SnowIsLikeCrack

I got back from Canada 2 days ago, but left out of Thetford Mines. Trails 5, 35,55 were very good. Trail 75 as a main trail was sparse in snow cover, so wouldn't advise that, which runs between sections of 55. The only advice I can give is check FCNQ and gosled.com sites for any trail info. There's snow up there, we rode 6 days and covered around 1,300 miles. Those trails I mentioned are furhter south east of where you mentioned. Good luck otherwise.

You can try the Balmoral Hotel in Thetford Mines as a close place to start out if you want to change things up. My friend and I rode out of there last year, left the truck, and had no issues. There's a place called the Coconut in Trio-Rivieres that's just past Victoriaville over the bridge. Small parking lot, open, have left sleds out overnight with no issues. You leave you keys with them in case they get snow and need to move your vehicle to plow. Anywhere in Canada, never leave your keys in your vehicle, unless you have a buddy stay with the truck. Just lock your stuff up at night no matter where you go. I live near Springfield, M.A. and it ussually takes us 5 1/2 hrs to Thetford mines, and around 6, to 6/12 to Trio-Rivieres, depending on roads and weather. We're heading possibly up to Thetford next tuesday for a week. As long you stay away from Quebec city itself, you'll be fine. Good luck !

Even though I don't have a significant other that rides with me, but I'll give my input. Consider what her level of experience she has riding. Is she new to the sport, or been riding for 4 years on the same sled? If she's just starting out, a used sled would be better to learn on, would cost less, if it got damaged, or she lost interest in the sport you would'nt be sinking a ton of money into nothing. Heart break comes if you just damage a sled costing more than 7 grand. If she's not into riding fast and aggressive, no point on putting her onto something with more than 120 hp. You can't force someone to ride faster and more aggressive beyong what they're comfortable with. It's how they feel on their sled and set up to their riding style. My friend likes his steering a little loose, where I like a little reistance, but can drive it like a bulldozer. We have 2 friends that ride with us on occassion. One has a 600 polaris 2 up, the other has an Apex. I have an 09 Nytro at 138 hp, the Apex at 150, but I can still ride faster than him. So depends on the rider, not neccessarily the machine. My other friend and I ride about the same and he has an Apex, and we cruise at a good clip. Consider as well, do you guys go on week trips, or cruise the trails like in Woodford, V.T. ? Also when shopping for a sled for her, have her sit on the different sleds, don't just buy on impulse. The ergonomics on the newer sleds are much different than older sleds. You could always take an older sled depending on what it is and make some changes. Gear it, change the clutch, and maybe pipe it which will make it run a little faster. Like I said, I'm just giving input on my views and things to consider since nothing was said about how long she's been riding, or just starting out.

If you're going to Montmagny, believe the hotel you may want to stay at is the 231. It's safe, plenty of parking. Depending on your sled, there's a skidoo dealer right across the street and gas station next door. If you go beyond the town and outskirts, there's a long rail bed ro run fast, just make sure you take the fuel stop at the relais, or you're screwed ! My friend and I stayed at the Balmoral Hotel in Thetford Mines. Parking is good, room prices are reasonable. If you go there, there's a small place down the street to grab breakfast, and is where I recommend eating in the morning if you decided to go there. It's maybe a 100 ft walk, but worth it compared the breakfast the hotel serves you. If you decide you want to go towards Trio-Rivers, can recommend the Coconut Inn/bar. Rooms good, prices reasonable. Parkingis okay, get there early. You just want to make sure you sty away from Quebec city itself, crime central. My friend and I are trying to head to Thetford next tuesday. Anybody been up near Rimouski and the area around St. Pamphile by any chance??

To start out, we ride because we love the sport. We pray to the snow gods every year for at least one great week to ride for the season being so short. It’s filled with the adrenaline of riding fast, riding challenging trails, and hanging out with friends you may barely see throughout the year but still talk to. To be free and enjoy a part of life you may not wake up to the next day. The smell of the crisp, cold air in the morning, catching wildlife up close, and snow blowing by you. I own a 09 Nytro, it is far better than my old 600 Polaris. My old sled I maybe got around 11 mpg, now I average no less than 15 mpg. Course everything depends on conditions. I don’t have to carry nearly as much oil for a 4 stroke than I did for a 2 stroke. Cleaner burring, no oil smell at the end of a days ride, or season. Before that sled I had a 97 skidoo trailblazer, and before that I ran my dads old 1971 Motoski 640 w/ a hurst motor, single carb, no heated grips and bogie wheel suspension. Everybody will say their sled is better than the next, no matter what. Yamaha does have the reputation for reliability. Cats are heavy and don’t like water. Doo’s, maybe light and get good gas mileage, but the 800’s have blown jackshafts before, some R&D research there. Polaris still has some work to do to stay up with the pack. As far as riding in Quebec, they have their shit together. I’ve been practically everywhere, 20 miles east of Montreal, to Gaspe’. North of La Tuque, and started down from Thetford Mines. The fact remains, no matter what you ride, anyone you encounter on the trail is willing to help you out. People will help you out and offer you a place to stay if you need one in a tight spot. Once you’ve been to Canada, you’ll be spoiled, and not want to ride anywhere else.