12 and a half days 3060 miles

[GT Rider]

Trip 1/26 to 2/7

Reading Towing and Icemans reports of the great snow conditions We thought we would start at St-Zenon to cut down on the travel time and get more riding in.

Day 1) 87 miles

We arrived at La Glaciere at 2:00 pm. We had lunch dropped off the truck and trailer and hit the trail for a warm up run of 87 miles. It was our first time together on the new machine. 63 south to 23 north to 63 into St-Michel. We stayed at Motel Vieux Moulin A Scie as La Glaciere was full. Towings reports helped make the choice. We had a nice stay the food was very good.

Day 2) 251 miles

We planned to eat at repos and get going early. We gassed up at Harnois and got on 63. It was very cold the trail was fresh groomed and firm.

23 to 345. We cross the new bridge for the first time.

We arrive at Repos for gas and Brunch.

Edited February 14, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

We arrive at Repos for gas and Brunch.

We then take 33 west. The trail was perfectly groomed. I went into the Manawan Village because I was following the nicely groomed trail like a hound dog following a sent. We got to see the famous gas station and continued west. We had not been west of Repos on 33 we enjoyed the trail and scenery.

We took the orange local to 53 south.

319 west. We stopped for gas at Mekoos and continued west to 13 south.

local orange west.

322 to orange local to Rabaska

Day 3) 269 miles

We had a great stay at Rabaska great food and chalet.

Edited February 15, 2013 by GT Rider

[mccaffrey]

More! More!

[GT Rider]

We had not been on the woodrunners trail so that was the plan. We set off for Clova. There was a detour at the lake crossing.

The other side of the lake detour was in need of a groomer going south back to the trail. Once on the trail it was a 7 of 10. We traveled north passing this relais.

The trail is wide and fast

We passed the broken groomer south of Clova. We saw a mechanic working on it. We stopped in Clova for gas and went east on 83. We stopped for gas again in Parent and headed for Auberge Barrage Gouin.

Edited February 15, 2013 by GT Rider

[viper2]

Nice report so far love the pics. I see PA reg. on your sleds where you from. Oh and when are you going to get your woman a sled and let her have some fun too?

[GT Rider]

After getting in to the auberge we met Iceman, NH-Moose, Gary and Phil at dinner. It turns out we all had stayed at Rabaska the night before but did not meet. We took different trails to the Barrage as well. It’s always nice to meet QuebecRiders on the trail. We read Iceman’s reports all the time. We picked up some words of wisdom from the group.

The people at the auberge were super. The Chef is excellent. She took the time to explain where some of her ingredients came from. She is passionate about her trade. I recommend the auberge without hesitation

Wow I am having problems getting this up. Sorry. I am from Long Island I ride the NEPA trails on occasion

[GT Rider]

Day 4) 253 miles

The weather showed that rain and warm temps were on the way for the next day. We were headed to Lac Faillon.

We headed off toward Parent. We crossed over part of the reservoir.

Down the west side trail.

Heading west on 83.

After gassing up at Parent we traveled to Clova for the next gas stop. West of Clova 83 had not been groomed due to a broken groomer we passed on the woodrunners trail the day before. The first 24 miles were 7 of 10. Then it was rough for about 30 miles with some iced over branches hanging here and there (not close to the worse this trip on 93 by the saw mill) .

Edited February 15, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

I must be doing something wrong.

[GT Rider]

Once near Balbuzard the trail was in good shape.

The sky looked stormy with fast moving clouds.

This area west of Balbuzard has no tree coverage. The wind had thinned small sections of trail.

We attempted to go up the east side orange trail to the Pourvoirie. I made a wrong turn and added 18 miles to the trip. I had not loaded my Trakmaps trail correctly in the gps. I had my way points but no trails. We beat the rain and arrived dry.

It was our first time to Pourvoirie Lac Faillon. It was very nice and the hosts were nice people.

We met a group of guys from NJ. Everyone was apprehensive about the warm up/rain. 30 minutes after arriving I went out to get something from the machine and it was raining. We could not see into the dark night but could hear nonstop rain.

Edited February 14, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

Day 5) 313 miles

In the morning the rain was still coming down. We had breakfast and contemplated. We saw a group of guys get out there and saddle up.

We decided to go for it as we were headed to Chibougamau and it was to be snowing.

A few miles north and west (about 1 Hr) it started snowing. As we pulled into Senneterre my secondary clutch broke the spring. We managed to get to the dealer at 11:45. The dealer agreed to check it after 1:00 so we went for lunch at Pizzeria 6-21. After lunch we went back to the dealer and he had already fixed the clutch. He was trying to open my locked luggage bag that I broke the key in. The dealer was super nice and so were the ladies at the counter.

We gassed up and got on 93.

The trails were nice some light snow was falling. Considering most of Quebec was getting rain we were sitting pretty. We stopped for fuel in Lebel and went on.

