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Centre Trail France, Wow.
https://www.trf.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=23762
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Author:  Paul13 [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Centre Trail France, Wow.

Centre Trail

http://centre-trail.com/

After returning from France and my first trip with Centre Trail in June 2017. I have been asked several times what was it like and would I go again?

Here is a little taste of what it was like. There were 7 of us, 3 bikes and 3 riders in two vans.
1 travelled by himself.

Positives
Bike riding location
Warm welcome, not only from Tom and Julie, but all the locals that we met whilst away from base.
Attention to detail, routes and the planning from Tom.
Tom and Julie, they work so hard to ensure you have a great time.
The trails, so varied, and so many of them.
Lunch venues, all pre booked, and happy to see us use their facilities.
Relaxed atmosphere, plenty of opportunity to unwind.
The banter, we had so many laughs as a group.
Changing room, it is fantastic.
Secure bike storage, total peace of mind.

Negatives
Only the journey there and back, we did 600 miles each way. As the driver in the van it was not so bad. However, the passengers are a little cramped. It will be more expensive to only share the additional cost of Ferry/tunnel and the fuel/toll costs with 2 rather than 3 on this occasion, but you will be more comfortable on the journey.



The Experience

This trip far exceeded my expectations in many ways. Firstly, with any trip to a new location and not knowing the area. We were not sure what the green lanes would be like, or the terrain. How much road work etc.

The riding on the lanes was so very varied. A surprise being is you are off tarmac at least 95% of the day. There are 3 lanes within 200 metres of the property, all heading in different directions. They have gravel, grass, rocks, hill climbs, stones, sand, fire tracks, forest riding and ruts. The area gives you so many riding opportunities and challenges by what it has to offer. You soon begin to realise that you are the only ones on the lanes, we never encountered anyone else off tarmac. The trails were very overgrown at times, which added to the adventure.

I would not really consider all the trails suitable for beginners as some can be very technical. That said I am sure Tom could plan a route that suited most.

From the first moment you unload your kit into the purpose built changing area and bike storage. You soon realise Tom has really put his client’s needs into the set up. The kit area is more like a sports changing room. This is so helpful in keeping all your riding kit in one place. There is a drying cupboard should it be needed. We did not need to dry kit as it was over 30 degrees every day!

Our group stayed 4 nights at the venue, with full board on 2 days, which resulted in eating at Centre Trail, these meals were prepared by Julie. Half board on 2 days, with tables booked at local restaurants. The lunch breaks were great, all pre booked and extremely good value at 20 euros for a set, 4 course meal, including wine. Breakfast is more continental style, and sets you up for the riding ahead.

Tom and Julie had a decent supply of beers and wine at base which is all included in the price, you are free to help yourself as required. That said Tom and Julie could not try any harder than they do to make you feel so welcome and make you feel comfortable in their home. Not forgetting the ample supply of bread and cheese. Tom is with you from eight in the morning to midnight daily. Often the last to bed and first up!

In summary, it was an awesome trip, with some fantastic trails, that went on and on. Tom and Julie were superb hosts, and are very attentive to your needs. Nothing was ever too much trouble. I can highly recommend Centre Trail.
I will certainly be returning. Once the details have been sorted I will post them up.

Author:  Paul13 [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

Some pictures

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Author:  Paul13 [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

more pictures

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Author:  Paul13 [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

more still

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Author:  Paul13 [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

more again, you can only add 4 pictures at a time.

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Author:  garyfoote [ Fri Jun 23, 2017 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

Looks fantastic. great pics

Author:  Paul13 [ Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

Cheers, it is such a hassle posting up pictures.

Tom also gave us a discount for being TRF members.

Author:  johnnyboxer [ Sun Jun 25, 2017 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

Looks great

Author:  The fall guy [ Wed Jun 28, 2017 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Centre Trail France, Wow.

Looks ace that!

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