Thursday, May 15th
Seven keen GIN Bikers met at the Everness Hotel at 10h on Thursday, May 15th. Once again the gods were smiling happily and allowed us warm, sunny weather, although there was some wind ….. as we found out on the return leg. The starters were:
Stephen (Bleader)
e-Reinier
Peter D
e-Richard
e-Thatcher
Mervyn
Ivan
e-Paul joined us later on the route, avoiding his usual commute from Grand Saconnex. It was good to see the return of Reinier after a couple of years out but looking very fit and certainly the most practised of the group.
The Bleader had promised a tour to the vineyards around Satigny on the far side of Geneva. We set off promptly in order to make the planned rendez-vous with e-Paul at the Vireloup crossing into France. We followed the well-cycled Route 50, through the Versoix woods towards Collex. At one point Ivan decided to exercise his one gear fully, took the lead and left the peloton behind. Unfortunately for him, he was not aware of the twists and turns of the Route 50 and had to backtrack in order to recover the group. On the flat tracks to Collex the e-bikes could not show their uphill advantage, but with the first slope exiting the woods, it became clear that ageing muscle power alone was not sufficient to keep up with modern technology. However, the e-bikers graciously waited patiently in the knowledge that on the flat and downhill their 25km/h limitation would show a reversal in their fortunes.
For the first time in the Bleader’s memory, meeting up with Paul at the border was completely flawless…..the rest of the group and Paul being at the correct meeting point at the correct time. Earlier suggestions of a coffee in Fernex were overruled with an unopposed proposal that we could carry on to Choully and enjoy refreshment overlooking the vineyards. Fernex was somewhat more exciting than expected due to roadworks in the centre and diversions (which were neglected by the group leader at that time). After some further attempts at a breakaway group we managed to unite up the initial gentle slopes of the Geneva wine territories, through Bourdigny and onto Choully. This is a delightful part of the Swiss countryside and meandering through the small wine villages with views all around made those of us without electrical support almost forget the effort we were having to exert. Unfortunately, the Auberge de Choully seemed to be having an unscheduled break in operations. We attempted to gate crash a party being set up in a local vintner, who turned down the economic benefits of 8 coffees and directed us through Peissy to Russin, where we would be sure to find refreshment. This was in the opposite direction to the planned route but the Bleader recognised that a second outing without a coffee stop could jeopardise his future career and so he led the pack to a very welcome, if late, coffee (and in PeterD’s case the first beer of the day…..well, we assumed it was his first). Ivan very kindly picked up the tab.
Relaxed and relaxing we considered options. Lunch was booked in Meyrin at 13h. Ivan and Richard needed to get back by early afternoon. Across the road was a very adequate and tempting communal auberge. There was also the possibility of a short track back to Meyrin. In a democratic vote (some voters thought there was a lack of impartiality in the way the options were listed) the shorter and less strenuous routes back were rejected in favour of completing the original loop on the cycle track 172, albeit in reverse direction to the original plan. Unfortunately, this meant that Ivan and Richard made their own direct route back in order to meet their domestic commitments. The remaining 6 then started on the attractive but relatively hilly circuit back to Peissy. This passed through Dardagny, Essertines and through the Allondon Nature Reserve. It is amazing how perspectives change when you try things in reverse….what you thought were short downhill stretches one way become long, steep, endless hills in the other direction. However, e-bikers and conventional pedal-pushers alike completed the circuit without incident….but on a slightly differing timescale.
We re-congregated for the return to the bright lights of the city and to the centre of Meyrin for lunch at La Meyrinoise, which was in the top 4 restaurants in Trip Advisor. The route to the restaurant had changed since the Bleader was last there and at one point necessitated a climb up steps. At last a positive advantage for the conventional bikes to the extent that Thatcher drew blood in manoeuvring his heavy machine. Happily, nothing too serious and it didn’t seem to impede progress after lunch. Lunch started at an early hour for Spanish eaters but at the later 13.30h sitting for this Italian/Swiss establishment. Beers and other refreshments were orders and consumed and the meals were copious and filling, so much so that at least 2 pizzas were unfinished and there was still some pasta. Conversation was lively as you would expect.
An urban lunch after a ride in the countryside.
Movement after lunch was distinctly slower, impeded by the lack of blood flow to the legs and the headwind which became noticeable out of the woods. Paul took the direct path home from Meyrin and the remaining 5 of us retraced our path through Fernex, Collex, Versoix woods and to the Everness Hotel. Thatcher left us at Jumbo (leg repair kit?) and the rest of us dispersed to our respective homes and a well earned rest.
Formal route (Everness to Everness) was just under 60km with 645m ascent and an average speed of 18.8km/h.