There are days that leave their mark, and this was one of them. Meeting up with Nico and Ludo for another trail ride was a perfect idea, especially after having shared the HDT adventure together. These two guys, regulars of the Hard Défi Tour, embody the trail spirit: resilience, good humor and a burning passion for challenges. It’s always a pleasure to ride with them, and this time, our bikes – their Yamaha Ténéré 700 and my KTM 690 Enduro – were going to take us far again, between the magnificent landscapes of the Lot and the Dordogne. We met up at dawn, with the freshness of the morning adding a touch of excitement to the adventure. The still shy sun was barely illuminating the first rocky tracks that we had planned to explore. Ludo and Nico, on their Ténéré 700, were already ready to fight. These bikes are impressive: reliable, versatile, and capable of handling varied terrain. As for my KTM 690 Enduro, it was also stomping its feet, ready to show once again its playful and nervous character. From the first kilometers, the magic was working. The singles crossed humid forests and clearings, winding on terrain where each turn required concentration and finesse. The KTM, with its lightness and power, slipped through easily. The more imposing Tenere 700s held their own brilliantly, and I must admit that I am always impressed by their balance, even on technical passages. As the morning went on, the trails became more and more uneven. Rolling stones and ruts put our skills to the test. It is in these kinds of moments that I remember why I love trail running so much: this fusion between physical effort, technical riding and communion with nature. The landscapes were breathtaking: green hills, sleepy villages, and these ancient paths, witnesses of another time. Late in the morning, we came across a farmer hard at work on a rural road. He was maintaining the path, an essential task to keep these routes passable. We stopped to chat. He was delighted to see bikers respecting the paths and the effort he made to maintain them. These human encounters, simple but sincere, add another dimension to our adventures. Nico had a nasty slide. His Ténéré 700 lost grip, and the exhaust took a beating. More of a fright than harm for Nico. We took a few minutes to inspect the damage and tinker a little. Fortunately, nothing irreparable, and Nico, true to his tempered steel character, got back on the road with a smile. Then came the moment when Ludo, true to his reputation, decided to test the limits of his Tenere 700. In front of us was an almost vertical climb, a real wall, strewn with stones on a slab. Where I saw an obstacle that was difficult to overcome, Ludo saw a challenge. He threw his bike down the slope with impressive vigor. After a fierce struggle, he finally reached the top. What followed was a session of balance and controlled slides to get back down safely. We had a good laugh, and it was a typical Ludo moment: always ready to try the impossible. As for me, I took full advantage of the capabilities of my KTM 690 Enduro on these varied terrains. While this bike excels in its lightness and power, it requires attention in the technical sections. The big 690 mono requires you to keep up the pace, which can be a challenge on almost stationary passages. But that's also what makes it so charming: it pushes you to be better, to anticipate and find the right balance between power and precision. On the rocky climbs, the 690 showed its traction power, and the prepared suspensions did a remarkable job of absorbing the shocks. Riding with Nico and Ludo is always an adventure. Between their passion, their tenacity and their good humor, we can only appreciate each kilometer traveled together. The Ténéré 700 have once again proven their versatility and reliability, while my KTM 690 Enduro has shown that it can take on the most demanding challenges. And beyond the performance of the machines, it is the shared moments, the magnificent landscapes and the human encounters that make these days so special. For me, it is not just a question of motorbikes, but of living each moment to the fullest, with respect for others and for the environment that welcomes us. See you soon on the tracks, for new adventures! ✌️🏍️ #hdt #ktm690 #tenere700 #offroad