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Download the 2009 trail map: CSM Map 2009
THE 2009 CSM TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS
Saturday February 7th, 2009
Lachute to Montebello
Section 1 - Lachute
(14.3 km) Easy Level
Beginning in Baron Park on Main Street in Lachute the trail then crosses the North river, gradually climbing into the hills. Here there is a new 5km section of nice trail that goes through forested land and now avoids the houses and roads. The trail crosses the Oasis Golf Course before joining the Municipality of Brownsburg- Chatham’s trail network. Continuing toward the north it eventually reconnects with the existing trail 1.5 kilometers from the checkpoint.
Section 2 - Ministry of Education Sport & Leisure
(13.1 km) Intermediate Level
The trail beginning at the Pruuli farm goes over undulating terrain with short climbs and descents, crosses several lakes and gradually climbs to a high point west of Lake Reardon. After descending to Pine Hill the trail goes through a mixture of open and wooded areas before coming out on to the Golf Course at Carling Lake.
Section 3- Géo Plein Air
(18.3 km) Difficult Level
Beginning at the bottom of the ski hill at Carling Lake and ending at the Rouge River this section has contributed to the widespread renown of the marathon with the seemingly endless ups and downs. The trail then follows a series of logging roads before descending to Kilmar Road. Climbing once again over several kilometers the trail reaches a plateau and crosses several ponds before beginning the long and difficult descent (there is a sharp turn near the bottom) to the Rouge River.
Section 4 - Budget
(19.7 km) Intermediate Level
This section of the marathon gradually climbs out of the Rouge River valley through fields and along the edge of woodlots then heads into the forest. Following old logging roads it crosses a creek at the end of Craig Lake before reaching the mini checkpoint at the Cyzmadia farm. The trail then enters the Kenauk Reserve and climbs steadily to a high point where one can see Maholey lake far below to the left. The trail descends a long and fairly challenging hill before continuing on logging roads before crossing the Kinonge River on the bridge that was built by CSM volunteers many years ago. Following the Kinonge River Valley for 5 kilometers the trail then climbs and crosses several smaller valleys before arriving at the checkpoint at the clay shoot a few kilometers before the entrance to the Reserve.
Section 5 - The Ottawa Citizen
(18.3 km / 11.9 CDB Gold) Intermediate Level
The trail passes through the forest and descends quickly onto the road at the next bridge that crosses the river. The trail hugs the side of the road for about one kilometer and then leaves the Kenauk Reserve and crosses through open farmland and joins the cross country ski network of Sedbergh School. With several short but steep climbs and descents the trail winds its way towards Montebello and the final long descent to the village.
IMPORTANT: Gold Camp Coureurs de Bois are to watch for the gold camp signs after 3 kilometers into this section. Their trail forks off to the right. All other skiers are to continue on to Montebello.
Sunday February 8th, 2009
Montebello to Gatineau
Section 6 - Fairmont le Chateau Montebello
(12.5 km \ 16.4 CDB Gold) Easy Level
Day 2 begins with a gradual climb from Montebello before reaching a height of land and a gradual descent to the Petite Nation River. Here the snowmobile club graciously shares their trail and bridge with you the skiers. Following open fields between forested hills this section of the trail is particularly striking. The second half of the section flattens out before reaching the checkpoint at highway 321, north of Papineauville.
Section 7 - SkiTrax
(20.6 km) Easy Level
This section follows gently rolling terrain with one larger peak, across fields and small woodlots and right through the yards of several farms. The first half of the section is more rolling as the trail crosses several small ridges and follows the edges of waterways. The second half of the section consists of several kilometers of flat terrain through farmers’ fields before a final climb through open fields to a height of land and wonderful views. The section ends with a gradual descent to the checkpoint in the village of St. Sixte.
Section 8 - Lauzon
(16 km) Intermediate Level
With a long gradual climb up onto an escarpment the trail follows forestry roads owned by the Lauzon hardwood flooring company onto a forested undulating plateau. In the second half of the section there is a long descent into the fields of a pretty valley and continues gently through the forest and more fields before reaching the checkpoint at the Mayo Park.
Section 9 - Le Droit
(14.6 km) Easy Level
This section continues through farmers’ fields and woodlots and there is a tricky descent at the mini checkpoint before crossing the La Blanche River. The trail continues on terrain that is rolling with gentle ups and downs and no real surprises.
Section 10 - Gatineua
(13 km) Intermediate Level
This section is rolling for the first kilometer, then climbs a steep hill which will test your skills before the trail levels out. Winding its way through a rugged forest this section offers very nice skiing with lots of ups and downs but no major technical challenges and is networked with the “Renards Blancs” cross-country ski club trails. During the last few kilometers the trail exits the forest, goes through a tunnel under the new highway and arrives at the finish line at the Buckingham Golf Course.
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