NHTOM

About 15 years ago the Mauricie Club groomed a little too early. The groomer broke thru the 1st big swamp heading out from Drakkar(Safari then) toward 351. The hole that it left behind was so massive it had police tape around it for several years. I have no idea how they got the groomer out as it was a couple of miles from a road.  Cold weather is more valuable then snow at this point.

Alerts for: Mauricie
Statements
3:47 PM EST Wednesday 07 November 2018
Special weather statement in effect for:
Lac-aux-Sables area Louiseville area Matawin - Mauricie National Park area Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade area Shawinigan area Trois-Rivières area Snow is knocking on the door!

A major low pressure system from the Southern United States will bring precipitation in the form of snow over several Quebec regions during the next few days. The snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon in Western Quebec and will gradually spread eastward on Friday night.

In addition, the development of a second low pressure system along the Eastern American seaboard, will allow snow to intensify mainly over Central and Eastern Quebec on Saturday. Given the uncertainty that reigns regarding the track of this second system, snowfall amounts could be quite varied from one region to another. For the moment, all areas north of St Lawrence River could get snowfall accumulations. Over higher grounds, amounts could easily exceed 15 centimetres and possibly reach 30 centimetres.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Bought my trail pass from Bill this week. @ $250 US. Took 4 days, mailbox to mailbox. Ive purchased from Quebec before, and sometimes waited over a month!
Not totally sure why hes not on here of late, and I didnt ask him why.  Its a shame as he always offers real on the ground info. for serious trail riders. 
I do know that for US riders hes been the absolute Go-To when it comes to riding , lodging, dealers, towing, relais, anywhere in the LSJ-Saguenney area.

Wow Gutz, nice find. That thing will def ride with me this winter. There are few things as maddening as an intermitent or dead shield.
Usually happens at -20 in the morning on a rock hard rail bed. Folks with this problem are the ones at the bar with black spots on their face.

Too funny!  Sounds good for a tourism brochure!  
 
Shame the most puckery spots usually aren't conducive to stopping for photos.  Then again, pics never really convey the sphincter-factor.  Maybe drone video (NH Moose)?...

Ice, Thanks for the great link.

Ice, Thanks for the great link.

I know this will create some controversy, but I cant resist........
I have no data to support it , but Ive ridden thru this area(high country above Q city) and up to Mt valin (hi country, plateau, North east of Saguenney) for 20 years.
The most snow Ive ever seen was 23 between Letape and St Ray in March 2008.   And, year  after year this area, and to a lesser extent 369, always had more snow than Mt valin.
Of course Valin has many trails in all directions, and Im basically talking 2 trails only 23 (South of Letape), 369....., its a small area,  and even Mt Apica gets less snow.But if I had to place a bet, Id def say this area gets more snow than Valin.
OK , let the games begin
 
 
 
 

I know this will create some controversy, but I cant resist........
I have no data to support it , but Ive ridden thru this area(high country above Q city) and up to Mt valin (hi country, plateau, North east of Saguenney) for 20 years.
The most snow Ive ever seen was 23 between Letape and St Ray in March 2008.   And, year  after year this area, and to a lesser extent 369, always had more snow than Mt valin.
Of course Valin has many trails in all directions, and Im basically talking 2 trails only 23 (South of Letape), 369....., its a small area,  and even Mt Apica gets less snow.But if I had to place a bet, Id def say this area gets more snow than Valin.
OK , let the games begin
 
 
 
 

I think thats refered to as a "Winter-bago"
Whats with the little driveway plow? Not going to do it in Quebec..

Ballast weight for the sleds in the back.

Just got back from 3 days riding out of Drakkar in Shawinigan-sud. We usually saddlebag, but didnt have enough time to do a good one so we opted for day trips .
Wedns  Day 1 we arrived around 1pm and went out for a quick 120 mile run just checking things out. Up 351 to St.Tite, down to the river at 23, down 351 to hwy 40, east on 3/302 and back in.
Thurs Day 2 We got out around 815, up 351, 360 to St. Joseph. Pipeline 355, 73 into Letuque. Pipeline aint what it used to be. Only about 10 or 15 miles of it. And it was a  bit choppy. Used to be much longer. Then gas up, snack and down 73 to Riviere pierre. 73 was crazy good, very fast. Then 353,302. Trails again , just super. Smooth and a bit soft. Then we went thru St.Adelphi. OMG do not ride thru there this time of year. zero snow, or ice in village. Without the wheels Id still be there spinning. But once out of town, near perfection back into Shawini.
Total on day 252. 90% excellent
Fri Day 3. Over to st. ray on  3 to Rogers (moment of silence) ,then the orange trail past the pig farm and onto 351. 351 east to 302, 3 ,23 north. We left at 815 and arrived at Relais St. ray on 23 at 1055. So yes the trails were again incredible. Mostly fresh groomed and hard, scratchers a must. The way back we meandered and did some quasi site seeing. As the temps headed toward 40 trails got soft, but not rough. Still great riding. 212 miles, and back in at 430 after a major beer stop at the Relais Le station on 351.
 
