1-21-05, Eight Day trip to Val Dor

Al Gibson, Mark Johnson and David Lavoie Set out on a 1600 mile excursion from LaTuque to Val Dor, The daily low was -35c and the high on most days was -25c

Headed out on Saturday the 22nd and rode to St Felicien by Relais 22, Trails were fair with a definite shortage of snow.

Recognize this Place? Its a Dump 20 miles from Relais 22 but a welcome stop when its 35 below, Make sure you bring your own wood.

Relais 22 Decent food and a good place to stay if you are in need of shelter.The last 18 miles before St Felicien was 1 inch of ice with a light dusting of snow and the trail to roberval has been changed to a semi goatpath due to the road that the old trail was on is open for logging.

The trail To Chibougamu (can you say Chibougamu Fred) was in great condition and plenty of snow The gas at the logging camp half way was a welcome site and a good home cooked meal was OK as well.

Great Trails

Pyro Poses by the Darth Vader rig (Mach Z) Make sure that you have plenty of belts and spark plugs for this unit.

Club Halterparche a perfect example of the huge snowfall in the north, 

Fresh snow on a groomed trail makes for a nice ride to Chibougamu

Chibougamu Has more than enough Snow as well and The trails are great.

Relais Barriere Nord has friendly people and a warm stove.

Go Pat's

The intersection for Ouje-Bougamo is just outside of Chibougamo

HoosyaBoogamo

Some serious bumps for a while but Bangable at 100 mph plus

From Chapais to Miquelon is 85 miles of pedal to the metal and is flat as your cement floor. and make sure that you have extra gas if you have a lead thumb.

Smooth and plenty of snow

Even Al Has his rig cranked up to warp speed

Was that my digital camera that fell through there.

Good thing my belt didn't break

From Seneterre to Baraute Another fine ride but very cold.

Andre Hebert's warming hut was a welcome site

I'm Ready, What are you dicking with now

More fine trails

Covered bridge on the way to Val Door

A fun ride not usually seen

Groomer on the way to Amos There is 5 feet up here if theres an inch

sun through the trees at the creek

Relais on the way to LaSarre        

If you make it to Vilebois beware that there is no gas there is  in the middle of the trail over the top on the way to Matagami.

Trails Are good but you are looking at 150 miles

Here is the gas stop 85 miles from Vilebois But don't dare ask to get warm, You are on your own for another 85 miles, Only the hearty will travel this loop but it is what separates the men from the boy's.

This is the welcome site at the other end in Matagami.

Plenty of heat but you will have to get it going on your own.

Matagami to Balbuzard, about 229 miles, The next morning at -37

Resto Clova, The last 30 miles shares the trail with a Pickup truck, Be Carefull

Club halterparche, The trail from Parent was great, You can get a great home cooked meal here.

The owners are there to take care of you and are very friendly.

Railroad Bridge with snowmobile ramp in wemontacheie

Finally back to latuque and the Pulp Mill

1600 miles even and loading up, ( Had Enough Yet)