Northbound

More pics

We were due to visit the new belvedere of the Black Mountain in St-Donat. This is a nice loop to do from home, here on a map the path of the day totaling 235 miles.



We chose to go by the south side first to enjoy the fields with a good visibility and to cover a good distance quickly. Here on #43 trail near home



The #3 trail was freshly groomed, granular snow and very hard trail still -15C  when we started



We forked on trail #345 north



Then on trail #310 toward St-Liguori. Crossing the Red River is now by a bridge and here crossing the Ouareau River 



And then trail #305. Here near the new roundabout (road #158) in St-Jacques de Montcalm



We continued the #305 up to St-Lin Laurentides, beautiful wide fast trail almost entirely in fields



From St-Lin we switched north on trail #343 to St-Calixte. Woody winding trail in majority



North of St-Calixte we join the #33 trail that we took northbound. Wooded and more mountainous trail





Here just near Ste-Marguerite



where the trail goes on the lake near the Esterelle



We continued on the #33 trail north toward St-Lucie.



After the village we got stucked for several miles behind this happy sledder who lived his ride just forward ...



It happened to all of us to follow someone who think he is alone on the trail but after several  road crossing I  told myself :it's okay, he do not want to let us pass we will wait for our opportunity. He finished me after 15 minutes while crossing a gang when  he proudly raised his left hand closed! he really had no idea that someone can be behind him... Finally, it always pay to be patient and we had our opportunity  to pass him a little further at an intersection



Knowing that the wheater forecast preview cloudiness (which was already beginning) we chose to go on the Black Mountain before lunche to better enjoy the view so we forked on the #317 on the west side.



And then right on the local trail that takes us to the top



The more we climbed, the more trees become loaded



and here is the famous new watchtower at the top of the Black mountain.



There has been a lot of work done here, in addition to the observation tower some trees have been cut to open the view again from the top level



Too bad for the pics that the sun was so shy ...


 
The gray jays were still  waiting for lunch





We had to climb up the new tower to admire the new view. I would have liked a clear sky but we will have the opportunity to come back...





By the time we were there, a group of antique snowmobiles arrived. Many beautiful of old sleds who have surely received a lot of love since to look so good





We then took back the trail to St-Donat, it was passed 1:30pm and we had no meal yet since the breakfast



So we went back down the mountain



And took the trail on Lac Archambault to go to St-Donat. This is the ski center Mont-Garceau that we see in the background


 
New snowmobile trials and an antique snowmobile snow were held at the lakeside park



We went along the main street by the local trail



As we were managing to go downtown to eat, following the trail that winding throught a short back road I notice a sledder that seems to ride faster behind so I just slow down on the side on a safe spot and sign him to pass. As he come aside he just flag me to stopped and introduce himself, it was actionjack from the forum here! He was in the area and chase me when he reconize my sled to say us hello!  We had a bad timing to talk alot each other but it was really nice you took the time to come to us and to meet you actionjack. You are one of those sledders that was already at sharing on the forums when I began to write on the english forums many years ago. We had virtually share informations and you never fail to continue sharing your passion throught the years on the net. Too bad we just had a small talk in real and shame on us we had forgot to take a picture! His red Sidewinder is a very nice and neat machine.
next, following the directions we managed to join the Montagnard for our late lunch. We finally started eating around 2:20pm, we were over due!



For the return, we took the #33 trail  which conditions were even nicer on this side but the clouds having settled well we did not took many other pics.



At the Coin Lavigne we forked toward #63 by the local trail. This short section there was more rought. The path that the trail usually used is plowed for the construction of a new 735kva power line and the trail now runs aside this road for the greater part but it was more than due for a good groom pass.



Otherwise after reaching the #63 a little north of the pourvoirie Bazinet the trail conditions came back good.


 
We took a short break at the Tim Horton in St-Jean de Matha and finally came back home around 7pm for a total of 235 miles on the dreammeter. Again a beautiful ride for us with very good snow everywhere.
We cross our fingers for next with the warmth announced for the next few days. Unfortunately, I am expecting damage to the trail system in the south around home with what it is forecast but I think the north trails will survived with some dozer work of course when it will all freeze back on Thursday. At this point it is just a guess and we need to wait after the rainy parade to know more.  I suggest you to keep an eye here to see how the trail conditions going on: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Bye!
Alain

Hey Mike,  Sandy and I are planning a Gaspe loop in about a wk......so I guess if I'm reading you right, you're out?
   I think we've stayed at that 50s motel, but not this trip.
   We are booked at the levesque on 2-22. We'll give you a buzz if you're still in RDL.

