Lets keep this post as THE post for the Canadian Ride for 2007. The last two Canadian rides have been in Cochrane, the year prior to that was in Haliburton, both beautiful areas to ride.

After speaking with a few SW'ers, I would like to suggest New Liskeard. This area usually keeps it's snow till April, is not too far to get to, has alot of reasonable accomodations, and a great variety of trails and destinations. There is also alot of off trail areas, and, if you wish, Quebec. One of our members in the area (Rottie) has indicated that he could assist in planning rides and events, and has close connections with the local clubs. He is currently checking availabilty of local accomodations ....

I will be riding this area March 9th to 11th regardless. If the fellow SW'ers would like to make this time (or perhaps March 7th to 11th) the official Canadian Ride, I can commit to helping organize the run.

Your thoughts?

Sounds great MikeD, I'd like to think that Rachel and I can make it, but she won't know her holidays until the month before, but I will be able to make it!!! Anything to get to ride with you again!! Learn me the deep snow riding!!

That sounds like a good ride

Sounds good to me Mike.

I'll just be getting back from our cruise then.
I know Cody was looking forward to going to Cochrane again but that was partially due to the off-trail riding.
I've riden New Liskeard area but only on their awesome trails.
If you can promise him similar off trail riding, I'm sure I can twist his arm.
Now Jacqui on the other hand could be a different story.
I'm not sure she'd be up to the long drive up from almost as far south as you can get in Canada. :D

Jeff

sounds like a good ride Mike but we can;t commit depending on health issues'It will be the first one we've missed :(

I'm sure at least catdoo and I are in.

i'll need to pass on this one. will be in cochrane that week.

I still want to make it to one of these rides but you know, it is a far way from west central manitoba... One of these years maybe.



Bauer

Still WAY EARLY folks .... there are plenty more details to work out but please keep the comments and input coming. Suggestions are welcomed as well.

Any off-trail riding would be cool... hopefully Rottie can hook us up :)

We dont have near the off trail capabilities around liskeard like they have in cochrane however there are several decent places to "play". Around liskeard is alot of private land so respecting the landowners property is very important.

Hey steve take them out to Goganda

Hey steve take them out to Goganda
[/b]

The mining road west towards Campbell Lake was fun when I did it about 3 years ago. You should be able to do a loop west to Gowganda & back no problem. The local trail to Golden Eagle Camp & Matachewan follows a power line for quite a ways. Plus TOP A west of Hwy 11 is on a power line as well. Have to becareful as we saw where somebody had pancaked a rock trying to climb a hill.

Mike, we'll be passing thru the area in the middle of February. I'll post what I see.

Yes the Top A from elk lake to kenogami has a few spots to play. there is also a good power line along the highway between elk lake and matachewan. There's no shortage of old logging roads thats for sure.

Mike, I'm not trying to put a spin on this thread, but you did say you were open to other suggestions.

I just came across a post that Idooski posted some time ago, suggesting going to the area north of Sault St. Marie. He said it might keep it more accessible to the U.S. riders coming from that area. I personally have never rode that area so I can't comment on conditions there. If I remember correctly reading one of Revrnd's posts, it's pretty rugged terrain out there.

Jeff

Mike, I'm not trying to put a spin on this thread, but you did say you were open to other suggestions.

I just came across a post that Idooski posted some time ago, suggesting going to the area north of Sault St. Marie. He said it might keep it more accessible to the U.S. riders coming from that area. I personally have never rode that area so I can't comment on conditions there. If I remember correctly reading one of Revrnd's posts, it's pretty rugged terrain out there.

Jeff
[/b]


I'm really looking forward to riding that area (some day, hopefully within the next 2 years) .. unfortunately, with other restrictions I'm facing this year, I can't venture too far. I've got a cottage rented in Gravenhurst for Jan and Feb and a long (4 day) week end for the Cdn ride is all I'll likely be able to swing and I'd like to spend a week to 10 days if I head north of the Sault.

I'll have to check my schedule in the new year. I'm looking for a new job so I don't know how that will affect my time off this season.
As long as there is at least one day of off trail riding, I'll doo my best to be there.
Powder lines and sand pits rule.
Mr. Stuckedness

C'mon folks ... keep the suggestions coming. Just cuz I've suggested NL doesn't mean the run will be there. We have to do this democratically. How 'bout we collect a bunch of suggestions here, then transfer them to a poll for a vote?

