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Club excursions to Le P'tit Train du Nord - 94 km of paved skating paradise in heart of the Laurentians!
August 20, 2005
With a forecast of 90% probability of rain, we had the rain gear packed and were prepared to get wet. All in all, thirteen people more interested in a great path than a bit of dampness ventured to take in a day in the Lau
rentiens. As we hit the staring line, Jill, Rachel and Dean decided to run the paths through Labelle, Denise was biking and nine devoted skaters were ready for our third trek this year along Le P'Tit Train du Nord. A band of showers had been through earlier making the pavement wet,
but as we hit the trail, the rain had let up, and the weather was ideal for a skate. We soon separated into several groups with Mike and Matt heading the way striving for the 100K prize, followed by Donna and Hugh on the 80K course. Melissa Ruth and Vicci, planned to skate 40+ put in a total of 70 Km and Katie, Judy and Denise completed 45 Km.
As we came into Lac Nominique, we had skated the 40K leg with no rain, but a light drizzle had begun, a welcome cooling mist. Mike and Matt hit a few showers as they continued past Nominique to Km 157. As we caught up to Ruth, the evidence of drafting in the rain was clear -- sand from the trail was covering the lower portions of her legs!
The drizzle became a light rain for short piece and then cleared again. We skated on dry pavement for half of the journey, terrific for a 90% chance of rain. Heading back, the morning rain brought out the vibrant green of the forest and many spectacular views could be seen.
Most arrived back between 2:30 and 3:00 but there was no sign of Matt and Mike, then finally at 3:30 Mike and Matt came cheering into the Labelle Train Station celebrating the 100k victory. Mike paid a price as he caught a rock and skated with road rash on his leg and arm for the 50K return. Thanks to Jim and Robin for some first aid assistance!
We enjoyed a late lunch at the Labelle Train station restaurant delighted that the rain had held off and shared many stories of the day including deer and bear sightings!
See the photo gallery here.
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July 23, 2005 -- The 80K Team
As we gathered together and put on our gear, we realized this would be a special day. The weather was perfect, the heat and humidity had let up, it was cool, dry, and not a cloud in the sky. Of the team, Christian, Rita, Matt, Donna, Mike and Hugh, most had never attempted an 80K skate, but somehow we knew today we could do it. With a cheer we departed at 10:07 am and followed the new pavement from the Labelle train station at kilometer 106.5.
Recognizing that 80K means conserving energy, we immediately formed a pack to benefit from drafting. Donna was new to the concept of pack skating and quickly realized the efficiency of drafting in a pack. We soon passed through L'annonciation, our starting point from last trip and stopped for a rest. We pushed through to Lac Nomininque and enjoyed the scenery of the beautiful Laurentian countryside.
We had to make sure we completed 80 Km, so we passed through the town of Nominique and followed the trail until kilometer 147. In delight, we stopped for a photo at 147 knowing we made it half way. We skated back to the town of Nominique and the rest and snacks at Nomininque were very much appreciated. As we headed back, the wind was on our back.
There is nothing better than a tail wind, downhill, and skating in a pack. We covered the 10K back from Nominique in record time. As we passed across Highway 117 and headed back eastward, the scenery along the Riviere-Rouge offered many spectacular views such as this picture. The trail does cross a number of roads and care is required before proceeding across these intersections. I think Mike may have experienced a short Vulcan Mind Meld or something, because as we approached one of these roads, he had to make a very quick stop 
and the sand was the only alternative to avoid a car! As Mike turtled to the ground, we gasped in hopes he was ok. He was, and fortunately the only injury was Mike's pride.
The last 5 KM back to Labelle features great pavement, and is mostly downhill. This was very welcomed by some of the crew (Hugh) that were starting to feel the fatigue of skating the distance. But we all made it and young Mat was the first to cross the line at 3:15. I will never forget the chants of the last 10KM that kept our spirits up, thanks to Donna -- KO ROW NAW!
We enjoyed a late lunch at the Labelle Train Station Restaurant and reminisced about the fun we had today. A great day was had by all!
See the photo gallery here.
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June 18, 2005
Incredible, fantasitc, amazing! I can't think of a better description for 60 kilometers of near-perfect pavement meandering through the beautiful Laurentian countryside.
Despite the uncertain forecast, 12 club members made the trek to Le P'tit Train du Nord this weekend -- 11 skaters and one biker. At 8:05 am we departed from downtown and joined the campers in the parking lot at the town of L'Annociation at 10:30. The drizzle on the way up was a sign that we would not have to worry about sweltering heat we had last week!
At 11:00 am we were all set to go and here's a picture of the gang taken by the friendly patroller from the trail.
The 20 km stretch to Lac Nominique features some very smooth pavement, with almost no hills. The scenery is spectacular, especially heading into the town of Lac Nominique where the trail follows the shore of the lake. We stopped for some snacks and you can see from the photo the elation of the group (I have to say, it looks like some members are even dancing from their enjoyment!)
We split up on the way back and the lead pack destined for the 60 KM goal pushed ahead. The 40 KM group arrived back at L'Annociation thrilled with their accomplishment as many of the group had personal bests in distance achieving the 40 KM.
Congratulations to the those whose completed their first 40 KM!
Three of us continued on past L'Annociation for the addition 20 Km to Labelle. We enjoyed the following view as we crossed the bridge over the river.
This spring, the section from La Macaza to Labelle was paved, so we enjoyed brand new pavement for the last 5 KM as we finished at Labelle. We rejoined at the old Train Station at Labelle converted into a restaurant for a terrific meal, a few beverages and great conversation about the trip we had today, and celebration about how the weather was for the trip; cool and no rain!
The feedback was unanimous, everyone had a great time and would like to do a trip in July, so mark your calendars for July 23, and we will look into the possibility of staying over night.
