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Join a snowmobile club

Join a snowmobile club, and get involved. In many discussions and conversations I had with snowmobilers from Quebec City to Novi Michigan this year, the topic of "Who's gonna take over?" often came up.

There's still alot of grizzled old guys involved with the snowmobiling clubs, and their wisdom in all matters is priceless, but what will we do when they're gone? They have been working as volounteers for years, dealing with government officials, local land owners, and snowmobile organizations. Their experience and knowledge is irreplaceable. We need to encourage the younger riders to attend the committee meetings at the local club house, and realize that there is more to snowmobiling than having your day on the trails. It is a complex sport that relies on thousands of volounteers to keep it rolling. The youth have to step up to the plate.

So, start with hot dogs and beer over a fire somewhere. The youth like beer! Hahaha. Invite the younger guys and gals to come out and cut brush or instal a new culvert, or build a small bridge over a wet spot. They can get their whole family out into the bush and work. Then when the winter comes and they ride through that bit of trail, they will take pride in it and feel a sense of ownership. The new friends they make while volounteering with the club, will keep the attraction going.

Families working together towards a common goal is a rare thing now-a-days, and a good thing. Imagine being out in the woods with a chain saw on your atv with your teenagers, working side by side on a cool project, out in the fresh air. This is good family fun, and a time for bonding. It sure beats the hell out of working out in a gym somewhere, or worse yet, sitting on the couch playing some lame video game.

zw

SledQuebec.com

The snowmobile quebec website zenwaiter.com was created to give snowmobile riders traveling to Quebec to ride, information for all areas including St Zenon, Lac St Jean , Val Dor, Gaspe, St Michele, Latuque, Shawinagan, Quebec City and many other places in between. Snowmobile Quebec has become a major winter sport over the past 30 years and riding the 30,000 km of groomed trails has become very popular with American snowmobilers. one of the hardest things to find is accurate snow and trail conditions, especially early in the year, Our goal is to get the trail and snow conditions direct from Quebec snowmobilers and American riders that go out and get the trail reports first hand, we also ride snowmobiles in Quebec and usually start riding as soon as there is snow, Mt Valin, Val Dor, Lac St Jean, St Zenon, Wherever the snow is in the trail we go to ride quebec, There is a lack of quebec trail information especially on tour loops and area connection. we will be reporting our findings as well as that of others who wish to provide it, we have some locals in all areas of Quebec that will be working with us to get the snow and trail conditions for Quebec riders as early in the season as possible and direct them to the area in canada that has snow and more importantly connections for riders who snowmobile tour in Quebec. Most riders that go to snowmobile Quebec early in the year usually ride local to these areas and are afraid to venture out for the reasons mentioned, A lack of trail and snow information in other linking areas,. I hope to try and help this information pipeline for the trail system of the province of Quebec and provide Americans with more riding information so they can feel better about moving around to different areas.

NY Dave K Rides Again!


Riding in March on Quebec snowmobile trails can bring fantastic results!

Dear Zen;

Just got back from Snowmobile trip # 2 to Quebec. Our 4 day ride turned into a 2 day ride due to rain. Which messed up our loop and forced us to squeezed in over 650 miles into 2 days. Our last day being the longest at 360 miles............. more like work than play.

On day 1 at about 8pm I came around a corner and saw an GIANT Moose in the middle of the trial. He ran in front of us for about a mile before he decided to turn into the woods. Even with his 5 foot tall legs the snow was still past his belly. Def. a cool sight. We saw some deer too. Trails were flat and fast for the most part. One section of 23 we ran about 30 - 40 miles at 80-100+mph : ) Even with the crappy winter I managed to rack 1934 miles on the Mach Z 1000.

Take care,
Dave

They got some rain, some blizzard, some good trails,
and some tough ones, but the bottom line is they had fun!

Hey there Gerry. Hope all is well.

I just got back from my 2nd trip to Quebec. This time I went with Lenny the Land Walrus w/ his 02 XC 800 and Kevin Hanna w/ his 06 Yamaha RTX and me on my 06 Mach Zx 1000. Shane was supposed to come, but had to bail out the last minute. You actually met Kevin w/ us last year and the SawMill in St. Michel for breakfast.......... when you took a pic of Shane w/ your hat on.

