mikerider

90 miles and 61 degrees in north central Pennsylvania today! 😬

Saturday Feb 10
Rain and freezing rain overnight. Got up to survey situation 7:30. Not raining, radar showing worst is past so, off to breakfast then we will make a go out to check things out. Its warm though. 
 
Dressed down best we could, first damn helmet I had that doesn’t leak air. Solid and warm. 
 
Mrs Ice has to do class work for monday so we are going out and around back early. The plan was perfectly timed as we returned to Univerel it began to rain again an still gray and sprinkling on and off. 
 
Left hotel and another first this trip, I neglected to mention yesterday it was the first time for Mrs to negotiate through a pack of 5 two up sleds as we passed. I will let her tell you. Nicely done. Cleanly safely and politely. As could be. 
Today the first is over the bridge right here to the orange trail. Hey it’s the little milestones that keep me going. This is a new trail for me as was the 518 yesterday. Still nice here but we are sweating, Jackets open and snow soft. Too warm to enjoy. But not raining. 
 
Orange local along the 20 to St Andre here to 559 boney along roads and crossings. It is what it is. Otherwise very nice. Greens and orange. Everyone touring running TQ 5 and it shows. 
559 to TQ 5 east to 561 the to Club house for a break there. The 526 is next it was showing some use. Too warm but starting to get more cloudy and windy. One two up and a single holding us up a bit. The two up leading is one you have those dreams about. The one where you are in you lane minding your business and round next turn comes this guy keeping cemter left. Wow. 
Caro was leading us and she said I am so afraid watching this guy. Afraid I am going to see something I don’t want to. She gets it. Very proud of her progress she soaks it all in. The force is strong in this one. 
Finally they go left on orange to join TQ5 we continue 526 up to TQ85 railbed bike path holdind up great, after relay at TQ5/85 here its got some ugly looking spots by peat moss bogs. Bad.
Into town not worst i seen. Asphalt all bare basically everywhere.
back with whopping 75 miles but Wife had fun and so did we, too warm now starting to rain again. This adventure is being called. Until next time RDL
We will return
will it be this year?  Who knows
Mrs Ice gets all credit for photography 

 
 

Going to give you a bit more. Then bedtime. 
 
we are going nowhere it’s out n back 2 days from here Universel..
Got some new hardware and trying it out while getting mrs ice some much deserved seat time. (She gets very little) nature of the game. 
 
Sena 50s awesome. Group mesh and love it. 
CKX Mission Carbon helmets. Why I waited till now i do not know. Game changing comfort and vision. Badass. 
 
Wheels down February 9 at RDL. This is a special year. That’s it. It is what it is and if you want to ride you can make it happen simple as that. Bitching about it or wondering how it will hold up is a waste of energy. 
 
Close to hotel is boney i have seen worse and rode worse returning here before. Not far out much better we left with no set plan. Following what felt good. 
 
526 to TQ85 to First orange we can find. Let’s Go. 
early morning TQ85 nice and then orange fresh groomed. Beautiful. 
up orange to 544 another beauty  very few sleds and great trail. 
new helmets are sweet. 
now 571 and another stunner. Real nice. Then to TQ5 to the trail of the day 518. WOW WOW WOW, never rode this it is spectacular 
east n 518 to local orange down to Fabien sur mer. To a scenic overlook just niot the best day for the views. But awesome riding. 
Gassed on the orange there right on the 132 been by on the road never on sled here. 
 
to be continued 

We are back from today's ride. We went out 383 to St Bruno and then the local trails to the bridge in Alma.  From there to Relais du Lac and back to the Delta via 93.
Most of the riding was still OK but it was warm.  In the woods, it is still good but the road crossings, the fields and the south facing hills are turning from snirt to dirt.  Any road running is pretty bare.  It is forecast to stay above freezing overnight and thru tomorrow.  Then the temps are suppose to drop but still no snow or only a centimeter or two.  A storm is what is needed after this warm up.
There are still areas that have decent snow and very rideable but you may have to go thru some bad stuff to get there.
The groomers are still out and managing to do the amazing with what little snow they have to work with.  I don't think they will be out tonight since it is going to be warm but they may prove me wrong.
We are loading up and heading home tomorrow.  We were going to head home Sunday but decided not to ride tomorrow and take the black trail instead.
If we don't come back up again, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe year.
Jack & Sandi

What a pleasure Ice ! My pleasure.

