The leader promoted this ride as “Definitely shorts and T shirt weather”. Sometimes you have to eat your words. The warm, sunny, autumnal days had, contrary to the forecast, been replaced by weather more suitable for the season: overcast and drizzling. However, of the magnificent seven who turned up for this outing, only one hadn’t followed the dress code, at least on the “shorts” wear.
Stephen, PeterD, PeterT, Mervyn, Mark, Ivan and e-Reinier met in the light rain at the Everness Hotel ready for the challenge of the three peaks of Mourex, Vesancy and Bonmont before descending to Gingins for a well-earned beer and lunch. Reinier, a welcome newcomer to the group, arrived with his much admired, sleek, lightweight, e-bike and a history of frequent biking as well as usual GIN credentials of various ailments over the years. We knew that he would fit in well and perhaps spur a larger contingent of e-bikers, if not a full sub-section. The chosen route indeed would encourage assisted cycling. Ivan appeared with his re-re-re-repaired bike loaned from Mark. Up to this point new tyres and inner tubes, handle grips, brakes, chain have all been upgraded and an attempt at pedal replacement (unfruitful as of yet due to excessive rust on the old pedals). What else could possibly fail?
We set off with much banter as many participants had only recently returned from recent trips and had much to catch up on. This included a saga of 24 hours in a sweaty Italian hotel bed…..probably too much information, sorry. We warmed up on the easy ride through the woods in the direction of Grilly, although the uneven nature of the track was more uncomfortable for those with thinner tyres and wetter for those without mudguards. By the time we left the old train track and onto the real ascent up to Mourex we were hill ready and our legs “well-tuned”. Half way up the hill the legs felt insufficiently tuned and the group had spread out significantly. E-Reinier cruised easily past the peloton whilst Ivan struggled with the early 20th century gearing on his machine. However, all were relieved to reach the top and regroup whilst admiring the fine muscular contours of the last arrival, our backMarker.
Downhill to the main road between Divonne and Gex and then a shorter and gentler slope up to the heights of Vesancy. Some took the PeterD shortcut, which would challenge even the e-bikers, but not the man himself. As the clock struck 11.00h, our leader realised that the Ô Château restaurant opened at this time and would be an excellent place for a coffee. We received a friendly welcome from the waitress, who recognised that we were a subset of the larger group expected on November 23rd, when the GIN lunching group will appear en masse. Warm and soft drinks were served to all, except the shortcut leader who felt the necessity to replace alcohol depleted by his heroic efforts. Indeed, he followed the precautionary principle and downed a couple of beers aided by the fact the waitress had invertedly poured two. During the chat, Ivan admitted that, despite his persistence, he was ready for a more functional bike. Offers were forthcoming from both Peters (but surely Mark must have another reserve bike?).
The last of the 3 peaks beckoned and we reluctantly left the comfort of the restaurant seating with the knowledge that the first part would be downhill and eager to get the final uphill out of the way, so that we could progress onto a fulsome lunch. Downhill, and some potholes, were a more than a challenge for Ivan’s bike. The new chain leapt from its worn sockets and needed a rapid repair. Confirmation, if needed, that retirement of this bike is imminent.
Aware that other traffic has not always been favourably disposed to counterflow on the one way roads up to our Bonmont summit, the leader opted for the safer and proper direction of travel. Maybe slightly longer and slightly steeper in parts, he was confident that the GIN Bikers’ muscle power was up to the task. Obviously, no qualms for the happily meandering e-Reinier. The leader was not proved wrong and, on this occasion, we could benefit from careful study of Mervyn’s majestic pedal work as he completed the group for the photo at the high point.
A rapid descent into Gingins and we arrived exactly at the anticipated time at our lunchtime destination of the Auberge de la Poste, specialist in Belgian beers and food. With a full restaurant, it was lucky that the leader had reserved the table in advance. However, the restaurant claimed no knowledge and we were seated outside. Happily the air temperature was sufficiently warm and we were under cover. Indignant and determined for amends, the leader showed the internet confirmation of the booking. “Mais ce n’est pas le 27 aujourd’hui, c’est le 20!” La tarte humble. The waiter was gracious in his victory, happily accepting our orders of Belgian beer and, without gloating, let it be known that the plat du jour was no more. Alternatives of moules et frites and hamburgers were ordered. Conversation inevitably focused on UK politics and events in Ukraine but also encompassed many other diverse topics, such as the global population of flies and ants and the ability to convert global excess of carbon dioxide to useful fuel. More beer ordered and a toast raised for absent colleagues.
Homeward bound, well replete after our short stay in the heart of the EU. PeterD and Reinier peeled off first to ensure a long siesta, PeterT and Ivan followed next and the die-hards of Mervyn and Mark joined Stephen for a well-deserved home brew in Arnex.
Statistics: ca. 37km, 570m elevation gain, 17.6km/h average speed, 2h10m cycling time.
Brilliantly led comme toujours🤗🙏🏻 I was glad of my leggings!!