Rando VTT des Terres du Haut Berry

A cycling tour in the heart of Haut Berry

The Rando VTT des Terres du Haut Berry takes place in Saint-Martin-d'Auxigny, a town in the Cher (18) department located between Bourges and Vierzon, in the heart of a preserved rural area. Organized by the Cyclisme en Haut Berry association, this tour is a must-attend event for VTT and cycle touring enthusiasts in the department. The event traditionally takes place in October, taking advantage of the autumn colors to offer magnificent landscapes along the routes. The start is given at the Gymnase Cathy Melain, located at rue des Ruinces, where participants are welcomed from 8:00 AM.

Varied routes for all levels

The tour offers several marked routes suitable for all audiences, from experienced cyclists to families with children. The VTT routes range from 15 to 70 kilometers, offering a range of difficulties: short and accessible routes on rolling paths, intermediate routes with some elevation changes, and long routes for seasoned athletes crossing the Allogny forest with its rocky and technical trails. The road routes, on the other hand, allow road cyclists to enjoy the quiet country roads of Berry, along apple orchards and cultivated fields. Each route is carefully signposted and secured by the association's volunteers.

Tourist discovery by bike

Beyond the sporting aspect, the Rando VTT des Terres du Haut Berry is a true tourist discovery of the natural and rural heritage of the Cher. Participants cycle through typical Berry landscapes: hedgerows, oak forests, rolling meadows, hamlets with white stone houses. The routes notably cross the Allogny forest, a preserved natural space offering an ideal playground for mountain bikers, with its shaded rocky paths and secret clearings. The routes also pass near traditional orchards, recalling the importance of fruit farming in Haut Berry.

A friendly and family-oriented organization

The organization of the tour relies on the commitment of the volunteers from Cyclisme en Haut Berry, a dynamic local association that promotes cycling in all its forms. Participants are welcomed in a warm and family atmosphere, with the distribution of a roadbook, refreshments on the routes and at the finish line (fruits, cakes, drinks), and the possibility of catering on site. The prices are affordable: between 3 and 7 euros depending on the routes, with free entry for under 16s. This non-competitive event emphasizes the pleasure of cycling, the discovery of landscapes, and sharing among cyclists.

An event rooted in the territory

The Rando VTT des Terres du Haut Berry is part of the initiative to promote cycle tourism in Centre-Val de Loire. Haut Berry, with its preserved natural spaces and rolling terrain, is a prime playground for outdoor activities. The event helps to promote Saint-Martin-d'Auxigny and the surrounding towns, while promoting gentle and environmentally friendly sports. Each year, the tour attracts between 300 and 500 participants from all over the Centre region and beyond, confirming the success of this local initiative driven by cycling enthusiasts.