First Side-by-Side Ride of the Year: Comfort, Snow, and Family Happiness!

Finally, comfort is here!

Last weekend marked my final snowmobile outing of the season.

Even though I was already set to take out the enclosed cab and cruise along chatting, Mother Nature gave us a bit of a winter extension. Despite the snow that fell during the week, we took out the quad.

Preparations: Between Organization and Anticipation

Saturday, April 5, marks the start of my side-by-side season.

To get ready for this first ride, of course I need to pack it up to make sure I donโ€™t forget anything. Since I enjoy this sport with my familyโ€”including three kids aged 4 to 10โ€”God knows you have to plan for the impossible with three little ones onboard!

First of all, I make sure my registration papers are up to date and inside the vehicle.

I also carry my little pouch that I keep in my snowmobile trunk but transferred over to my side-by-side at the beginning of the season. A full article on โ€œessentials to bring in a side-by-side when riding with kidsโ€ is in the worksโ€ฆ stay tuned!

Next, I always make sure everything works properly and is in good condition. I recommend reading this article by Sรฉbastien Ferron, which covers the topic thoroughly.

I also make sure I have everything I need:

  • my tire repair kit,
  • Ty-rap fasteners,
  • tools,
  • boosters and jumper cables,
  • GPS,
  • Duct tape,
  • helmets,
  • a box of tissues, and
  • wet wipes.

    Leisurely riding on snow, enjoying the last flakes of the season.

Family Spirit at the Heart of the Adventure

Departure from Lac Brochet

Like every ride, the kids switch places in the vehicles. My youngest hops in with her grandparents. My six-year-old son, my goddaughter, a friend, and her stepdaughter ride with me. And of course, throughout the trip, they shuffle around! The kids go from one vehicle to another like a game of musical chairsโ€”off-road style. Theyโ€™re used to it: they instinctively grab their helmets and pick where they want to sit.

Me with the view of the Lac Laย Mothe Reservoir in Saint-David-de-Falardeau.

Snow, Trails, and Breathtaking Landscapes

Today, our convoy includes four side-by-sides and one quad. The outside temperature is close to 0ย ยฐC (32ย ยฐF). The snow-covered trails with soft ground are perfect for testing the 4 ร— 4 โ€œLowโ€ mode. We ride 45ย km at an average speed of 35ย km/h. Itโ€™s just right to enjoy the stunning landscapes nature has to offer.

Rรฉservoir du Lac La Mothe, Saint-David-de-Falardeau

During our breaks, the kids take the opportunity to eat, explore the woods, and sometimes play pranks on us. Meanwhile, the adults take time to chat, laugh, and enjoy the moment.

Ils ont bien aimรฉ regarder le cรดte-ร -cรดte travailler pour dรฉtruire leur piรจge.

I got stuck in the snow while watching my friend take a photo. I also slid down a hill. Of course, I stayed in controlโ€”I always prioritize safety.

Final Thoughts: A Successful Season Opener

I had a great time riding a few kilometres in the snow. After chatting with the others, I can confidently say everyone was thrilled to be riding comfortably, seated well and staying warm. Dirt and gravel will soon make their returnโ€”at least, I hope so. Weโ€™re already planning our ride for next Saturday!

Our five vehicles lined up, ready to ramp up miles of fun.

๐Ÿงญ Follow me on my next adventures!

๐Ÿ“ท Facebookโ€”Jessyca Tremblay
๐Ÿ“ธ Instagramโ€”@jessyca.tremblay

Keep Reading