Author: Stephen Long

Sometimes comments made can catch up with you. The response to this week’s outing resulted in a plethora of e-bikers….well 5 to be exact….and yours truly on a traditional bike. In order to survive the course I outlined a relatively flat but fairly long route to give pure muscle power (myself) a chance against the electronic revolution. PeterT retorted that this seemed a little flat and was it worth him taking the new e-bike and perhaps his earlier non-e model would suffice. This generated a reply that there could be more hills than imagined and that no excuses would be accepted for falling behind. As you can imagine there was only one participant who seriously fell behind when the few hills were climbed. The Bleader was suitably lampooned.

Five e-bikers relaxing before relaxing on the ride

Anyway, I get ahead of myself. PeterT, RichardF, Mark2Ts, Mervyn, Paul and Stephen met at the earlier time of 9h at the usual Everness Hotel. The weather forecast was for a warm, humid day getting warmer throughout the day to reach a balmy earlier 30Cs in the afternoon. Hence, an early start seems sensible. The “flattish” route had been circulated:

“The plan is to enjoy some of the routes we covered last time but in the opposite direction. We’ll follow Route 50 through Arnex, Borex, Grens, Gingins to Genolier where we’ll cut down on Route 7 to Coinsins. From there we’ll take the route 488 all the way to Mont sur Rolle before returning on the Route 1/46 to Prangins for lunch at the Aérodrome. After lunch a gentle return home by continuing on the 1/46.”

It was good to have the full compliment of new e-bikers present (Peter, Mervyn and Mark) as well as a more seasoned e-bikers: Richard, who managed to get away from domestic heating/cooling technical problems, and Paul whose initial participating email had gone astray in the ether or Stephen’s inbox, but persistence won out.

The Swiss cycle routes are really well-planned and are usually excellently signposted as we discovered two weeks ago, although sometimes requiring eagle eyes. They take interesting paths through countryside and towns mostly keeping away from busy roads. This outing followed a coherent joined network of cycle routes and allowed the Bleader to relax as no-one could get lost if the routes were followed religiously. GIN outings are never so simple. The start along the route 50 went according to plan with the pack staying together and making excellent progress. These routes don’t always follow the shortest route and Richard had to be discouraged from taking a perfectly logical but unplanned deviation in Chavannes de Bogis, which by chance would have gone past his home and the ability to check on heating/cooling work progress. Another possible deviation to the plan presented itself when a tempting cafe terrace in Gingins could have lost at least a couple of riders. In the event, the wisdom of going a little further to our usual stop in Givrins was accepted. Peter was still in birthday celebration mode and kindly offered the drinks and croissants. Discussion seemed to concentrate on a new language of battery residual, handlebar dampening, saddle bag attachment, mud guard fitment, etc. After an application of thick, zinc based, Australian sun screen to many of the noses present, the peloton moved on. Shortly after there was some disruption to progress as Peter was successfully attacked on the head by a stinging insect, the latter apparently unimpressed with a head on collision with a speeding e-biker.

First signs of the free spirit of GIN membership was seen as we approached Vich. The unofficial leader at the time chose to ignore the route 488 sign and go via the direct route. Happily, his small deviation and the official route soon converged and we were back on track. The route from Vich through the vineyards of La Côte is delightful but at times difficult to follow the signage. It was on one of these undulating tracks that the Bleader was left behind and happily the e-bikers overruled the suggestion not to stop and wait. The crossover route from Mont-sur-Rolle to the route 1/46 was not obvious and, once on the 1/46, road blockages and poor signage made navigation through Rolle difficult. Peter decided to take matters into his own hands and left the pioneering group to head directly to the restaurant along the Route Swiss. The rest of us eventually regained the correct and now known route. A less express, but more scenic, path to the Aerodrome Restaurant. We were only shouted at once as we crossed a work site when we should apparently have taken a more devious path. However, we could outpace the slightly irate foreman…..

Peter was already supping his beer when we arrived at the restaurant. More beers were ordered. It’s been several years since we’d eaten at the Aerodrome restaurant but the quality and quantity of the food was excellent, as was the price. Richard could unfortunately only stay for the beer but the rest of us relaxed into either a large salad plat du jour or pizza or a selection of 3 pastas. The usual light aircraft traffic had been suspended due to the G7 meeting in Evian. We caught up on Paul’s latest literary offerings as well as a diverse range of other topics including what AI would say about the GIN Group. See the crazy answer here. Coffees rounded off the meal and water bottles were filled with cold water for the return home.

