Click here to see video clip:www.youtube.com/watch?v=76z95UTZzpI

Home to the famous Trefle Lozerien enduro, the Lozere is a fairly tough route and definitely not for beginners. Run with the support and approval of the 'Trefle' organisers, it 'borrows' much of the race's route, making for a challenging but unforgettable ride. Based in the town of Mende, which is itself 800 metres above sea level, the trails rise to over 1400 metres and offer spectacular views over what is the least populated region of France. 

The first day is 180 kilometres long and loops around Mende to the south east. While there's plenty of technical going, it is nevertheless the easiest of the three days and an ideal way to limber up.

The second day is the longest we have ever run - a chunky 220 kilometres - and requires an early morning start. Heading directly south into the beautiful Cevennes region, there's a mixture of fast forest 'pistre' and stony single track to keep you entertained and on the ball.

The final day however is perhaps the piece de la resistance. Relatively short (just 160 kms) it is also the most technically challenging and arguably the most spectacular. There are a couple of places where you might have to give each other a hand, but apart from that there are no real stoppers, with the route taking you down the big gradients rather than up them! 

In addition to providing you with a magnificent route we have also taken great care not to neglect the other essential ingredients of a great trail ride. The lunch stops all feature great food (not a sandwich in sight) and two of them are in breathtaking locations. The hotel is also extremely friendly, boasts 3 stars, fine food plus an indoor swimming pool and sauna. There's even a jet wash just opposite - what more could you want!

_____________________________________________________________________________

PHOTOS TAKEN SEPT 05

Two riders were approaching and the wind began to howl...

Pat Wills made it ok up the first section, of what has been christened 'Bastard Rocks'

But didn't do so well on the second stage. Happily there is a way of avoiding this lot if it is raining!

The weather stayed fine for each of the three days and most people rode just in shirts, even when high up in the mountains.

Although day 3 has been made 30 kms longer, with tracks all the way back to the hotel, nobody wanted to rush lunch.

Although its didn't rain at all over the three days there was still plenty of water at the 'big puddles' on day 1.

Gavin Hockey comes a cropper on a 'trickier than it looks' rock step. He wasn't the only one...

John Hart and Dave Roper bought their sons Chris and Ricky. They of course made their Dads look very old!

Lozere October 2006

Team Craig coming through a boggy trail towards the end of Day 2.

Duke coming to the rescue of a rider stuck on a steep climb at the start of Day 2.

And I am sure it said somewhere on the web site 'mousses strongly recommended'.

A rock step on some single track early on on Day 3.

You've got to be joking - I'm not going down there - am I?

With 235 kilometres to ride on the second day an early start is essential - but at least you get to see the mist down in the valleys before it has burnt off.

Rick Torkington on his Husky on Day 2. Unfortunately his bike went pop shortly afterwards.

Lozere April 2007

Day 3 - the water crossing after lunch - not easy to do feet up!

Fortunately in some places the bridges still exist.

No, it looks nothing like Wales!

Aerial view of yours truly about to go through the tunnel on Day 2

Surprising how many people manage to ride off the edge of this track - not recommended.

Especially a little later on...

Ah, those 'Bastard Rocks' again.

Normally I go round the side, but seeing how there were a few spectators.