Wyman Pond Racing

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

RE: Gaspe

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

I want to keep this info as part of the Gaspe post discussion. As trail boss for day 1, I have reviewed getting out of Rimouski from the downtown location. Given that we want to get a good chunck of distance out of the hole, I think starting a little east and outside the downtown area will give us a good jump start on the day.

However, departing from any of the 3 downtown hotels shouldn't present much of a problem. Leaving from the Cabin would eliminate roughly 15 km of local and regional trails near the river. This may be helpful if there are low snow conditions in March. From the Cabin there can be only roughly 5 km to Trans-Quebec 5 (heading away from the river) which may be the best maintained trail if snow is an issue.

This benefit combined with the lower price makes me stick with the Cabin recommendation. Day 1 is a planned 230 mile day so getting a good start will be important. No worries though, we have fall back options at 80 miles (Matane) and 165 miles (St. Anne de Monts). Otherwise it will be on to Mont St. Pierre.

#3, #7 and #99 have you reviewed your trail plan with backups? The packets #7 provided and the map #2 found are really excellent tools. Just remember we are booked at Relais La Cache on 3/11.

I can't wait for March (that sounds so strange to wish for!)

#5

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#7, I'm sorry you beat me to the site tonight, I was actually going to pull back on my response. I have been working on not "owning" my own ideas. That post was just to get things moving forward, but then I always become emotionally attached to my ideas. It's a bad trait, and I'm trying to break it.

No need to apologize, it's not like I was crying in my Corn Flakes. You know I've always said I just like the open common areas where we can hang together, I hate when we're in a motel with just rooms in a hallway. No character.

having said all that, time to go check the vote.

#5

Lame Member # 13

Can we at least put #3 (olympic snorer) in the Inn biggrin

Caboose · Bitch Rider

#5, the intent was to be funny, not bust anyone's chopsl. I did not intend on this coming to a vote, either.

Emails and post lack tone and can be taken several different ways, don't always think the worst. We go way back, try not to loose sight of that.

I'm ok with whatever we do.

I like chicken.

#7

Senior WPR Member

Speaking of dinner menus, how close is the nearest roast beef sandwich shop?

IF it's close to the cabin, I'm in.
#99

BTW....Nice work #5. You will never get everyone happy so don't even try. #7 can **** in the woods.

Lame Member # 13

I didn't mean to hurt you #5...You make a good point about the # of bathrooms in the cabin. My 4 years of French may be failing me but I can't see where its says "un salle de bain" translated=one bathroom. If it has more than one I say we go for it, if only one, call me a sissy I vote for the rooms

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#13, you say funniest post of the year, that was hurtful to me. I thought you were in HR? And yes, you are all sissies if you would rather stay in the quaint little inn in separate rooms in order to get your own toilet. lame.

Yes, there are rooms available at the inn, so let's have a vote. I would rather stay in the cabin. There are separate bed rooms in the cabin, it's not like we're sleeping in a big pile on the floor.

The vote is out, maybe we just make #7 go outside to crap. by the way, where did you learn there is only one toilet in the cabin? I didn't find that.

#5

Lame Member # 13

Funniest post of the year #7. It looks like they have 4 Inn rooms and the chalet. Assuming the Inn rooms have their own bathrooms why don't we split up giving folks a little more privacy (and saving that poor bathroom from the viscious onslaught that awaits it biggrin ) We sound like a bunch of sissies don't we??!! Can you check into that option #5?

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

Great work #5. I was in...until I saw the toilet issue. Have you ever been to the hopper after #7 has left his scent? I'd rather have a dog **** in my mouth than follow his lead to the toilet. Other then that I think your planning is well worth the effort. I hear no matter what anyone picks for routes or hotels, #4 will chime in at the last minute and change the entire plan.

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

ouch. #7 has officially stripped me of the "Critic" title. I'm taken aback at the negativity of his post. piss poor.

