22 April 21
A Long-Form Report
Another perfect day for biking saw Peter D (leader), Peter T, Mervyn, e-Paul, Mike and Stephen meeting at the Chavannes de Bogis hotel at 10.30. Peter D had organised the route promising us an undemanding ride to the pleasures of a terrace lunch at the Auberge de Gilly. However, the start had to be delayed due to Stephen deciding to test the groups’ tyre changing prowess (again) as he found his bike had a puncture immediately after set off. Happily, Peter T. was deterred from fiddling with the front, good tyre. After the experience of the previous ride, our leader (Note : day-leader, not Bike Organiser, Ed.) had come prepared with a spare inner tube and in next to no time the rear tyre had been removed, the new inner tube inserted and the bike ready to go….apart from the need for tyre inflation. Once again, all the available pumps were found inadequate and Peter D returned the short distance to his home to pick up a reliable pump as well as a back up crew to return this home. Helen made some comment about whether we wanted back up for the entire route but we parted happily on our way, declining this offer. A couple of hundred metres later in an acceleration around a corner we realised that we were too hasty, as the repaired tyre suffered a second puncture. Moral: always check the tyre to remove any offending sharp object before repairing a puncture. Stephen was ready to let the group cycle on without him but, being close to home, Peter D. volunteered a spare bike, albeit lacking a recent service and, as discovered later in the day, with a saddle that didn’t allow for a previously pampered backside.
Anyway, we were finally on our way about 30 minutes behind schedule, so any detour (e.g. via a Bonmont climb) was cancelled. Our leader took us via a scenic route through the vineyards once we had left behind the approach via God’s Corner, Crassier, Gingins, Givrins, Genolier and Begnins. Mike, on his first outing with the group, manfully pedalled his way on a mature bike with a problematic brake, encouraged by our leader’s frequent claim of “no more hills”……..although there was some poetic licence here.
The Gilly hostellerie was ready and waiting for our arrival, happily advised of our 15 minute delay as the terrace was full with others enjoying the weather and the newly re-opened terrace restaurant. A couple of amber refreshments followed by the usual excellent lunch at this restaurant, made the trials of the morning ride fade into the background and fortified us for the return. Paul took his leave early, needing to e-bike it back to Grand-Saconnex and not needing his batteries recharged more than a liquid top-up.
The return journey was largely uneventful, opting for the direct route as required by blood focused on digestion. In total about 50kms with a height difference of ca. 400m. we dispersed at God’s Corner and made it back to our respective homes in time for a well earned rest and cup of tea.
Stephen Long (GINs Bike Organiser)