Menu du jour and pizza

Two satisfied customers and one on the adjacent table suffering from a blow out

Paul with lots of ice and lots of pasta and observers

Out from under the shade of the restaurant blind, the heat of the day was really starting to be felt. Paul made a direct line for the Nyon station on the Route Suisse and the remaining 4 of us made, as it turned out, probably an even more direct line for the Nyon station, as the 1/46 goes right past it. The Bleader left the group as the 1/46 passes the road to Arnex over the motorway and the rest found their most direct routes home as well.

Another enjoyable GIN Bikers outing with good company, great scenery and an enjoyable meal. Maybe a little less heat and humidity would have been appreciated but I, for one, am not complaining….better than the drenching of last time. In total, from Everness to Everness, 61.7km, 750m elevation, average speed 20.4km/h.

Early indications from Meteo Suisse that the weather would be variable had not changed on the morning of the ride. The rain was due to set in at some time after 13h. So we had the opportunity of a morning ride, early lunch and then home. Seven Bikers initially signed up for the outing but this was reduced to 5 after some concerns about the forecast and/or concerns about current fitness levels.

Stephen
PeterSo
e-PeterSt
newly-e-Mervyn
e-Richard

We gathered outside the Everness Hotel at the earlier time of 9h, to allow for maximum exercise before lunch. Mervyn and PeterSo had arrived back in Switzerland the night before, by chance both on the same late arrival from Denmark and both keen to take up the challenge that the leader had indicated previously:

“Route will essentially take the cycle track 1/46 from Tannay along until Vinzel/Bursins where we’ll cross the motorway to cycle route 488. Potential for a coffee. At Coinsins we’ll change to our well-cycled route 50 from Genolier to Gingins and an opportunity for a Bonmont climb before descending to Crassier for an Italian lunch (La Semplicita). After lunch fast home!”

Happy and dry….for the moment

We set off at speed, which the e-bikers soon realised was to ensure that on the flat they were disadvantaged by their 25km/h limit. The leader also took the precaution of not advising in detail the route so that they would have to stay behind, following. Which the pack did closely…..Mervyn especially seeming to enjoying the now effortless cycling.  Some of the routes were new to the leader but, thanks to the Swiss efficiency, these cycle tracks are well signposted with signs at any junction where a choice has to be made. The 1/46 route, picked up at Tannay, winds its way through Founex, Céligny, Crans, Nyon, Prangins to Gland and beyond. This proved to be a pleasure, passing through the villages and countryside avoiding most of the main roads, with the added bonus of seeing two light aircraft take off as we skirted the Gland aerodrome. By the time we reached Gland, there were hints that a coffee stop might be appropriate and we stopped at a suitable café by the side of the road. Coffee and tea were kindly sponsored by Richard. A quick weather check confirmed that the rain was still due at ca. 13.30h, so no need to change plans but we did need to press on to reach the safety of the restaurant.

We followed the route out of Gland with one indecisive moment as the route sign had been displaced on the ground whilst extensive piping work disrupted the track. We soon picked up the correct way and followed parallel to the motorway from Gland up to Gilly, where we diverged from the 1/46 and crossed over to join the 488. This took us on a devious path above the route du vin, in and out of vineyards and through hamlets, descending to the main road for a short period before climbing up to Begnins and then descending to Vich and onto Coinsins, past the auberge. Grey clouds were gathering and there was a change in the wind, indicating the coming storm. Legs for the non-e-bikers were getting weary and the e-bikers for once were ahead. We climbed up the gentle but long slope to Genolier. No time for resting, we pedalled on up the last short hill to Givrins, past our favourite coffee stop, and onto the well-known path to Gingins. A Bonmont hill was not an option with the storm clock ticking, so we took the lower road through the Bonmont golf course to La Rippe and from there the enjoyable downhill ride to our restaurant in Crassier. We arrived soon after 12h, dry and ready for sustenance.