Kinda like ...

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard


etc...

All I'd ask, is that IF you suggest an area you'd be planning on coming to that ride ...
Keep in mind, the area would have to offer a variety of terrain, decent accomodations and a SW member SHOULD live in the area to help plan things..

Sound good?

Why not Timmins? Centrally located to most of your suggestions (except the Sault). I've heard theres great power lines for off trail riding, and the groomed trails are wide and super nice. Could even do day loops to N.L., Cochrane, Sudbury, etc. etc.

Just another suggestion, and no, unfortunately, I don't live near there, but sometimes wish I did!!!

I know a nice power line ride in the French River bridge area. The place I stay at is not really big enough for the whole SW group though. They have 2 cottages that have running water and the other 5 or 6 don't.

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard
5) French River area
6) Timmins

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard
5) French River area
6) Timmins
[/b]

7) Newfoundland

NFLD was the original plan for the Ontario ride from 3 years ago. I completely forgot, so it has been added to the list. I can't go, but it shouldn't stop others.

Lets get the balance of the towns in for the end of November, we'll vote on it then. Much later and we'll run the chance of not getting accomodations.

Michael

I vote for Newfoundland... if somebody else is paying :)

I vote for Newfoundland... if somebody else is paying :)
[/b]
Me too!!! I haven't been to NFLD snowmobiling since Jan.05, and it's killing me, and I don't know if I'll be able to swing it again this year. What with work and the cost and time to get out there it's not an easy one to pull off, especially as I've been trying to plan a trip to Moosenee this year as well.

Of the other choices you've listed, I'd have to vote for Timmins too. There are lots of power lines, lots of sand pits, lots of lakes and rivers, lots of open water, and lots of trails. The motels kind of suck, as do the restaurants, but I spend so much time on the road eating in restaurants that I think they all suck, so what do I know?

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard
5) French River area
6) Timmins
7) Newfoundland

Im looking wondering if I could go.
Having a prob right now.
Monique is wanting to sell her sled as her work hasnt paid her for 50 hrs of overtime.
So she behind the 8ball right now.
I think she is talking crap., she wont sell it.
But if she does, I have a sitter for the dogs.
Anybody want a roommate that snores?

As I said before.....Elliot Lake is where it's at! Here's a map with distances in kilometers (Divide by 1.6 to get miles) for possible day or 2 day trips. The trails are beautiful and are winding, hilly trails as opposed to straight, flat (what I call boring) trails. There are literally 2000 lakes within a 200 km radius of the City....so.....you wanna play???, and there is lot of fresh powder off the trails if you're lookin to get stuck.
http://www.firesideinn.org/Graphics/map600.JPG

As I said, our trails are very well groomed, but they aren't straight and flat. They are Intermediate, to advanced level trails and riders have to stay sharp at all times, as there are LOTS of blind corners and hilltops. Local lakes are up to 10 km in length and are normally covered with lots of powder and snowdrifts off trail.
The city is more than capable of accomodating everyone. We have 3 hotels, and 2 Lodges out in the bush. One hotel (Algo Inn) has a caged-in compound so guests can just pull thier sleds in and lock them up for the night.
Here's a few pics posted on the Dunlop Lodge website.
http://www.dunloplodge.com/snowmachines.htm
We also have a Polaris dealer and a Doo dealer in town for any repair needs, as well as a repair shop which specializes in sled repair. There is also what is probably the largest snowmobile "scrap yard" in the country if you're looking for parts for older sleds, or hard to find vintage parts. We have an Amsoil dealer, as well as a large outdoor fishing/hunting store if you happen to forget your outer wear at home (helmets, suits, gloves, boots, goggles, thermal wear, etc.)
ALL of the above mentioned services are snowmobile trail accesable!!!

You've convinced me, rvanderklok. Do you work for Elliott Lake tourism? If not, you should :)

MikeD, might as well throw Elliott Lake on the list as well.

