The much belated ride report for Day 3 of the Charlevoix-Sept Isles trip. Many apologies for the delay.
While all of the days, as you have already read, had awesome experiences of their own; I believe day 3 was most of the riders favorite. The reason is three-fold. First, it was the shortest planned day of riding after two grueling long and cold days. Second, the weather was absolutely perfect with warmer and much more mild weather on tap. And third, we knew this was the segment of the Qc-3 trail that had this amazing section of sharp elevation changes amidst non-stop switchback, yes, the namesake of #5 and #55 machines. In principle, this section of trail was precisely what our sleds had been designed to excel at! Let me tell you, we were not disappointed - and much of the experience came through the benefit of the blistering pace set by #55. But I'm getting ahead of myself, more on that in a moment.
First things first. We had made it to our planned destination - Sept Isles!! The farthest point north WPR has marked by a long way. I have to admit, for me personally it was looking bleak after what smacked us in the face on day 1. As #7 noted, we did not come close to our first way point, and conditions were not going to let us off the hook for that shortcoming. But I just want to say I am proud of all the members, there was little talk of plan B. It was Sept Isles or bust. That downside of the 300 mile day was that we arrived tired and hungry, seeing only the restaurant next to the hotel and dozens of wild micro-sized hockey players as a tournament was in town for the weekend. Kudos to #2 who got us a spot.
Anyway, I wanted to comment on the destination as you have noticed not much was written about this place. We set off on time, all gassed up and ready to have some fun. the day warmed as we headed South. No need for heated windscreen wires or handlebar gauntlets making the riding more enjoyable. you could move around on the sled because you weren't tucked in behind the windscreen trying to maintain body temp. There were many picturesque moments of hill and dale, rivers and blue skies and unspoiled pristine white countryside. No doubt the pride of Quebec province. I was giddy with enthusiasm waiting for the "roller coaster" trail. We finally arrived. #55 set an awesome pace and I tried to keep him in sight. Up down, left right, launching off peaks and diving down into corners, I have to say, as I did on that day, that was some of the most fun I've ever had on a snowmobile. I mean it, it was that good.
After about 20 miles of that section. We stopped to relive it together with stories of favorite moments, close calls and also a breakdown of how our machines were each set up. We relaxed in the warm sun knowing our next stop was not far and was going to be special. Still out front, #55 and #5 made a simple error in passing an intersection where we both looked right at the sign we were looking for and then rode straight past it! After realizing the other two weren't coming, we spun around using the always dependable rule of returning to where we last saw other members, sure enough there they were, waiting patiently. Both were gracious and did not berate our wasted time, we were all in such a good mood! A few more mile to the romantic Inn and we were treated to our now traditional post ride ****tail compliments of new member #55, well played new member, a fantastic way to make a terrific first impression to the club.
Lots of good beer, food and conversation with the locals at the Inn bar on this perfect seaway-side retreat. I hope I will be able to come back to this beautiful spot with my better half and really enjoy the romantic atmosphere this place has to offer. No offense riders! ;)
A great day of riding. The trip was a massive success after this day as far as I'm concerned. Would go back someday in a heartbeat. Great leadership by #2 to execute on the trip this season Prez, well done. And great job to #55 for diving right in with fellow snowmobilers and being a good club rider on our annual trip.
We started the day giving the Prez. kudos for our accommodations. It was a quaint romantic Inn overlooking the Saint Lawrence. Perfect Inn for a group of guys snowmobiling. lol
We left the Inn to ride the narrow trail, perched precariously on the narrow peak of a snowbank, separating the road and the Saint Lawrence River. The trail turned steeply uphill to a breathtaking view of Baie Comeau. Proceeding from there, #5 and #55 still in need of oil, stopped at the Polaris dealer
Now was the time to cross the infamous bridge over the Manicougan River for the second time. We had a bit of apprehension as this side had a turn half way up the ramp. We had witnessed a precarious assent by another snowmobiler days earlier. The prez. was first to cross recording the crossing and setting up to film on the opposite bank of the river. The crossing was uneventful and we left wondering if we would ever see this bridge again.
We had long stretches of fresh groomed trails on our way to Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart) and with #5 leading the way was a happy camper.Arriving at the gas station #55 had flashbacks of ducking underneath a front end loader from our first visit to Sacré-Coeur. We left the gas station and over the hill where #4 met his fate onday 1. It had been groomed and seemed harmless now. We just made the ferry in time and everything was looking good.
We disembarked and started our final leg. The trails were well groomed but again daylight was disappearing quickly.We kept an eye out for signs for The Manoir Richelieu but they seemed elusive. The signs did finally materialize and after navigating through fields, woods, and a golf course we arrived at our destination. We put our sleds to bed in the heated garage then off to dinner and Casino. . The Manoir Richleiu is another perfect accommodation.
