Docteur Good est venu pédaler en Livradois-Forez

The host Michel Cymes alias Doctor Good, who is also a doctor and surgeon, came to pedal on the mountains of Livradois-Forez during the filming of a program. Accompanied by Clément Bégon, volunteer instructor at the Club VTT des Bois Noirs, Doctor Good treated himself to a good breath of fresh air. At altitude, in the heart of the Destination Grand Air. The opportunity for the former Télématin columnist to come back to the benefits of mountain biking. While discovering the emblematic view of the Livradois-Forez, from the Col du Béal.

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

Michel Cymes came with his film crew to the Col du Béal on the occasion of the filming of a program in the heart of the Destination Grand Air. Accompanied by Clément, they covered some of the 3750 kilometers that form part of this largest mountain bike area in France. Destination Grand Air is as many kilometers spread over 151 circuits, from 50 different starting points. Many ideas for walks to do with family, friends or with your sports club.

Outdoor destination – Bois Noir MTB area

Doctor Good reminds us here of the benefits of mountain biking, whether it is electrically assisted or not. Indeed, the sport of cycling is excellent for blood circulation: a good remedy against heavy legs. In moderation of course, but that's like everything. Also, it is beneficial for muscle strengthening through the movements it induces. It also strengthens the strength of the bones and therefore improves general good health.

Destination Grand Air, in a few figures

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

Between the Loire, the Allier, the Puy-de-Dôme and the Haute-Loire, this giant is the largest mountain biking area in France labeled. In its entirety, it offers mountain bikers the opportunity to explore the Bois Noirs massif, the Livradois Forez Regional Natural Park, the Montagne Bourbonnaise and the Côte Roannaise will have no more secrets for you.

For the bravest, go to the highest point, at 1m, at Pierre-sur-Haute. The Hautes-Chaumes is a classified natural site Natura 2000. It is a natural area of ​​ecological, faunal and floristic interest. And then, perched from an altitude of 1200 meters on the Forez mountains, you take in a breath of fresh air, in front of a breathtaking landscape.

The Ambert – Crêtes du Forez mountain bike area is: 

  • 700 km of marked trails,
  • 30 courses,
  • All difficulties: 6 circuits green, 7 blue, 11 red and 6 black. 

Explore 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 descent, etc. From the foothills of the Livradois to the immense expanses of the Hautes-Chaumes, the landscapes are grandiose and the paths suitable for mountain biking. 

See MTB circuits

Ideal ride time for mountain bikers?
Allow 2 hours for a family outing.
But also: 3 to 3h30 for a more sporty and seasoned public.
Or, 5 to 6 hours with an electrically assisted mountain bike.

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

Do you know what hormone is produced by our kidneys at altitude? THE PO. In more scientific terms, erythropoietin is produced by the renal cortex. Especially when the human body is in a situation of partial oxygen pressure drop. In other words, when we are at altitude, when oxygen decreases, the kidneys produce this hormone to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Thus facilitating the transport of oxygen in the body.

Michel Cymes, alias Doctor Good, explains: “this is why great athletes train at altitude”. They thus see their production of red blood cells increased tenfold. Oxygen then circulates much better in the blood. In addition, and this is probably the most important, practicing a sport in the open air and in the middle of beautiful landscapes is good for morale.

In the Livradois-Forez, you have the opportunity to play great sports. By programming a ride on a Electrically assisted mountain bikes or a real mountain bike.