Link Saint-Chély-d'Apcher / Baraque des Bouviers The Grande Traversée du Massif Central by mountain bike

The route

There are trains to St-Chély-d’Apcher. Note too that beside the station there’s an inn (with pub) well used to receiving mountain bikers. Plus, close to the exit off the A75 motorway, coming from the north, there’s a campsite with static bungalows. Or then there’s a hotel. It’s just a short distance from the station to the starting point of this GTMC link, on high in the centre of St-Chély, at Place du Foirail. Head east to cross the A75 motorway and climb to the hamlet of Les Lauzes, on the heights above St-Chely. Then, before arriving at St Alban sur Limagnole, near the spot called Les Cayres, enjoy a rewarding, long descent (ideal for Enduro bikes, while wilder mountain bikers might attempt some jumps here!), finishing beside the river. Next, it’s on to the Margeride area, with a steep portion, albeit along comfortable tracks, leading to the junction with the main GTMC route, at almost 1,400m. All that’s left is a lovely stretch, mostly on the flat, plus a small descent along a sandy track through a pine forest leading to the Baraque des Bouviers, a stopping point along the route. Make sure to reach here by nightfall, as it quickly gets very dark cycling through the pine forest.