So theres still plenty of snow, on fields, up and down hills etc. But road crossings are rapidly getting ugly. Things are fine in the frozen morning, but afternoon till beyond sunset theyre soupy, bare, and worse. Got to have wheel kits and scratchers. Still riding left, and the Batiscan and Mauricie rivers are still safe. but dont wait long.

My apologies. Looks like you guys already covered this.   Thats what I get for sleeping in....Wheres that 2nd cup of coffee??

Ohh boy! Looks ridiculous. Plus the crazy scenery. Congrats on todays ride. Epic.

Just got back from 3 days riding out of Drakkar in Shawinigan-sud. We usually saddlebag, but didnt have enough time to do a good one so we opted for day trips .
Wedns  Day 1 we arrived around 1pm and went out for a quick 120 mile run just checking things out. Up 351 to St.Tite, down to the river at 23, down 351 to hwy 40, east on 3/302 and back in.
Thurs Day 2 We got out around 815, up 351, 360 to St. Joseph. Pipeline 355, 73 into Letuque. Pipeline aint what it used to be. Only about 10 or 15 miles of it. And it was a  bit choppy. Used to be much longer. Then gas up, snack and down 73 to Riviere pierre. 73 was crazy good, very fast. Then 353,302. Trails again , just super. Smooth and a bit soft. Then we went thru St.Adelphi. OMG do not ride thru there this time of year. zero snow, or ice in village. Without the wheels Id still be there spinning. But once out of town, near perfection back into Shawini.
Total on day 252. 90% excellent
Fri Day 3. Over to st. ray on  3 to Rogers (moment of silence) ,then the orange trail past the pig farm and onto 351. 351 east to 302, 3 ,23 north. We left at 815 and arrived at Relais St. ray on 23 at 1055. So yes the trails were again incredible. Mostly fresh groomed and hard, scratchers a must. The way back we meandered and did some quasi site seeing. As the temps headed toward 40 trails got soft, but not rough. Still great riding. 212 miles, and back in at 430 after a major beer stop at the Relais Le station on 351.
 
So theres still plenty of snow, on fields, up and down hills etc. But road crossings are rapidly getting ugly. Things are fine in the frozen morning, but afternoon till beyond sunset theyre soupy, bare, and worse. Got to have wheel kits and scratchers. Still riding left, and the Batiscan and Mauricie rivers are still safe. but dont wait long.

Just got back from 3 days riding out of Drakkar in Shawinigan-sud. We usually saddlebag, but didnt have enough time to do a good one so we opted for day trips .
Wedns  Day 1 we arrived around 1pm and went out for a quick 120 mile run just checking things out. Up 351 to St.Tite, down to the river at 23, down 351 to hwy 40, east on 3/302 and back in.
Thurs Day 2 We got out around 815, up 351, 360 to St. Joseph. Pipeline 355, 73 into Letuque. Pipeline aint what it used to be. Only about 10 or 15 miles of it. And it was a  bit choppy. Used to be much longer. Then gas up, snack and down 73 to Riviere pierre. 73 was crazy good, very fast. Then 353,302. Trails again , just super. Smooth and a bit soft. Then we went thru St.Adelphi. OMG do not ride thru there this time of year. zero snow, or ice in village. Without the wheels Id still be there spinning. But once out of town, near perfection back into Shawini.
Total on day 252. 90% excellent
Fri Day 3. Over to st. ray on  3 to Rogers (moment of silence) ,then the orange trail past the pig farm and onto 351. 351 east to 302, 3 ,23 north. We left at 815 and arrived at Relais St. ray on 23 at 1055. So yes the trails were again incredible. Mostly fresh groomed and hard, scratchers a must. The way back we meandered and did some quasi site seeing. As the temps headed toward 40 trails got soft, but not rough. Still great riding. 212 miles, and back in at 430 after a major beer stop at the Relais Le station on 351.
 