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard
5) French River area
6) Timmins
7) Newfoundland
8) Elliot Lake


Generally speaking, areas like Cochrane, SSM, New Liskeard, Timmins have good conditons in to mid March and later. How do the others normally fair? If we did a ride in say French River, I think we'd have to move it up to Feb to give ourselves a good chance for snow yes?

Tell you what vanderklok, if the Cdn ride doesn't end up at Elliot this year, I think there would be quite the push for next year ..... can we expect to see you at the ride this year? regardless of where it is?

First off, Elliot Lake's trails USUALLY are ridden by the locals (who really know the trails) into Early - mid april. Basically, we're the same as SSM or Timmins/Cochrane.....not quite as much snow, but usually a 2 ft packed base by the end of the season, with about 4-5 feet of powder if you step off trail to pee. :D

Secondly, I really don't know if I'll be able to make it this year. I'm moving and therefore can't afford a newer sled, and I found out last year, that my sled's a PIG on gas when my little 485 fan with LOW gearing, is trying to keep up with the bigger machines. (They're 1/4 throttle doing 70 km, and I"m 3/4 throttle). But I can't say for sure. My sister-in-law has moved to New Liskeard, so anywhere up that way would be a good excuse to give the wife to go for a weekend. I was really counting on Cochrane last year, but had some last minute issues to deal with, which was kind of upsetting.
IF the ride was in Elliot Lake, I would definately hook up with the group for SOME riding (and cold ones.....speaking of which....I think I owe you a drink Mike). And I would also help in arranging a "tour guide" if necessary. Or at least some locals to ride with.
BUT BEWARE!!!!! An Elliot Lake ride would probably mean alot of people would be spending thier hard earned money COMMING BACK to Elliot Lake, and may not be able to show up for future SW rides.... :devil:
Heck....a few may even move up here! Did I mention you can buy a 3 bedroom home for $60,000? Or a waterfront lot for $40,000? :whistling:
Anyway, enough advertising....no I dont' work for EL Tourism, but I came here on vacation 6 years ago and stayed! I love it here and think everyone should have the opportunity to experience "God's Country".

Just out of curiosity, what kind of riding is done during these rides? Gone all day? Or gone for a few hours, then back for lunch, and the group going thier own ways and exploring for a few hours, then re-grouping and an evening ride to a local lodge for dinner and drinks??? Are there any "extra curricular" events done by riders? Like Ice fishing, or a friendly game of texas hold'em, etc.? If any of you are into some ice fishing, the fishing is great up here....actually....the Dimestore Fishermen should be up filming a few shows this winter.......oooops.....did I say that out loud???? :undercover: Bob Izumi also does numerous shows up here, as does Snomobiler TV....or maybe it was SnowTrax (they went out with R&S Tours last year).....did the "Snow train" run, where you actually drive your sled up into a train and go in by train. (Kinda costly though).
ALSO.....we're about 2 hrs drive (car/truck) from Sault. Michigan, or 7 hrs from Buffalo NY. So the American riders can get an idea as to how thier drive would be.

Hehehe.....just got the green light for New Liskeard......Basically though, a "no go" for anywhere other than NL or EL.

rvanderklok;
From the past SW rides I've been on we often ride as much as posible leaving in the morning and returning in the evening.
We usually have a few difrent groups riding from all OFSC trail to as much off trail as posible.
We often break into groups, easy intermediate, fast, off-trail.
Having a local destination of interrest like a look-out point were all the groups can meet during the day is nice.
When we rode to the Abitibi canyon all the groups would meet at the gas/food trailer via difrent departure times and routes.
At the end of the day we often meet at one spot and share the days events and plans for the following day.

I for one will ride as much off trail as posible during the day and like to ride the OFSC trails back after dark if it's posible.
I've heard of the trails in that area and would very much like to ride some of more technical ones with the big hills.

I'm not a speed freek but will cruse at a good clip.
I don't try to keep up to the 800s and bigger mills on the straight stretches but they don't have to wait long for me to catch up. In the twisties and off trail my 600 gade seems to hold it's own.

Off trail, I'll ride whatever feels rite and I have no problem stopping and riding a good hill or jump a few times.
I've been a back sweeper for a few of the Cochrane rides and have no problem bring up the back of any intermediate to advanced pack.

