GIN Bikers -January 8th 2023

As the GIN Ski Group was confronted with insufficient snow and bad weather, the GIN Biking Group stepped into an empty Thursday and offered to replace downhill skiing on two skis with uphill biking on two wheels. Admittedly, the weather was not perfect for biking but it wasn’t raining and it was an opportunity to satisfy at least one of the New Year’s resolutions (where alcoholic abstinence has failed?).

Stephen, Ivan, Mark2Ts and Mervyn made up the group for a gentle warm up to the 2023 season. No-one was brave enough to wear shorts and e-Paul, the most likely to come so attired, had absented himself due to prior plans. In fact the clothing count was up to 5 layers. Mark 2Ts resplendent in his new high-vis top….a precursor maybe to the long expected new bike? Ivan had come prepared with spare pedal and correct tooling should he suffer the same fate as on the last ride before Christmas

We followed a mostly flat route from the Everness Hotel via Grilly to the old train track through Divonne and onto Crassier. At some stage there was a murmuring about a lack of coffee stop but the leader had a plan in mind and wasn’t going to be deterred. On via the farm roads, in sight of the slopes of the Jura to Gingins and, to the surprise of some, a Bonmont climb was avoided. This was replaced by a downhill ride from Trélex to Prangins and along the lake road to the Tennis Club at Nyon for lunch. The motivation for this venue was revealed as Stephen still had some unused club restaurant vouchers whose expiry date was fast approaching.

The set menu lunch choices at a very reasonable 21CHF were more than acceptable, accompanied by a couple of beers, proving no-one was keeping to January temperance. Service by the chatty staff was more rapid than the cycling. Discussion topics followed the usual diverse course from meat curing to Ukraine to the similarity of the pizza oil and Richard’s hiking schnapps.

A modest climb from the tennis club went on well-known routes via Crans, Céligny and then back to out respective warm homes. The ride lived up to expectations, gentle, enjoyable and for once no bike problems for Ivan. Long may they continue….but after a skiing break.

Statistics: ca. 50kms, 400m total ascent, 16.5 km/hr