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Al
V's new Ride:
Dec 28 & 29 2004
Chapter
3 : 'St-Gabriel
& the Sugarbush'
Now we have arrived at the top of the mountain overlooking the big
lake beside St-Gabriel-de-Brandon.. Is it Lake Matambin? I should
know this stuff. This 'hill' is very very steep, though the photo
doesn't show it. There are a few icy spots, but no bare spots. The
base is still very good, and there is an inch or so of powder. The
sleds are not heating up.. No problem.
Al gets a shot of me in front of the Erabiliere. The trail is superb.
The St-Gab club has done a fine job grooming. We are heading south.
Al, who knows every trail in Lanaudiere. He says some of the trails
have been moved around. We start a big loop. He pretends we are never
lost. Actually he recognizes everything, except those changed trails.
We stop for gas at Garage Frechette. Mr Frechette isn't sure if he
likes me or not! Later we talk and he smiles! He says there are not
many Americans yet. He station is clean, and he gives us excellent
service.
The St-Gab club shop, and the trail groomers parked, but not for long.
They tell me that all their trails are open, it's a bonus year!
For some reason, my foot is cold. Al laughs and tells me to at least
do up my boot laces. It's really a very nice day for riding. I find
that my borrowed rental boots have seen better days. I look like a
bum! Hahahah! Oh well, good thing I don't take myself too seriously
eh! hahahahaha! Every time we walk into a place, Al gets admiring
glances, and I get the 'bum' look! (like above!) hahahahahahaha!
I can't help myself. I stop everywhere to get photos. Al says I am
part Japanese. I just love the Quebec countryside. The sun disappears,
and the sky turns gray on me. The beauty is all around me in this
subdued light. Lanaudiere is still largely undeveloped in a commercial
sense, so you get less aluminum siding on these old homes, and more
old time style, which I love. I also love the curve in this roof.
We are in the 'flats', where Al said he would lead me. I know why
he wants to go to the 'flats', but he still has to wait.
Hmmm... We head towards Joliette. Trails are excellent. Not one bump.
We cut across an abandon farm. The old buildings are beautiful and
nostalgic. Remember, stay on the trails, and RESPECT private property
here in Quebec. Many of our land owners are on the verge of refusing
access through their lands. When you drive past someone's home, you
should slow right down, and get real quiet. If you have loud custom
pipes, don't come to Quebec. We don't want to loose our trails because
of your lack of respect. The cops are giving fines up to 200 bucks
for the pipes this year.
Finally, Al has 100 miles on the sled, and can now run up to 60 mph!
Chapter
4 here....
