PISTON LAKE CRUISER

Thank you so much for the reports and especially for the pictures Team Ice! Our group of 4 had the privilage of 6 times around Gaspe over the years. Sadly, age and the lose of one of our group has ended our yearly saddlebag trips after more than 30 years. Your detailed reports and the wonderful pictures have brought back a lot of wonderful memories of Gaspe for me. Thanks again and please keep up the great reporting! Brian

You can follow 373 north to 93 Jeff. Fill the tank to the top in LaDore.

Yes it is Greg. Be sure to make a reservation as they sometimes have long term workers staying there.

Just think if you were a Canadian and didn't enjoy the exchange!

There may not be as many riders this season as trails are the best we have seen in many years in Ontario and other areas so riders are exploring areas that they haven't been able to for sometime. Also, personally I wouldn't do Gaspe in January because of the cold. It is more comfortable when you hit the mid February timeframe.

LOL This happened in Ontario and the yellow arrow sign is located at the apex of a hard corner so that oncoming traffic knows there is a hard left before the sign.

You are correct. I did not zoom in far enough on the Quebec online map. Sorry about that.

I'm not sure where the sign is located but to get to their facility when going south on 93 and it turns a hard left to go to La Dore, don't turn left, go straight thru, the trail goes to their place. Pretty sure I read on here that they only have regular gas and by the map it is further than if you went into La Dore village.

Hotel Grande Vallee is without a doubt the best. The food is awesome and comfortable surroundings. Little bit of a road ride to get there but well worth it.

Please let us know if you are aware of what the problem exactly is. I am a landowner in Ontario with a trail going across my side lawn and field. There are a lot of inconsiderate sledders these days. Even with signs beside the trail on my lawn that say "stay on trail or permission revoked" there are more than a few "entitled" ones who don't seem to give a damn. I can't say that I haven't thought of cutting off axcess and making them run the roadside. Maybe the landowners involved near Lac Bouchette have had enough of the entitled ones.

Here's some info. regarding open hours. Take special note of the final couple of remarks. The Estcourt Station (Quebec) / Estcourt (Maine) border crossing operates limited hours, generally Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (local time), closed weekends and holidays, with specific hours depending on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) district for that region, so always check the official CBSA site or call 1-800-461-9999 for the most current info. Key Details: Operating Days: Weekdays only (Monday - Friday). Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and Canadian/US federal holidays. For Confirmation: Call the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999 for real-time updates. Always verify hours before traveling, as they can change due to staffing or unforeseen circumstances.

The only gas station I remember south of there is the one on Trail 5 at the local trail into the town of Gaspe. You ride right through the gas station property.

If the Quebec on line map is correct, there is no trail to or near Riviere Au Renard. It's too bad. I always liked the food and the view from the Restaurant at the Caribou.

First of all do you want to stop at all the scenic outlooks and enjoy the views or do you just want to ride. That is a very important factor in how far you will get in a day. The scenery from Matane to 597 is the best without a doubt and there are lots of spots to enjoy the views. From Grand Vallee to Perce the trails are great but not nearly as much scenery. The trail from 5 into Perce can be a brutal ride that will leave you wondering if it was worth it. 597 north from 5 south is very scenic. The local trail at Murdockville from 597 to 595 and some of 595 north from La Cache is very scenic if you have a clear day. If its stormin or the trail across to 595 hasn't been groomed since the last good snowfall, I would suggest going back up to 5 and west. Even though you would be riding 5 again, it offers very different views seeing it while travelling from the opposite direction. Lastly, as you know, this is one of the most scenic rides in Eastern Canada. I've been around it 6 times and my first advice would be to take your time and enjoy the scenery even if it means an extra day. That extra day (or 2) can sure add memories and come in very handy if the weather becomes a travel factor and it does that often in Gaspe. Enjoy your trip!

Meryy Christmas to all the QR's out there and your families!