Anyway this trip was interesting and very tiresome. We had a 4 day trip planned from Bernard's in Shawinigan to Mt. Valins and back. However, we got messed up due to rain on Friday and more rain planned for Sunday.

Day 1
Thursday we headed from Bernard's up 3 to 23 into St. Raymond. Trails were 8 out of 10. Then from St. Raymond to the Holiday Inn in Jonquiere 23 to 83. Again trails we 8 out of 10. Just outside of St. Raymond we saw a bull moose in the trail. He ran in the trail for about 1 mile in front of us. The thing was massive. He didn't want to get out of the trial, but he did and when he did the snow was up to his belly. We didn't get any pics as it was at night. 305 total miles for Day 1. St. Raymond as a TON of snow!

Day 2
Friday was rain so we stayed in and didn't head to Mt. Valins and figured we'd plan day 3. Due to rain planned for Sunday we figured it might be best to send it all the way back to Shawinigan.

The Mighty Land Walrus pretends he knows where he is!

Day 3
83 from the Holiday Inn in Jonquiere to Lac Saint Jean. Then 83 south on 355 and then 355 to 318 toward Shawinigan. Trials this day were 5 out of 10. The rain and warm temps made things really soft and bumped up during the day, then rock hard at night.

They were grooming in Shawinigan at 11:30 pm when we got there. However, trials there are in tough shape. If Shawinigan doesn't get more snow they're going to be in tough shape. This day kicked the crap out of us. We got on the sleds at 8am and didn't get off them until around mid night. Lenny looked like he rode a Donkey for 300 miles. Total miles for day was 355. (Way too many)

All in all we had a good trip but bit off more than we could chew. 650 miles in 2 days is more work than play. However, we still had fun. When we got back to Bernard's at mid night we jumped in the truck and headed home 4.5 hours back to Lake George - Saratoga Springs NY areas.

Click here to see my photos!

take care,
Dave K

Thanks Dave - I know I can always count on your support! Where is the Moose Picture? Did I mail you a hat yet? If not, pls send me your street address again (for the tenth time!!) I never keep that info - cause it's private of course... well, that's not the real reason, it's because I am so disorganized. But you already knew that.)

Hey - Do you want to be the next "Zen Star"? Then just e-mail me with your photo (do not send more than 3) and a paragraph or two to describe who is in the pics, where they come from, where and when you rode, and how much fun you had.. Send your photo and your report to me at zen@zenwaiter.com

Sponsor of the Week

JP Still Has Snow!



Chris Arbasak Rides in Baie Comeau!

Zen - Here is my sled at the bridge in Baie Comeau last week.

Thanks for the photo Chris - Where is the rest of the story? Send me a quick e-mail, telling me about your trip, and I will mail you a Zen Beannie! zw

Mont Valins & the Saguenay Region
Two adventurous couples from Vermont enjoy Quebec Trails.

Bert & Nancy from Maidstone Lake VT & Bud & Barbara from Derby VT

Hi Zen:

Bert & Nancy here, from Maidstone Lake, VT and Bud & Barbara from Derby, VT.

We had a great 5-day trip to Mont Valin and the Saguenay region. We left the Auberge Gouverneur Shawinigan on Monday Feb. 20 and headed east on 3. There was a good 3'-4' of snow in most places. 3 from the junction 351 was freshly groomed. After lunch and a quick side trip to the Ice Hotel we made it to Mont Sainte Anne for the night, staying at the Chalet Montmorency. 320 through Mont Sainte Anne was not well groomed.

Tuesday morning we headed east on 320 back to 3 with a stop for breakfast at a relais run by a very nice young couple, Eric and Judy, near the junction of 320 and 3. We then continued on 3 to Baie Sainte Catherine and the ferry to Tadoussac. Trails were mostly good, and we followed the groomer for about 10 miles before reaching Baie Sainte Catherine. Tuesday night found us at the Hotel Motel Coronet in Sacre Coure.

Next morning it was west on 93 toward Mont Valin with a stop for lunch at LA'Chapelle.

Travel trailers parked along side 93 between Sacre Coure and LA'Chapelle.
This snow must be close to 8' or 9' deep.

