Fuse6

In Quebec right now doing the Cote Nord. This morning stopped into the Ski Doo dealer in Baie Comeau. There was 137 new sleds on site still in the crate. No idea how many the dealer would sell in a normal but that is a crazy amount of sleds to carry over

Here’s some more pics from the 595N in the Gaspe. These would be south of the pic 1049 posted, once you get into the Chic Chocs. Glad our Gaspe trip isn’t until mid February, very little snow there presently.

Was surprised to see it green there. That is hilly rugged country, not level rail beds.

Hit the Snowflake icon in top right corner. Then can select Trail Conditions to see what’s open. Also can select Grooming Map. Once they get grooming the map is updated at 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily.

If you’re on FB go to the Quebec Rider group. There is a good recent post there explaining how to do it. There is two different ways, the one they charge you a $23.00 service charge so you net $12.00. The other method you will get something like $37.00 back.

Yes we are still going. The map PLC posted is our reroute. Likely turn 5 day trip into 6 day. From what l’ve read there is no chance it will open anytime this winter. That trail is very remote, the number of volunteers that live in that 100 km stretch would be very limited. Haven’t seen any pictures of the two bridges that have issues. Riding through there don’t recall any bridge of any significance. It’s mountainous, hills and valleys so lm sure there is many small creeks and streams with small bridges you really don’t notice because the area normally gets so much snow. There still will be 1,500-1,800 km of beautiful riding to enjoy.

We’ve done a Gaspe/NB trip the last two winters. Haven’t stayed at the railcars but they do look cool. This year staying in Florenceville at the Amsterdam Inn. Railcars not practical for guys trip needing enough beds. Hopefully Slo-mo comes back.His scouting missions and reports were a great resource to learn about places a lot of us have never been.

Anyone planning a Gaspe trip this winter it was announced yesterday that the interior trail that runs through the Chic Choc mountains between LaCache and Murdochville will be closed all winter due to some bridges that are unsafe. Unfortunate as it is one of the most scenic trails. Pink trail is the closed one. The green dot is LaCache.

This is the one at the show

Last year we paid $40 for one day pass, Can’t remember if it was $70 or $80 for 2 day pass in NB l don’t mind permit fees if the grooming is top notch majority of the time. Quebec permit is getting expensive but still good value if you have the time to get some decent miles on.

Has it been discussed if there will be any way the OFSC mad could be available in a file format that would be downloadable to Garmin units? lf they don’t have or develop something that is downloadable to a Garmin OFSC will be alienating many permit holders.

OFSC No Trak Maps No Grooming Map No Interactive Map available in September and October to plan trips Quebec 👍Trak Maps 👍Grooming Map 👍Interactive Map Available

Stoney, if we are doing the whole Gaspe or have someone in the group that hasn’t done it this is the route would take assuming weather is good for the five day ride. Covers off all the good interior trails: 1. Chic Choc trail, LaCache to Murdochville 2. 595 N and S 3. 587 South 4. 597 south (between Chandler and Murdochville, is a piston alley run if you enjoy that. Includes Perce Rock , which once you seen it once not priority for me on future trips. The south shore, orange on the BonVoyage Map you posted is a waste of time. Relatively flat and not much to see. Don’t want to miss the north shore. Ride from Cap Chat to Mont St Pierre is a must do.

The RDL ferry stops operating January 1. So would have to go east to Baie Comeau and take ferry to Matane. Or the same ferry also departs out of Godbout which is 100 km east of Baie Comeau on the north shore, crosses to Matane also. The trail between Baie Comeau and Godbout is a twisty roller coaster ride. If you like thrills it is well worth the time doing if the ferry schedule works into your plan. Ending up in Matane works well as the scenic part of the Gaspe starts after you get east of Matane. If you’re on a big adventure then being on the north shore is a much better ride out to Baie Comeau vs the ride from RDL to Matane. The only other crossing option is a truck and trailer shuttle service at Quebec City that will carry you over the bridge to Levi on the south side of river. The Matane ferry has had a terrible problem with mechanical issues the past few years, add in weather conditions and it’s not always a reliable service. You would want to be checking daily the few days before hoping to cross to be sure all was good. We have never taken the ferry, not sure for sleds if a reservation is required or not.

