail conditions web site is always a good place to have details of the conditions in Lanaudière / Mauricie: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Think snow!

Alain

Thanks Mike, I never tire of playing with them! and they let us take some great shots of them, pics and video I just miss time this week for editing video but I will make something nice with that in the next weeks. They are part of the nature's beauties 😍

As always, enjoyed your report and pictures.  The pictures of the jays were very special. I never tire of seeing those friendly birds.
mike