Rain, rain go away, come back another day
The BLeader, in conjunction with Metéo Suisse, decided that the November rain was over and that this Thursday would allow a return to the saddle for the GIN Bikers. Three other members subscribed to this viewpoint or didn’t have suitable excuses to avoid the outing and Rudi made it clear that his participation depended upon dry conditions. So, Stephen, PeterD, Mervyn, Ivan and e-Rudi met at the Everness Hotel under grey, but dry skies. Rudi had taken the precaution of changing his bike battery and the rest of us relied upon the natural body reserves primed over the many years of our maturity.
The route followed the classical 3 hills, in reverse of the original circuit, starting with the gruelling Mourex climb, followed by the less demanding Vesancy ascent before finishing with the traditional Bonmont hill. The reward for all this was lunch at Ze Pinte, Signy, before the gentle meander home. All was well until the first unexpected spots of rain started on the Vesancy climb. However, Rudi still looked relaxed and magisterial on his “as much effort as you want” e-bike. 2-gear Ivan, adopted his, now usual, speedy bursts followed by a stop, allowing others to catch up and overtake before setting off again. Nepalese Mervyn was overcoming the effects of altitude, beer and insufficient biking but kept up a steady pace. Stephen and Peter initially vied for the front position until the effects of too much home grown vegetable curry for the latter, coupled by unforgiving uphill slope, negated the need for a contest.
The final climb to the Bonmont 777m was accompanied by heavier rain. So much so that some passing thoughts of attempting the 888m platform were shelved. It was then a downhill ride to lunch. Unfortunately, the rain persisted with greater enthusiasm and a cold wind joined the challenging conditions. It probably was the worst weather conditions that the GIN Bikers have undertaken and the back markers decided to ensure a place in the record books for hardiness by taking a longer route from the front runners of Peter and Stephen. Driving rain tested all the clothing….well, at least those who had brought waterproofs. The BLeader was living his promises and didn’t carry any wet weather protection, but then legs protruding from shorts are a natural barrier to water (if somewhat cold).
Still happy at the Bonmont 777m….the worst is yet to come.
The restaurant staff and the other clients eyed us with amazement as we arrived dripping and as we stripped off the wet clothing. Wet shorts and leggings remained in place to the relief of the onlookers. Habitual beers were ordered by some, whilst the more thoughtful opted for hot drinks. Mervyn, realising the damage of his Nepalese beer intake, chose an alcohol-free wheat beer as part of his November abstinence. The menu du jour of salad/soup, schnitzel cordon bleu with chips and vegetables was agreed by all with everyone opting for hot soup. By the time the main course had arrived, blood was circulating again, bodies were warming and the conversation turned from weather to more topical subjects, such as British politics, and best local restaurants for GIN Bikers. By this time the sun was shining outside but most still felt that a little longer inside would be beneficial. Desserts and coffees were consumed. Rudi tried a last ditch attempt to dry his gloves by wearing them to hold the warm coffee cup.
We re-donned mostly dry clothes and headed back from Signy via Borex. Stephen peeled off at Borex to take the direct route home to Arnex whilst the others enjoyed the sunny, dry and drying wind on the last stretch to their respective siesta spots.
Participants were generous in their thanks to the BLeader for this leadership into the rain and cold. It’s not certain that they will trust his rain-free promises in the future. A memorable outing, if not all agreeable, but once back rested and warm the negative aspects retreat into the background and the memory of good company, good food and exercise comes to the fore.
Statistics: 46kms, average speed 15.2 km/hr, elevation climb 666m, saddle time 3 hours.