I can't remember the trail numbers,  but basically #85 south past RDL clubhouse, continue 85 south onto RR bed,  left onto orange trail 40?, then onto green trails to St Cyprien and then Squatec.   Gas up in Squatec, jump on 35 east for about 15 or so miles and watch for well posted sign (right turn) to MV.   When you get to NB border you can bear right or left to get to MV,  
About 240 miles round trip.
Believe MV only takes cash,  no cards. Lunch time is usually packed, best to get an early start.  Gas usually available  but expensive. Some high speed running so plan to get not so great mpg.   Fantastic run, beautiful.

Conditions were good on 80% of the trails. The percentage of shirt is up a lot since yesterday AM.
Typical mid season warm up that looks like spring riding. We were lucky to get in to ride Tuesday on…as we guessed it’s changing. Not sure how they even groom some of the areas that are real thin…while others remain thin but very good.
 

Rode out of Jackman again
 
75 to 25 then local trail up to 535 to 55.  55 into Notre Dame des Pins and on of my fav pic spots at the covered bridge.  Then 75 to 535 again to 545 back to 75.
 
Trail were great again this day, avoided the high traffic areas.  
2 flocks of turkeys in that field had to be over 40 birds.
175 mile day

Day 3.    Eva - La Tuque  via 355 , 83, 73 . Grooming has been strong , hardly a ripple the whole way.. considering the amount of large tour groups spotted today its surprising .  Fun 3 day rip of around 650 miles of awesome 👌 

I can't remember the trail numbers,  but basically #85 south past RDL clubhouse, continue 85 south onto RR bed,  left onto orange trail 40?, then onto green trails to St Cyprien and then Squatec.   Gas up in Squatec, jump on 35 east for about 15 or so miles and watch for well posted sign (right turn) to MV.   When you get to NB border you can bear right or left to get to MV,  
About 240 miles round trip.
Believe MV only takes cash,  no cards. Lunch time is usually packed, best to get an early start.  Gas usually available  but expensive. Some high speed running so plan to get not so great mpg.   Fantastic run, beautiful.

Well, 6 of us reluctantly headed up on Saturday, the 3rd.  Being that is was free weekend, we wanted to try and avoid heaving traffic areas, so we parked off 322 between Mount Laurier and Maniwaki and headed North on the local trail towards Le Pensive.  We continued on for a stop at Club Gatineau.  Trails to this point were 9/10 with good snow and little traffic.  Went on to Club Notawissi and then down the cutoff to Club Fontbune for the night.  This was my first time staying there and let me tell you, awesome little place.  The team there works their butts off to make sure you have an excellent experience.  Fun staff, nice cabins, awesome food.
The next day we headed back the way we came and up to Le Pensive and Lepine road to Clova.  Very little traffic and even though Lepine wasn't groomed, it was a real nice ride.  The logging at the end wasn't even very problematic, sort of looks like they are done there and other than the last mile or so, there was plenty of snow on the road for lubrication.  Clova was exactly what you would expect, although I did overhear it being said Dominique may be considering hitting Lepine with the groomer. 
The next day we headed towards parent.  Clova to Parent was pretty tuned in.  They are now working you around the logging there, so other than some stretches to cross water run offs and some crossings, you weren't running the bare road.  I give it a more than acceptable work around.  Parent to 345 intersection was total dog shit.  I think they may have groomed one time, but I needs hit 2 or 3 times before it comes into shape.  There seems to be enough snow on the trail for grooming.  I was thankful the new bridge was in.  We were prepared to cross, but after seeing with my own eyes, I understand why those who have crossed said it was an adventure.
345 down to Kanawata and then down to Repos was freaking awesome.  11/10 for sure.  Fast and Fun.   We continued on down 33 to Auberge Taureau for the night.  Snow is definitely thin as you get down that direction, but groomers are doing a great job keeping the trails in as good of shape as possible.
Next morning we head out 360 to 345 and head back north.  This section of 345 was almost as good as the northern section.  They had it tuned up real nice and it was quite enjoyable.  From Repos, we head west over to 53 and down to Meekos.  I give this whole stretch 8.5/10.  A few obstacles to be mindful of hear and there, mainly water wash outs, but all and all, pretty nice ride.
Half the group jumps in the lake at Meekos, we have a good meal and wait for the next day wondering how it might be getting back to the truck as we decided to man up and try going down the St. Anne Du Lac, Devils Mountain, etc. picking our way back to the truck.
Well, this ride had lots of ups and downs.  There were sections that you would have felt like full on winter conditions and sections that would feel like the end of March with lots of rocks, gravel, etc.  That being said, sleds never overheated and we made back to the truck at 11:30.
We were all super happy we came up and it ended up being a great trip.  I would say 900 total miles, 50 or so utter dogshit, 200 ish 8/10 and the rest were classic Quebec.
 