With the colder than average week we had the trail conditions kept up fairly well so we could still leave from home in St-Thomas. Kristine being in shape, we decided to go with a good big classic for us: the big south/north loop Lanaudière / Mauricie



Saturday morning, -7C under a clearing sky, we begin our ride near my home in St Thomas de Joliette accompanied by our usual partners Steph and Snowcruiser. Here at planing our day before getting on saddle at 8:45




Here near my home on trail # 43



a couple inches of new snow had fallen overnight, like ice on the cake just perfect



It makes up all the decor in white, including also the small wear out spots and the roadsides making it all beautiful





We begin with the same basic route as our last ride by joining the # 3 trail eastbound. Here in the Maskinongé sector





A chance that we have this bridge because this river there thaw quickly, already at clear water while most of the others are still solid



We took our shortcuts like last week via trails #63/350 and local trail and took back here #63 near St-Barnabé. The trails are beautiful and very fast



going forward on #3 trail towards St-Étienne des Grès





We crossed the St-Maurice river here at the Gabelle dam height which is seen in the background



We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the trails to the east of St-Maurice going up towards Grand-Mère, everything was freshly groomed



Getting here on the St-Maurice river



Very nice no bumps



Nice pic of Steph at trail speed



Snowcruiser and the beautiful scenery of the St-Maurice river




Was wondering if it would lacked snow but even at a very good pace the lubrication was very good



Here near the end of the 20 miles segment on the river



After getting back on the shore there were a few hundred meters uncovered along the #155 road, then very beautiful




Up to our dinner destination at l'auberge Marineau at Mattawin River. We arrived a bit past 12:15 with a little more than 125 miles done since the morning, we had kept a good pace!!! We met Dreamcat and Frencher from CMIQ french forum with whom we talk a bit and had a great meal as usual there.





back on saddle after the meal, we cross the St-Maurice river by the car's bridge



It come with the spring rides, a few meters of poop and then hundreds miles of perfect trails





The flow of the river is still high for an end of March





The # 360 is simply perfect and it is at a very good pace that we rode along the Mattawin River



It was the kind of perfect conditions that we dream of during summer ...





We stopped for a small break at the 4-40 rest area. The pile of snow in the center is a picnic table! You can also see a charcoal lid in front of the trees at left, the charcoal is under! There is snow there for a while



Point of view of the rapids on the Mattawin River, a very nice spot.




We then continued






For this picture my Kristine has sent her arm back and blindly clicked, I straightened the picture a little but not bad for a pic back without seeing anything at trail speed!



Here arriving at the bridge of the Mattawin River on the # 345





Always a nice place to take a break, the view is beautiful



We rode the #345 towards St-Zénon






Trail was still in very good condition



We stopped to make a last fuel up at l'Auberge le Cabanon



The #23 south had suffered a bit, but I know the dozers were in action in this area



Further on, the #23 to Réal Massé was closed (auberge closed) and the trail is diverted a little further east on the #350 via a shortcut (orange trail on the map). This link was less good




When we got back on the section groomed by St-Gabriel on the #23, it came back perfect 10/10






We took a short break at the small hut on the top of the hill in St-Damien



Then continued to St-Gabriel





We began to see some lean spots to the south of St-Gabriel but still well overall



We then split at that junction, Steph who wanted to directly get back home went straight to pick up the morning path in St-Norbert, while Snowcruiser and us who wanted to take a light supper break passed by St-Felix de Valois to make a pit stop at Tim Hortons.



All the fields were perfects



We finally been back home at 7:20 pm with 273 miles on the deammeter. This ride was among our best of this winter: beautiful trails, perfect temperature and well accompanied as always.

On the other hand I'm forced to admit that with the temperature forecasted for the next week and the date we are at, it was the last call for the trails of the south. For the north they have enough snow to continue to maintained that area provided that the temperatures allow grooming still. For the rest I would advise you to take a look here to know more about the maintenance and the opening of the clubs: Snowmobile trails conditions Lanaudière Mauricie - Snowmobile Country in Quebec (Maps, Trails and Snow conditions) - Tourisme Lanaudière


We certainly have some more rides ahead but we will surely need the trailer for the next ...

