into glorious autumn sunshine, having successfully demolished
another incredible four course lunch at a restaurant typical of
the region, life felt good, but................. There was a definite
feeling that something wasn't normal.
From our arrival in the eastern Limousin, central France, we'd
struggled to make sense of the days that followed the
established parameters of our previous experiences. Sensory
overload was imminent, there was almost too much to take on
board.
Riding on trails and lanes whose ancient status is protected in
law was the first adjustment required. Riders accustomed to
parts of the UK that have been reduced to a mere handful, will
find the profusion of trails in this region difficult to comprehend.
It seemed as if there were more lanes than metalled roads,
hmmm?
Maybe we imagined it but locals also seemed genuinely
pleased to see us. Could it be possible, we wondered, to be
dirt bikers but still welcome? Restaurant owners were
hospitable despite our muddy gear - surely not? All the
evidence suggested this region had dirt biking in its DNA.
Something did not compute!
We were guests of Tom and Julie Fitzsimons, whose vision of
providing a quality trail riding experience, has resulted in the
creation of Centre Trail, something, we believe, that is really
quite unique. Their base is a superb off-road facility which
includes everything to pamper both rider and machine.
Features range from a fully equipped workshop and heated
changing rooms to a 5 kilometre enduro trail on their own
land!
Tom was the first and to date, the only foreign national to hold
the qualification CQP Option Moto Verte. Issued and endorsed
by the French government in partnership with the Federation
Francaise de Motocyclisme, it is the only legally approved
structure for companies offering guided off road tours in
France. Providing essential client protections it required a
commitment of nearly 8 months to complete.
Tom's ongoing partnerships with local communities,
landowners and motorcycle clubs to assist in the maintenance
of existing rights of way have even resulted in disused trails
being re-opened!
These considerable undertakings and investments reflect the