Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 This year, I had the opportunity to once again spend university Reading Week snowmobiling with our son in northern Ontario. This year's itinerary: Day One - New Liskeard to Timmins (A Trail to Earlton; continue A to Elk Lake; then A107C to Gowganda; to Shining Tree; and C to Timmins. Note that instead of A107C you can take C106A, but that bypasses Gowganda and Shining Tree). Day Two - Timmins to Hearst (Top C to Top A) Day Three - Hearst to Hornepayne or Dubreaville (Top A) Day Four - Return north via Hearst or Kapuskasing (no loop due to F Trail closure ) Day Five - Cochrane (via A or Fraserdale Loop - A103) Day Six - Cochrane to New Liskeard (via A or A108 @Kirkland Lake - research this based on local conditions at time of ride. There is separate thread on oc.com). DAY ONE - We drove up on Friday night, for a Saturday departure. Quality Inn is on the highway, with easy access to the trail system. http:// We were asked to park at Econo Lodge across the street, since Holiday Inn is constructing a new hotel in what was once Quality Inn's vast parking lot. The trail is at the west boundary of the Econo lodge parking lot, and after a quick unloading of the sleds we were off to Timmins. I'd recommend the hotel for breakfast, but have never eaten lunch or dinner at this establishment. The owner is proud of his dining room, and if anyone can comment on post-breakfast dining, I'd love to hear. http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Great route. You've got an little editing to do on your pic link - or you've moved your pic within photobucket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Ah ! There ya go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Thanks. Who knew you had to leave http in the code (twice) while posting images And away we go... _______ The Quality Inn New Liskeard has an awesome pool and hot tub. The trail follows a waterway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Two very happy sleds on their way north west out of New Liskeard http:// The trail then meanders over farmland towards Earlton. I recall my first trip to this area, and the surprising terrain (flat, fertile) after the Canadian shield to the south. Snowmobiling in this area is relaxing. I've often heard our area (Honey Harbour/Parry Sound/ Muskoka) described as technical riding. Twisty trails, etc. This is the exact opposite. Point the sled in one direction and go. Snow conditions were low for this time of year, but the trails were mint. Kudos to the trail association. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 After 31 kms, we reached Earlton. http:// In year's past, we'd stop in at the Yamaha dealer for one reason or another (carbides once; engine over-heating the other year - fast friendly service from the John Deere/Yamaha dealer). The Yoot has only one speed (forward), so no reason to stop this year. Elk Lake was next, and I decided to fuel the sleds. Lo and behold, another Yamaha dealer (note that they are now open Sunday for 'fuel only' from 12-5 pm). Access to the service station is under the bridge and up the hill (there is a sign on the lake). Next stop, Quick's Gowganda Lake Camp (oc.com sponsor). Had a coffee with Ron and Giselle, and saw their wonderful set-up. Cabins, gas, LCBO depot on site for evening libations. If anyone was arriving late on Day One in New Liskeard, and still wanted to snowmobile, I'd highly recommend unloading in New Liskeard and spending the first night here. As for the trails - top notch. We kept moving, and arrived at Shining Tree for some gumbo soup. Delicious. Quite frankly, if they had a room available, we would have stayed. The reason - C trail was re-routed. They asked us 'how did you like the last 25 kms'? So, I'll guess the re-route was about...25 kms. Uggghhh. You know those portage trails between lakes? Worse. I've posted in another spot that the association did the best they could once logging took over their trail. Those are the breaks. At the time of this writing, logging should be over. Contact Shining Tree (oc.com sponsor) for current info. From there, it was north to Timmins. Again, I've posted elsewhere that the last 20 km or so into Timmins are Hydro Line Hell. I suspect Timmins is responsible for this section, and if Akron Orange reports the same thing this week, and others traversing the week after have similar issues, riders should be warned. In discussing this with a local gas station attendant, he advised that he sold his sled after the banging he took south of Timmins (in his words, 'always bad'). Therefore, stick to Akron Orange's plan. Day One - New Liskeard to Shining Tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 DAY TWO Continental Breakfast at Timmins TraveLodge. Then, north on some great Timmins trails (Not an oxymoron. It appears that the wider, easier trails get more attention - there may be a technical reason why the highly sloped hydro line was so