#7, show me a motel in Rimouski on the trail with a Jacuzzi. The other choices on your map was Hotel Rimouski which looks like it is for lovers and fags at 3x the price, no mention of jacuzzi; Gouverneur Hotel with video surveillence (for sleds not trucks) also at 3x the price; and Hotel L'Empress whose biggest features are that you "don't have to cross a street to get to the trail" and a gas station (which we won't need).

As I said, this is the only place that is FMQC Security listed, not sure if the dog put them over the top. I don't even know how to respond to the menu question, WTF, who gives a **** about chicken. This is a pine log cabin on a lake, what is your idea of a cabin in the backcountry, black lights, neon, shag carpeting?

So let's hear your recommendation and I will cancel this place, be my guest. I'll take the heat on the bathroom, I didn't realize I had to do research on how many friggin toilets the place had.

#5, Feelin' the Love

Pres · Tag Hgugr

this should translate the site to english us google translator

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=fr%7Cen&u=http://www.domainevalga.com/domaine/service/index.php

Lame Member # 4

#7,

You are so pack full of brains how do you keep them from coming out your ears? One word "RIMOUSKI".

#4

Pres · Tag Hgugr

Dinner table *

Entry (1 choice)

Vegetable Soup
Soup "barley" (barley)
Soup rabioles
Pea Soup

Mets principal (1 choice)

Stew "legged pig"
Cipaille (tourtière Lower St. Lawrence)
Syrup Salmon
Spaghetti with meat sauce "house"
Ham Syrup
Meatloaf with courgettes
Turkey to bacons
Stuffed Peppers
Beef Bourguignon
Strips of beef with green peppers
Steak Counter-net 16 OZ
Pork
Lasagna "Chantal"
Brochette of chickens to "Eric"
Fondue Chinoise
Pâté sauce with salmon eggs

Dessert (1 choice)

Apple Almond
Cake Bel-Helen
Bagatelle fruit
Pudding unemployed

Beverage included
Tea, Coffee, Milk

* Define your menu when you reserve

Caboose · Bitch Rider

After viewing the site of the Rimouski cabin, I imagine that this place would be better served as a place for teambuilding excercises or an outward bound course.

As far as the parking situation, a guard dog???? It doesn't sound too safe to me. The average dog sleeps upwards of 16 hours a day.

The price appears right on the money for a place with one bathroom. Who wants the crapper after I'm done with it?

Is there going to be chicken dinners on the menu? Or does this place serve unidenified meat stew? I will bring Immodium.

What about a jacuzzi? 4 days of riding will take it's toll on 8 men 40 years plus.

I noticed that there are a lot of people wearing helmets in the pictures. This place must be some sort of Disneyland for retards.

I call a meeting for early February. Someone suggest a date.

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

On the website click on Services and then you will see L'Auberge. The trucks are $10 per night per truck/trailer.

Her English is very limited so anyone that wants to brush up on their French in order to ask questions and so forth should do so. I understand the Rosetta Stone series works well for conversational language rather quickly. I did not try to get the menu or trail conditions.

#5

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

OK, this trip will be memorable. I have booked us in a cabin at Domaine Valga (www.domainevalga.com) the nights of 3/8 and 3/12. If you go to the website and click on L'auberge, this is the cabin, I think you will love it. We have 4 rooms (2 beds each room) for $25 per person per night. This includes supper/room/breakfast. The trucks will stay for the duration while we make our loop. There is no locked area but they live directly at the property and the trucks/trailers will be at her house. She said they have a big dog. They are the only hotel listed in the FCMQ Secure Hotel booklet in Rimouski. Unfortunately, they are located 30 minutes beyond downtown Rimouski, but this will help minimize the return ride from Relais La Cache.

There is no gas at this location but there is gas when we pass through Rimouski and we really shouldn't need gas if you think about it. The sleds will be gassed when we arrive and empty when we return. If we need to gas the trucks for the return trip we can get it on our way back through Rimouski.

