????️ Un road trip pour voir les potes, du Massif Central au Périgord

There are times when you just need to cut loose. To leave everything behind and hit the road, with no specific plan, just the desire to ride and see friends.

That's what I did last week. I loaded up my old KTM 990 Adventure - it's seen a lot, but still runs like clockwork - and off I went, Arai Tour-X5 helmet screwed on my head and Rev'it Expedition Gore-Tex boots on my feet. Objective: to test the equipment, but above all to enjoy myself.

First stop: La Brenne and memories of another time

For those who don't know, La Brenne is a wild region not far from Sologne, dotted with ponds and quiet country roads. Here I meet up with Philippe and Michèle, long-time friends I met at the Club Scooter GT forum (may it rest in peace, it closed in 2019). For over 15 years, they've been helping us out with inventory at Ixtem Moto. Real pillars.

Then I hit the Massif Central. And there's a change of atmosphere: the rain accompanies me all the way to Montluçon. A real rinse. It's a good thing I'd drawn my heated gloves... Frankly, those moments when you can feel the warmth returning to your fingers are almost magical.

In Montluçcon, I devour a magnificent Pizza at "El Padre" Pizzeria. The welcome is very pleasant, the decor is nice and the dishes delicious. I recommend a stop-off if you're in the area.

Opposite me, an enamel plaque seemed to be trying to deliver a message.

On the street, I also came across Coluche, who left me wondering.

Next, I pass by Issoire and its circuit, which takes me straight back to my Mototour memories. A moment of revival before heading off into the fir trees and back roads for 80 km, in the direction of the Haut-Livradois region.

There, I discovered an incredible place: La Tête au Vert, run by Mélanie and Olivier. A place that's both remote and rejuvenating. Coaching, seminars, or just a good time with friends or family. Mélanie treats you, Olivier makes you think. And to make matters worse, I was even treated to a bit of snow... An unexpected bonus!

I tell myself I've got to organize a trip to the area with my mates. There are great tracks everywhere.

(The only downside... Olivier has sold his Varadero, so let's talk about it? ????)

The place is well worth a visit, and I'll give you the link: La Tête au Vert

After a day of intensive coaching (and good food), I hit the road again, heading for the Périgord Vert to meet up with Hilario and Christine, another couple of friends who have opened a magnificent gîte. The perfect opportunity to get out our old 990 Adventure for a ride in the Périgord Noir.

We wandered from castle to castle, skirting the Vézère on the way out and the Dordogne on the way back. It was a real thrill to drive along these little roads that smell of deep-rooted France and stones steeped in history.

We also passed by the fort of La Roque Saint Christophe and the Troglodytic city.

If you're looking for a place to stay in the Périgord Vert, don't hesitate to stop off at Christine and Hilario's magnificent gite, which you can discover here: Le gîte au Miel. Passionate motorcyclists, they'll be delighted to show you the best roads in the Périgord Vert and the Salardais (Périgord Noir).

After a week in the great outdoors, it was time to head back... highway obligatory, but happy to be back with the tribe.

A little teasing: I'm preparing a full review of the Arai Tour-X5 helmet and Rev'it Expedition Gore-Tex boots. But all in all, it smells good. Special mention also to my Macna heated gear. The heating is great... when it works.

Because I'm not going to lie to you: having to activate each element one by one (gloves, under-jacket, under-pants, socks) is a real pain, especially for socks with trail boots on. And to top it all off, on the way back, the left glove was gone... What a shame.

See you soon, riders

So much for this interlude on the road. This kind of ride is great for getting your head back in the game and reminding you why we love our bikes so much. I promise, I'll be back with a full gear debrief very soon.

Until then, gas, enjoy the road and your mates ✌️ Next time, I'll be heading further south for a second tour.