Massif Central 2009 - Tour 2 - Granitberge der Margeride

Distance ridden: 118 km and 2170 meters of elevation gain (measured with Edge 305)

The sections along the motorway are definitely best avoided! But, borrowing from Soundgarden, here it’s 'Head Down' and it’s over quickly.

On the high plateau near Ally, you can visit silver mines and wind turbines ('Eoliennes').

The route Lavoute - Ruynes is great: initially a pleasant climb through a valley with 'Tuscan flair' onto the Margeride.

There’s a Resistance Museum there and also, along the roadside and in towns, you’ll see many related memorial stones.

From the Margeride you can let it run fast with a nice descent on good asphalt and wide curves.

The crowning finish is the Viaduc du Garabit, also a construction by G. Eiffel, like the bridge in Porto and other structures ...