February 14, 2025. The original M&M tours are down two so only 2 McKENZIEs left Oliphant and one from Antigonish Nova Scotia to meet up in Quebec City at the Double Tree.  Saturday morning we unloaded and were off; lunch at Poutine du Boss.  Trail 3 was choppy but all things considered was good for a Saturday around Quebec City.  Continued on the 83, was in great shape all the way to Lac Moreau. (Auberge du Ravage) Treated great, had fresh halibut from the Saguenay River that was amazing. All and all great stay, if you’re ever there make sure you say “allo” to Coco the bird. 

Woke to freshly groomed trails. After an hour in and after many, many years of leading, Byrd passed the torch to the young lad, it’s time from him to get the experience as the leader. Rode up to the Grenouille, and the place was hopping, for those who don’t know, Grenouille is French for frog. Back down to Hotel Sagueneyenne just before the snowstorm began. Got our sleds parked in the garage and the food was great at the Tommahawk. 

Woke up to Beaucoup Neige, and thought: “don’t let bad weather and common sense keep you at the hotel”, so off we went.  Rode to BRP dealership in Alma for oil. They have Great deal on non-current sleds if anyone is looking. Continued on in the blinding snowstorm. 

On our way up to Domaine du Lac Eden. Breaking trail all the way. Came across a a few guys that were in a mess but the SnoBunji to the rescue. Had them out within 5 minutes. Continued on to our destination, cozy cabins and good chicken leg dinner. The M.R.S. is not happy with her 129”!  One of the toughest days we ever ridden in, but the mirror inconveniences are part of the experience. 

👍❤️

Great start! Our group has been saved a few times by the Snowbungi. They are incredible how well they work.

Snow bungee is really great...super invention...wish they made it twice as long though

Started the day with breakfast at Lac Eden and Guylaine told us the story of how they became the new owners. The property had been abandoned for 7 years when they took possession in January 2024. They’ve been working hard to make this place what it is today. This places had everything you needed and very reasonably priced. Started on the 373 met some locals from Lac Eden. 

Very hard day of riding. Stuck quite a few times, help others as they helped us. Tried to make it to Lac La Doré but unable due to drifts. Turned around and ended up at Hotel du Jardin. 

Woke up still pretty beat up from the day before. Rode around the top of the lake for a short day, stopped at the salon for a shot, then carried on to Saint-Cream (a renovated church) for the night. 

Tabarnack!  Torchman failed to negotiate the corner…snow conditions may have been a factor.

AWESOME pics Byrd !!! Thanks for sharing !!

Great pictures, looks like you are having quite the adventure!  Good to see a young face in the crowd....us ole guys need young blood to pull on the skis when the snow yeti pulls you off on the corners?!

4 hours ago, smclelan said:

Great pictures, looks like you are having quite the adventure!  Good to see a young face in the crowd....us ole guys need young blood to pull on the skis when the snow yeti pulls you off on the corners?!

Yes it is nice to have a strong young lad with us because we're getting old...but HE was the one that was stuck!!

Spent the night at Saint-CREAM and gave thanks to St Christopher (the patron saint of traveler and bad weather). Woke up and had one of the best breakfast bagels ever. 

Then headed down to Lac Brouillard. A couple sections of 383 and 83 were plowed. Ended up with a miscommunication and no place to stay (our error) the owner was very helpful and ended up heading us to Auberge Le Camp de Base. 

Had dinner at the restaurant and the local boys had to hockey game on the big screen (cell phone on the table).  Basis base camp no amenities, any port in a storm. 

Woke up, ran arose 301, a very scenic route, highly recommend. Continued on down to the double tree, looked like the groomer had some difficulty across one of the bridges on the 3 which explains why a large section of the trail isn’t groomed. 

The boy is headed back to Nova Scotia tomorrow to finish his last semester of university and parents are heading home to Oliphant. Had some good trails and some bad ones but it’s all part of the sport we love. 

Great reporting! Thank you.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing, you guys had an awesome adventure.  Tell the lad not to expect as much snow back in Nova Scotia, it is thin here.