PLC mentioned the 595N trail. This is one of the most scenic trails in the Gaspe. Most people miss it because it’s not part of the perimeter loop. I missed it the first 4 times rode in the Gaspe. Saw pictures on another forum and knew had to check it out. So what we do now is when we get to the 595 trail while riding across the north shore east of Matane we ride south down the 595 for 20 km. This takes you right through the Chic Choc Mountains. Riding down 20-25 km takes you through the best part of the 595. Then turn around and head back up to trail 5 and continue the loop. Believe the highest mountain is Mont Albert.

Ridden the Gaspe several times now and will likely go back again this year. Will add some points here: 1. Starting Point: like PLC stated everything for lodging etc will depend on starting point you chose. We start from Motel Mont Joli, in Mont Joli which is another 1 1/2 hour drive east of RDL. The reason start here is they provide a rescue service if you have a machine break down mid trip. Leave your truck keys with them and their maintenance guy will come get you if needed. We’ve had two trips with broke down sled and they came picked up sled and rider. I haven’t emailed them yet to confirm they are offering this service this winter. Mont Joli is 10 hour drive from Oshawa so works well for us. For those of you west of Toronto would be a long one day drive so RDL likely would be better option. Mileage: We average 300 km a day on guy trips. Lot of Gaspe isn’t fast riding. It’s not Cochrane or western Quebec. Hotels: Busy time is mid Feb to March 10th. If going in that time l would have rooms booked, especially if need 3 or more rooms. Like every where hotels are having difficult time getting help. Even worst in the Gaspe as it’s mainly rural towns. If hotel web site says they have a restaurant doesn’t mean it will be open, or open every night of the week. Confirm when booking your rooms. Copper hotel in Murdochville has no online booking option and have never received a reply to email. Best way to book there is call. Ask for Jack, he is the owner and speaks good English. Like Scotty said there is nothing great about the Copper but it’s the only option in that area. Weather: is the biggest challenge in the Gaspe. Seems every winter they get about three blizzards that will mess things up for three days. It’s the winds off the ocean on the north shore that cause major drifting for a couple of days. Takes the clubs a few days to get things back in shape again. If you see they are forecasting one of these storms during the week of your trip you are wasting your time going. Better to go to Quebec City and head up to Lac St Jean and Mont Valin or some other area in Quebec. Or New Brunswick. Route: the outer loop following the perimeter of the Gaspe misses some of the best and most scenic trails. The interior trails are some of the best. Chic Choc trail between Murdochville and LaCache. 595N and the 587S are ones we always do. Gaspe is as good as it gets if you get good weather.

Mackie’s out of Oshawa have a motorcycle shipping program. Would check it them

Good report Gadgetman. Was that road from Nottawasi south groomed? I believe Fontbrune lodge grooms that trail themselves with their own groomer so they can do loops to the north more practical with their tour groups. Don’t know why it hasn’t become part of the FCMQ system.

Very unfortunate, sorry to hear. Always my greatest fear. Did the two machines make contact or did your friend have to divert and hit some trees or other obstacles. Hopefully the quilts party gets caught

Not sure what make Nunz is using but this light and power cord with a wire to charge a communicator looks like a great idea.

My friends are on the same route l suggested to you. Steve

Friends just landed in Mont Joli tonight. Starting a five day loop. Weather looks almost perfect for them. Unfortunately l didn’t have time available to make the trip . l will be getting trail updates this week from them.

I reconize Mekoos,Repos, 100 du Lac and Rabaska but not the modern grey building? Always more enjoyable staying at the lodges vs motels. Great pictures. We were suspose to go to Mont Laurier this weekend for 4 days with friends but the wife couldn’t get off work. With the forecasted cold l’m kinda glad. We will go next week .