timberman

Christmas morning is here for the Four Horsemen of The Apocolypse. 6:03 am at the Auberge Canadienne, -18 and blowing snow, the boys are ready for wheels up!! Wait, no breakfast yet. Wait, the restaurant doesn't open till 6:30 am!! Now, which Dick told them it opened at 5:30? Ho hum.

Putt-Putt and Sam have arrived at Auberge Canadienne. Quiet night here, and looks like lots of snow around here. Dick and Moan arriving soon.

Phew, they made it to North Bay. Boston Pizza, orders are in.

Putt-Putt and Sam heading north on 11, just out of Huntsville. The snow has returned. :)

Putt-Putt and Sam are rolling in the truck. Just through Bancroft. Roads are greasy, like Sam's hair.

And then there were 4!! Just been advised that Dick, Sam and Putt-Putt are being joined by Moan. Further inquiry reveals that the cabin for Saturday night at Camp Ronoda has at least 4 beds. Sighs of relief from all team members.

Are you riding into Val d'Or, or trucking in? If riding in, I would imagine that you don't want to include that trail in your next-day loop.

Say hello to Denise!!!

I wonder if 14 Snow is referring to Pouvoirie La Verendre? It's on Trail 386 about 10 kilometres south of TQ63.

Trying to attach a location map for Camp Ronoda. Should be below:

Thanks for the responses, boys. Dick and Sam have now been joined by Putt-Putt, so there will now be three sledders heading out from Auberge Canadienne on Friday morning - destination Friday night still not determined. They have booked for Saturday night at Camps Ronoda (campsronoda.com) in Remigny. This looks like an ideal location just a few kilometres off TQ 83 - leaves about 150 kilometres Sunday morning to ride back down TQ 83 to the truck in Temiscamingue, load up and get out of Dodge in good time (actually it's a Toyota ar ar ar ar). Maggie from Camps Ronoda was very helpful on the phone. Their rates are $89/person/night, plus tax for the classic sledder's special (supper, accommodation, breakfast). The boys will be put up in a 3-bedroom cabin. This is a new layover spot for the boys, so we'll see how it pans out.

Thanks QA. Updates should start Thursday evening. They're experienced old dogs. Should be putting up timely information real sledders are interested in.

Post if you are interested in this thread, and I'll make sure the boys keep me up to date.

Photo from last year - in front of the Forestal in Val d'Or.

Dick and Sam trailering to Auberge Canadienne this coming Thursday evening for three day Abitibi area ride starting Friday. Updates, trail conditions, accommodations and unusual events will all posted. Stay tuned.

Well I think we'll skip that place. Departing Central hotel St Michel DES Saints this morning. Any recommended places to stay around Lac Eduard? Central Hotel was great!!!

We made it to the Central. It has been great. Waking up now to a fine new day. Thanks everyone.

Driving distance doesn't matter - sledding in from Mont Laurier.

Anyone been at Chalet Lac Taureau recently? How was it?

Thinking about staying at Hotel Central in St. Michel-des-Saints this coming Monday night? This is an all new area to me. Any comments or other, preferred accommodations. Looking for package deal for 4 guys - supper, room, breakfast. Thanks.

Thanks Phil.

This is great information and insight, Viper. Now I have more to consider. I think I get the jist of most of your information, except I do not know where LeCabanon is. I have traced your suggested route through Lack Eduoard/Matwin/Macaz - it looks like a nice route, but just wondering if there is gas available and if the trails and fast. I am not too used to using the green trails, and wonder if they are inferior. Overall, if I get your info right, the idea is to stay northerly, particularly away from St. Raymond area due to lack of snow and rougher trails. I appreciate this, and definitely don't want extended hours getting beaten senseless by the trails, followed by a beating from my companions for leading them astray. However, I also was looking forward to taking TQ23 up to Jonquiere due to the more mountainous terrain. Hence, I have to decide. Any further comments from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks. Will look into the Roquemont. Also wondering about St. Michel-des-Saints accommodations, however that's not really in Lac-St.Jean/Saguenay region. Would like to meet the real Saguenay Bill.

Thanks Phil. Any recommendations on places to stay in Jonquiere?, St. Raymond?

Hi folks: Myself and 3 other experienced sledders are planning on departing Mont Laurier this coming mid-Monday and heading towards Saguenay-Lac St-Jean with proposed itinerary as follows: Monday - Mont Laurier to St. Michel-des-Saints Tuesday - St. Michel-des-Saints to St. Raymond Wednesday - St. Raymond to Jonquiere Thursday - Jonquiere to Roberval (with loop through Mt. Valin area if possible) Friday - Roberval to Parent Saturday - Parent to Mont Laurier. I am familiar with the Mont Laurier-Parent-Roberval portion of the trip. However, the rest is all new territory. So, I am interested in comments about the feasibility of this route, current trail conditions, possible issues about traffic, type of trails we may encounter, possible unforeseen issues about this route, availability of food/fuel, and recommended places to stay each night. Quite a request.. Any information and alternatives would be appreciated. Thanks very much.