Northbound

Hi Jeff and Sandy.  You guys are nearing the end of a great ride.  It has been fun following you.  Now we get to follow Terry and Molly with their adventure.  Enjoy.
Jack & Sandi

I am now in RDL, they gave me the presidential suite for tonight and tomorrow I change to a regular room. Suite is pretty grande!  You folds have covered some serious miles.
mike
 

Day 10 to Q city,   Last night visited with Bill & JD (always nice) and met a couple of QRs new to us, nice evening.
    This morning, alot of sleds in corral and we unlocked the gate. I wanted to get a decent start so we would make it to mt apica before the crowds. Today is saturday. My plan worked. Everything from the front door of the Delta to mt apica had been groomed overnight and was perfect.
   We got gas and some soup and when we left the sleds were piling in. Heading south the trail was rough till la cache, then it got better, but by now there had already been much traffic. Stopping to take pics we saw a steady flow of traffic from both directions. In QC the 3 must have been groomed overnight and was still good although soft. Road crossings weren't great. Full house here tonight at 4 points. Many trucks and trailers, but has dwindled since 2 weeks ago.
         Jeff and Sandy 
 Tomorrow I will post on Bas St-Laurent

Today we had a nice run down the shore to Lanse Au Claire Labrador. Gorgeous scenery was the topic today. The sled gremlins did not leave us completely today, but it was by no means a show stopper. More on that in a bit.
We had four with us today in the group who were able to celebrate the completion of the White road for their first time. Couter, Roadrunner Jr, Infamous Quebec guide Yves and Francois, Trailblazers riding partner! Congratulations gentlemen!
Three White road veterans, made their second completion today, Yogi, QRs Back country 603, and yours truly..We are stationed at the Northern lights inn eagerly awaiting the arrival of our Adventure riding mentor, Rob, from Team Maine Racing, who is currently running in a very competitive position for the Cain’s Quest Race. 
Tomorrow is play day here in Lab for our group as we await the arrival of the Team Maine teams.
It also was sled gremlin day for , yours truly , ( everyone gets their turn on this trip lol) as the air ride suspension in the Ski Doo  Expedition decided that it did not want to function today.  This made for a cautious ride in today as we are running heavy and these trails are not groomed to fcmq standards....by a long shot!  However all the lakes and sea ice that you run are a treat, we had to proceed with caution today off the ice with a shock less, spring only suspension. The gremlins will need to be sorted out before we had back down this trail for sure.
The next few days will be focused on the race, good friends, good laughs, good wine,  good food,  a great adventure ride...what else do you need?
More updates on the white road run, the conditions, markings and observations on this run vs last year tomorrow
Happy Trails RR

Another interesting day for sure, we left Harve, heading to Chevery, with above normal temps and no groomed trails other than the 50 miles to Johan Beetz, after that it was game on and how do you deal with adversity for another day😉
The temps made for sticky snow conditions and while the single track trail after Johan Beetz was broke open it was slow going  with bumps😉
Once we hit the white road in Kegaska, it was Saturday, so Highway central. All the locals were out trying to get to the next village to visit. How do you spell “MOGUL”?  Yup, it was that way for the next 90 miles.  But that is why we like adventures.
 
And yes, just as we leave Kegaska, QR’s infamous Trail blazer senses something wrong,  upon further inspection, his rear suspension hangers are broken away from the tunnel.  Yes.,, How did we spell MOGULS?  Trailblazer suspects what caused this failure immediately.
A patch job to get him back to Kegaska, a temporary fairwell, and off we go to Chevery, a touch behind schedule, but still workable.
A gorgeous sunset 40 miles out of Chevery, a nice steak dinner and off to Lanse au Claire tomorrow.
Story to be continued.......😁