rough). http:// (The image above shows a small tree in the foreground. Less than a foot tall. That's how little snow coverage there was). Same Timmins area (Top trail C), but a better image in the foreground below http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UsedtoSkidoo Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Great Stuff Canuck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 We were stopped briefly in Smooth Rock Falls by OFSC Trail Patrol. They recommended the Husky Station for fuel and the adjacent restaurant for lunch. The Yoot made an interesting observation regarding dessert. "Real jam", he said, between mouthfuls. I tasted the crepe, and it was delicious. The restaurant manager verified that many items are home made. They were setting up for Valentine's Day festivities - my second in two years with Yoot. From there, a quick run to Kapuskasing, and the new Super 8 motel. While most folks would suggest the next photo (chain link fence at Super 8 compound) is creepy, sledders will say :woot http:// Chain link around the Olympic torch? No problem Note to riders... stay on the Top A Trail all the way to Kap if staying at the Super 8. If you take the L trails (south trail), it joins the TOP trail at the Ski-Doo and Yamaha dealerships. Too far north. You then have to go back about 2 kms to the hotel. The Super 8 was wonderful - indoor pool, hot tub. $90 for two. I have heard, from others, that 'there's no reason to stay in Kap'. True, if you're heading from Shining Tree (because Hearst is the next stop after Kap); also true if you're heading west from Cochrane (again, because Hearst is west of there and is a natural one day trip from Cochrane). We had only stayed previously in Kap due to a tree hitting a sled (or vice versa ), and in this case because we were riding from Timmins. I will say this - the Ski-Doo dealer in Kap has one of the best reputations in the north, and the Super 8 in Kap is a fantastic hotel. Clean rooms, etc. I will also add that while talking to the OFSC patrol, we were standing at the intersection of the Fraserdale loop north (A103 to Abitibi canyon). Definitely a trip we were considering, time permitting. Sledjunk had a great review of this route last year. Giddy Up made the interesting point that it's best to head west from Cochrane, fuel up in Smooth Rock, head north and back to Cochrane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 You'll pass numerous forest fire areas. Somber riding. Nature's rebirth, in a way, but troubling nonetheless. http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 DAY THREE Another continental breakfast (Super 8 in Kap), and lots of laughter with a group of American sledders. Fun bunch of guys (their plan, by the way, was 11 hour drive to Cochrane, unload, and sled to Kap same day; Hearst on day 2 with possible day trip after checking into Hearst Campion hotel; back to Cochrane Day 3 for local loops). A quick ride to Hearst, on wonderful trails. http:// with lunch at Pizza Place (across from Canadian Tire). http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Dark mahogony wood interior, good pizza. In business since late 70's. It worked for us, but others may have recommendations. Tim Horton's was next door for those in a hurry. More golden trails west of Hearst. http:// How do you ruin a perfect, virgin trail. By taking a picture! While taking these photos, sledders appeared out of nowhere ( a local feeder trail). http:// We were now following their tracks. The Yoot had some interesting jokes about camera-toting dad after that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Here's where the trip got interesting. As you leave Hearst, you know it's far to Hornepayne. http:// Shortly outside of Hearst, we passed Opaz gas station, but did not refuel. Both Yamaha's had the range for Horneypayne and I generally avoid non-brand gas. Later in the week, we would learn that it's a preferred stop for auto drivers. Opaz does a high volume on a lower per litre price. No reported issues with fuel. I would stop there for fuel next time. At the turn-off to Hornpayne, there are the remnants a burnt down gas station. And signs similar to these (which were taken in Hornepayne, but you get the idea.) http:// You think back to Opaz and mutter - 'Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda'. