I continue my trip from Montmagny. We ride an average of 150 to 200 km per day.
On the website of Tourism Chaudière-Appalaches, you will see different circuits available in accordance with your endurance.
Trail and snowmobile
Leaving for the Beaucerons’ Country
This morning, our destination from Thetford Mines is Sainte-Marie de Beauce. About 15 cm of snow have fallen last night. The white carpet makes our ride a little tougher, but still pleasant. Trees are covered with this fresh snow and we feel like riding inside a tunnel.
Suspension bridge
After a few kilometers on this fresh snow, we went on the bridge over lake William, groomed by Club des motoneigistes du Lac William, in Saint-Ferdinand; they have been able to achieve this structure thanks to the financial participation of local merchants and the Caisse Desjardins. When I see such participation of local merchants, I realize the important economic impact of snowmobiling for the cities and villages in regions during winter.
Postal card landscape
After a short stop at the suspension bridge, we went in the village of Saint-Ferdinand d’Halifax. Arriving in a valley, we saw only agricultural fields as far as the eyes could see, with windmills overhanging the valley. This view just hypnotized me until the moment I took my camera to take photos to immortalize this panorama worthy of a postal card.
Then, we head for Lyster where we had a snack and a short rest before continuing towards our final destination.
I take a few seconds here to mention that I had our snowmobiles blessed before continuing our adventure. Thanks to the parish priest.
In front of the church
Snowmobile relay
Trails are absolutely wonderful. Grooming machine operators are experts; almost no bump here and our ride has been very enjoyable. Near the village of Saint-Gilles, we stopped to warm up our cold muscles in a relay open 24/7.
Relay in Saint-Gilles
We talked with many retired persons. I thought it was crowded for a week day. They were unanimous to say that they prefer to go snowmobiling on week days because there are fewer machines on trails. We had fun listening to their snowmobile stories. It took me back in time.
Gathering point
The closer we get to Beauce, I noticed the larger number of snowmobile relays. This is unique is some regions of the Province of Québec, because they get increasingly rare anywhere else. And I think this is sad, because a relay is a gathering point for club members, the heart of the club.
Maple groves
The Beauce area is the Maple Country. When we arrive near Sainte-Marie de Beauce, we cross maple groves that are more and more abundant and with enormous quantity of trees. It is a very attractive scenery.
Sainte-Marie de Beauce
View over Sainte-Marie de Beauce
Sainte-Marie de Beauce is located in a valley. The trail offers an exceptional view. It was like opening large doors that invited us to enjoy all the amenities offered to snowmobilers. In the city, it is very easy to access any service like lodging, restaurants, gas stations. The day is over and tomorrow will be the last day of my tour in this region full of treats for snowmobilers.
Last day
I am a little sad in the morning because this is our last day and we must ride back towards Montmagny, but still continuing our visit. It is -35 °C. Our destination this morning is the Massif du Sud. We ride more in mountains, but also in valleys; this makes our ride very attractive.
Massif du Sud
After a few hours, we stop in Saint-Léon-de-Standon, a small village near the Massif. At the relay of the sport club, we meet Mrs Céline Corriveau, the manager. She told us that they are 225 members in the club and that the relay is open from Wednesday through Sunday. Employees are all volunteers, the only way the club can survive.
Relay in Saint-Léon-de-Standon
A visitor from Québec City
On the site, we also talked with Mr Denis Lessard, a snowmobiler from Neufchâtel, a district of Québec City. I asked him his reasons for his snowmobile ride in this area. He said : “Trails are always well groomed, signs are easy to follow, we receive a warm welcome and most of all, the panoramas are extraordinary. Also, we have a wide choice of circuits in accordance with the kilometers we wish to ride during our day.”
Reception
Signs
The retired riders
Short stop for lunch at the Massif-du-Sud ski station where snowmobilers are also welcome. By the way, they offer a very interesting menu. During my meal, I met two retired persons, Mr Clément Leblanc and his spouse Claudette, who used to be farmers.
They appreciate this region for its landscape and its residents’ reception. They come here since 2004 for snowmobiling in the Appalachian mountains. Each year, they spend one week without riding on the same trails, which is a specific characteristic of this region. They ride 15 000 per season and they intend to come back next season in the region of Chaudière-Appalaches.
View of the Appalachian mountains
Mont Saint-Magloire
After lunch, we headed for Mont Saint-Magloire. During the ascent, we could see windmills far away. As we were approaching, we were getting closer to these giant fans. I had a crush and I could not believe there was such an amazing view over this region. At top, the windmills were above the mountains and the view was astonishing. I put my snowmobile in front and I looked at this fantastic view on the Appalachian mountains.
The mountains
Mont du Midi
When we went down Mont Saint-Magloire, we stopped on Mont du Midi. Covered with snow and ice, trees looked like mummies. We enjoyed another great view over the mountains. We went on snowmobiling towards our final destination.
Two hours later, we arrive in Montmagny and we store our snowmobiles. This trip is over and we are very satisfied with the wonderful places we have discovered. I hope you had fun touring with me and that you will choose the region of Chaudière-Appalaches for a trip during your 2016 season.
For more information : www.chaudiereappalaches.com
La Voix des motoneigistes wishes you a pleasant and safe ride, your life is important to us.
