To Infinity and Beyond
Close to heaven
At an earlier outing we discussed the possibility of varying our routes. Paul took up the challenge and with his friend David Baddeley, suggested a tour on the Salève. There followed a whole succession of emailed information with exact routes outlined and elevation differences detailed. The first involved a hefty 600m ascent after lunch which was quickly dismissed by Mervyn, who realised that the usual digestive processes would exclude this possibility. David managed to reduce this ascent to a mere 160m on closer examination of the map contours, with a realisation that when near the top of the Salève and additional 600m would take us airborne.
Paul circulated the final instructions with David’s map:
- Meet at gare Lancy-Bachet at 09:10. Front of the gare, by the trams. For riders from Vaud, note the L4 train leaves Coppet at 08:34.
- We ride to the start station of the téléphérique (coffee stop en route) and take the cable car to the crête of the Salève. Bike up and down to lunch at Auberge des Montagnards at La Croisette.
- Eat and consume beers as per individual proclivity.
- Modest uphill of about 160 m after lunch, then more or less flat until the la Grande Descente back to gare Lancy-Bachet. Regular trains to Coppet. Can change trains at Cornavin if your destination is Nyon.
Four additional GIN Bikers volunteered for the adventure. In the event, PeterD had to withdraw due to reduced mobility following an encounter with angry insect who had a liking for his foot, resulting in subsequent painful swelling. So the line up was e-Paul, e-David, e-RichardF, Mervyn and Stephen. Was this the first time the e-bikers outnumbered the traditional?…..a sign of the future.
With such detailed pre-work, what could go wrong? Richard, Mervyn and Stephen met on time at Coppet station only to find that the desired 08.34h train had been cancelled. In looking for alternatives, Richard discovered there was a 08.41h express train which actually arrived at our desired destination ahead of the planned transport. Communication with Paul alerted him of the situation as he too would have to adjust his travel plans. We agreed to meet at Lancy-Bachet station somewhat later than originally planned. In the event, the Coppet arrivals did get there early and Paul was already there having managed to catch an earlier train. The gained time was used trying to extract ourselves from the station labyrinth….which we eventually did and found David lounging patiently on a bench in the sunshine.
After this shaky start, we were in the safe hands of our guide for the day, David. We also learnt that David and Richard were old work colleagues from 40 years ago…. they had a whole day ahead to fill in those years. David led us out of the urban jungle into the countryside at the foot of the Salève. We had to negotiate a closed section of road (nothing new to the GIN Bikers), overcoming an irate local who clearly expressed that all traffic was prohibited, gently removing and replacing barriers as we went in and out of no man’s land. On the far side of this obstacle, Veyrier, the last Swiss town before the French border seemed an appropriate place to stop for coffee. Switzerland on this side of Geneva has a very different feel to that in Vaud…. the town having more of a provincial French nature but café au lait is still a renversé, as our waitress made very clear. Baguette with butter and abricot jam added to the atmosphere of this stop. Paul generously picked up the tab with the usual Swiss pricing.
Suitably refreshed, we started the long uphill ascent to the top of the Salève, made easier by the short ride across the border and then the aid of the téléphérique. We managed to squeeze in ahead of a large group of school kids, who were made to wait whilst their elders were carefully instructed in how to efficiently load bikes in the cable car and then fill all the space. The future generation had to wait for the next departure.
Bikes carefully loaded and aligned in a single direction
Bikers carefully loaded, definitely not aligned in any direction
Even an e-biker appreciates an easy ascent
At the top of the cable car, we stopped to admire the view down across Geneva and the Jura beyond. From here, we cycled up the winding road towards the observatory and the large telecommunications facility, clearly visible from the Plaine. The e-bikers revelled in the easy ascent, chatting as they went, whilst the old-school riders sweated up the slope determined not to let thoughts get hold about changing to motorised aid. On the way up we passed the incongruously positioned Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, The Shedrub Choekhor Ling, and Paul was inevitably drawn to this monument. We stopped to add to our spiritual wellbeing but avoided any material outlay on the numerous souvenirs on offer.
Spiritual, if not physical, replenishment
On up the road, past the road to the Observatory (and associated restaurant) and to the heights of the plateau with magnificent views across to Mont Blanc and The Alps. Spiritual overload. We descended to the sleepy hamlet of La Croisette where lunch was booked but all visible establishments seemed to be closed. However, tucked at the back, but with a terrace with a view, was the one open restaurant with a table ready for us but still too early for the chef to produce a meal. So, 5 beers later, the chef was ready and we made it easy for him by all ordering the menu du jour of roast beef, gratin and ratatouille. After this the muscle-powered-only bikers felt the need for the house tarte aux myrtilles speciality to add sufficient fuel for the promised post-lunch ascent and Paul was happy to join them even without the same excuse.
“I think I may still need a tarte aux myrtilles after this”
Once again the e-bikers raced ahead up the slope to the high point of the Col des Pitons (1335m) stopping en route to chat to some German tourists with camper vans taking advantage of the thermals to unsuccessfully launch a large model glider. Stephen and Mervyn pedalled on relentlessly eventually joining the leaders.
The loneliness of the long distance non e-biker
From the col we could all enjoy the long, winding, downhill run….happily speeding past bikers struggling uphill who had foregone the much easier cable car ascent. A right junction in the road kept us circumnavigating the Salève but also included an undesirable uphill stretch where a rapid gear change caused Stephen to lose his chain. By the time this was rectified and Stephen and Mervyn had caught up, the others were stopped in front of the impressive Château des Avenieres with a view down to the Lac d’Annecy. The group decided it would be good to reconnoitre the establishment for potential future GIN activities. It passed on all counts although cycling gear felt slightly underdressed.
Château des Avenieres – a future lunch spot
On down the hill at speed, the 60km/h barrier only just intact. At one point we crossed the path signposted for long distance pilgrims on their way to St. Jacques-de-Compostelle. We eventually met the main roads where the traffic rushed past as we kept close to the side or on the cycle track, where this was available. Crossing back into Switzerland between Bossey and Troinex, we headed towards the centre of Troinex for well-earned refreshment at David’s local café. After an enjoyable stop in the quiet town centre, sponsored by Richard, we were led by David back in the direction of Lancy-Bachet station a mere 10 minutes away.
Whilst Paul and Richard negotiated a small elevator, Mervyn and Stephen carried their lighter bikes down the 3 flights of stairs to the platform. As is often the case, the traditional bikes have the downhill advantage and were there first, the e-bikes arriving just in time for the incoming train. The L4 Express train is a bit of a misnomer in that it stops frequently but did allow us all to reach our own destinations. Paul alighted at Secheron, the rest of us at the Coppet end station, from where we made our individual ways home.
A truly great day, enjoying new and stunning scenery, reuniting with old friends and meeting new GIN members. Many thanks to Paul and David for making this possible.
Round ride from Genève Lancy-Bachet ca. 43km and ca. 660m climb by bike and the same by téléphérique.
An outstanding day in perfect weather. As close to biking nirvana as you can get – especially for those who went inside the Buddhist temple. Many thanks to Paul for the initiative, Dave for leading the way, and Stephen for documenting it all in (a lot of) detail.