The end of a great trip that I will never forget Thank You for including me on the trip..
Until next trip#55 over and out..
Gas is your friend. Brake is your enemy
au revoir pour le moment
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member # 2, Club Founder, Director, 2003.Dash For Cash Club Champion, 2001 Pole position Dash for cash, 2000 Dash for Cash Champion
Day 21-27-2018 Forestville to Sept Isles #55s first trail report
After a long first day we set off for Sept Isles with optimism, wide eyed and bushy tailed. A quick gas stop in Colombier at about 100 miles and back on the trail. We crossed the bridge over the Betsiamites River and were impressed until we approached the bridge near Baie Comeau. This is the bridge that crosses the Manicouagan River at almost 700 feet long and about 95 feet hovering over the river making it the longest snowmobile bridge in North America and the Highest in the world. A single lane ramp on each side leading to the double lane on the bridge was not for the faint of heart. Its definitely on the bucket list for any snowmobiler that has heard of it.
We made a stop in Baie Comeau for Polaris oil for #5 and #55 only to find that we missed the closing time by 20 minutes. # 55 takes responsibility for that. My Bad
We gassed up and headed out of Baie Comeau to find miles of up and down hills were like a roller coaster with beautiful scenery. It was one of the nicest trails that we had ever been on. Getting caught up in the scenery time was slipping away and need for gas was once again upon us. We rolled into Portnuef with darkness loaming, picked up gas and snacks and back on the trail. Darkness and cold set in quickly and when the trail conditions deteriorated it made the last miles challenging. We arrived somewhat a bit cold and sore but with a sense of accomplishment having travelled 305 miles..
We spoke ofhow easy the next day would be as we were only going to do 200 miles or so .lol
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member # 2, Club Founder, Director, 2003.Dash For Cash Club Champion, 2001 Pole position Dash for cash, 2000 Dash for Cash Champion
Ride Report Friday, 01-23-18 La Malbaie to Forestville
3 senior members of the WPR club (#2, #5,#7), along with 1 rookie (#55) popped the garage door open at the Casino De Charlevoix to embark on 4 days of snowmobiling heaven. Can you be a rookie and be in your 60s? Welcome aboard Bob. We quickly found the wrong way to local trail 378. The trails were groomed pretty well for the most parts. We had issues with directionality and the quick run up to the Ferry at Tadoussac and an estimated 68 miles. It was more like 88 miles.
We would spend the majority of the trip on Trans Quebec route 3. The route seemed to get hillier as we approached the steep hill down to the ferry. It was about noon at this point. We spoke to a couple on Polaris to the delight of #5 and #55. This couple provided us with some interesting local information as well as some on-trail and ferry camaraderie. We headed out again towards Sacre Coeur looking for our first gas fill up. The first station was out of business. We followed the trail along the local highway until it ended. After riding around in circles for 20 minutes, we found a single track up a steep ungroomed hill. This must be the way, right? #5 cruised up first, #2 second, #55 up the hill without incident and then your author and #7. On the two tiered hill, I kind of faded off balance into some fluffy snow, thinking I could power through it. I shifted my grip on the handlebars and hit the kill switch with my gauntlet. Dead motor, I sunk in the loose snow. The boys, without hesitation, came to my rescue by pulling on the skis to get me rolling again. I paraphrase the Pez when I quote him once you are going, go like hell and I did. #5 hiked back up the hill a little winded. #2 and #55 hiked up the hill weezing with their eyes rolling back in their heads visually exhausted. Then the four of us had to traverse across this scary spot and balance at the peak of a mountain with skis on both side of the peak.White knuckles would be a fair description of this part of the trip.
Finally, after losing so much time with missing trail head, a rescue of a stuck sled and wondering where to go, we found Trans Quebec 3 again. We rode balls out for a long, long time. This was probably the longest we went without gas at the 120 mile mark. The clock was beyond 2pm and we had over 150 miles Downeast to reach our destination of Baie Comeau. We started picking up the pace. Cold weather was becoming a factor as the sun started to set. We were in below freezing weather and our destination was quickly becoming out of reach. We rolled up to another gas station 100 miles later and found a hotel in the quaint town of Forestville. This town was a full 60 miles short of our goal. Glasses were freezing, vision was none existent and it was time to call it a day.Physically exhausted and having prayed a few times for the hotel to appear we finally made it. It was a tough 240 miles and around 7:30 at night. We made it, 4 dedicated riders who would have to extend our planned trip to try for Sept Isles the next day.
That promises to be the next chapter in the Charlevoix to Sept Isles story.
