For this outing we were left without our Bleader, who for some inexplicable reason had left an essential part of his velocipede (to wit a modified pedal crank) in the UK.
To compound the dilemma, his able deputy offered an even more feeble excuse for absence – something about dog sitting. Isn’t it about time Kobie got a bike?
That left the peloton to organise itself and yours truly stepped up.
In the event just four of us (Mark, Mervyn, Peter S, & Richard) assembled at the Everness at 09:30 for a morning ride, hoping to avoid the forecast rain.
After some banter about the current Tour de France a democratic(?) decision was reached to climb to Bonmont – our own Mt Ventoux – via a familiar route: Grilly, Gex, Veysancy and La Rippe.
As Richard, the sole e-biker, waited for the peddlers to reach Vesancy, the first drops of rain began. Was this the forecast 12:30 shower arriving two hours early? Or just MeteoSuisse getting it hopelessly wrong again? Oh well, we were in France, just. And while on the topic of vicissitudes, Vesancy really could do with a café for coffee now that O’Chateau no longer serves the purpose.
Donning rain gear we rode on to the foot of the shaded Bonmont climb. I for one shed a layer to avoid a personal sweaty sauna during the ascent By 11:30 we reached the summit with Peter claiming the polka dot jersey. We did check that this time he wasn’t on his e-bike, but being a doctor perhaps he has access to performance enhancing substances? Nevertheless, chapeau Peter!
Ten minutes later we had descended to Crassier and we’re sitting in the terrace of La Semplicita enjoying overdue coffees, as per Richard’s request. Or did he really want a beer but was too bashful to ask?
That indulgence cost us a subsequent drenching as the 12:30 downpour did materialise as we were passing Divonne lake.
Home in time for lunch and to reflect on our morning exertions. There had been no rain in Commugny!
I clocked 44Km and an estimated 600m dénivellation.
Thanks team.
Great blog! The determined hard core of GIN Bikers showed their mettle including the classic climbs and compulsory coffee stop despite the downpour. A fully cranked up team!