Doctor Good, came to pedal in Livradois Forez

TV presenter Michel Cymes, aka Docteur Good, who is also a doctor and surgeon, came to the Livradois-Forez mountains to cycle for a TV show. Accompanied by Clément Bégon, a volunteer instructor at the Club VTT des Bois Noirs, Docteur Good treated himself to a breath of fresh air. At altitude, in the heart of Destination Grand Air. An opportunity for the former Télématin columnist to talk about the benefits of mountain biking. All the while, he took in the emblematic view of the Livradois-Forez region from the Col du Béal.

Docteur Good shows the benefits of mountain biking in Livradois-Forez

Michel Cymes and his film crew came to the Col du Béal to shoot a program in the heart of Destination Grand Air. Accompanied by Clément, they covered some of the 3,750 kilometers that make up part of France’s largest mountain biking area. Destination Grand Air is as many kilometers spread over 151 circuits, from 50 different departure points. There are plenty of ideas for outings with family, friends or sports clubs.

Docteur Good reminds us of the benefits of mountain biking, whether electrically assisted or not. Cycling is excellent for blood circulation: a good remedy for heavy legs. In moderation, of course, but that’s just like anything else. It’s also good for strengthening muscles through the movements it induces. It also strengthens bones, improving overall health.

Destination Grand Air – Espace VTT des Bois Noirs

Between the Loire, Allier, Puy-de-Dôme and Haute-Loire, this giant is France’s largest certified mountain biking area. In its entirety, it offers mountain bikers the chance to explore the Bois Noirs massif, the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, the Montagne Bourbonnaise and the Côte Roannaise.

For the more courageous, head for the highest point, at 1,634m, in Pierre-sur-Haute. Les Hautes-Chaumes is a Natura 2000 listed natural site. It’s a natural zone of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest. And then, perched at an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level on the Monts du Forez, you can take a breath of fresh air in a breathtaking landscape.

Destination Grand Air in figures

3,750 kilometers of marked trails
151 FFC-labeled circuits
50 starting points

Mountain bike areas

Ride through the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park at your own pace and enjoy this beautiful playground, which also offers original outings all summer long: Bike ans rail, night-time descents, etc. From the foothills of the Livradois to the vast expanses of the Hautes-Chaumes, the scenery is breathtaking and the trails are ideal for mountain biking.

Ambert – Crêtes du Forez :

700 km of marked trails,
30 trails,
All levels of difficulty: 6 green, 7 blue, 11 red and 6 black circuits.

Massif des Bois Noirs :

1520 kilometers of marked trails
75 circuits (70 mountain bike circuits and 5 enduro circuits)

Ideal riding time for mountain bikers?

Allow 2 hours for a family outing.
But also: 3 to 3h30 for a more sporty and experienced public.
Or 5 to 6 hours with an electrically-assisted mountain bike.

A complete sport, especially at altitude, with the Livradois-Forez landscape as a backdrop

Michel Cymes, aka Doctor Good, explains: “This is why top athletes train at altitude. Their production of red blood cells increases tenfold. Oxygen circulates much more efficiently in the blood. What’s more, and this is undoubtedly the most important aspect, practicing a sport in the open air and surrounded by beautiful scenery is good for morale.

In Livradois-Forez, you’ve got the chance to be a great sportsman. Schedule a ride on an electrically-assisted mountain bike or a real mountain bike.

Do you know which hormone is produced by our kidneys at altitude?

EPO. In more scientific terms, erythropoietin is produced by the renal cortex. In particular, when the human body experiences a drop in oxygen partial pressure. In other words, when we’re at altitude and oxygen levels drop, the kidneys produce this hormone to stimulate the production of red blood cells. This facilitates the transport of oxygen throughout the body.