This time, I am accompanied by Andy and his 400 DRZ E rsr and my 690 enduro r. The Aude, with its varied landscapes and captivating trails, is a real playground for trail bike enthusiasts. This time, we will have to pace ourselves, with a faulted coast that is slow to heal, we rethink our approach and readjust our route. Far from spoiling the experience, this unexpected event invites us to explore gentler and less technical paths, but also to perfect our riding technique, especially in flat bends, an often underestimated aspect of the discipline. Mastering flat bends: On the Aude trails, the bends follow one another with variations in surface: between gravel, earth and small stones, each curve is a challenge to keep control while maintaining speed. Working on flat bends becomes crucial here, especially in a terrain where the slightest mistake can become painful. The technique is more complex than it seems: you play with grip and precision, placing your body weight to optimize road holding and subtly dosing the brakes. This type of riding requires patience, but also a great ability to adapt, especially with an injury that requires you to conserve your efforts. It is then a question of anticipating each movement, smoothing out the transitions and staying focused, all the while seeking the pleasure of feeling the bike slide gently into the bend. The pleasure of riding: a supervised freedom Nothing beats the feeling of freedom provided by a long forest track. In the Aude, these paths seem to stretch out to infinity, plunging us into a symphony of landscapes, forests and clearings. While riding, we are carried away by a mixture of adrenaline and contemplation. The pleasure is amplified by the raw beauty of the region, where nature still seems wild and preserved. But this pleasure is accompanied by strict regulations. The rules in force on the Aude trails are a model of compromise between environmental preservation and accessibility for off-road motorcycle enthusiasts. Authorized routes are clearly marked, and sensitive areas are protected. Although these regulations may sometimes seem restrictive, they are in fact designed to preserve the ecosystem and ensure harmonious coexistence with other users, such as hikers or hunters. Coexistence on the Trails: Respect and Good Living On the trails, it is not uncommon to come across hikers or hunters. Each encounter is a reminder that we share these natural spaces. Cohabitation is not always easy, but it is essential to maintain access to these exceptional trails. Respect is key: slow down when there are pedestrians, move aside so as not to disturb a hunter. As bikers, it is our responsibility to minimize our impact, avoid damaging the trails and respect the peace and quiet of those who come here to walk or observe nature. Every interaction is an opportunity to remember that we share a love for nature, even if we explore it in different ways. #mountainminder #ktm690 #400drz #enduro #trail #offroad