Now for the real question..........What's it gonna be like in say a week or two 

Yesterday Sandi took a day off.  Dave and I went out for a little toot.
Once again the groomer map showed most trails done overnight.  We took 83 west to St Bruno and then 23 north.  83 was fine.  23 is showing the lack of snow thru Alma.  A lot of snirt where the trail runs in town and across the bridge to 93.
When we were at the bridge, I recalled the first time Sandi and I were there many years ago.  The trail stopped in a small park just before the south side of the bridge.  This was way before many of the businesses were there.  There was a pay phone in the park.  Remember pay phones?  The trail map had a phone number printed on it to call for the transport.  A dime went in the pay phone and I called the number.  I don't know where the phone rang but it was answered and I was told the transport would be there in a few minutes.  If I remember correctly, a van with a trailer came over the bridge to transport us and the two sleds.  It wasn't much money.  A couple of dollars per sled.  He brought us across the bridge and dropped us off at the Tourist Center's parking lot.  Off we rode.  Boy things have changed but that shows you how into snowmobiling the Quebec people were and still are.
Back to our ride.  There was a club member checking trail passes at the intersection of 23 and 93.  A quick look and he waved us thru.  I like the little re-route around Alma that was done a few years ago.  It gets the trail out of the yukky stuff in town.  As we approach the intersection of 93 and 367, I see a dozen sleds parked.  Must be a group of newbies reading the trail sign.  Nope, I see two Police officers checking sleds.  Odd to be out on a Wednesday.  Usually weekends are better since there is more traffic.  The officer asks for the paperwork for the trail pass.  He checks the pass number on the paperwork to the number on the sticker on the sled and waives us on.  Its good to see them out checking.  Of course we weren't going over the speed limit as we approached them.
The 8 mile stretch of 93 along the power line is fun and we turn left onto 367.  It is starting to snow a little.  What a pleasant sight.  Not hard but a nice light snow.  Just enough to kick up some snow dust into the air.  We pull into Vauvert just to see that it is closed on Wednesdays.  Off we go on the local trail to St Jeanne d'Arc.  There is a bar on the local trail just before St Jeanne.  We stop to see if they have food.  Just beer.  I wasn't sure of the French but he may have said food on weekends.
Off to St Jeanne and we tank up the sleds.  Back on 93 towards St Augustine.  Relais Érablière is open.  I haven't stopped here in a long time.  It has been closed whenever I've rode by.  Good stop for lunch.  Not many choices but soup and an all dressed hamburger with fries of course is fine.
Back down 93 to the 367 intersection.  The Police have left their post.  We turn left on 367 and run along to Evaion Peribonka.  Right on the local trail and then 328 thru Begin.  All nicely groomed.  At 93 we turn right and work our way back to the two bridges and back to the Delta.
Another lovely ride.  Around Alma and back in Jonquiere the trails are showing some snirt.  No snow in the forecast and worse that that, it is warming up for the weekend.  I think north of the river and down thru the park should be fine.  In town, the road crossings and parking lots I imagine will be showing more pavement.  The big fields are thin on the hills and corners.  Quebec desperately needs some snow.
Jack & Sandi

I can't remember the trail numbers,  but basically #85 south past RDL clubhouse, continue 85 south onto RR bed,  left onto orange trail 40?, then onto green trails to St Cyprien and then Squatec.   Gas up in Squatec, jump on 35 east for about 15 or so miles and watch for well posted sign (right turn) to MV.   When you get to NB border you can bear right or left to get to MV,  
About 240 miles round trip.
Believe MV only takes cash,  no cards. Lunch time is usually packed, best to get an early start.  Gas usually available  but expensive. Some high speed running so plan to get not so great mpg.   Fantastic run, beautiful.