Day 11 to Montmagny,  
     Last night we took advantage of the shuttle that the Sheraton provides between the 4pts and Q city. Had dinner, walked around old town, wandered around the Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, nice evening.
     This morning we were on the trail at about the crack of 10. We didn't have far to go so I picked a route that was away from the river that showed alot of green on the map this morning. We left the hotel got gas and headed to the collibri to get the not free transport across the river to Bernieres where we ate lunch at Tims.
   Now we're off on the 75 south to an orange to the 545 to an orange, ok no, local closed, rivers open, so down.the 545 to the 35. That crossing is starting to look a little sketchy.  We cross and head down the poog to the 551 and then back down the 5 in montmag. Most everything was groomed today. Around QC trails were mushed by quads, snow thinned south, poog was very good the 551 was beautiful. All still very rideable, just not destination material. Saw a lot of local sleds out, but no other saddlebaggers.
 Jeff and Sandy 
 

Day 8 to Sacre Coer,  
       Flurried a little overnight. 100 miles to Mclunch and gas in forestville. I think we passed Roadrunner heading east. 
   By the time we got to lunch snow really picked up. They said 1-3, I beg to differ. Leaving Portneuf, I was having trouble finding the trail in the open spots. As I was deciding to go on or jump on the road for a bit. 4 sleds came from the west. 4 guys from Montreal. I asked them about the trail up ahead he said " not good, but fun".  Not the answer I was looking for butnow we jad tracks to follow. Soon 6 sleds came up from behind, better. 
   The what I thought were 7 sleds that crossed on the ferry went to Sept Iles then  BC and are now in the Coronet where we we landed for the night. We have been leapfrogging them for 3 days. They are running faster than us, but we don't have to stop to smoke. Not a relaxing day but we're here. Trails needed goomed past forestville and about 10 mile from sacre coer, the sun came out and guess what we passed. 1st pic is outside comfort inn in BC. Like I said plenty of snow.
     Jeff and Sandy 
Tomorrow I will post on Saguenay forum

Day 6,    To Sept Iles. Caught the 8am ferry to Godbout. Nice smooth ride over with breakfast onboard. This trip, sleds were on first and off first, nice. 
   I hate to keep rubbing this in if you're not up here, but today was another nice mild, sunny day.
    7 other sleds crossed with us. When we all off loaded and took the local to the 3, everyone turned right.
     The first maybe 10 miles was still wide single track, but from there on everything was very good to freshly groomed.
    We stopped for gas and a soup at Tims in Port  Cartier.  From my room at the Quality Inn, looking across the parking lot I can see a St Hubert. I've  got an idea for supper.
     Jeff and Sandy
Sorry for all the boat pics, but I thought somebody out there may not have seen it  before, and it is an impressive boat.

Day 10 to Q city,   Last night visited with Bill & JD (always nice) and met a couple of QRs new to us, nice evening.
    This morning, alot of sleds in corral and we unlocked the gate. I wanted to get a decent start so we would make it to mt apica before the crowds. Today is saturday. My plan worked. Everything from the front door of the Delta to mt apica had been groomed overnight and was perfect.
   We got gas and some soup and when we left the sleds were piling in. Heading south the trail was rough till la cache, then it got better, but by now there had already been much traffic. Stopping to take pics we saw a steady flow of traffic from both directions. In QC the 3 must have been groomed overnight and was still good although soft. Road crossings weren't great. Full house here tonight at 4 points. Many trucks and trailers, but has dwindled since 2 weeks ago.
         Jeff and Sandy 
 Tomorrow I will post on Bas St-Laurent

Day 10 to Q city,   Last night visited with Bill & JD (always nice) and met a couple of QRs new to us, nice evening.
    This morning, alot of sleds in corral and we unlocked the gate. I wanted to get a decent start so we would make it to mt apica before the crowds. Today is saturday. My plan worked. Everything from the front door of the Delta to mt apica had been groomed overnight and was perfect.
   We got gas and some soup and when we left the sleds were piling in. Heading south the trail was rough till la cache, then it got better, but by now there had already been much traffic. Stopping to take pics we saw a steady flow of traffic from both directions. In QC the 3 must have been groomed overnight and was still good although soft. Road crossings weren't great. Full house here tonight at 4 points. Many trucks and trailers, but has dwindled since 2 weeks ago.
         Jeff and Sandy 
 Tomorrow I will post on Bas St-Laurent

We take 571 over to 5 check out the falls. After we get fuel and head over to St Fabian. We take some photos and head back toward Valga. Going through St Eugene we see drag racing at the club. We get on 5 east going through Rimouski the warm weather is affecting trail conditions. It's brown for a bit at lower elevations. We make our way back to Valga by 6:00. Another great day.