So theres still plenty of snow, on fields, up and down hills etc. But road crossings are rapidly getting ugly. Things are fine in the frozen morning, but afternoon till beyond sunset theyre soupy, bare, and worse. Got to have wheel kits and scratchers. Still riding left, and the Batiscan and Mauricie rivers are still safe. but dont wait long.

Just got back from 3 days riding out of Drakkar in Shawinigan-sud. We usually saddlebag, but didnt have enough time to do a good one so we opted for day trips .
Wedns  Day 1 we arrived around 1pm and went out for a quick 120 mile run just checking things out. Up 351 to St.Tite, down to the river at 23, down 351 to hwy 40, east on 3/302 and back in.
Thurs Day 2 We got out around 815, up 351, 360 to St. Joseph. Pipeline 355, 73 into Letuque. Pipeline aint what it used to be. Only about 10 or 15 miles of it. And it was a  bit choppy. Used to be much longer. Then gas up, snack and down 73 to Riviere pierre. 73 was crazy good, very fast. Then 353,302. Trails again , just super. Smooth and a bit soft. Then we went thru St.Adelphi. OMG do not ride thru there this time of year. zero snow, or ice in village. Without the wheels Id still be there spinning. But once out of town, near perfection back into Shawini.
Total on day 252. 90% excellent
Fri Day 3. Over to st. ray on  3 to Rogers (moment of silence) ,then the orange trail past the pig farm and onto 351. 351 east to 302, 3 ,23 north. We left at 815 and arrived at Relais St. ray on 23 at 1055. So yes the trails were again incredible. Mostly fresh groomed and hard, scratchers a must. The way back we meandered and did some quasi site seeing. As the temps headed toward 40 trails got soft, but not rough. Still great riding. 212 miles, and back in at 430 after a major beer stop at the Relais Le station on 351.
 
So theres still plenty of snow, on fields, up and down hills etc. But road crossings are rapidly getting ugly. Things are fine in the frozen morning, but afternoon till beyond sunset theyre soupy, bare, and worse. Got to have wheel kits and scratchers. Still riding left, and the Batiscan and Mauricie rivers are still safe. but dont wait long.

I melted down a  600SDI on a Gaspe trip very close to the rock several years ago. My son towed me to the nearest relais at about 6pm. The folks at the Relais called the owner of the  Doo dealer in Chandler. Half hour later the dealer picks me up on a ramp truck, brings me to our Hotel. Next morning at 730 same dude picks me up at Hotel and brings me to dealer. At 8am they had the sled apart, but didnt have the parts. The mechanics then dragged a sled off showroom floor, pulled the engine and pirated the piston, and a few other necessary parts. During this time my buds were off riding, dealer looked sad for me and sent me out to play on his side by side. At 4 pm  sled was fixed, and I was back on the trail. It wasnt cheap, but at the same time no charge for all the ferrying around of me and dead sled. They even took me out for Lunch!

I melted down a  600SDI on a Gaspe trip very close to the rock several years ago. My son towed me to the nearest relais at about 6pm. The folks at the Relais called the owner of the  Doo dealer in Chandler. Half hour later the dealer picks me up on a ramp truck, brings me to our Hotel. Next morning at 730 same dude picks me up at Hotel and brings me to dealer. At 8am they had the sled apart, but didnt have the parts. The mechanics then dragged a sled off showroom floor, pulled the engine and pirated the piston, and a few other necessary parts. During this time my buds were off riding, dealer looked sad for me and sent me out to play on his side by side. At 4 pm  sled was fixed, and I was back on the trail. It wasnt cheap, but at the same time no charge for all the ferrying around of me and dead sled. They even took me out for Lunch!

I melted down a  600SDI on a Gaspe trip very close to the rock several years ago. My son towed me to the nearest relais at about 6pm. The folks at the Relais called the owner of the  Doo dealer in Chandler. Half hour later the dealer picks me up on a ramp truck, brings me to our Hotel. Next morning at 730 same dude picks me up at Hotel and brings me to dealer. At 8am they had the sled apart, but didnt have the parts. The mechanics then dragged a sled off showroom floor, pulled the engine and pirated the piston, and a few other necessary parts. During this time my buds were off riding, dealer looked sad for me and sent me out to play on his side by side. At 4 pm  sled was fixed, and I was back on the trail. It wasnt cheap, but at the same time no charge for all the ferrying around of me and dead sled. They even took me out for Lunch!