Gadgetman

If the trail is Green - the river is frozen and you are GTG. I see some contour lines, so it does look like you have a descent and therefore an ascent. I can tell you exactly next Sunday on my way to Cochrane from New Liskeard. I'd say our trips have used it at least 7 times, no issues, over the years. Welcome to the forum, many very experienced travelers and riders to help you out.

Awesome thanks. And my age group to boot.

I want to offer a 2nd option on our 3 March day , Cochrane to Timmins. I already have going up to the Base Camp and then down to Timmins. But, I (most of us) haven't been on the C trail south of Timmins in about 15 years (the old Tree Bears Cabins). I'm considering going straight to Timmins, fuel up and then head south on the C to the Tata Chika Pika Lodge. I've pinged then to ask about a trail from the C and if they can provide a lunch. What is the C trail like south of Timmins - Hydro Line or bush (or both based on the map)? As anyone stopped there for fuel or lunch in last few years? There is a look out just south of the lodge off the C, great view?

Not doing the big loop now. Back in at Hearst that night, and with Dubreville being 294KM, not an option round trip. The Hearst/Hornpayne day trip is an easy day, leave at 9, lunch around noon, maybe the L191 and back to the hotel. Years ago got us into the hot tub before the water got grimy at the hotel. I think we hit Cindys a few years back, not sure if that was before or after the place across from the Esso closed after I think 1 season or so. I think I'll suggest the trail side dog roast that day based on the forecast I'm seeing. Thanks

We all snore - why ear plugs are part of our pack list. 1 week too early for me, as I'm on our trip the same week.

We will do a day trip to HP from Hearst early March, and I'm wondering if anyone knows what the lunch options are at HP this year. Esso station still have sandwiches? Any of those lunch stops in town open? (May also be a good day to roast hot dogs on the trail.) Thanks

I put a 2 inch raised seat on my Vector, made a world of difference in sitting comfort, and ease of lifting off the seat on big bumps. That said, the REN X suspension is superior to the 2013 Vector, and the 100 lbs weight saving is also nice.

Any locals riding East of Ottawa ever cross the river at either OFSC A213 or the 50 to the Quebec side? Using the 50 looks like you have to run the river West to Montebello to find the trail. Is the river even frozen completely over between Rockland and Montebello? Thanks

I haven't been on the C next to it, or Gogama or Shinning Tree since about 2000. The 143 is usually our route from NL to Timmins with a lunch stop at Auld Reekie. The 143 is 135KM to Timmins which gives us fuel room if it is snowing. Going the C trail, we would have to pop in and get fuel at Gogama. However, I see there appears to be a new C route on the ITG and fuel is either 3 Bears or Mattagami Lodge. The new C trail does look like it could be a very interesting ride, and I will discuss with my crew if we wish to take it on the last day of the trip, from Timmins to NL (but that is a 422KM day, which equates to over 8 hours for us old guys, a bit much on twisty stuff.)

I have a 9 min clip of the L143 trail heading North on youtube to give you an idea. L143 North bound from A107C 11 Feb 2018 (Apexltx56)

If you stay with the Big Loop, here are some way points for fuel and/or lunch. (I always fuel the group no longer than 160KM - with a 200KM tank range on most of our sleds.) doesn't take long to fuel up compared to time lost if someone runs out.) (This plan reflects that we had to go from Hearst to Wawa in 1 day, as only beds available at Duberville were single queens, which the guys just don't do.) We are now just doing NL to Hearst, day trip to Hornpayne and back towards Cochrane and NL. Group of 6. Can't miss me, White "Real Tree" coat and I normally lead.

Polaris Under Seat Oil Storage NIB - fits many 2021 and 2022 Polaris sleds. Last item to go. $.50 on the dollar, so $88 pick-up (Ottawa) or $88 plus postage cost. PN 2889363

The lower cost ones are made of steel, an therefore heavy to move around or hang. The rear lifts should be adjustable to deal with the different tunnel configs and to ensure stability. The front support bar needs to sit under the chassis in an area that can load bear and covered with something thick to protect the sled. Low swivel wheels really help with positioning. I had a steel one built years ago and sold it. If I bought one now I would only get an aluminum one, Lift-a-sled - US made. The Team Kos uses a single wheel each side which ends up weight bearing - not sure how much I like that. The rear supports don't look height adjustable. Not sure I would use it to store them with todays "thin" tunnels. I did hear of a sled which was stored on one and the tunnel cracked as the weight wasn't where the sled is designed to take its weight. Now, @ $200 for something you only use on occasion, everything I've said above may be moot. My 2 cents.

Agree. But, with the amount of traffic the A carries, I'm not sure the A108 will be able to sustain that volume. I'll find out on 27 Feb, on our way North.

Only the under seat oil tank, left. Matryx chassis We'll be at the Waterfront Inn at NL on 26 Feb, or any point between there and Ottawa that day.

Not on my laptop for some reason. 50% of the time now a days I can't add JPG files, or I even have issues saving a posting. thanks for posting.

Posted by the Golden Corridor Snowdrifters Kirkland Lake & Area 9 Feb 2022 Unfortunately we have been forced to close the A Trail from Sesekinika Lake North to A108 junction due to a Hydro One contractor bull dozing the trail down to bare gravel and mud and not leaving a side trail for us to use. Alternate route around will have to be A110Q from Kenogami into Kirkland lake then out to Bourkes on A108 North There is also a small part of L103 in Bourkes that we had to close. Sorry for the inconvenience

Your Dad almost certainly had my cousin as a High School teacher - Frank Zidar Jr., as Sr was my Uncle. It was a lively place in the middle 70's. I drove up there from Toronto on a motorcycle one weekend, just for Saturday night at the bars..

Guess: Lack of staff or not financially viable to open if capacity is 50%, for some places which likely have high costs due to location. I cancelled our Moose Horn Lodge booking, she mentioned that others have also cancelled and that for only a few bookings that there is no point in opening.

Your group seems to have a thing about arms up or out! Great pictures, thanks for sharing...

L108. Across from the Comfort Inn, which also isn't showing up this season. I have never stayed there, but I've seen sledders there in the past. Always good to call ahead these days.

Exactly. Once, after a trail stop, and getting to the Moonbeam clubhouse, the front opening was frozen shut, I was in the clubhouse providing entertainment to everyone as I was trying to get the helmet off without opening it, like a dog's head stuck in a can. I had to put my face over a heater until the ice melted.

H'mmm. Cochrane Feb 2020 -38c. Even 2 strokes weren't starting in the Westway parking lot. Agree, 2S tend to start better\easier than the 4S in the cold, but all machines hit a limit at some temp.

The 04 GSX had this issue, so we carried two relays. In fact it was worse if you started them, then shut down for whatever reason (to load your bag). Same with the Vector and Apex, until we installed the solid state relays, never had an issue (but also never started and shut down for breakfast.) So, on the REN X - did Doo finally go to Solid State relays?

Just about to post this. @Turbo Doo Did you post on Dootalk?