At groomer's bridge we see a lonely Doonali sticker. 

Day 10 to Q city,   Last night visited with Bill & JD (always nice) and met a couple of QRs new to us, nice evening.
    This morning, alot of sleds in corral and we unlocked the gate. I wanted to get a decent start so we would make it to mt apica before the crowds. Today is saturday. My plan worked. Everything from the front door of the Delta to mt apica had been groomed overnight and was perfect.
   We got gas and some soup and when we left the sleds were piling in. Heading south the trail was rough till la cache, then it got better, but by now there had already been much traffic. Stopping to take pics we saw a steady flow of traffic from both directions. In QC the 3 must have been groomed overnight and was still good although soft. Road crossings weren't great. Full house here tonight at 4 points. Many trucks and trailers, but has dwindled since 2 weeks ago.
         Jeff and Sandy 
 Tomorrow I will post on Bas St-Laurent

Day 10 to Q city,   Last night visited with Bill & JD (always nice) and met a couple of QRs new to us, nice evening.
    This morning, alot of sleds in corral and we unlocked the gate. I wanted to get a decent start so we would make it to mt apica before the crowds. Today is saturday. My plan worked. Everything from the front door of the Delta to mt apica had been groomed overnight and was perfect.
   We got gas and some soup and when we left the sleds were piling in. Heading south the trail was rough till la cache, then it got better, but by now there had already been much traffic. Stopping to take pics we saw a steady flow of traffic from both directions. In QC the 3 must have been groomed overnight and was still good although soft. Road crossings weren't great. Full house here tonight at 4 points. Many trucks and trailers, but has dwindled since 2 weeks ago.
         Jeff and Sandy 
 Tomorrow I will post on Bas St-Laurent

That last map puts some perspective on just how far you guys are going. Keep up the great posting.
Happy trails Jeff and Sandy 
 

Northbound 
Guilty as charged, I’m the one with the Iceman sticky on my sled.







 

Day 9 to Jonquiere,
   Short ride today. Warm and mostly cloudy, a little freezing mist in morning. The first 60km of the 93 hadn't been groomed since last snow. 1st 10km out of coronet  bumpy, but after that where it turns into wide road, was ok.
    Some info on the coronet, for those who have never stopped, we've been stopping for years. The rooms are very small and not at all fancy but..... for $155, 2 people can get a room with very simple table d' hote dinner and breakfast,  and the 155 includes tax, tips and out the door. They also have a sled lockup, road gas and a little store.
    Now back to the ride. After the 1st 60km all the trails were green right to the Delta. Aside from alot of traffic in the mtns it was perfect. After probably seeing 20 sleds in the last 3 days, seeing  50 plus in an hour was a shock.
   Not much traffic around town but we came in around noon and I assume everyone was out riding. We stopped for lunch at Subway, got gas, and headed to the Delta. Road crossings a little wet, wheels an asset at gas stations.
Jeff and Sandy 
  
 
 

