towing

Problem solved! #33 already reopened and will be groomed tonight  👍
 

I don't have the details but it is NOT for logging or because of plowed section, the closure have to do with a security concern on the atv shared trail section of the #33. I have been told it should be solved soon...I don't know if it will be ok this weekend but both clubs/federations are working  to solve the issue 
keep an eye here to know when It's back open:  https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
 

We are on the same boat! My old hero 4 had did way colder rides than this one and was still running... the 7 is really caprisious at cold. But when it work, the captured images look like a magic carpet ride! so nice that I don't look back at the hero4 at all. We need to be creative to keep it alive, I am me too in search and development!
You are welcome aj17ca ! It's especially for this that I make those report: approved tested rides! ready to be tried 👍
 

Thanks Rick! I create expectation! 😄 I was doing my photo report since so long that many people told me the same. When I was at Marineau at lunch with Cobra, an other QC rider reader that was there had took a couple minutes to say hi tu us and was telling me that he was following my reports religiously! 
Thank you snowmaster but the student had surpassed the master here!!! 👍  We are also very lucky to have a big bunch of sledders that made ride report here on QR, all in their own styles. Each one is a great add on to this great forum, the only one where you can find this!
I had to admit Kristine is a real trooper to ride on the backseat for 300miles. Cobra was pretty amazed, looking at her that was following me, leaning in the curves and snapping pictures at the same times... he told us:"now I know how magic happened!" 😄
I'm still searching a replacement for kristine's 2005 straight 4mp sony camera, this old stuff is hard to beat but begin to be wear out a bit... as for my gopro, I will need to install a bloc heater on it!!!😅
 
You are welcome P Hardy! it's a part of our pleasure to share a bit of the fun we had on our rides!
Thank you zeusand! 
You are welcome Blueskyride! It's exactly what we would like to have more this season: blue sky ride! the pics chaser we are really appreciate the sunny blue sky days
Thank you grumpysanta! I saw your ride on FB, you really have the twin of JG sled!

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
 

Problem solved! #33 already reopened and will be groomed tonight  👍
 

Day 1 / Fri Feb 14th
Left home in Central VT at 5am and drove to camp in Averill VT where we met with two other couples, 6 of us total for this trip, 2 Doos and 4 Cats. On the sleds at 9am with a very chilly -11 starting temp. Crossed thru customs in Beecher Falls and headed north. Trails all groomed and stiff, the running is fast. Really enjoy running through the Eastern Townships as they do a great job with the trails, and traffic is non-existent. We run the 523 up past Sawyerville, then zip down the railbed where we catch 55. Again, super fast and set-up hard as concrete. While passing through Cookshire we are disappointed to see the little bar/restaurant as you cross rte 108 all boarded up, we have enjoyed stopping there over the years. We continue on the 55 to Weedon for fuel, warm-up and lunch at Restaurant Le Moulin. After the nice break we are now on the 65 nord and take this to the 540 headed towards Thetford Mines. Had to stop just outside Weedon and pick a baby deer out of the trail that somebody had obviously just clipped as she was still warm. Very sad, but set her on the snow bank out of the way, Mother nature was taking it from there. Lots of deer activity, so this stuff is bound to happen. The 540 took us around Thetford, up to the 35, and eventually the 75. Finished out the ride into Levis where we would spend the night at the Normandin. Arrived at 5pm and the temps never really gave us a break today, a shower and cocktail never felt so good! Over to the restaurant for dinner, decent food, but really poor service. While headed back to the rooms for the night had the pleasure of meeting Quebec Riders Andyman and SMclelan, they were in the middle of a 12 day run. Always great to meet fellow QR peeps. 211 miles for the day.
 
