Ok, we will just pick up like we never missed a beat. We ordered in dinner again at the Motel Du Lac. Another Italian dinner night. Spaghetti and Cesar salad for me, I don’t remember what else I saw flying around.
Yesterday’s breakfast we had to call an audible on. The Bistro on premises had a sign in the window saying “Not Open for Lunch Today”. That’s fine, looked like another continental breakfast of cereal, muffins and toast anyways. We found a nice little diner just a couple of klicks away and had a nice sit down, served at the table breakfast. Perfect.
We were on the trail at around 9:30am with only about 160 miles to knock down for the day. I got wrong intel on the trail conditions the night before. They were perfect trails, and no issues.
We kinda kept moving all day. There was heavy snow flurries all day, with strong winds. I’d estimate the winds at a steady 15-20mph and gusts upto 30-35mph. The only real issue I encountered was the snow melted so fast on my heated helmet shield, that I had to keep wiping my shield clean with my brake hand. I can deal with that.
We arrived at the Hotel Amosphere, in Amos QC, at around 2pm. At check in, the rooms were available, and they kept the dining room kitchen open an extra hour for us to order lunch. That was nice, I think it was our first actual lunch on this trip! A hot hamburger with frites, hot wings, and bowls of soup I saw going around.
While we were enjoying our lunch, Ski Doo Matt, Truck Driver Brian, Baby Boy, The Wanderer and Robere’ headed to the local Ski Doo shop for some needed maintenance. Baby Boy’s 850 2 stroke Ski Doo has had his dash lights lit up like a Christmas tree since day 1, and the dealers we have been to so far haven’t been able to remedy the situation. Robere’ has needed a tail/brake light since day 1. Cudos to the Ski Doo Dealer in Amos. Their service department did not hesitate to get the troubled sleds into the service bay and start work on them. If I understood it correctly, am engine temperature sensor was replaced on Baby Boy’s ski doo. Robere’s sled had a loose wire on this rear light harness, and they quickly remedied his ailments. They were able to get back to the hotel to eat the wings we ordered for them, before they got cold.
Oh yea, Yamaha Kevin had his issues. On his way to the neighboring gas station to retrieve his nightly dose of cold rocky mountains, he decided to take a “short cut” thru the ditch of the gas station and his cold beer was even colder in the 4 foot of snow he was now buried in. Fortunately for him, Ski Doo Matt and Baby Boy were passing by on the way back from the ski doo shop, and helped him unbury his buried Yamaha.
For all you followers, all 7 of you, that were so concerned that there was not an effing blog yesterday, I’ll tell you what happened. Robere’ was gone to the ski doo shop, I had the room to myself, and I really felt a nap was needed. It happens folks, sometimes I take a day off. Keep your britches on, things are fine, I’ll catch you up when I catch you up (we do appreciate the concerns)!
Dinner last night was pretty basic, Texas Hamburgers (I know that sounds weird to hear to me as well) Cesar salads with chicken, hot chicken sandwiches and such was the fare. Looked like a pretty good cream of chicken soup was ordered by some as well.
Dinner was at 7pm, and I think with all the idle time during the day, the misfits were ready for an early bed time because everyone pretty much retired afterwards.
This morning’s ski’s up time was the usual 9am, and we were all ready by the usual 8:30am Today’s destination was technically only 60 miles or so away, on the direct route. We spent the day riding loops on the awesome local trail network and took quite a few breaks, The trails were spectacular, and I have to believe everyone enjoyed the ride as much as I did. It was nice being able to just ride, knowing that we couldn’t get into too much trouble today. We even got to have lunch on the trail again. What a treat. I was beginning to think this was a Weight Watchers tour.
But they day was not complete without at least one mishap. The Wanderer, while crossing a road and trying to use the snow bank on the opposite of the road to turn, instead of just bumping the snow bank and turning, his big Ski Doo Expedition decided to just try and climb the snow bank, and ejected him down on to the hard shoulder. He knocked his GoPro off his helmet when he went head first into ground. I naturally gave him a quick concussion test by asking him if he knew his name, what year it is, who is the President. When he couldn’t answer one correct question, we deemed him fine, and put him back on his sled. We don’t have time for this. (He was fine, I am taking artistic freedom and dramatization for you at home). According to the Wanderer, due to equipment failures, we will not have as many pictures today.
We arrived at the Hotel Forestel in Val Dor QC around 3:30/4pm, I’m not exact on the time. I was just so happy to be in early so I could write this blog. Most of the violators are gathered in the bar, and dinner is at 7pm.
Oh, and the shower here is a solid 4.25, Truck Driver Brian has got to be happy.
Today’s In The Helmet With Stick: So, after my shower, I did my obligatory phone call to Mrs. Stick. She shared with me her concerns about whether we were safe or not because I didn’t write the Frost Bytes yesterday. I explained, I don’t know why you think that I spoke with you on the phone yesterday when we got in. She proceeded to tell me “Well I didn’t know if Sasquatch got you or something” I laughed out loud and said I cannot believe you brought up that reference! After lunch, going down the forest trail, I started thinking in my helmet “why don’t we hear about Big Foot anymore the way we did in the 70’s?” I mean Leonard Nimoy and his In Search Of tv show was always trying to find Big Foot. Did Big Foot decide to shave one day and join the general population. Is Big Foot today that crazy uncle Bob with hairy arms and always needs a shave, that creeps out the kids at the family gatherings? I need closure on this.
Anyway, I believe we are headed to Clova QC tomorrow. If that is the case, don’t expect a blog tomorrow either. The last time I was there, about 15 years ago, there was no cellular service and no wifi. The small village, if that’s what you call it, runs on a generator. Things may have changed, but I don’t know. Do what I do, close your eyes and hope for the best.
Bye for now,
Cheers,
Stick