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 The other sign you see frequently... http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Ahhh, but all is well once you enter the tall pines. We saw a similar strand of trees on the oc.com ride this past weekend (thanks IrREVerent for leading a wonderful group ride). http:// http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 This is great stuff, Canuck. I'm drooling ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimm Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Thanks for the trip info and pics, I might look into this in the future. Looks like both of you have Kimpex Arrow skis. How are you guys liking them? I love mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 Notice the fresh ribbon of snow in the images above. Absolutely mint from Hearst to Hornepayne. All was well on the way to Hornpayne, until the speedometer started jumping from 20 to 60, down to 5 and up to 45. Random. Yoot was ahead, so I kept on going, thinking it was just the speedo. A few kms. later, that lovely belt burning smell. Yoot had stopped at this point, so I pulled up to him (we had established who is the leader early in last year's F&S ride out of Elliot Lake ). Lifted hood, and found belt fraying. Recalled previous forum posting about 'Yamaha speedo', and 'bad' came to mind. Actually, *!%# was the first sensory thought, but I digress. Limped into town, and the next day found out that code 42 (which flashed on the speedometer) related to the gears in speedometer. We were assisted by a passing Ford F-150 driver, with whom I could instantly relate: Driver: You okay? Canuck: We're having a problem with the black sled. Driver: Need help? Canuck: Do you know anything about Yamaha sleds? Driver: I drive a Ski-Doo. Only thing I know about Yamaha sleds is that you're driving one and it's busted. I spent a day and a half with that guy in his garage (to be continued). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sledjunk Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Great Report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted February 23, 2010 Author Share Posted February 23, 2010 DAY FOUR Problem found. Solution would be a bearing replacement (which Mr. Ski-Doo had in his Snap-On tool drawer). Axle had shifted, so right side had to be loosened. But why stop there - if access was required to both sides, drop the track , etc. It appeared that day was shot, so I called Groomer Guy and told him D'ville was out of the question for us (we had to be back for oc.com ride at end of week). Speedometer not available, but we thought we would get going and travel without one once the bearing was replaced. DAY FIVE Sled assembled, and off we go. Travelled a short distance, and sled bogged. Again, that posting about "Yamaha speedo" was on my mind. Returned to Hornepayne, home of the '10 feet or 10 minutes' warranty (just kidding - great bunch of guys doing the best they could under the circumstances). While the team started wondering about bad fuel, I thought that Yamaha had a built-in safeguard when the machine could not read the speed. One of the mechanics who arrived shortly thereafter had the same thought. One call to Wildbill confirmed our thoughts. In hindsight, the sled should have been loaded onto a trailer (whose??), driven to Kap (with whose truck?) for service by the Yamaha dealer. The bearing was mashed and we replaced it. We all wanted the return trip to Cochrane and south to proceed, to no avail. The lack of a bolt-on speedometer stopped us in Hornpayne. DAY SIX One of the guys drove us to New Liskeard, sleds in tow. 6 hours each way. He asked for a sum of money, and I told him he was crazy. It was worth double what he was asking. He wouldn't take it. My son and I spent the better part of 2 days with 4 railway men from Hornpayne. Friendships made, for life. SUMMARY Total distance : 610 miles (or 616 , depending on whose speedometer you believe). Sledding days: 3 Hotels: New Liskeard (Quality Inn) Timmins (Travelodge) Kap (Super 8) Hornepayne (Northstar Centre Inn) Hornepayne (Uncles) New Liskeard (simply picked up trailer and drove to North Bay, where we stayed at Pinewood Clarion). We learned a lot in Hornepayne, and I will post a re-cap of my thoughts later. Just wanted to post a quick summary of our 3 day trip (riding days); some hotel and trail tips; and to wish anyone travelling in that area good luck and happy trails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UsedtoSkidoo Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Canuck. I'm drooling ! oooooooo big news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lep Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Thanks Canuck.... Great report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Canuck. I'm drooling ! oooooooo big news! More big news coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy tires Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I'd recommend the hotel for breakfast, but have never eaten lunch or dinner at this establishment. The owner is proud of his dining room, and if anyone can comment on post-breakfast dining, I'd love to hear. The food at the Quality Inn is good at any time of the day! The trail follows a waterway http:// That would be the mighty Wabi River. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 Great Post Canuck. Loved the pix. Sorry about your mechanical issues, but it looks like when you were riding it was darn good ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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