This area had just received a major dumping of snow and although 93 had been groomed the snow had not had a chance to set up and was quite soft. Wednesday night found us at the Holiday Inn in Jonquiere. Thursday morning it was off on 83 west to the junction of 23, then south on 23 to Auberge Relais L'Etape. Trails were good until the junction of 23 and 369, then pretty bumpy into L'Etape. We had a few inches of snow Thursday night and Friday morning we headed south on 23 to Saint-Raymond.
2 Bert (front) Nancy (middle) and Barbara (last) on 23 between L'Etape and Saint-Raymond

This area picked up 5"-6" of new powder the night before and the trees were very picturesque. After lunch in Saint-Raymond we headed north on 73 (it was perfect) then on 353, 318, and 351 back to Shawinigan. Weather was great the whole trip with early morning temperature around 10 F and daytime highs in the mid-20s with off and on light snow everyday. Total of 795 miles. Overall grooming was less than what we have come to expect, but much of that is probably due to the very heavy snow experienced the weekend before we arrived. Looking forward to another short trip in a couple weeks with my son.

Bud Buchanan

Excellent work my son, though I would have enjoyed a third photo, where I could see the faces of all four of you! Readers make a note - in future - always send Zen 3 photos, (yes I know, I changed the rules!!) including a photo of the happy faces! But - all in all Bud, I rate you with 4 stars out of a possible five! Your photos are excellent, and your text is first class. As you know, your fabulous Zen Hat is in the mail! I expect more reports from you in future.
You da Man Bay-bee!
xoxoxox
zw

Hey - Do you want to be the next "Zen Star"? Then just e-mail me with your photo (do not send more than 3) and a paragraph or two to describe who is in the pics, where they come from, where and when you rode, and how much fun you had.. Send your photo and your report to me at zen@zenwaiter.com

 

Book your Quebec Snowmobile Rentals NOW!

Call these honest folks for a weather report & trail conditions!

Laurentians
Wanda at the Esterel 1-888-378-3735
Cathy at 100 Lacs:Mont Laurier- 1-877-440-4545 or 819-971-1240
Comfort Inn at Mont Laurier

Mauricie
Shawinigan - Anie at Auberge du Trappeur 1-819-532-2600
Mekinac - Richard 1-819-646-5735
St-Joseph de Mekinac - Diane & Jean Beaulieu 1-819-646-5242
Shawinigan South- Crazy Bernard 1-819-536-2664
Shawinigan - Hotel Escapade - Denny 1-800-461-6911

Lanaudiere
Anne in St-Michel-des-Saints - (sled rentals) 1-800-833-6015
'Map Man' Denny - on Lake Taureau- 1-866-833-1171
Marcel at the Glacciere Motel

 

Quebec Snowmobile Rentals

Snowmobile Rental Business Booming in Snowy Quebec


Dec 19 2005: Daniel from Location Haute Matawinie, the St-Michel-des-Saints Polaris and Bombardier snowmobile dealership, captains his brand new semi truck, hauling 22 Bombardier 550 fan cooled sleds to a rental dealership near Quebec City. To see all the photos of my day in Quebec; Click Here!

 

Zen's Chuckle of the day Here

 

Go back to last week here

Welcome to our snowmobile web site, for real snowmobilers! We try to give you the real story on all the topics that matter to you and your family.

When it comes to snowmobiling info on the Net, we work our butts off to try to make it real. If you have any questions, please contact us. Snowmobiling in Quebec with your friends and family is an awesome way to enjoy a Canadian winter holiday. You are gonna need trail maps, weather conditions, and a whole lot of friends. On ZW we try our best to help you find what you need.


Jack from Milford Michigan

Zens fan in Novi MI..
I had the honour of meeting Jack, on Saturday afternoon at the Novi Michigan snowmobile show. Jack has been snowmobiling for 146 years, and has loved every minute of it.

When he explained that he has followed our web site since the very beginning, I really felt special. Hard to believe a guy could read my crap for nine years without throwing up. I recorded our conversation for Zen Talk - so be sure to listen to the show sometime soon. Thanks Jack for your support. Your loyalty to this site is appreciated dude! XOXOX zw

When it comes to snowmobile destinations, we pride ourselves in being in the know. It's the one place that we shine. Have an inquiry about a certain sled joint? Get hold of us. Need a rental sled? We can help you find one.