We had not booked a table as we thought that the weather might encourage us to press on home. As it was, we all decided to stop for lunch but the inside tables were all occupied. There was space outside so we installed ourselves! Waitress service seemed somewhat slow, so Richard crossed the road to the Boeuf Rouge and discovered there were inside spaces and an enthusiastic proprietor there. However, during his absence, the waitress did appear, so we ordered five beers and 5 plats du jour: mushroom stuffed ravioli with cream sauce and a salad to start. As we finished the salad, the rain started and steadily increased in intensity. Happily, there was a overhead blind which extended to cover most of the table, with only PeterSt still receiving a slight dampening. Mervyn updated us on his “stan” travels  which were obviously quite an adventure and these are interesting countries to visit before they are fully on the tourist list. The plat du jour was supplemented with a dessert and coffee….nothing to lose now as we all knew the ride back would be very wet!

We reluctantly climbed back on the wet saddles and prepared ourselves for the thorough soaking which even the waterproofs couldn’t prevent. We separated rapidly, not lingering over farewells, as we made as quick a progress as possible to our respective homes. Warm baths and showers were taken once we got back.

All agreed that the pre-lunch route was a pleasant change from our usual well-beaten tracks with excellent cycling conditions. The short afternoon ride was atrocious! In the end, ca. 60km, 635m climb and an average speed of ca. 21km/h was recorded….a good day’s exercise.

This was the second Tour de Salève, with four bikers (all electrified) —David Baddeley (senior navigator), Mervyn, Richard, and Paul.

Meeting point was the Lancy-Bachet gare — Richard and Paul took the Leman Express, Mervyn was breaking in his new e-bike and rode all the way from his home (and all the way back).

Coffee in Veyrier, then short ride to the cable car station. Lovely Spring day.

The crêt run is rural, attractive, and hilly.

This year we did not stop at the Tibetan monastery (and gift shop), since it was perceived that all participants had already achieved an appropriate level of enlightenment, and that an overdose of enlightenment (ODE in medical parlance) might interfere with the ability to pedal mindfully.

Lunch at Auberge des Montagnards at La Croisette.

Annoying uphill after lunch, then David led us on a freewheeling downhill, with some attractive paths he had discovered towards the bottom that alleviated some of the tedious ride along the highway.

About 60 km from Lancy-Bachy and return.

The start of a new era….for some

Much discussion over the last year had been devoted to who of the non e-bikers would crack first. This impasse was broken by an unmissable e-bike offer at Jumbo when all three likely converters bought at the same time. So PeterT, Mark2Ts and Mervyn are all now proud easy riders.

Six GIN Bikers rallied to the fortnightly call to take to their saddles and pedal the local hills. The outing challenge presented to test our new e-bikers was sensibly considered too much of an early season challenge for one of the initial participants without any e-assistance. So, in the event the party was made up of:

Stephen
PeterS
e-PeterT
e-Mark2Ts
e-Thatcher (who also had a new e-bike….but not his first)

Unified team tops but non-unified machines

At this point I should apologise to PeterS for suggesting in earlier emails that at his young age (10 years below the outing’s collective average) he would consider an e-bike, let alone actually own one. To prove the point he cycled to and from the usual Everness Hotel starting point from his home in Genthod, adding considerable distance for his well-tuned muscular legs.

The outline plan was:
“We’ll head towards Arnex on an indirect route before tackling a half-Bonmont warm up climb on the way towards Genolier. Somewhere along this first part we’ll stop for an invigorating coffee. Then on up the Genolier hill (which was notably boycotted on a previous outing), Le Muids and Le Vaud before the welcome descent to Gilly and an AVS lunch menu there.

After lunch the way is mostly flat, if a little further than on some other rides, with a siesta reward at the home destinations.“

Good to his word, the Bleader led the group initially in the opposite direction to the lunch point at Gilly but soon started heading in a more direct line towards Arnex, through Signy, Grens and up to Gingins. Uncertainly of route was the only way to keep the e-bikes behind and prevent them exercising their full turbo potential. However, in achieving this aim the Bleader bypassed his intended route to the half Bonmont climb….a blessing that paid dividends later on the final uphill stage to Le Vaud. Our back Marker, now termed e-sweeper, was also timing his move as he learnt the characteristics of his bike only picked up the night before and being ridden for the first time.