Thanks for the info Mike, heading up to RDL on Sunday. 

Out on a 3 day bash. La Tuque to Pourvoirie la Dore via 73 , 355 , local ,  93 .. left turn to pourvoirie.  All pretty decent,  good snow  , low snow,  logging , Feeder to the run up lac Eduard groomed ! .. no deal breakers.  

Here are some pics from last weekend. Another 600 miles of smiles.  The most snow I have seen so far this season, but still not quite enough in spots.  TQ83 is really having a rough season.

Today 2/3 final day. We left Relais 22 this morning and arrived back in Shawinigan safe and sound after 8 days and zero issues thankfully. 73 south was good , 355 sucked ,351 so so and a police check with radar near Shawinigan. Overall some great trails some not so much but still a great time with a great riding partner! Hopefully more snow and cold in the forecast. 

If you are sitting home wondering about the trails get off the couch load up and go. We just ran 1098km and with the exception of low snow around Amqui all good to go especially with this new snow. There is a big reroute on the 595 south of La Cache. It takes you east and intercepts the trail to Murdochville for a short distance. I kept looking at my GPS thinking where the Hell are we going but it actually only adds 12km to the trip to New Richmond.

We had been planed this ride with our friends Bily and Snowcruiser a while ago and we were spoiled with a nice cold and sunny day!
 here is the track of the day

Kristine and I left home in St-Thomas to join our partners norther. Here south of St-Gabriel

The meeting point was at St-Gabriel de Brandon

The cold night below -15C had hardened the trails and with the grooming we had beautiful winter conditions. Here in the fields between St-Gabriel and St-Damien

Once we climbed into the St-Damien mountains it was even snowier


First little chat break (thanks to Bily for the pic)

Here on #23 groomed by Mandeville club
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And here further north on #23 maintained by the royaume club


We passed in Cabanon's yard and headed towards St-Michel des Saints

This section was a little rougher, especially the big hills near St-Michel that are needing more snow

We had a lunch at the legendary Central

We took a long meal's break/snowmobiler chat, we didn't see the time passing... you know when you're in good company!
We then took a chance by looping down via the local trail which returns towards St-Zenon. We had seen on imotoneige that it had not been groomed for a long time (no info). It wasn't perfect but apart from a few holes it rode pretty well


There is few kms section more difficult with a savannah that the dozer has not groomed yet

After that there's a bit of roadside to get to the Rondeau convenience store and it gets nice again after. We passed through St-Zenon village and then at the Glacière

And took #350 infront to join the morning route on the #23

We took a last chat break at #23/63 junction at the top of the mountain's hill in St-Damien and then returned to our partners' starting point in St-Gabriel before heading back towards home. We passed the dozer which had already started his run south of St-Gabriel

We returned home around 7:00 p.m. with just 300km on the dreameter. Really happy with this weekday great winter run!
We saw some brownish snow especially south of St-Gabriel and the big hills near St-Michel which was really lacking in snow otherwise the rest was OK. I'm hoping for a month of February with cold temperatures, that's what's been missing the most lately and obviously some snow to make the conditions even better. 
I was also able to take some good video sequences with sunshine this time and I hope to have time to make a little edit which I will put here in the coming days
Already in february, time flies!
Alain

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2/1 we left Forestel headed to Clova. The 83 all the way to Clova was mint!! There is one section past the warming hut outside Senneterre that is a mess due to the fires , logging. About 10 km of shit but not a biggie. 

Here on the Kanawata express 
FYI….i was on the wrong side of the trail (safe straightaway) so I could capture Jeffrey in a video coming by. And that he did….at about 90
turned out sweet