towing Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 That's it, our first ride of the new season done yesterday in Lanaudiere! I would have liked before but winter has taken us by surprise: A season starting with groomed trails in mid-November is a new record here and I was not ready at all. To summarize, we catch up well yesterday with extraordinary conditions for a first December. Due to the early opening, there is still active wood work/transport that forces the clubs to adjust the trail network and the current map versions do not represent what is groomed. To show you our trip track, I use a gps map on which I have drawn in pink-purple our trip trace and an approximate of where #23 trail join on the #345 (between the Cabanon and the Dam). For those who know well the area, it is the #31 road of the reserve which is several miles further north than what the sled interactive map currently indicates. Our friend Snowcruiser joined us and we chose the Lac Blanc Outfitter near St-Alexis des Monts as a starting point which minimized the car travel of each. It turned out to be an excellent choice in all aspectWe then took the # 350 trail north, also called the Gaston's trail for regulars in the areaFrom the start the amount of snow to the ground left by the last week storm was impressive ...But very quickly that's what was still hanging in the trees that amazed usThe snowmobille club has clearly worked a good shot because despite it is an incredible beauty, the trails were completely blocked before the dozer passes. Good job guys!We forked on the M10 trail in north direction to get the #23trail. On a short strech there were some small branches reminding us that it is the beginning of the season.Otherwise, next very nice.A little further we took the #23 trail westbound. A little layer of new snow over the last grooming as well a couple trees fallen in the trail on the first miles (easily bypassed, just be careful) Then back on freshly groomed trail. The sky has cleared and the sun was present, the snowy scenery has become even more beautifulTrail conditions are at their best on the #23.At the beginning of the ride on the #350 although the scenery was amazing, it was after storm conditions with a rather soft trail and not much grip on the skis. Here on the #23 a little less new snow on a good solid trail base allows us to ride at a good pace in full control with very little effort. We then took the #345/#23 trail (between the Taureau Dam and the Cabanon) in a south directionThe amount of snow on the ground was clearly less than when we start more east. The trail base is very good but thinner and traffic helping, some curves are a little swept. On the last miles before the Cabanon while the trail path leaves the reserve road to enter in the wood (on about 4 miles) it lacks some snow but not really bad. We got at the Cabanon at around 11:30, pit stop for us and the sledsMany snowmobilers in the place and always as well received After a good meal break, we leave to make the same track in the opposite direction.The sun has accompanied us a good momentWe took a break at the intersection of the M10 trail that we then took in south directionAnother brief break at the other end of the M10 where the signage was a little deficient. We guided a couple sledders in the right direction and also briefly met 2 CMIQ forum's guys for the first time: Greetings guys !!!The Gaston's trail was really the most spectacular end in terms of scenerytoo bad that the sun had quit, in these tunnels it would have gave incredible sceneryHere a last break in front of the Lac Blanc outfitterAll this big snow on the lakes before the big frosts has a worrying side however ... caution, it is still early in the season.We returned to the trailer with a total of 120miles in relax mode. In summary a fantastic first ride for us, surprising snow conditions especially more to the east. The trail network is still very small and not interconnected so check the areas you want to go before you go there. I know that the logging will delay a bit the early opening of some sections but the playground will be able to expand anyway in the coming weeks Check out the details here: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ Wish you an happy and safe new sledding season to all of you !!! Alain Florida Snowman, groomer, doo4adoo and 12 others 12 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLAYHARD Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 Merci beaucoup Alain! We've missed your terrific reports! But all is right in the world again! towing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnomoGary Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 I'm very jealous, great report Alain thanks.. towing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
actionjack Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 Super! I always appreciate your reports and the 1st always marks the “official” start of the season for me. towing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shane Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 Awesome job Alain! Thank you towing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dooright Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 2 days before ,this was trail 350 looked like towing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towing Posted December 4, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2018 (edited) 20 hours ago, PLAYHARD said: Merci beaucoup Alain! We've missed your terrific reports! But all is right in the world again! Bienvenue Playhard! I had to admit we got an easy one to show you spectaculars pics on this first report 19 hours ago, SnomoGary said: I'm very jealous, great report Alain thanks.. we are spoiled!!!! you are welcome Snomogary! 13 hours ago, actionjack said: Super! I always appreciate your reports and the 1st always marks the “official” start of the season for me. Thanks Actionjack! hoping to meet you again on the trail this season... 7 hours ago, Shane said: Awesome job Alain! Thank you thanks Shane! 👍 5 hours ago, dooright said: 2 days before ,this was trail 350 looked like Wow, the snowmobile club crew did an outstanding job in a short time...my hat to them...🏆 unreal scenery, a real treat to open the season in there, like kids playing in the snow! Edited December 4, 2018 by towing dooright and markusvt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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