GIN Bikers – May 6th 2021

“Cycling in the rain, just cycling in the rain. What a wonderful feeling…..”

The morning of May 6^th was dark, overcast and foreboding. The weather forecast did nothing to suggest any change but, despite this and a last minute offer by the leader to just meet at the restaurant, 6 intrepid GIN bikers demonstrated their true grit and bundled up in waterproofs to take up the challenge. Peter D, Peter T, Mervyn, Mark, Stephen and e-Philip met at the Everness hotel in Chavannes at 10h sharp. Great to have Philip back with the group, looking fit after his encounter with the surgeon. Unfortunately, e-Thatcher had to withdraw for his first ride due to having to keep an eye on Mrs. e-T, whose surgeon had recently been keeping an eye on keeping her eyes clear.

The ride started smoothly: only a few specks of rain and no punctures. As we moved eastwards along the lake through Céligny, Crans, Nyon and Prangins, the conditions became steadily worse and early optimism that we might be able to miss the worst of the rain were thwarted. Peter D donned his jaunty, waterproof, blue see-through attire……memories of earlier days when he dressed up as a fairy. The first climb up through Prangins showed the benefits of an e-bike as Philip cruised effortlessly towards the front, despite frantic pedalling by the leader who did not want to be overtaken. By the time we had progressed onto Trelex and up the next hill the slippery conditions saw Stephen slipping on his pedal and ending up on the tarmac. Was it by chance this was in full view of a chatty female rider who had stopped by the side of the road to refill her water bottle at a fountain? Battered and bruised and wet, but not beaten, the magnificent six amassed at the Gingins start of the climb to up above Bonmont. On a rolling start we took our usual positions with the e-bike interloper again pedalling easily into the leading group. He also had time to compare the cadence of the other riders. If ever there was a sales pitch for an e-bike……

e-biker taking it eeeasy after a gentle ascent

Party wear and optimistic sunshades Mr. Drew……

A well-earned breather at the usual 717m peak (21 times for Peter T this year so far) before a cold and wet descent through La Rippe, Crassier, God’s Corner and onto the previously promised relief of the Founex Tennis Club restaurant. Protected though it was from the wind and rain, some seating was a long way from the heater. As we shivered on the terrace, downing the welcome beer before enjoying one of the weekly special menus, there was some reflection as to whether there should have a been a choice of ride or terrace lunch and not both. However, as we dispersed into the continuing rain we (all?) agreed that this was a memorable ride, not to be missed, and one that will ensure that we really appreciate future rides in better conditions.

Can’t we get that heater nearer?

It’s fine for us, thanks.

Ride stats: ca. 35km, 480m elevation gain, 21.4 km/hr average speed, 1h38m saddle time (meeting point to restaurant). Conditions: wet.