There were other motels in downtown Rimouski but this one appears to be a luxury getaway located at the base of a mountain on a lake. And there was the cabin. I just thought it would make a better first and last night with the common area and wood stove and breakfast bar and so on. Plus it's a lot less expensive. Only a handful of km down Regional Trail 579 to Trans-Quebec 5. Or north on 579 to Regional Trail 578 to T-Q 5. See location 17 just southeast of Rimouski on the Bas-Saint-Laurent trail map that #7 provided in his packets. So we already have a 2008 local trail map to get us on the main loop thanks to #7's work. And I believe I am trail boss for day 1.

Please let me know what you think once you've had a chance to review this information. Don't forget we all agreed that we would register ahead of time. the 2008 Trail Permits are $250 for annual pass and $150 for 7 day pass. Did someone post that link or phone number again?

We're rolling now!
#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

#10, that was an excellent post. It had Gaspe enthusiam like none other I have seen. Glad to see you going to Presque Isle in Feb for a warm up. You were missed on the Nash Stream trip.

There may be a weekender in February to Nash Stream for President's day while staying at the Coos Inn ($64/night per room) Lancaster, NH. All are welcome.

I will post as the details come in.

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Whom ever was or is thinking #10 won't be making a presence on this trip is seriously mistaken!!!! I finished my pics, & maintenance today and took the first spins around the yard tonight. Ready to go!!!!

As many of you know I've been wanting to do the Gaspe' for many, many years - this is my chance to be there and with the friends I would enjoy this with the most.

Still would like to look at the Trailer Hubs before such a long haul, if my trailer ends up going on the trip.

Keep me posted on any nightly rides, or days off of work, time to get out and do a shake down. I should be doing a trip to Presqile, ME week of Feb. 4th

#10

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

Why can't he go this year?

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#10, I am so glad to see your input on this post, #1776 has said to me that he would gladly take your place if you backed out last minute no less than 3 times since he bought his new sled. He will want in next year, we'll see what can be done.

#5

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Wow! Some awesome PICs on this thread! Can't Wait!!!!!

#10

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

Your welcome! Oh ya...please bring your sled to the Gaspe as well.

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#388, thanks for your invaluable input. "what's your point?"

sound familiar?

Don't worry, I won't disappoint!!

#5

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

I'm watching. Sorry, I've been very busy. 1st and last night should be a place with very secure parking so we can leave the tow vehicles.

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

Anyone have any preferences on where we want to be first/last night? #388 are you out there??

If not, I will take care of it tout suite no problem. If you have a preference for a place in Rimouski let me know otherwise I will use my best judgement.

#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Please respond if the pictures don't come up.

Doubleclick on them to see full size.

Caboose · Bitch Rider

A recent Gaspe trip from HCS.

Day 1: Four of us (MACDAV, Lawrence05, myself, and a non message board user {Kim})left early Thursday morning from Pointe a la Croix. We traveled east and made our first stop at the New Richmond clubhouse, unfortunately it was closed. We gassed and continued on along the TQ 5. This was the first time I can ever remember going through Pasbebaic and there being good snow cover, it always seems blown clear by the wind there. We stopped at the clubhouse in Chandler for a visit and beer with Patsy and Dale. Kim had forgot to bring oil with him, so we called Dale from New Richmond, he went to the Ski Doo dealer and had the oil waiting for us when we arrived. Great folks. We stayed the night at the Explorateur Motel right across from the gas station in Chandler. The room I stayed in the heater would not work so we had to be moved to another, the food was fair at best, and we asked for a 6am wake up call and got it at 5am. Next time I will try another place. (202 miles)