Needless to say it was going to be an evening arrival. We stopped on the trail in the detour by Waswanipi and added 2 gallons of fuel. The trail was in good shape. We were making good time. In Chapis we gassed up at the Petro Canada. I had booked a room at the Hurricana. When we arrived it was dark and closed with a sign in the window written in French. We went to the Nordic to see if we could get a room. At the Nordic I explained that I was to stay at the Hurricana but it was closed. She said that they only open the Hurricana when the Hotel Chibougamau is full. She said I was probably booked there. She called for me and that was the case. We finally arrived in town (our first time) the copilot said just take the street it was snowing and we were beat. I tried to ask about the bait and switch but the lady did not speak English. She gave me hand signals for the motoneige parking. We had a good stay but I like to stay where I book.

Edited February 15, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

This is getting frustrating. It woked great in my head.

[GT Rider]

Day 6) 291 miles

In the morning it was snowing hard. We had breakfast and I went 2 blocks to the bank.

The forecast showed that it was raining south by LSJ. It was to get cold and start snowing later. I packed away my camera to keep it dry no photos just the gopro. As I was loading up a man asked if I saw the group of men that left just earlier. He then said it was snowing so hard that they could not get out of town they could not find the trail. I found it ironic that it was raining most everywhere else. We departed Chibougamau south on 93. I was not in a hurry as I wanted the weather to change south before I got there. The trail was nice 8 of 10. When we passed Relais Du Nord the snow was coming down lightly. We passed a groomer going north the trail was perfect. The trail got soft for a while. Then we came to a 150 foot slush crossing. I was thinking this could turn into a Warn episode. My concern was unwarranted.

http://youtu.be/BamZ7bvPFkg

As we reached about 2 miles north of the saw mill there were many iced trees hanging over the trail. It was impossible to avoid some. My new machine got a few battle scars. I made it to the fuel pump and went inside to get the attendant. I heard a few comments about how my gopro was pointing up from hitting trees J. It was dark in the cafeteria the mill lost power so no gas. It was windy as heck I decided to get into the woods to dump in gas from my cans. We continued south to La Dore.

We saw an ice rink road.

After gas at the Esso we headed to Relais La Buttes for the river crossing. When we got there the relais was closed and the crossing looked spooky.

I knew that my day light was getting limited. We flew across and headed toward the next crossing at Dolbeau- Mistassini. At the next crossing we were just about out of day light. I felt stressed out. I set out across and all seamed well. About 2/3 of the way across I could see slush so I did about 65 skimming across. That was it for water crossings for me. NH-Moose the water crossing conversation was playing in my head. It would take longer but I took 93 to St-Monique to the bridge. We got gas at Ste-Jeanne. The snow conditions were bad by the bridge. The gate was closed for the snowmobile bridge so I crossed the car bridge. I managed to miss my turn at 367 it was not marked as such. So I went south on 93 for a bit and the trail was in real bad shape. I doubled back found 367 and we made it to Scoobyraid. William and Marie were expecting us. They made us an excellent dinner. We chatted with a group of guys from Albany that were having a great time there.

[GT Rider]

Day 7) 286 miles

After sleeping on it we decided to just go back north. I cancelled 5 reservations and called the Nordic they were full. We got a room at relais Lac Cache the Petro Canada south of Chibougamau. We had breakfast and went to town for gas as the roads were iced over to Scooby and the tanker could not get there.

Great People and a Great stay.

We crossed the lac Tchitogama (William assured me no stress) and took the orange trail toward Milot. The lake had no snow it looked like a Zamboni just finished with it. I dropped the scratchers and off we went. Once across the trail was hard snow I left the scratchers down. It was a no mosquito’s day.

After getting on the 93 scratchers were not needed.

We took 93 Back to the Dolbeau Crossing and what a difference a cold night made. No slush at all. We decided to go back and forth on a local trail a few times just for fun J.

We took 373 toward La Dore and passed a groomer. The trail was a bit iced but ok.

We got back on 93 and crossed the bridge. The trail was nice.

After gassing up in La Dore we started for Chibougamau. Almost…J I missed my turn and passed by the substation going toward 83 on the orange trail. We meant to do that J. We got on 93 north and headed for the branch obstacle course from 1 mile south to 2 miles north of the mill. We reached the mill at 5:45 it was very cold. My helmet mask was full of ice. We stayed till 6:30 to defrost. I fueled up and we headed to our destination. It would be the longest coldest ride ever. We reached the hotel at 9:10 the restaurant was closed. Gemma opened her helmet and ice fell out. The woman in the store was laughing. She was funny. We had sandwiches and tea from the store. It was fantasticJ. 13 dollars for dinner that night. The hot shower and warm bed was fantastic. We did not even care that we wound up in a smoking room. Now that’s what cold can do.

[GT Rider]

Day eight 234 miles

We had breakfast in the restaurant yes!! I called ahead for a room at Senabi in Senneterre.

The trail was fresh groomed from the hotel. I was thinking this will be a great day. We passed the Chapis Club house

My eye was on the super nice groomed trail. I missed my turn again.

When we went back it was all fresh dumped snow. From here on we plowed to Lebel.

The snow plows made street crossing interesting.

The scenery was nice.