Day 9 to Jonquiere,
   Short ride today. Warm and mostly cloudy, a little freezing mist in morning. The first 60km of the 93 hadn't been groomed since last snow. 1st 10km out of coronet  bumpy, but after that where it turns into wide road, was ok.
    Some info on the coronet, for those who have never stopped, we've been stopping for years. The rooms are very small and not at all fancy but..... for $155, 2 people can get a room with very simple table d' hote dinner and breakfast,  and the 155 includes tax, tips and out the door. They also have a sled lockup, road gas and a little store.
    Now back to the ride. After the 1st 60km all the trails were green right to the Delta. Aside from alot of traffic in the mtns it was perfect. After probably seeing 20 sleds in the last 3 days, seeing  50 plus in an hour was a shock.
   Not much traffic around town but we came in around noon and I assume everyone was out riding. We stopped for lunch at Subway, got gas, and headed to the Delta. Road crossings a little wet, wheels an asset at gas stations.
Jeff and Sandy 
  
 
 

bonsoir !!!
back from tq 5 + ste florence......nice day ....but warm...machine was heavy ....slow ....not much genius for pics ...luckily ...13 hrs run !!!
heavy traffic....carnaval in ste marguerite this weekend...for sure busy on the trails
 
jean-guy

Hopefully we will be out on the trail.  Have a safe ride back if we don't see you.
Jack & Sandi

Day 9 to Jonquiere,
   Short ride today. Warm and mostly cloudy, a little freezing mist in morning. The first 60km of the 93 hadn't been groomed since last snow. 1st 10km out of coronet  bumpy, but after that where it turns into wide road, was ok.
    Some info on the coronet, for those who have never stopped, we've been stopping for years. The rooms are very small and not at all fancy but..... for $155, 2 people can get a room with very simple table d' hote dinner and breakfast,  and the 155 includes tax, tips and out the door. They also have a sled lockup, road gas and a little store.
    Now back to the ride. After the 1st 60km all the trails were green right to the Delta. Aside from alot of traffic in the mtns it was perfect. After probably seeing 20 sleds in the last 3 days, seeing  50 plus in an hour was a shock.
   Not much traffic around town but we came in around noon and I assume everyone was out riding. We stopped for lunch at Subway, got gas, and headed to the Delta. Road crossings a little wet, wheels an asset at gas stations.
Jeff and Sandy 
  
 
 

Day 8 to Sacre Coer,  
       Flurried a little overnight. 100 miles to Mclunch and gas in forestville. I think we passed Roadrunner heading east. 
   By the time we got to lunch snow really picked up. They said 1-3, I beg to differ. Leaving Portneuf, I was having trouble finding the trail in the open spots. As I was deciding to go on or jump on the road for a bit. 4 sleds came from the west. 4 guys from Montreal. I asked them about the trail up ahead he said " not good, but fun".  Not the answer I was looking for butnow we jad tracks to follow. Soon 6 sleds came up from behind, better. 
   The what I thought were 7 sleds that crossed on the ferry went to Sept Iles then  BC and are now in the Coronet where we we landed for the night. We have been leapfrogging them for 3 days. They are running faster than us, but we don't have to stop to smoke. Not a relaxing day but we're here. Trails needed goomed past forestville and about 10 mile from sacre coer, the sun came out and guess what we passed. 1st pic is outside comfort inn in BC. Like I said plenty of snow.
     Jeff and Sandy 
Tomorrow I will post on Saguenay forum

A great run yesterday and QR’s Trailblazer guided the group flawlessly into Sept Isle. Not only is he a great wine connoisseur but a darned good  trail leader😉

RoadRunner JR , our pack leader today, taking in the seascape😉

Well today was the one we were looking for, a great run from Sept Isle to Havre St Pierre. The entire leg of this section all had been groomed within the past few days.  How could we have lucked out on that!  No breakdowns! We made awesome time today on what can be a very time consuming and rigorous ride. A welcomed surprise for sure.  
The blue sky came out this afternoon and allowed us to lounge around the beaches of Longue point Mingan this afternoon and work on our suntans!  
Our new recruit from our western run Alex, did a great job leading the pack today, we think he has earned his strips and is getting the nick name RoadRunner JR.  
Chez Julie’s tonight for a seafood dinner and onto Chevery tomorrow, conditions and mechanical God’s all willing!
Happy Trails RR