Lawrence05 as we were getting ready to leave Pointe a la Croix

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Day 2: Headed out of Chandler toward Perce, landed there at the gas station and filled up. We walked next door to Rolands for breakfast only to find out he was closed till Monday, they told us at the gas station none of the resturants opened till Jan 7th. We left from the gas station and drove up to the Look Out above the town and got some nice pics. On the way to the Look Out there is a frozen waterfall that is also a must see. From there we went back toward the 597. We stopped at the Les Sentiers du Rocher Perceinc. club for breakfast was it ever tasty. We then started up the 597 which had been plowed for logging the first 20km, not a big deal there was lots of loose snow along the sides of the road for lubrication and there was no explosed gravel (I don't think it would be as good after the thaw). We landed in Murdochville around 2:30 and decided to stay there the night and hit the North shore early in the morning. We stayed at the Hotel Copper. They are doing some renovations but will be ready for business this week. (140 miles)

The Rock from the Look Out

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MACDAV at Perce

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The Waterfalls behind the Look Out

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Kim behind the Waterfalls

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Day 3: Pulled out of Murdochville around 7am and headed up the 597. There is a little bit of logging toward the top but nothing serious. From ther we traveled east on the TQ5 to Riviere Madelelne for breakfast at Chez Mamie great meal and hospitality. We contiued on the 5 till we got to the turn off for Grand Sault, if you are an inexperience driver do not go in here if there is no tracks! We went in and got some pictures of the water falls. This is a very pretty spot. We then headed west to Mont Saint Pierre took the tourist type pics and continued along the North Shore and stayed the night in St Anne Des Monts at the Motel Brunate. (208 miles)

Main Street Murdochville at 7am

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The bridge at Rivere Madelelne

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Grand Sault

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Stuck at Grand Sault

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Me on the TQ 5

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Kim at Site De L'ours

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Day 4: Pulled out of the Brunate early and headed to the St Paulin clubhouse for breakfast, it was delicious. From there is was down the 595 to New Richmond and back to the trucks. This was a fairly unaventful day except for the moose and deer we saw along the way. The New Richmond Clubhouse was closed again when we went through, this time however there were a couple of club members in the yard. They told us the lady that has run the club the last several years is sick and they have not found anyone to take the kitchen over. She was a very nice lady, we hope her the best and wish the club luck in finding someone to replace her this season. (250 miles)

Lawrence05 at Cap Chat cable bridge

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Trip Summary: The trails on average were 8 out of 10 or better the whole way. The bottom of the 597 was the only exception we hit in 800 miles. There was virtually no traffic, but this is typical the first weekend in January. Signage was good and they were still putting some up. Everyone was very friendly as usual and asked us to come back soon.

This post has been edited by smclelan: Today, 01:24 PM

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Caboose · Bitch Rider

Excellent work. I agree with booking Hotel rooms in advance for the first and last night. Sleeping on my snowmobile has always been a dream, but the time and place are not March and Gaspe.

It's smart to take notes when on the phone with these guys from Gaspe. The information that they provide can have a serious positive or negative impact on our trip. It sounds like #5 really grilled the guy for information.

#5, if anything else pops into that gigantic squash of yours about that conversation, please put it on the site.

How does 5 rooms for 8 people come about? $55 bucks is a great price if that includes dinner. This is the first year that the Canadian Dollar is more valuable than the US Dollar. I would bring Canadian cash

10 weeks until this dream of Gaspe riding comes to fruition.

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

Ok Gaspe riders - I have booked us at Relais La Cache arriving Tues, Mar 11 and departing Wed, Mar 12. Working with the guy (superb English) we agreed on 5 rooms for 8 people where everyone gets their own bed. The package includes dinner and breakfast for approximately $55CDN per person. I thought that was a fair price given our options. Parking for the sleds is secure. We can cancel with a 24 hour notice. He serves LaBatt's Bleue and 50. He couldn't tell me what the dinner was for that night but said every meal has meat. There are showers.

He says 595 is the best trail on the Gaspe but to watch out for many moose that frequently walk on the trail. He says 5 hours riding from Chandler to the Relais and 7 hours from the Relais to Rimouski (300km) if we ride at 80kph. He said making Rimouski in one day would be no problem with a stop to eat.

Should we book a place in Rimouski for us first and last night and our trucks for the 5 nights?

The trip begins to take shape...

#5