fredsleds

AWESOME photos, great post!!

Today rode West on 83 to Auberge Presbytere for breakfast. 83 West was awesome. Spent the day just riding 83, 23 and especially 383. Stopped at Relais La Genouille, pretty good sled club. All trials awesome. Unfortunately, when we got back to the Dela it was 35 degrees. Snow getting soft and bare spots worse, Calling for rain on Friday. Not sure I'd rec coming up this weekend. Was 4 days riding worth 2000 miles drive from Pittsburgh? YES. Heading home tomorrow.

Rode to KM 31 from the Delta. Again, after second bridge, again much better. 134 to 93 7/10. 93 to Imago Village 9/10. Imago to KM 31 8/10 . Trail to Relais Chappel, the 8KM for km 31 to Chapple seemed liked 80 KM. Totally whooped up. Got gas at Chapelle, but, line for food was 20 deep. Went back to KM 31, got a table and some good food for lunch. The Delta is getting less busy each day. Called for rain on Thursday, amazing but true.

Yesterday we rode from Delta to Otis Nature. First 8 miles until you cross the second bridge were lots of rocks, snirt and dirt. One of the Sidewinders kept overheating. After the second bridge a Huge improvement. Flat smooth. Couldn't go WOT as there is ice beneath a thin layer of snow, corners very icy. Goof smoked meat at Otis Nature. 110 miles. Today took 83 S to Auberge du Ravage. Much better getting out from the Delta. Lots of open straight trials where you could go WOT. Nice lunch at the Ravage. 87 Octane gas at the Ravage is 2.50/liter. Was a great day for 160 miles. Tomorrow we're going to head North again and shoot for Auberge KM 31. Will post tomorrow. Overall, it's still better then work. Sled wheels are a really nice to have in the Delta parking lot. Completely bare asphalt Fred

Me too, going to try the Delta instead.

My wife and I stayed and rode here last week. Sunday 2/4 was pretty bumpy. Last day of "free weekend" Trail 23 toward Bueceville was closed (they said many wreck on steep icy hill) just out of Thedford Mines. Made a long detour. Monday and Tuesday 2/5-6 were really pretty food. Some bare spots but overall 300 miles in 3 days. Now the map is showing the entire region closed. Was going to go back with the guys but will need to change plans. Any advise on RDL vs Pouverie Lac Blanc area? Thanks, Fred

Also, download the iMontoneige app to your phone from the FCMQ website. When riding keep your phone in airplane mode or it will quickly discharge your phone batteries searching for a cell signal. The app runs off of GPS. You can plan routes, etc. When coming to an intersection just glance at the map and you'll know which way to go. You can easily zoom in/out too. I mount mine on the sled and charge it when we stop for lunch (bring a charger with you, most phones won't take a charge from the sled when it's really cold out). The app doesn't need a cell connection of WiFi to work. It is very accurate in my opinion and I believe that it is free.

Le Empress is good, the restaurant La Cage is accessed right from the hotel. Nice place to eat. Last time I stayed we arrived late on A Saturday. No parking left. Had to leave rig in Walmart parking lots for 6 days, no issues, but wasn't happy leaving it right out in the open like that. Overall, RDL is less drive and the Universal is overall nicer place in my opinion.

I'm planning 2 trips to the Manoir du Lac William in February. Does this mean that if a groomer breaks down the area will not be groomed? I would change my plans if this is the case.

I got a Mission this year. It ran perfect for 800 miles in the UP. I always plugged in (I'm also running a BiteHarder LED strip on the back for better vis for those behind me)and was never cold even at -10F with 25 MPH wind. IMHO it's the best helmet I had in 25 years of sledding.

No problem coming back to USA if that's where you're from. We can't get into Canada and Canadians can't get into US.

Any issues either way with the corona virus? Wanting to go to LSJ next weekend and would hate to be turned away at the border. Appreciate any help Fred

Looks like TQ 33 is open and groomed last night

Merci beucoup Alain!! Fred

Thank you Alain