fredsleds

Think long and hard about the Riotel in Matane, yes it nice, BUT the ride from the hotel to the travails can be 5 miles of frozen dirt (see other posts on this site) way better place is the Quality Inn. Also, going to Matane to start is really nonsensical as you can ride easily in on day from RDL to Matane, why trailer? I agree with he rest on that point.

I'm coming from Tadousac towards Charlevoix., then heading up 383, so at least for me it should be fine. Thanks for the map info Goose713!

I hope they are working on a fix...my original trip was to take the Matane ferry to Baie Comeau but that's apparently out of commission for now.

Does anyone know why it's closed? Lack of snow? Land owner issues? This make Cote Nord really hard to get to. If this is a trail closure that's going to put a major hurt on business in Tadousac and northward. I'm planning on using this in early February.

Does anyone know for sure if Mt Apica has gas? I was there last year and do not remember any gas at the relais, but, I could be mistaken... L'Etape has a gigantic gas station, 20+, pumps, but the inside is very generic, like a stop on any major highway. I'd rather stop for food at Mt Apica, but, I wasn't sure they had gas..

Thanks to all, I've still got a bit of time to make other plans. Was planning on leaving QC to RDL, then to Auberge la Coulee douce, then Matane to Baie Comeau and back to QC on the North Shore via Tadoussac and Fairmont Richelieu. I could always just stay South and run back to QC that way. Let's all try and keep up with the ferry status. I've been on the ferry to Ilse au Courdres, it's not about the ferry, just wanted to show my son (first time to Quebec) both sides of the flueve. Anyway, hope they find a replacement soon!!

Oops that's Wednesday Feb 6, not Tuesday

I'm planning to take the ferry from Matane to Baie Comeau on Tuesday Feb 5. I have a reservation and they haven't contacted me about any cancellations. If I am reading the French correctly it says they are taking the ferry to dry dock and should be back "around" Jan 30. This is cutting it close. So, if this ferry isn't fixed, does that mean I'm stuck in Matane? My ability to read the French is limited so anyone that knows more French would be a big help. I can't seem to find anything about this in English. It will really change my saddle bag trip if I can't take the ferry to the North Shore of the flueve.

What's the web site/phone number/name of company??

So, to chime in. Chalet and Spa has great rooms, and spa, but pretty crappy food. Also, not much happening at night (although I can't say for sure about New Years Eve). During the week by 10 PM you could tell that the staff was itching for you to have your last drink and leave. If I had the choice, I'd defiantly pick Centre plien-air mont Viliain. Nice cabins with kitchen (one cabin is even like a teepee), great hosts and reasonably priced food. Also, owner host is a women (?Evie?) who speaks great English. This place was jumping both times I stayed last year in the middle of the week. I imagine NYE would be crazy. VERY sled friendly, reasonably priced gas. They just go out of the way to make you happy. At Chalet and Spa I kind of got a "whatever" attitude. Just my opinion and no offensive to anyone..

My trail passes arrived today, can't wait for the fun to begin!!

OK thanks, had a bad experience with a flat bed tow truck and a studded sled, not pretty. We'll stick to the North side of the Flueve...

I was wondering how you cross the St Lawrence at Trois-Rivieres. Is this a truck trailer crossing like in QC or is it a bridge? I've never been to that area and was wondering... Thanks, Fred

Booked the Drakkar 2/16 to 2/22. Hope to meet anyone who posts on this forum that week. Fred

I will be riding your trails in February and maybe we can meet at your club...I'm riding with my son for a father /son trip