End of July and another canicule. But this wasn’t enough to put off seven intrepid cyclists, (Bill, Mark W2ts, Paul, Peter T) and including three (Mike M, Richard F & Mervyn) who had conquered La Barillette (1528m) two days earlier, from signing up for today’s ride. Several other regulars were unavailable for various acceptable reasons. None cited the expected high temperatures, although may that have been contributory?
We duly assembled at Everness at 09:30 and set off to do a warm-up circuit of Lac de Divonne, where we met up with Peter T, who was late leaving home due to a technical issue with his bike – namely getting a bag strap meshed in the derailleur. What a tangled web some of us weave! And Kobie could not be blamed in any way for this impediment.
Then followed the now familiar course along the old railway track to Gex. Bill, on his non-e road bike was relieved that the partly gravel surface was sufficiently smooth for his slender tyres to negotiate without incident. Gex, being infamous for it’s almost complete absence of morning coffee stops, it required us to cross through town to a boulangerie/pâtisserie which we had located on a previous ride. There Paul treated us to coffee and cakes in a double celebration of his birthday and the publication of his new novel, Jungle Gyre, the third (and final?) in his satirical eco-thriller Borneo Trilogy.
Many thanks, Paul and congratulations.
Bill and cakes
A GIN bike ride would not be complete without some uphill and so it was that we rode up to Vesancy before sweeping down to La Rippe. An ascent of Bonmont had been mentioned and given that we had the time, if not unanimous enthusiasm, we did indeed head upwards. At this point the power of the e-bikes became clear as poor old Bill, valiant and strong thus far, was now relegated to the position of lanterne rouge, so much so that he lost contact with the e-group and missed a left turn near the top. The leader had earlier mentioned the lunch venue so felt sufficiently confident that those who were hungry enough would congregate there.
The descent back down to La Rippe and Crassier was both swift and well-deserved. There Richard left us to enjoy the rest of the day at home in the cool, mentioning something about mad dogs and Englishmen. Mike had earlier peeled off as he had an afternoon appointment with Odysseus at the Balexert IMAX.
The final few kilometres in the heat were accomplished at pace and we duly arrived at the lunch venue, L’Auberge du Lion d’Or in Tannay, at 12:50, a minute after Bill. A table for 7 had been set up for us on the terrace although the lunch party was now reduced to five. Ice cold water and beers were greatly appreciated and a delicious plat du jour of cold soup or salad and sautéed gambas ordered and enjoyed.
Yes, it’s the plat du jour!
Paul holding forth
As hot, tired bodies gradually eased the conversation flowed, although this scribe can’t remember much of what was discussed. I’m sure it was just as erudite and pertinent as per usual.
For most it was, from Tannay, a short if hot uphill ride back home.
Vital statistics for the day: distance 55Km, deniv 500m?, temp 37°C
Mervyn Powell