Dec 11 2001 JOLIETTE:

Gaétan Gravel, president of the SGDBL Club, talks 'on air', to Bob Petit at the Canadian Tire store in Joliette last Friday about the club's preparations for the upcomming snowmobile season.

He said the club members are working very hard to get everything tip-top for the winter, and that they had about one week of work remaining to do.

The club has two groomer tractors, a BR 400, and a BR 160. Their operators get paid a small honorarium, but Gaétan does it for the love of it, as he has for many many years.

The club has 60 miles of trails which connect no less than 5 other club's trails, thus, Gabriel-de-Brandon, acts as a hub for the local riders.

"We connect five clubs in all: Guillaume-tell, Berthier, St-Barthelémy, and St-Charles-de-Mandeville", he said. Zen can't remember the last one!

Gaétan adds that the club is hosting snowmobile races this year for the first time in a long while. He called it Snow-Cross, and if you need more info, call him and tell him Zenwaiter sent you!

For information, Gaétan says you can call him directly at his office, 450-835-7471.

zw

 

Update December 15 2002

I spoke to Mr Gravel (right) on the phone yesterday and asked for a club update.

Yes, he has been elected President again this year, and confirms that the club has indeed been active again this summer, rebuilding and upgrading their 100 kilometers of snowmobile trails.

The St. Gabriel club acts as an important hub in the region, connecting to St. Jean de Matha, Giaumetell, the Glaciere, St. Damien, St Charles de Mandeville, and the Carcamp Club in Berthier.

The trails have been maintained over the summer by a crew of volounteers and some paid workers.

Last year the club sponsored, for the first time in many years, a snowcross competition in their town. On the day of the event, which drew 700 paid spectators, the weather was mild with rain. " I thought we were going to have 2 people!"

This winter, the event will take place March 8th and 9th. All riders are invited to participate, in a range of classes which can easily accommodate tourists who are just passing by!

This could be a blast for anyone. Who knows, you could win the even in your class!

Gaetan is a friendly guy, but speaks little English. If you need any info on the event or on facilities and or trail conditions in the area, call club member Jacques Charette. 450-835-3326.