Coffee was taken at our Givrins favourite boulangerie, with thanks to PeterT. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t accept in payment any of the 20000 Co-op points he had collected from purchase of his new bike.

All relaxed and non fatigued….at this point

The route to lunch was now significantly uphill and the e-bikers revelled in their freedom to run through the different levels of assistance and enjoy the thrill of smooth and effortless overtaking of anyone without similar aid. PeterS and Stephen manfully did their best to slipstream behind the others and pretend that they were enjoying the additional health benefits of the greater effort expended. PeterT in particular was riding a new high of the joys of sweat-free hill climbing with time to appreciate anew the surrounding views and not focus on the tarmac immediately ahead.

We regrouped at Le Vaud, which has a disappointing elevation of about 800m for the effort expended to get there. However, from here it is a great downhill (mostly) sweep through Burtigny to Gilly with fantastic views over the lake. Thoughts that non e-bikes would now come into their own were dispelled as the 25kph limit for e-bikes doesn’t apply downhill and we all proceeded at speed together directly to the Auberge Communale at Gilly.

All downhill from here

The restaurant has an excellent AVS menu: 3 courses for 25 SFr including a glass of wine. Between us we sampled the entire choice of salad or soup; fish, meat or vegetarian; rhubarb tart or profiteroles ; sandwiched between a beer and coffee.

Rhubarb tart was good but the profiteroles were the winners.

The route back from Gilly is flat if a little long after a full lunch. PeterT and Thatcher broke off at Gland to head down to the lake road, due to MéteoSuisse warnings of rain, whilst the rest of us stayed high and ran the gauntlet. In the event, the upper group was spared any rain but did find a particularly muddy section of unfinished track by the new buildings adjacent to the Signy Shopping Centre. Mark’s bike was duly christened. This group separated at Arnex, after meeting Ralph entertaining his 3 grandchildren in the communal playground…..it looked as if he might have preferred to have been out biking with us.

59km round trip from the Everness and 720m climb was recorded.

St. George’s day and two true Englishmen and one Welshman stepped up to the challenge of the Swiss and French roads and tracks. Admittedly, Mark2Ts only applied the afternoon before, concerned that excessive celebration of a certain notable birthday might put him at a disadvantage….especially since an e-bike had not been amongst his presents. However, with already 8 apologies, the leader was all too happy to boost the participation by 50% and craft a ride without excessive of climbing.

The outline of the ride had been shared:
“I have devised a gentle ride with stops as needed. The general direction is from the Everness to Grilly, along the train track to Gex, onto Échenevex and down to Versonnex for lunch at Sur l’Ardoise. After a leisurely meal we can head back via Collex and the Versoix woods.”

It was a rare occasion that the party consisted solely of conventional bikes without an e-bike in sight. However, there are definitely moves amongst Mark and Mervyn to progress to battery-aided cycling. It is testament to their tenacity that they don’t want to concede before a certain PeterT, who in turn holds similar sentiment. It was suggested that a negotiation position for 3 e-bikes could resolve this stand off. Anyway, I digress.

Pedalling their craft on St George’s Day

Stephen, Mervyn and Mark set off at a leisurely pace from the Everness Hotel to the track the other side of the closed road between the Chavannes Shopping Centre and Chavannes des Bois, running alongside the French border. Those with thin tyres soon discovered that the track itself could benefit from some repair and had an early vibro-massage. Once onto the railway track at Grilly, the cycling was smoother and we could really enjoy being out in the nature. Although a little fresh at first the increasing blood circulation (and over layers) kept us warm. We allowed sufficient space between us to each feel at one with the surroundings but with stops as necessary to permit regrouping. By the time we reached Gex, there was a mood to stop for the mid-morning drink. However, despite at least 5 restaurants or bistros in or near the main square not one was open at 10.30h for the needs of passing cyclists or, indeed, for locals. We were pointed to a boulangerie a little outside the town, happily in the direction we wanted to head. This served our needs well.

