No Reservations

**Byrd** · February 24, 2022

M&M tours are back after a 2 year COVID lay off. 2 McKenzies, 2 Moore’s left Oliphant Ontario and one McKenzie left Antigonish, NS to meet in Rivière-du-loup Monday night. This is the first bag trip in many years where we have no set plans “No Reservations”, which turned out to be a good thing so far, because the first morning we woke up to a snow storm.

Don’t let bad weather or common sense keep you at port.

Planned a short day to Domaine Valga, trail 5 was very choppy; dropped down to the 518 which was a lot nicer. Arrived around 4, enjoyed cocktails, good food and a nice comfy bed.

Day 2, Woke up to 25 CM of fresh sugar. Weather forecast looked good to the south, headed towards Carleton to the Bai Blue. Made our way down the 579 to the 587 checked out the mommies visibility nile, continued on to our destination. Rode through every kind of weather: Snow, ice fog, rain, freezing rain. Two days of rough trails you got to take what Mother Nature gives you. Woke up to sunshine and a very positive groomer map.

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/EFCA94B6-0686-43A0-A245-27C7D77D392C.thumb.jpeg.00607e3c535a7564b8782a20f615afc1.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/479A6BCF-7DE0-4347-BA10-753487890D80.thumb.jpeg.378cd2303542ca33cb924cf121045fe2.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/CD404556-09E9-4526-BA14-6D0B406B00E8.thumb.jpeg.a74a35ad210e4b90a4b59ab3c8cefc12.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/7AFFB5E2-02DF-433B-9E06-784013D1DF7E.thumb.jpeg.6b970c6b6ec5af4492cc06fc3a2a08c1.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/9CE917CF-E6E0-4C58-A58B-643813A3BCBD.thumb.jpeg.c53f2109a1a82676ec6e05e8b01cd610.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/0E826A61-F85E-4194-BC4A-1D2C7C2FFC6F.thumb.jpeg.7a06f66b960b7f0f3ffff5106e271634.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/3E47D6E3-3200-4786-B13C-628EA7D81C89.thumb.jpeg.2cdb2c6f7736cceb9021aa819cf4edaf.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/7993B9AE-0A4E-468F-99D8-703083BC3EDB.thumb.jpeg.ad5a6036f66731e0780d8592770daf31.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/B0AB40C5-7FC9-4F95-8624-6870A329B903.thumb.jpeg.9a5492ee38f3938132bf2c67fa9956f1.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/BE1E9441-B048-4488-8151-ECBBD1D80282.thumb.jpeg.0644b79ec8ec2b7e265a6562081644d9.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/9EDFD7ED-E33E-4572-9051-C71505E1705A.thumb.jpeg.7f1e489477e0eb5c71487789c8c46b0e.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/D5EF5AF6-095C-445E-B2C2-E96320AF3A6B.thumb.jpeg.5b133d9788dfd279ae19405326d6ee5e.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/A76F72E2-F577-4F5D-989B-C72F66F6DE73.thumb.jpeg.af0b1ad1a7c927f6b7d9aa2573cc4308.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/69517548-7144-45CE-9CD5-B8B1996410F0.thumb.jpeg.8de6d36f5d80a1ccf29c697aeea39c88.jpeg

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2022_02/A9460861-3DFA-40EC-A7BF-01BD03E2C341.thumb.jpeg.2682504bd182e89652c66e2ec25b3855.jpeg

**Byrd** · February 25, 2022

Didn’t have to worry about waking up anyone with our machines, last ones to leave as usual. Headed west, did the Mount Carleton loop, 100 KM of freshly groomed trail, 2 groomer no sleds. As usual local trails were the best again. Took trail 5 to hotel Fraser in Chandler. Stopped and had picnic lunch, trails were 10 out of 10 other than the last 50 KM. 330 total, not bad for a late start.

**Florida Snowman** · February 25, 2022

Enjoy guys! Glad you’re back sledding in Quebec! Have fun!

**mikerider** · February 25, 2022

Fantastic pictures. Thanks for posting them.

mike

Signfan · February 26, 2022

Are you guts having any issues finding rooms without reservations? I made some calls a week ago and found both hotel fraser and hotel motel grande valley booked solid on weekdays.

snowmaster2112 · February 27, 2022

On 2/25/2022 at 1:46 PM, mikerider said:

Fantastic pictures. Thanks for posting them.

mike

ditto ! just great to look at.