Edited February 14, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

I am trying to add but this is not easy. I keep getting errors.

I spotted this in the trail. As I got closer I could see he was standing guard for another half buried in snow.

Then came the Warn break. I slid off the trail to my left and sank like a pile of bricks. After digging and winching the beast out a group of 4 guys pulled up. We saw no others till Lebel.

The detour toward Waswanipi.

Passing Lac Billy almost back to the rail bed.

Back on the rail bed we passed 2 abandoned machines about a mile apart. The first (Polaris) must have been towing the second (Ski-Doo) as it had tow straps still attached. No sign of anyone. The rail bed had no lack of snow.

We got fuel at Lebel and flew south on 93 to Sennetrre. The trails were prefect. Long wide stretches. We arrived at motel Senabi. The owners were very nice they ordered our dinner for us and we ate in our room.

[GT Rider]

Day 9) 216 miles

[GT Rider]

We went in town gassed up went for breakfast and headed for Duhamel-Ouest.

83 was in top shape. This is Just south of town.

83 west toward Val-dOr the trail was very nice.

We decided to go to the Forestel and make reservations for tomorrow. We then took 83 around the north side of town the long way to 309. We gassed up on the way.

It was our first time on 309. We had a great first impression.

Edited February 14, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

continued

Continued

We came to some iced trees but no big problem.

When we reached the relais we decided to just continue on.

But then we were stopped by the sights.

We took 309 to Laforce and stopped for gas. We took the orange local to 63 west.

This guy was sitting on the trail. No moose but we saw these.

63 west got a little thin for a few miles but then on 303 south all was good again. I spotted an owl sitting in a tree but I received instructions to keep going. Someone wanted to get to La Bannik J. We then took 63 north to the local to the chalet. It was a great day a little shorter and easer. I parked in the heated garage and we had a fantastic dinner. We met 6 People from Snowgoer magazine and chatted about the trails.

[GT Rider]

Day 10) 232 miles

In the morning I took some photos at sun rise with the moon in the sky.

We had a great breakfast and got going to Val-dOr.

We got on 63 north and looked for 83 north. After going back and forth on a local the Snowgoer guys passed by and we followed them to 83 J. Note to self don’t leave home without checking gps for maps. We stopped for gas at Guern. A few of the Snowgoer guys were getting passes so we left. Up the trail I stopped to take some photos. The trail was fresh groomed Shure enough we passed the groomer. From there north 83 was good but bumpy in spots.

Edited February 14, 2013 by GT Rider

[GT Rider]

continued

After making a few pit stops the Snowgoer guys caught up to us. They were concerned about my luggage packing skills J. It was a beautiful sunny day and I decided to try to ride with them for a while. Well I did not take any photos till Rouyn-Noranda. The ride was fun.

We stopped for gas in Rouyn-Noranda I removed the ice from our masks and we went east.

We stopped for lunch in Preissac at the Motel Flamingo. Ice in the mask again made it an easy choice. We had a nice lunch thawed out and headed for the Forestel.

We made it to the hotel before sundown. When we went for dinner later who is there but our friend Iceman with a different group of 3. It was nice to meet PlayHard and company. Sorry I did not get their handles. We enjoyed our dinner and company.

[GT Rider]

Day 11) 208 miles

[revct1]

Fantastic report Jim. Say hi to Gemma for us. You're really putting some miles on that new sled, hey!

Jack & Sandi

[GT Rider]

It was yet again another cold morning. We had breakfast chatted with Iceman and crew. I loaded up the Winnebago. We said goodbye to the guys.

We gassed up at Louvicourt. The gas station was like a general store as I remembered it. It had all kinds of stuff. Now it’s like all other modern stations full of candy and chips. I saw a warning about the bridge on FCMQ. It was not alarming.

Lake Tiblemont

Some photos of 83 west

Just west of Balbuzard. The thinness of the trails from day 4 was now gone.

[GT Rider]

Fantastic report Jim. Say hi to Gemma for us. You're really putting some miles on that new sled, hey!

Jack & Sandi

Hi jack and Sandi

Thanks I did not realise how tough it is to post something like this.

We stopped for gas and lunch at Balbuzard. Some may not like the 2.50 a litter but I feel that they are remote enough to justify it. We had a nice lunch.

We continued on to Clova and the Tamarac. The sky changed to gray from blue.

Once again waiting for a photo is a Partridge.

Goodbye Abitibi for now.

We passed by the shell pump in Clova. There were 100 sleds lined up. The place was packed. We arrived at the Tamarac to our gracious hosts. We met a super couple from the Mont-Laurier area that we had great conversation with at dinner. They were passionate about snowmobiling. I received some instruction on speaking French. We had a great meal and night.

[GT Rider]

Day 12) 221 miles

It was not as cold this morning.

Next stop Kanawata via Barrage Gouin. First the sled comes out of the ferry J.

We skipped gas at clova and went to Parent. 83 was nice.

The sky looked snowy because the wind was pushing all the snow from the trees around.

Edited February 15, 2013 by GT Rider