Fortified , we tackled the first and only real hill climb of the day. This took us onto the upper road to Echenevex and past the Auberge des Chasseurs (which under new management is getting very good reviews). Although still early for lunch, we agreed to stop at the Maison Blanche Golf Club to enjoy the view from their terrace, but the leader chose the incorrect route which took us downhill and away from this destination into undiscovered territory. Deciding not to retrace the uphill ride, we continued to the original luncheon destination in Versonnex. As the route had not been researched, the line was far from direct but, helped by Mark’s handlebar mounted phone, we pioneered rustic French towns, beautiful wooded tracks as well as some rather more stony paths. We arrived at the reasonable hour of 12.30h for lunch and a table was found for us on the terrace of the Sur l’Ardoise.

Previously undiscovered leafy and sunlit glades were the reward for the pioneers

For 26 Euros a person we enjoyed a three course meal with beverages and coffees rounding up to a reasonable 40 Euros a head (tip included). As always with this restaurant the choice, quality and service was good. Stephen did comment on the “minceur” quantity of his main course but by the time the dessert had been consumed he felt more than adequately fed without being over full for the return journey. Conversation was up to usual GIN standards with a variety of subjects from wine costs, repainting costs, pigeon proofing solar panels, benefits of emeritus professorships, neighbourly re-grassing techniques and even touching upon topical middle east events.

After lunch it was a short ride back into Switzerland and then a delightful pedal through the Versoix Woods to the Chavannes Shopping Centre, where we split up to head back on the most direct paths to our individual homes.

In all, a round distance from the Everness of about 35kms and 450m climb was measured with small additions for individual routes to and from there.

The first outing of 2026, after an early Easter, took place in glorious sunshine and a springtime warmth. There was still snow on the Jura as the snow shoeing group had discovered, without their snow shoes, the week before. Four GIN members responded to the invitation to test out their legs and/or batteries in this early season: PeterT, Philip, Paul and Stephen. We had an identical number of e-bikes and pure muscle power. The apologies came from a wide global distribution covering the USA, South Africa, UK, Mallorca and due to competing activities for those more local.

We met at our usual starting point of the Everness Hotel in Chavannes at 10h. Both Paul and Philip had already covered some distance having utilised their e-bikes to cycle from their respective homes. Philip was helped in his final direction finding with Peter picking him up whilst he was heading in the opposite direction to the hotel. As promised by the leader, we set off at a leisurely pace in the direction of Geneva, backtracking the way Paul had just ridden, along the cycle route 50. This took us to the Versoix woods where we headed for France via Sauverny, stopping at an intriguing brocante where drinks were only served from 15h.

Old Masters hopeful of finding an Old Master

Sauverny centre allowed Paul to add to his reading as he took advantage of the book loan cabinet at the village fountain.

Reading matter loaded and ready again for the trail.

From Sauverny, we took the back route to Grilly and then onto the old railway track to Divonne and beyond. There had been a plan to stop for coffee at our favourite boulangerie in Givrins but as Crassier loomed into sight it seemed appropriate to stop here and not wait a further 30 minutes and the first uphill slopes. Peter was starting to suffer from sore wrists (as well as unused cycling legs) and sought help at the Crassier cycle shop. Alas, they did not have the handlebar extenders he was looking for but they did have very top of the range e-bikes for those technically minded and with a large bank balance. He resisted a potential trial ride, still hopeful that he would not be the first of a new wave of e-bikers in the group. Philip kindly picked up the tab for the coffees….certainly a lot less financially damaging than a new bike from the adjacent shop.

Invigorated with the caffeine, the leader set off at a slightly increased pace up towards Gingins, mostly avoiding being caught by the chasing peleton although, occasionally, e-Paul demonstrated his power reserve. By the time we reached Genolier, the leader was pumped and ready to tackle the highlight of the ride: the Genolier hill past the clinic. The rest of the group did not share his enthusiasm and opted instead for the descent to Coinsins and our booked lunch table. Undaunted, Stephen persevered on his upward planned route and managed to join the others, seated at the table, just as their drinks arrived.