**Byrd** · February 27, 2022

Yes, we did have a few issues today but after multiple calls we found an amazing spot. We will report shortly…it has been an adventure

**Byrd** · February 27, 2022

No Reservations strikes again. Early start but late departure.

Issues with chain case/gear box on Scott’s 1200. Anyone that has had taken apart a case chase/gear box apart on a 1200 knows that it is no fun especially at -26..

Scott into the trickle trunk, tool box out and starts taking apart cain case, take apart and inspect, only lost one bolt, went back to the trickle truck and had one in stock, few adjustments and put back together and have the warm and fuzzes.

It’s 1 o’clock before we strike off to Hotel Caribou, stop off at Parcé Rock, for a few pictures and the touristy thing.

Arrived at quarter after 6, with 90% of our trails excellent.

**Snobeeler** · February 27, 2022

Man, that had to be tough wrenching at that temp. Great pictures too!

**Byrd** · February 28, 2022

Saturday woke up at Auberge Carabou being Saturday, on the Gaspé, we started looking for reservations. After 45 minutes of phone calls and numerous wishes of “good luck”, we did finally find a spot at L’Auberge Seigneurie des Monts.

Left around 11, stop and had a picnic lunch, a little bit of sight seeing, but our main goal today was to find an SAQ. M&M tours runs on high test and we were out of brown liquor and running very low on rum….we didn’t want to develop rod knock. We did make it to SAQ just at closing time!

A little extra effort to get to Auberge Seigneurie des Monts but totally worth it. Amazing accommodations, great food, and soft fuzzy bath ropes.

**PLAYHARD** · February 28, 2022

Full disclosure: Last week's gentleman-of-leisure aka wing-it tour, took 3 to 5 phone calls each day to find 2 single rooms each night.

No reservations isn't my normal MO either, but as you've shared,it definitely adds an extra layer of adventure.

And HO-LEE-MO-LEE! Red tub = AWESOMENESS!

Some resourceful gangs might load up on vittles & hi octane (nice knife! "weapons of mass consumption!").

And others might load up on tools and parts. But hats off to you guys bigtime for covering all the bases!

Thanks for sharing!

(Hey, is that your mommy shot that got Snowmaster to fire up the best photo ever thread?)

**Snobeeler** · February 28, 2022

Nice Pictures! What motel is that 6th pic from bottom? The Auberge Carabou? Does not look like Auberge Seigneurie des Monts.

Edited February 28, 2022 by Snobeeler

**Byrd** · February 28, 2022

3 hours ago, PLAYHARD said:

Full disclosure: Last week's gentleman-of-leisure aka wing-it tour, took 3 to 5 phone calls each day to find 2 single rooms each night.

No reservations isn't my normal MO either, but as you've shared,it definitely adds an extra layer of adventure.

And HO-LEE-MO-LEE! Red tub = AWESOMENESS!

Some resourceful gangs might load up on vittles & hi octane (nice knife! "weapons of mass consumption!").

And others might load up on tools and parts. But hats off to you guys bigtime for covering all the bases!

Thanks for sharing!

(Hey, is that your mommy shot that got Snowmaster to fire up the best photo ever thread?)

No it’s not. Ran in to friends last night who had some amazing video of there ride through that area. It’s better to be looking at it than looking for it!

Edited February 28, 2022 by Byrd

**Byrd** · February 28, 2022

24 minutes ago, Snobeeler said:

Nice Pictures! What motel is that 6th pic from bottom? The Auberge Carabou? Does not look like Auberge Seigneurie des Monts.

It is Auberge Carabou…we’re a day behind on reporting.

**Byrd** · March 1, 2022

Late departure, as usual, in search of poutines and club houses today. Stop and had poutines and club sandwiches at Relais Saint-Adelme.

Shortly after leaving and after putting on 50,000 KM with the MRS, she’s finally put her in the rhubarb. Into the trickle trunk, pulled out the bungee-sling shot. It worked a little better than we expected, pulled the machine out and processed to flip it over. It works really well, highly recommended finding a spot in your sled for one of these.

Continued on to Sélectôtel for the night. Drinks, dinner & bed…the Moores woke up to the news that they became grandparents for the 4th time.

Decide to spend a second night at Sélectôtel. Woke up planning to do the 587 loop down to the bottom and back up to the top. Make a wrong turn which turned out to be a good thing, ending up meeting The Groomer Guy and Lindy Sled Girl. Shoot the breeze and then turn around and head down the 587, gassed up at St Francois then back to the new shelter for a picnic lunch. Nice ride Back to the hotel.