Thanks to all our snowmobile sponsoring businesses, we help you stay in the loop. We hops to talk to you soon, or see you on the trails this winter in Quebec! zw

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Internet Inovators Spread Sled Info; Quebec Snowmobilers Use Internet 4 Good

Montreal QC - - October 22, 2008: That's me on the left - In the centre is Marc Thibeault from www.motoneiges.ca , and on the right is Bob Petit, Quebec author, broadcaster, and snowmobile pioneer in Quebec. In English check out www.sledmagazine.com

All three of us are using the Internet to promote truth, safety, sobriety, and sanity on Quebec Trails. We also write about the new technology, trail conditions, destinations, and more. We have all but abandoned the printed page, owned by the man, for the freedom and power of the Internet.

Visit Bob's website here.. http://www.bobpetit.ca/ Bob uses hundreds of photos and videos to chronicle the history of ATV and snowmobile activity in Quebec, and much much more. Bob has a unique perspective, because he was organizing snowmobilers back when it all began in the 1960's, and he has been recognized by everyone, and every level of government and ngo's for over 40 yrs of volunteerism. He has won every snowmobile tourism honour and award there is, and a few that were created just for him. He still writes weekly articles for local newspapers and appears on snowmobile tv shows regularly. He is Mr Snowmobile in Quebec, and deserves our recognition and our respect. He has built a small museum on his property, that documents the truth of Quebec's snowmobile development history. Get ahold of me, and I can set you up a personal tour. He is in St-Jean-de-Matha..

http://www.zenwaiter.com/ has been "on the air" (Internet air that is) for nine years. I found it exhilarating to have the power to spread good helpful information to the snowmobile community, and I found it cool to be part of the snowmobile family. When I go to a show, I get hugs and appreciation from my readers. I feel I have helped many people to create family memories with their favorite sport, by helping them to organize holidays and avoid some pitfalls. This winter I am still pushing ahead with three Radio Podcasts a week, where I interview everyone and anyone about sledding. I am also experimenting with my web cast on Blog TV. This is where I broadcast live and record at the same time, then store the video on http://www.blogtv.com/ Search for Zenwaiter. I also have a regional photo album, a YOUTUBE station with over a hundred video clips, a discussion board and way more, too much to mention.

Marc in the centre, heads up a popular French language snowmobile magazine that is growing online. There was a huge buzz around his booth at the Quebec City Sled Show. He told me in an interview on Zen Talk, that he hopes to provide snowmobile trail conditions, provide an events calendar, and has a special long trial period evaluation program, where five of his gang get a free sled to drive around all winter. I guess they write detailed reports for the readers on their impressions of the machines. (I wish I had thought of that idea - I still have to pay for my own sled after nine years! hahah). Good for you Marc! I hope your web site will live long and prosper. You sure have people excited about it, that's for sure. Most of the articles I found on his site are press releases from the manufacturers, which is handy. If I have time this winter, I'll send you a few of my own to re-print on your English side. http://www.sledmagazine.com/

This beautiful young woman, known among sledheads as Belle des Neiges, is a well known Internet blogger and a snowmobile activist. She goes beyond the screen work on her web site, to the real world. Her organization strives to represent the rights and will of the real snowmobiler, by organizing and mobilizing large groups of snowmobilers when necessary.

This woman rides over 7,000 kilometers per year on some of Quebecs best trails, somewhere midway between Quebec City and Lac St Jean, the inland sea. She is no Internet pretender - she's the real article. A special ed school teacher by day, and a sledder every weekend. Visit her web site for more http://www.admdq.org/

This will be winter number nine for me online, talking about sledding. Did I make any money yet? Nope. I got a free jacket from a snowmobile apparel sponsor, and I get complimentary rooms now and again, but I feel I have earned all of that. I have paid my dues. I think this Podcast Radio thing on I-Tunes that I have going, just may one day pay off! Imagine if I-Tunes one day, allows me to charge one buck for every download of my show. Then I could pay my rent!

Thanks everyone for reading this story. I hope to hear from you this winter. Come be a guest on my Zen Talk snowmobile radio show. Send me photos of your trip for my albums. Make comments on my disscussion boards about the trail conditions. Send in a cash donation if you win the state lottery! hahaha. (no really) or become a sponsor through your business.

Stay safe out there, and feel free to email me if you have any qns about sledding in Quebec this winter. I'm connected! I'd love to help out if I can.

zen@zenwaiter.com

Cheers!

zw
http://www.zenwaiter.com/

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