Attention to those with a snowmobiling addiction
The weather and competition was so hot that it melted our SledMagazine.com sign
If this article seems a little rushed or short, my apologies. It was important for me to let you know about a do not miss “get you revved up for another winter of snowmobiling” event before I leave for my annual vacation on the beach in Maine to transition from summer into “much closer to” winter.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again “Nobody does fun and snowmobiling like Quebecers”. On a recent weekend I had the pleasure of attending my 2nd CMEQ water cross series event of 2013 series in Lavaltrie Quebec.
If your snowmobile addiction will not allow you to survive from April to December without the sights, sounds and people of Snowmobiling, water cross is definitely for you. It fills the senses and the soul with all good things.
Sara
The event
The Lavaltrie event was presented and organized by first time promoter Daniel Goyette of les Entreprises Daniel Goyette Inc. and his friendly, very well organized team.
Daniel Goyette
The event was clean and well run with concessions, attractions and services beyond expectation. In addition to typical event offerings the Lavaltrie event also included Chinese and Mexican food, handmade donuts, free balloons and bouncy houses for the kids and even a massage concession which I enjoyed immensely.
massage
Congratulations and Thank you to everyone who’s extra efforts and attention to detail made this event truly exceptional. It was a “do not miss” event and my only mystery was that there were not more Americans making the less than 2 hour trip North of the border to the spectacle. Next year put this CMEQ events on your schedule and bring your camper, if you do not have a rocking good time, I’ll pay for your ticket. It’s that good. If you are hesitant that the spoken language of the event is French, don’t be! This event clearly spoke the universal language of “Snowmobile” and you will be understood with ease and welcomed and accepted as a fellow snowmobiler.
The competition and action
If you’ve never seen snowmobiles race on water, you need to. If you have seen it before, you definitely know that you want to see it again. It’s the irony of the sport that is part of the allure. The challenge of power and balance and the cheating of physics must be seen to be appreciated.
Martin Horik of Octane TV took a successful turn on Robert Bilodeau’s very competitive Auberge Presbytere #56. Hmmmmmm Octane TV and SledMagazine.com, Stay tuned.
Most competitors leave as better Water Cross racers, some leave as better swimmers, everyone leaves with great memories and new friendships. Watching the sleds perform on water could lull you into believing that snowmobiles on water is easy, but upon closer inspection and observation you see the specialization of these sleds, their unique performance and the extremely thin line between a perfect run and a quick trip to the bottom.
The efforts, determination and swimming advancements of novice Water Cross participant and SledMagazine.com / Motoneiges.ca Senior Columnist Phillippe Soucy, give witness to the fact that immediate success in Water Cross does not come easy.
Our partner : Philippe Soucy
The competitors and events
The competitors on the CMEQ (Circuit Montoneige sur l’Eau de Quebec) tour are a dedicated, experienced, supportive and fun loving group from all corners of Quebec. The events include straight line drag racing as well as thrilling circle racing of various laps. One highly competitive group is a team of friends and family from Dolbeau Quebec (Yes that’s a long way home).
Dufour’s Team
The 24 of Benjamin Dufour and his Dufour Racing Team carry the Polaris banner with pride, professionalism, high, performance and winning success.
Ben wins
Team Dufour is joined by family friends Pascal Marceau #60, Sebastien Tremblay #25 and Dave Shmitt #54 also from the Lac St Jean region of Quebec.
In one class of competition this group of 4 friends advance their way into a championship final for a friendly yet fierce battle of friends with #60 Pascal Marceau emerging from the lake victorious.
JumpExhibitions
In addition to day long competition events, spectators were also treated to exciting exhibitions of snowmobiles launching of from a floating ramp as well as snowmobile pulling a wake boarder.
Wake
At the end of the event, SledMagazine.com friend Rene” Guillemette from St Raymond Quebec gave me a ride around the lake. After Rene’s detailed instructions of “just sit there” we were off. A big tour around the lake that left me with a smile and a memory that will stay with me for a years to come.
Greg ride
A big SledMagazine.com Thank you to Rene’ and his GUIR Racing 600 stock #666.
Rene ans Greg
If I have successfully peaked your interest, you still have 2 opportunities to enjoy all that is the spectacle of a championship caliber Water Cross event before the season is over. Don’t think about it or wish to do it, DO IT! Go to the web sites below for complete information and make your plans to attend. DO IT NOW!
The final event of the CMEQ series is the Provincial Championship on September 7 in Frampton Quebec, off Autoroute 73 near St Joseph, Beauce. www.cmeqracing.ca
In Epping New Hampshire the weekend of October 11th will be the largest Snowmobiling event in the Northeastern US. In addition to Championship Water Cross events there will be grass drags, freestyle, a swap meet, vintage displays and more. For complete event schedule and information visit www.nhgrassdrags.com