Day 2 / Sat Feb 15th
Woke up to another cold morning, but that would play out well as it should hold the trails a little longer on a weekend. Usually try to avoid being anywhere near QC on a weekend, but couldn't avoid this one. The Colibri shuttle was right on time at 7:45am, but would require 2 trips as our 6 sleds could not fit in one trip. That Suburban / trailer combo that gets us back and forth across the bridge is showing it's age, and is always an experience! The dashboard looks like a Christmas tree all lit up with all the lights that are on, and the drivers door wouldn't open so the driver has to crawl across and get out the passenger side. But......it's the only way I know to get across, so we just hang on! One little hiccup with my 900T......started and loaded up on the trailer with no problem, but when I went to unload on the other side everything was dead, had to push off the trailer. Was thinking maybe a frozen relay, but after messing with it for a while, it fired right up. Not sure what to think, but that was the only time on the entire trip that happened. The trails were again fast and flat and we headed east on the 3 up until the 369 north. A little rocky in the beginning, which was odd as the grooming map showed fresh groomed? We soon found out what was up as we came across a dead groomer in the trail. We navigated around it and soon were on groomed trails again. Had never been on this trail and after running through a lot of twisty wooded terrain, we opened up into a very fast, rolling run all the way to Letape, fun run indeed. Took fuel and lunch there and then proceeded on the 23 north. Almost immediately ran into a posse of Police set up just outside of Letape, had to be at least 20 of them, quite a sight! It was still so cold they just looked for our stickers and waved us on our way, no paperwork needed. The next 40 miles up to Mt Apica was pure heaven! Super wide, flat, and surprisingly, hardly a sled on it, seemed very strange being it was a Saturday. Quick stop then onward to the 368 (Bills Trail) heading towards the Delta. Again, trail was a 10, and perhaps a little to smooth as one of the girls and her Kitty missed a left turn and launched the bank and disappeared into the depths below. I was right behind her and witnessed the entire event, I didn't have a good feeling. Upon dismounting my sled and running in her direction I found her and the sled upside down in 5ft of powder, which was her saving grace. The track was spinning at about 75 mph as the the throttle was pressed against her as she was wedged under the sled. But.....she and the sled were untouched and neither had a scratch, very lucky lady. She did end up with about 8 more miles at the end of the day though! She was told she would have to explain to Bill later on in the evening about the Kitty Litter on his trail. Rest of the ride uneventful as we cut across on the 83 to the Delta for the evening. We were the last ones to fit in the sled corral, over 50 sleds and room for no more. That would prove fateful for a fellow Vermonter that we met as his sled was stolen that night from out front. They had thieves on camera at 3am hotwiring sled and making getaway. Very rare for sure in this area, but it happens. Great to see Bill and crew in the lobby. 225 miles for the day.
 
Days 3-6 to follow...

Great seeing you this morning Don!  Really enjoyed catching up.  Say hi to Caroline for me!
Crazy drive home in the truck today!  Saw 21 single vehicle accidents!  12 autos/suv & 9 tractor trailers!  All were in the rhubarb!  White knuckle ride to say the least. The winds were very high and white out conditions. 
 
Had a fantastic 6 1/2 days of riding. 1778 miles of amazing trails on my new ride. 
 

Exactly! Beginning to think this isn't QR anymore.....?

Ok guys...global warming, world peace, and this topic won’t be solved in this thread. One thing everyone here has in common is safety, so let’s all ride safe, have fun, and accept our differences...

I'm seeking for information and will comeback if I find something trusty about why/when...

Great report, and great pics. Thanks. I will use some of this info planning future trips!

Beautiful report.  I remember when we met it was the camera flash from a moving sled that alerted me.
 Those GoPros can be such a emmerde.    Once I get fed up enough I give up too.  My older Hero would run all or most of a day in the waterproof housing with it being charged by a battery pack - made its own heat from running and charging.  My Hero 7 no such luck yet. I am actually working on a heater solution for mine. Not proven yet, so not sharing yet.

GREAT report like USUAL  you guys..
 

Great report Alain! Thanks for letting us ride along...vicariously! 

Great report and photos as usual! 👍

Thanks for taking the time to post Alain, it is greatly appreciated by those of us who don't get out near enough!

I have learned and now have been (schooled) by the master Alain !!! Bravo mon ami.....best trail report EVER ....and all with freezing camera and Kristine (4 words of enlish) on the back.
My wife wouldn't last 10 miles....LOL   So good to see you guys had a phenomanal ride. Cobra had a good time for sure !!!  We have been in touch and looking forward to a ride with him. 
Those pics at the dam are (send me to be blown up and framed) for sure pictures. Such clarity....your camera is FANTASTIC !!!
BRAVO !!!!!!!

Great report and pics Alain, I am sure I am not the only one who fires his laptop up on a Sunday night looking for your report! 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

Windmills are cool. The area they are in is awesome. Heres a few more windmill pics. Back to RDL today. Going to check weather and groomer maps at 6.....