The Ariege at its best

Beautiful hot and sunny day yesterday. Another new route discovered, again blissfully quiet but alot of it on those 'heavy' roads which are more than a little debilitating. After heading towards Pamiers, I took a small road out of curiosity along a pretty valley past the village of Vira. Although only a few miles for Mirepoix, the countryside in this valley is quite different, with more rocky outcrops and moor-like patches. Good work out too with two climbs including the Col de Sarnac coming before reaching Lieurec. After Lieurec there is a long steady climb up and over to Laroque 'Olmes and the fast flat road back to Mirepoix. The cold beer in my bar was well deserved!