Alain

just checked...-4c right now !!!
snowing big snow flakes ...but slowly !!!
hope temps will drop !!!
pics...this morning .....just before bridge behind church !!!!
jean-guy

hi ns predator !!!
great to meet you again on tq 5 !!!.....great shot btw !!!
well ,started grooming this morning around 10 am....just before bridge on main street ...was nt sure...tiny rain drops in the windshield...kept going ...then about 1 mile before shortcut for albertville...light rain....looked west ..it was dark and not safe...so, i decided to stop and brought machine home...i was so worried about the snow on the roof of my camp...borrowed a sled to my brother and went shoveling the roof......it was time ...super heavy and snow like cement !!
lots of fun going there and coming back !!
at the camp ...it was -0.3 c....around 5 30 pm...warm !!!
back on tq 5 tomorrow !!!
 
jean-guy
 

for the respect and memory of that guy from nova scotia and his 3 friends !!!
condolences to family and friends !!!
 
jean-guy

Glad to hear you guys had a nice ride. Nice report as usual. Sometimes sunshine and fresh air can be the best medicine.
     Jeff and Sandy

My Krikri had her last ride exactly one month ago and then got knocked out by a pneumonia. She now feel much better but obviously she's not completely reestablished. She had already started working again (too early in my opinion) and she had request to ride.

So accompanied by our partner Snowcruiser, we did a relax ride (much smaller than usual) with late start and early return. The Mastigouche wildlife reserve that we had not yet ride this season was just perfect for that purpose.

Here is the path we travelled:



Sunday morning -17C under a cloudy sky, starting from the highschool of St-Gabriel de Brandon a little before 10:00 am



Viewpoint from the Belvedere just north of the village.



Trail #23 just north of St-Gabriel, not alot loose stuff but it ride well.



Fields in St-Damien de Brandon direction



Once a few miles up in the mountain the trail conditions are even better, less icy


Beautiful fast trail
  We passed  Réal Massé
 
And took #350 trail north-east





We arrive at the beautiful outfitter Centennial Koubec at around 11:30 to have our lunch



You know you're in a real snowmobile spot when the entrance mat is a snowmobile track!



The magnificent big double fireplace , they could make fire at the back too. We do not often see fireplace like that.



The outside view from the dining room


 
After lunch we took #350 trail north-east





And join the #23 trail in the heart of the Mastigouche reserve that we took west towards St-Zénon



The clouds had dissipated and with the sun it was really beautiful



Very nice trail



And very fast





There is not much people passing there, yet one of the most beautiful spot to ride .





We reach the #345 trail  north from the Cabanon and then went south



We took here at the Auberge Le Cabanon a little hot chocolate break as well as our fill-up of the day.



We then took trail #23 south



Still alot snow in this area



And very solid trails that are not wear out even at the end of the day Sunday





We recrossed  Réal Massé pourvoirie. We had not stopped but I have been told by other snowmobilers that it was their last weekend of operation. It is very likely because it is their usual way of doing in past years: They close in the 2nd week of March, snow or not, and take a vacation time before the beginning of the fishing season. It's not bad, given the traffic that begin to reduce on that date, it gives a chance to other service providers that continue to be more profitable.



We went down on the #23 trail which had stay very nicel. Here, going down the big hill in St-Damien



And in the fields before St-Gabriel


 
We returned to the trailer at 5pm with 140miles on the dreammeter. My Krikri thought it was a bit short but I think it was just right under the circumstances.
We are in the snowstorm right now Tuesday evening and already have good snow to the ground so it will revive the trails around home and add some cream on the north trails that were already nice. Most important, temperatures will remain cold for several more days/week to encourage our clubs to continue to groom the trails.

Already mid-March, it's now or never the time to enjoy it

Alain  

This morning JAK needs a riding partner.  Glad to have you ride along with us JAK.  The sky is blue, the wind has calmed down and the temperature is a little warmer than it has been.  So we are off on 5 east, just groomed, to the little connector to 526, just groomed to 35 to Pohenegamook, groomed the day before.  Here we stay on 35 which brings us back to 85 at St Louis du Ha Ha.  This piece of 35 has a few icy places but overall it is fine.  We cross 85 and stay on 35 to Squatec for lunch.  It is so nice today, we decide on a little bigger loop.  We will stay on 35 to Rimouski.
This section of 35 is fine but about 10 miles before St Narcisse we come across a broken groomer.  There are three sleds there with workers and tools.  One guy is working on the machine.  As we slowly go around, we notice a big yellow stain.  Oh  oh!  Looks like hydraulic fluid to me.  The trail is still in great shape.  I'm surprised that they were grooming.
We pick up 5 at Rimouski and turn east.  This is not good.  Wow!  This hasn't been groomed since last week.  The weekend traffic has taken its toll and it shows.  About 5 miles down the trail and there it is.  Another broken groomer parked on the trail.  Well, that answers why this is so rough.  Another 10 miles or so and here comes the savior, a groomer dragging his drag.  Looks like the reinforcements are on the way.  The trail is better now.  After Relais L'Etang the trail is reborn.  It is now back to Quebec standards and off goes Sandi.  We are now back up to speed and on our way home.  Smooth trails all the way to the Universal.
What a nice way to end the trip.  We did have a few miles of bumps but groomers do break.  This is our last day for this trip.  We met Grampsledder, Oilman, JagMan, we saw McStar and crew, NekSldr, MikeRider of course and got to ride with JAK.  Sorry if we forgot to mention anybody.  What a great three days.  
If there isn't another ride this season, it was great seeing everyone and have a great short summer.  Be safe folks.
Jack & Sandi

