mikerider

Probably because Bill's not there. He brought in all the sledders.

Still in the mountains of northwestern Maine. Snowing hard, supposed to get 12-18 inches. We decided not to ride today as there are supposed to be white out conditions. I didn't buy the Polaris, it was just a rental. It was also the sled the manager uses so I was lucky in that it was set up really nice. The gauge seems huge and the display numbers are very large, and has a white background. Very easy to read and I liked it a lot.

Too funny. The day rental brought on a big grin. I may have to erase the 'fast women' part of the title.

Mama Bears was open two weeks ago when I was here, it is my place to go. So far this week it has been closed every night so I have been going across the street to eat.

I was moving right along today. But I think even on a slower laid back ride they would be nice. At first it was really strange driving a two stroke again since my last 40,000 miles have all been on a four stroke. It took a good 20 or more miles to get used to the sled and the engine, and all of a sudden it was like a magic spell came over me and said wow, this sled is awesome. Supposedly Mark, Houlton Motor sports buys up all the rentals at the end of the season and sells them for $8K, which is a steal for a one year old sled with another year warranty.

I got the 650 Matryx VR1. The midrange of this engine is incredible., nail it at 60 and the skis are still dangling off the ground at 80, The sled is super light. This is not your grandfather's Polaris. Handling is the most confidence inspiring sled I have ever ridden. It just feels glued to the trail. The engine is fairly quiet for a two stroke and is extremely smooth. For some reason the track feels like it hooks up better than the Doo's. It rides very nice, not quite as soft as the RMotion, in fact feels totally different but really nice. The skis and ski suspension felt several times better than what I am used to on my SkiDoos. Overall, it is just what owner's are reporting, that this sled is really fun to drive. I would encourage anyone who is a bit of a performance driver and sled head to rent one for the day. I was grinning from ear to ear. mike

A few sleds here, most people put them in their trailers at night, and the trailers are out of sight f the webcam. I am really enjoying Bishops. Rooms are fairly big and they are super clean.

Took out the hot red Ferarri today. Felt 40 years younger!

Took out the hot red Ferarri today. Felt 40 years younger!

And you may no longer be able to cross into Canada.

What I understand is yes, quarantine or negative test within 72 hours before arrival. However, I was in the office of this hotel and heard them on the phone telling someone they had to sign a document upon arrival that they quarantined before arrival or got the test results, but the hotel takes their word for it and does not require any proof. Not sure if that is how all hotels are doing this or not.

Back in Jackman for a few days. Got to ride a few hours this afternoon. First five miles out of town a little snirty and the groomer pulled up plenty of small rocks to cover the trail, but pretty good after that. Big question will be if there is enough snow on the trails to do any big loops. gkw coming up tomorrow afternoon to join me. Storm in the forecast starting Tuesday, more coastal but maybe 6 to 8 here in the mountains. mike

Nope, they did the cooking. I seem to recall we were the only guests there that night. The other memory of the Buzzard was that Ray and I were taking turns each night paying for the lodging. This was my night to treat. OUCH! I would think the forest fire must have killed their summer and fall business. It looked like a wasteland after the fire. mike

Ray and I stayed at the Buzzard one night. Probably the best meal I have ever eaten. Was on one of our trips to Cochrane. mike

Is that BalBuzzard? The burnt landscape looks familiar. mike

To add insult to injury, almost all the clubs in Chardierre region and Bas St. Laurent region showing excellent conditions. As I look at the green grass on my lawn in Maine. mike

Two half days of riding Jackman (Maine). Scheduled to go home on Thursday, asked hotel if I could extend til Sunday and they said they were full Had I done that at the Universel In Riviere du Loup, they would have said not a problem Mr. Mike. We can give you an executive suite at the price of a lesser room. Kidding aside, Maine is terribly crowded with sledders in the snow belt each Thursday thru Sunday.. The place I stayed at was very nice, modern, and probably the cleanest room I have ever stayed in. And the staff was great. mike

Steve, first picture looks like the restaurant in Tourville on #35. 2nd picture, Andyman doesn't care where he's at, he's just happy to be there.

Hi Terry, I didn't realize it was that short a trip. Thru NH or thru Quebec? And I know the restaurant, looks closed for business now.

Yes on Bishops. Place is well run. Cleanest hotel room I have probably ever stayed in. The place diagnolly across the street is open as is Moose River. Not sure about the motel north of town, now called Taps, is open. Sally Mtn Camps open. Not sure about the cabins on the left a few miles north of town. More sleds in town today, but still very quiet compared to a winter with lots of snow. Maybe only six rigs at the hotel tonight.

The new one is exactly like the old one, but, just doesn't feel to be as strong a runner as the old one. It is pulling about 500 rpm's less than the old one. The softer rear torsion springs I had installed made a nice difference. Much smoother ride. Hate the new guage, Old school, don't like the digital readout of tach and speedo. A place next door to the hotel rents out the new Polaris Matryx sleds. I was at his door at opening hour only to learn from someone he is only open Fri-Sun. Left to go south trails, but so bad quickly turned around and went north. These had been groomed again overnight and were pretty good. Lots of restaurants either closed up or open only a few days a week. It will be hard to get a meal here when they get snow and the crowds come. mike

Forgot to bring the camera!

Landed in Jackman (Maine) today to get a couple days in on the new sled. Seems to be about 10-12 inches of snow, trails are groomed. Got a few hours of riding in. Granted I only rode a few of the many trails, but for serious riding I would hold off until more snow. Some sections were quite good, then suddenly there would be a washout or ice jam across the trail or a section of gravel showing or brush growing up thru the trail. For a couple days of riding just to get warmed up or try out the sled, it is not bad. Other then that, wait! mike

Very nice read. Thanks for sharing. It is just what we needed, those of us stuck at home due to a lack of snow. mike

Mark, No, the vaccine won't get you into Quebec. But after the second dose you will be good to sled in New Jersey!