I'm still not sure if I can go but will doo all I can to join the ride were ever it is held.
Off trail rules.
Fraz

First off, Elliot Lake's trails USUALLY are ridden by the locals (who really know the trails) into Early - mid april.
[/b]

That's good to hear, means we don't have to change the date if EL is chosen ....



Secondly, I really don't know if I'll be able to make it this year. And I would also help in arranging a "tour guide" if necessary. Or at least some locals to ride with.
[/b]

Glad to hear you're making it (later post) at least if it's NL or EL. If EL is chosen, I would expect you to step up and organise some routes and guides, also aid in block bookings (hotels) and meeting rooms.


Just out of curiosity, what kind of riding is done during these rides? Gone all day? Or gone for a few hours, then back for lunch, and the group going thier own ways and exploring for a few hours, then re-grouping and an evening ride to a local lodge for dinner and drinks??? [/b]

In the passed, we've pretty much gone out for a full day with a stop somewhere for lunch, back after dark. With the different interests, riding styles and abilities, we would be best advised to have a few rides to different areas available each day. We don't ride to dinner and drinks unless alternate transportation could be arranged for those "drinking." Obviously, if we could all stay in one establishment, it would be beneficial. People are always welcome to head out on there own if they don't wish to ride with the group.


Are there any "extra curricular" events done by riders? Like Ice fishing, or a friendly game of texas hold'em, etc.?
[/b]

There might be some interest in ice fishing or other activities, but most show up to ride and get together with the others. I'm sure a few would site for a game of cards, later in the evening that is ... maybe we could work that on a charity angle??

Anyhow, thanks for your great interest and input. Once we've decided where we are going., the real work starts. If it's EL, I hope you'll help.

If it's EL, I hope you'll help.[/b]
Of course I'll help....whether it's this year or next year. If the ride is in NL, then I'll come up and bring some pictures of the trails, lakes, and accomodations. Mainly Dunlop Lodge....I think that would be the place to be. It's where all the locals go for a 45 min ride (one way) and hang out. Great food, cold drinks, right on a 10 km long lake, and right on an OFSC trail. (About a 15 min. car ride to town for all the ameneties.) I'm going to find out how much advanced notice they need for a large booking. I know sledding season is thier busiest time, and I really think that would be the most enjoyable place to stay from a snowmobiler's point of view. To be honest with you, seeings I'm the only local to EL here, it would probably be easier to do the run next year......HOWEVER, Elliot Lake's always ready to accomodate. The only problem I can see with a run this year.....is where do we start? There's so much to see, and so many miles to ride up here, comming up with "flight plans" will be quite difficult, as I'd want everyone to see and ride the best.....and......well.......it's ALL the best!
AND a NL ride that I was able to attend, would show me what I'm up against, and what everybody likes/dislikes.
I was also thinking about maybe going to a few local businesses and getting them to offer a % discout for SW riders. As well as maybe some local charity involvement.....maybe a bit of media attention....... Elliot Lake has really been pushing the tourism industry, and I know the town would welcome a great group of sledders with open arms. Maybe we'd get lucky and have some racing in the area during the ride time. Elliot Lake has hosted a CSRA race, and Blind River used to have snow drags every year, but has cancelled them for this year. Who knows what the 2008 race seasons will bring.

Hehehe.....just got the green light for New Liskeard......Basically though, a "no go" for anywhere other than NL or EL.
[/b]
Timmins is just as close to you as New Liskeard, and really, there's more to do there.

Does Elliot Lake get more snow then Espanola? I haven't been to EL in the winter, but every time I've been to Espanola I've been amazed at the lack of snow compared to areas further east.

I'm sure there's no lack of lakes though. One of the amazing things about Ontario is how much water there is.

Average annual snowfall for Elliot Lake is 8-9 feet. With about 5 feet of powder off trail on average, in the bush. In open areas there's less. Normally about 2 feet on the lakes with 3-4 foot drifts. We usually have a trail base of about 2 feet of packed snow by the end of february (on regularly groomed trails).

http://cyelont.tripod.com/cyel/id34.html

I'm looking forwrd to seeing which location the SW faithfull choose for this years ride.

