Abitibi Trip ⛏️🌲
Thursday March 26
Great experience being at Le Bannik. Breakfast could be a bit more than it is. It’s ok next time it will be known and we will come prepared. Upstairs Loft was it. Nice space to hang in. We shall return in force.
On sleds start track 9:31. Val d’or via TQ63 to 309.
3” fresh snow here at Le Bannik clouds this morning but no snow now.
Groomer was by here last night and trail is nice with fluff on top. We wind out of town and here is 4-5” of snow as we get toTQ63. One day I will go further south on TQ63 but just not meant to be this ride. TQ63 is awesomeness. The entire week (except a bit sunday and early Monday morning) trails are perfect. Mid winter conditions. No scratchers here and no wheels needed either(that changes fast). But easily lots of riding in 2 weeks here is not a joke. (Weather will determine this)
Stopped to take picture and four sleds go by. Actually made it better as they blew it open nice. It’s gonna be tight on go go juice today as is. First sleds we have seen since hotel. Was 5-6 others there. We get to 309 junction and they are there but getting ready to go. Yeah all good go for it. They were clearly faster and doing a fine job grooming it in my opinion. Have at it boys. Merci. By the way snowing again now.
Great trail smaller in places but a good mix of the good stuff. Beautiful territory. We arrive at left turn for Moffet and our friends are stopped here. They go right up 309
We go left to gas in Moffet
Marche Baril in Moffit. Danica is super nice and friendly beautiful store/gas/hardware/supermarket. Clean and new. Great stop.
Back to 309 onward we arrive near Winneway and here gps says left but handwritten sign says Val d’or- Rapide Sept right. After brief discussion. I check IMotoneige and it shows right. Left was old trail and now I think is just the trail to Winneway in and out. Right is the 309. Metal signs not to be trusted its the old trail dog years ago probably.
Tight twisty this one here been many moons since i been on this 309 section it has rerouted big time since my last ride here. I had no idea it no longer crossed the barrage at Rapide 7? How long has it been since that was changed?
After bridge over river. Trail is much different very flat.
Last middle section from Moffet to here at River bridge is grey on Imoto so we were wondering, got intel at hotel was not terrible. The new snow helped alot. It was not great but I will give it good. Corners getting used up. Especially right turns.
Here right up from bridge. Hello. Groomer headed down. We salute the operator and carry on. Getting nervous for the gas now so I go into cruise mode finding that cruise control speed where I dont need to vary my throttle. Just sipping a little gas not hammering on it. Does it work? Beats the hell out of me? Maybe riding like I stole it gets better mileage?
Oh well sticking with the plan just as we have all week.
Plan A.
Mint trails now as we are in Val d’or land. Its here the west was made. West is best. This week it is for sure.
I cruise control into town wondering now that I am at F25 ran ot F30 yesterday. Make it to town and into the alley by Ski Doo. I think we gonna make it. Still snowing good as we roll into Shell. 3:00 i think.
Decision is made gas and Forestal. Forestal has got it going on. Lots of people here. We stay here and ride to truck in morning then load up. Change clothes and black trail to Trois Rivieres. The end is near.
Already plotting for next year. This memorable season will be one I am thankful for and so happy to have had the chance to ride with the best. On trail and off trail.
Big long day tomorrow.
Until next time.
By
iceman ·