RR  
    Thanks again for taking the time to share this trip with all of your pics with us. I will be the first to admit that I would never have anything close to the skill for a trip like yours, but like many it has been an adventure to follow along. 
Jeff and Sandy

RR  
    Thanks again for taking the time to share this trip with all of your pics with us. I will be the first to admit that I would never have anything close to the skill for a trip like yours, but like many it has been an adventure to follow along. 
Jeff and Sandy

For those of you that remember, we bumped into Andre and Nicole today. We were running from Bernieres to RDL on the poog and they were getting their mail as we were crossing the road. They both look good and we were happy to see them if only for a few minutes. They were always very welcoming as we have made this trip for many years. We always stopped for a snack and gas. They have been closed in the winter for the last few years. I can remember Andre posting whenever the groomer would pass back on HCS. Unfortunately with sleds getting such better mileage than in the past, some fuel stops are not as important as they used to be. Happy life to you, Andre and Nicole, and thanks for your support in our sport.
        Jeff and Sandy
 

Today,  as we had mentioned,  the trail from here to Churchill is not broken,  so we figured we would break half today,  and the better half tomorrow.  We did get 75 miles open, but it was a full day.  Different riding for sure, but a blast!  Should sleep well tonight! 
RR

Watch out for the polar bears!

Revct1,
This trip definitely looks easier in pictures than in person, I can personally attest to this.  This trip must be taken with extreme caution as there are vast stretches between fuel and help.  Also many challenges with sea ice shelfs and unpredictable weather.  With the proper planning and supplies it can be done.

Well, some people like to find the miles of the greatest white sand beaches in the world, and go in February to get to hang out on them in 80 plus degree temps, loving every minute.
There are a few that  prefer the white beach, but like the temps at about 7 above zero, and want to glide down along these white beaches for miles on end!
That kind of best describes this morning!  Fantastic!
 

A great barbeque at Dwight Lethbridges in Cartwright tonight,  awesome hospitality! !

204 miles in The Big Land today!

A couple more pics from today's journey 

More pics of the ride from Marys Harbor to Black Tickle and onto Cartwright today. Lots of Sea Ice, Gorgeous scenery and Black Tickle is very special!

We had a spectacular blue sky day today,  ran the ice and portages to the remote village of  Black  Tickle, definitely a Team Maine Custom tour today!. Gorgeous ride!  More details to follow RR

Some trail art and views along the way between Havre and Johan beetz yesterday

Some of the trail and views from Johan beetz over to aguanish and onto Chevery yesterday afternoon. Note the stakes or tripods every 50 feet👍 The single track sections are between johan and aguanish. The staked trail and very new warming huts are on the ministry maintained trail between Kegaska and Chevery

Once we get rolling, it is a quick 50 or so to johan beetz, groomed with 4 to 5" of fresh snow. You can't beat that. Than from johan to Aguanish, well... go back and read the description yesterday of the trail after the Mosie river. Yup, 50 miles of......enough said! You probably don't want to do this section unless completely,
 prepared.. we bang thru this and once we fueled up and had a sealed packaged egg salad sandwich for lunch, we were off for the white road. Groomed trail, here and over to Natashuan, where the original white road used to leave from. We pick up the old white road here, but it is not maintained by the ministry so it leaves a bit to be desired if groomed trails are what you  like. Now the 138 goes all the way to Kegaska, so the official ministry maintained white road starts here now.
once you hit the white road in Kegaska, it is like grand central, we met 50 plus sleds on this super highway this afternoon, all the locals were heading somewhere and also a few touring trail sleds. This trail  is marked with a stake every 50 feet, seriously! A blind squirrel could find his way down this. So into Chevery we go. Only to have the 1200 start acting up again 30 miles out of Chevery, very confusing. Tonight our best  mechanics in our group are changing fuel filters that Misty River lodge rounded up for us locally and a heated garage to do the repair!  Great hospitality. Tomorrow, Lance au Clair....with the 1200 We Hope!