The 587 did not disappoint.

snowmaster2112 · March 1, 2022

Byrd

Absolutely great pics and wtite up. Good to see Jean-Guy in that pic.

Riddle me this though. How in the hell do you guys keep that big red Tupperware container on the back of that sled. I wouldn’t make it out of the gas station parking lot without it and the contents being strewn all over .

🙂

P Hardy · March 1, 2022

Great pictures!

Quick question, is the gas station still open beside the St-Adelme Relais?

Yeti62 · March 1, 2022

Yes it is!!!!👍

Yeti62 · March 1, 2022

**groomer** · March 1, 2022

good morning byrd !!!

great meeting you and your group yesterday ....!!! great group of sledders !!!

never know what to expect on the trails....

just too bad it was cold and windy ...not much pics !!!

jean-guy

**Byrd** · March 1, 2022

10 hours ago, snowmaster2112 said:

Byrd

Absolutely great pics and wtite up. Good to see Jean-Guy in that pic.

Riddle me this though. How in the hell do you guys keep that big red Tupperware container on the back of that sled. I wouldn’t make it out of the gas station parking lot without it and the contents being strewn all over .

🙂

The original LINQ system nut and bolt😀

P Hardy · March 1, 2022

2 hours ago, Yeti62 said:

Yes it is!!!!👍

Thanks! It's not showing on the map. Important stop!

**Byrd** · March 23, 2022

Finally back to finish off our write up of our Gaspésie tour and our Abitibi trip.

March 1st left Amqui, quick ride back to Rivière du Loup, missed the gas stop….2 sleds ran out of gas but the remaining 3 made it 262km to the gas station. Trails were hard and fast. Sent the boy back to Nova Scotia and M&Ms were on road by 4pm but only made it it Lévi as bad weather set in.

Back home, a few minor repairs and off to Ville Marie on March 17th. Unable to book our usual haunts so spent night at Motel Louise (rooms were average but food was great) spent some time sitting outside the room having cocktails.

Next morning we parked truck & trailer at La Bannick and hit the trails. We originally planned to ride to La Serre but with our 2022 moto: “NO RESERVATIONS” we had our first obstacle place was booked so decided to take our time and ride to Robyn-Noranda. Warm and sunny, +7 and good trails.

While gassing up we started up a conversation with a fellow rider, found out he was Clark Wilson, the owner of Bergstrom Skegs, we had great chats and he highly recommended Motel Albert in R-N. we took him up on his suggestion and glad we did.

Accessibility is easy, although iMotoneige shows that there’s water crossing but there’s actually a causeway. Snowmobile pack is great and wonderful restaurants nearby.

SATURDAY, stayed ahead of the rain, rode local trails then off to Amos. Little sketchy getting across the River. Checked in to Atmosphere, rooms were great as usual but unfortunately their restaurant is not open in the evenings. Taxi into Joccivano, great meal for only a $10 taxi ride.

SUNDAY, woke up to 3 inches of snow, off to La Serre. Arrive just in time to catch the begging of the NASCAR race, warm ride, no wind. Beautiful sunny day.

MONDAY, left La Serre headed North travelling lots of local trails checked back in to Atmosphere.

TUESDAY, work commitment took priority and a Zoom meeting delayed our departure. Off to Senneterre for a late lunch and tried to make reservation for Val d’Or, no rooms anywhere (where the MRSs would consider staying at)….left just after 3 and rode to Rouyn-Noranda. Arrived at Hotel Albert at 7.

WEDNESDAY, work took priority again today. Some walk around the town, there’s lot to see & do

Excellent spring time riding definite worth the price of a new set of carbides we will definitely getting in touch with Bergstrom Skegs.

Here’s a collage of pictures from the end of our Gaspésie trip and our Ender Bender Spring tour

snowmaster2112 · March 23, 2022

Fabulous write up and pics !!! The little shack...ah....with the Accent Plein Air sign. have been there many times. Quite possibly the "most unique" LITTLE snowmobile shack in all of Quebec. You guys look sad in the picture outside drinking at the hotel. They didnt run out of booze did they ???

**Byrd** · March 23, 2022

I know why Scott looks sad because his drink is empty but the mrs should be happy because she married to me.😀

Sign In

No Reservations

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation