On a cold, damp, grey autumnal day, many of the usual crowd had decided that an away break after the school vacations was a better way of spending the week. Hence, it was only the stay-at-home duo of Stephen and PeterT who met at the Chavannes Hotel, wrapped up in warm cycling gear and ready to face the elements (and any hills put in the way).
A gentle 3 hills “lite” ride was agreed upon, taking a route across into France at Grilly, along the disued railway track to Gex, up the back road to Vesancy (unfortunately, the Chateau was not open for a rest and a coffee) across to La Rippe before the required attack on the Bonmont hill. Half way up the hill, just as legs unused to such exercise were flagging, Peter spotted a dog walker with 4 Afghan dogs ahead and decided that he should introduce himself and Kobie (remotely by photo, in the latter’s case). The lady in question was somewhat aggressive initially, complaining about dog walkers who let their dogs off the lead and disturbed her troupe. Having reassured her that he would immediately attach Kobie to the lead in the event that they encountered each other, she took on a friendlier tone and became very chatty. At least 10 minutes later and with legs well recovered, the final ride to the top seemed unusually easy.
The wind-chilling descent via Gingins and Signy to Arnex was bracing but rapid and we parted company outside the floral balcony of Stephen’s apartment. We had earlier agreed to forgo the usual lunch in the interests of health and time.
Statistics: ca. 38km Chavannes Hotel to Chavannes Hotel, 1h56 saddle time, 19.9kmh average speed, 499 elevation, 0 beers.
0 Beers!! Not the normal temperance ride