My 2 cents

Elliot Lake as it would be close for the midwesterners from the states and only 1hr from Sudbury 2from North Bay and 3-4 from Muskoka

or

Timmins

Those I would consider a day trip but who would want me around + a ride a Cat :lol2:

Damn mid-march trips.

I swear you do this to keep me away Mike.

I vote Timmins, with Elliot Lake as a second choice.

I'm looking forwrd to seeing which location the SW faithfull choose for this years ride.
[/b]
Elliot Lake (1st) and New Liskeard (2nd).
I've never been to EL and would like to give the area a try.
I don't realy care were it is, as long as we can ride at least one day of off trail.

Keep an eye out ... I'll likely have a poll going by the end of the week.

I would say Timmins is a little more central and has all the amenities,great area for day trips etc.
Elliot Lake very nice area also,just a little more out of the way,day trips are a little more limited etc.


Just my 2 cents

Sammy

Any more suggestions as far as locations? Tomorrow is the end of November ....

Any more suggestions as far as locations? Tomorrow is the end of November ....
[/b]
Well, there's always good old North Bay. It is, after all, "The Gateway To THe North".

Though of course then I won't have an excuse to get out of town for a weekend.

1) Cochrane
2) Sault Ste Marie
3) Sudbury
4) New Liskeard
5) French River area
6) Timmins
7) Newfoundland
8) Elliot Lake
9) North Bay

I hope to get the POLL started shortly ...

The vote is complete, New Liskeard is the location. Now, who will be attending and who can help out?

Comments and suggestions please .....

I'll be able to head up for a ride at least. If anyone is interested in parking their rig in North Bay and riding to Liskeard, let me know, I've got ample parking available, just a couple of minutes ride from the groomed trail. Very good access just off hwy 11 north.

how long is the rtide from North Bay to NL

Well, I'll doo my best to be there Mike.
Can't say just what the new Year has in store for me though.

If I doo go, I'd be interrested in riding up from NB NewfieBullet.
We'll talk closer to the date and see if our schedules work out.

I'm sure we can enough off trail to fill a day.
Power lines and a couple of sand pits works for me.

how long is the rtide from North Bay to NL[/b]
It's about 250km, and all major trails, so a fairly easy day.

Fraz, sounds good to me, I even forget what the dates are supposed to be, some time in March I believe?

March 7th or 9th to the 11th.
A fairly easy day unless we ride the power lines up to Temagami.
Maybe we could save that for on the way back.
Would make a great finish to the weekend IMO.

March 7th or 9th to the 11th.
A fairly easy day unless we ride the power lines up to Temagami.
Maybe we could save that for on the way back.
Would make a great finish to the weekend IMO.[/b]
The power lines to Temagami would be a great idea, and that time of year is perfect for it.
I think I'm just going to go for one night, so it might be easier to squeeze it in on the way up, but we can definitely talk about it as the date gets closer.

Think snow.

I'll try and make it, but cannot completely commit, yet. Gotta see what money's avail, and where work may send me. Hope to ride with the peeps here. Might even try to ride with NewfieBullet and Fraz on some power lines.

I am also in for this ride and depending on timeing may try to ride up with Fraz.

James

Anyone who's interested in riding from North Bay is welcome to use our parking lot, even if the timing doesn't work out to ride up together. Just get in touch with me and I'll give you directions to the parking lot, and then directions to the trial from there. It's super straight-forward.

Are we really going to have enough snow/ice to make this ride happen? Seriously.

Hope we get enough snow to run the power lines.
It looked really thin on the way home from Cochrane yesterday.
Low snow just makes boondocking a bit more technical.

Are we really going to have enough snow/ice to make this ride happen? Seriously.[/b]

One can only hope ... If the time is drawing near and there is little snow pack, we'll either move it north to some snow or cancel. Too early yet.

It's way too early in the season to give up hope on a ride in March. A week or two of snow and we'll all be talking about what a great winter this is.

But good snowmobile trails don't happen overnight... there can't be much, if any, ground frost and without that, trails will deteriorate quickly even if there is snow. We need sustained (well) below zero temps and then snow. It could be another month before that happens.

But good snowmobile trails don't happen overnight... there can't be much, if any, ground frost and without that, trails will deteriorate quickly even if there is snow. We need sustained (well) below zero temps and then snow. It could be another month before that happens.[/b]
And the ride is over two months away.

14 Day forecast for New Liskeard...
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/1...es/CAON0470.htm (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/14day/pages/CAON0470.htm)

Have no fear.....winter's on it's way!
However, I don't think I'll be able to make the ride, as my wife totalled my sled hauler on Dec 23rd when she took out a street lamp and rolled the truck 3 times in a freezing rain storm. But you never know.....I may have another truck by then.

14 Day forecast for New Liskeard...
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/1...es/CAON0470.htm (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/14day/pages/CAON0470.htm)

Have no fear.....winter's on it's way!
However, I don't think I'll be able to make the ride, as my wife totalled my sled hauler on Dec 23rd when she took out a street lamp and rolled the truck 3 times in a freezing rain storm. But you never know.....I may have another truck by then.[/b]

I thought you'd just ride over ... :D J/K I'm glad your wife is OK ...

With less than two months to go, it's a good time to start a list to see who's all planning to attend this run. Obviously, if there is not enough interest we can put it off a year but we really have to decide soon.

I'll start. Copy, paste and add your name if you plan on attending ....

1) Michael
2) Johnny O

Without anyone committing, we can't get rooms, meeting, rooms, routes or sponsors. Should this just be cancelled?

Without anyone committing, we can't get rooms, meeting, rooms, routes or sponsors. Should this just be cancelled?[/b]

Better tell Rottie to fire up the snow making machine and create some interest. :whistling:

Maybe we need to post something on the main page to grab people's attention.
I'm still planning on riding up from North Bay, and still welcome people to park their rigs in North Bay and ride up to Liskeard, whether with me or on their own. As I've said, I've got loads of space, easy to find and handy to the trail.

Hmmm.....and last year's ride was such a big event! What happened to this year's ride? Nobody snowmobiling anymore?

I still don't have my schedule of what weekends I'll be available.
I start a new job after I get back from Cochrane on Feb. 5th and will have to work every other weekend.
I will go if I'm off and I will still ride up with you NewfieBullet.
I'll post as soon as I know for sure.
Fraz

Maybe we need to post something on the main page to grab people's attention.[/b]

Will do ...

Well not to rain on your parade Mike, I know how hard you worked last year and with the preliminary stuff for this year.
But unfortunately my crew of the 4 that attended last year won't be attending.

We've had a blast on the previous rides but it's just not in the cards this year.

Jeff

Update....

1) MikeD
2) Johnny O
3) DOMinator
4) Roosterboy
5) GasMan
6) Rottie
7) Fraz?

Now we're getting somewhere .... if you want on the list just copy/paste, you don't have PM me or call me. I don't mind, just letting you know.

So Newf ... you gonna put your name on here?

I need help with prizes and stuff ... step up if you an help!!

Just over a month to go ... anyone else?

hey mike

i might drive up with the sled in the truck for the day. not sure which day yet but i'll let you know.

dahmer

Canadian Ride is Cancelled effective today.


Unfortunately with only 3 weeks to go, only a few of my buds and our Host (Rottie) are the confirmed attendees. I think it's best that we forgo the sponsors, accomodations and such and cancel the ride effective today.


Michael

Unfortunately, it appears as though, less than ideal conditions put a real damper on the sledding season for most. Hopefully, next year, a BIG Canadian ride will be possible (weather permitting).
Maybe what we should try, is starting to organize during the "off season".....maybe a month before the snow starts? When people are real eager to ride, and still have time to schedule vacations. By the looks of the weather trends, end of feb/ beginning of mar. would be best, as trails SHOULD be open by then.
It the past, Elliot Lake was mentioned. I'm from Sudbury, and have ridden up in Elliot....actually, we make it a point to ride thier trails whenever possible. Real nice trails, and great lodges with good food. I think Elliot Lake would be a good spot for a ride. Nice winding trails, LOTS of lakes, and of course, a couple of great powerlines for the powder riders.
Just my .02.

Just signed up for the forum ... ride sound great would be a shame to cancel ... it that it? Officially cancelled?? I am in if it is not during or after March Break.