The Auberge de la Réunion has a simple, plentiful and economic set menu and consequently is well frequented. The terrace on the warm afternoon was full but service was efficient and friendly. Unfortunately, our waitress was a little too hasty in trying to deliver the food and Peter’s steak and frites did an unexpected pirouette from her hand onto the paving, shattering the plate and liberally distributing its contents. Peter’s longer wait a little longer for his meal was rewarded with an unexpected steak supper for Kobie. Two steaks, one jarret de porc and one veal kidney meal ( and maybe a beer or two) fuelled a lively discussion around the table. This meandered from the collection and disposal of caterpillar larvae, to the communication methods of caterpillars, to the love life of Wallace (guess who knew about this?), to the use of AI for story telling and even some topical comments about recent activities of a certain US President.

Replete and thinking about the shortest way home.

Lunch over, we climbed back onto our bikes and sought the direct routes to our respective homes. This resulted in Paul leaving us in Duillier to head for Nyon station, Peter and Stephen in Borex going in separate directions and Philip was last seen heading for Crassier hoping to find his way to the old train track and eventually home.

A thoroughly enjoyable first outing of the season although feedback from the other non e-biker suggests that more training might be necessary to prevent post ride aches and pains. In total the Genolier hill climber counted 50k and 500m climb with an average speed of 20kph. The others would have done less climb and the majority more distance.

The outing-lite route

The forecast showed no precipitation in sight just a little low cloud to mask the sun. Excellent cycling weather….. especially if we could get above the cloud!
Seven GIN Bikers signed up for the outing which promised the usual “at least one hill” as well a hearty lunch and the usual comradery.

Mark2Ts
Mervyn
e-Paul
PeterD
PeterT
e-Thatcher
Stephen

Six of the group arrived at the Everness Hotel at the planned 10h, only Mark seemed to be absent. Perhaps the change of timing from the usual 09.30h had thrown him or perhaps a little longer mental preparation was necessary. Phone calls failed to contact him. In the event, it seems that he took a novel route which was longer than expected. However, when he did arrive, he arrived in style: he was the only one of the group to be wearing shorts on this fresh autumnal day.

All present and almost correct

We headed towards the Versoix woods, passing a new barrier designed to stop any motorists who thought this path would be an acceptable bye pass of the lengthy road closure on the usual route to Chavanne de Bois. The ride through the woods was delightful: dry, flat and with beautiful autumn colours. We stopped for coffee at the Vielle Batie Golf Club where we received a warm welcome and warm coffee/tea. There were a few golfers trying their hand on the driving range and the 9 hole pitch and putt course. One of Thatcher’s neighbours appeared with grandchildren. Junior clubs sized, they went off to start a potential career in golf (the children that is…..too late for the grandparents!). Paul kindly volunteered the coffee as a recognition that this outing had enabled him to reach 10,000km on his bike this year. Bravo!

The gentle climb up towards Cessy and Gex on paper seems just that but after a relaxing rest it somehow seems more demanding. The peloton spread out with the e-bikers at the front, accompanied by PeterT, who seemed to have a point to prove. The BLeader did his best to keep the group together and encourage the less speedy. By the time we arrived at Gex, the major part of the climb was still ahead of us. We reassembled adjacent to an e-bike hire hub which generated the usual conversation about whom of the non e-bikers would succumb to electronic aid first. There is still a lot of pride attached to pure muscle power riding. Mark thought that the time is approaching but was not prepared to act on the spur of the moment and rent one of the bikes from the stand. So, with the tough hill ahead and Wattage low, he decided to head back home for a comfortable ride and early siesta.

The rest of us gritted our teeth and headed through Gex and up on the road to the Col de la Faucille. The road itself zigs and zags it’s way up the hill and past our lunchtime destination, the restaurant Le Florimont. This has two disadvantages: firstly it is a lot longer and secondly there is a lot of traffic to contend with compared to the back route. Unfortunately, the back route being shorter for the same amount of elevation gain is consequently much steeper. Memories from earlier tackling of this direct ascent some years previously had faded (indeed, the Bikers had cycled to a GIN lunch here) and the level of effort required forgotten, replaced by the warm satisfaction of the well-oiled lunch. The climb rivals any of the other usual GIN Bikers challenges. The group strung out. PeterT determined not to be at the back forged ahead. The e-bikers, Paul and Thatcher, unworried about charge anxiety as they had plenty to spare, could enjoy the colourful seasonal display on the Jura. The rest of us had heads down, concentrating on the tarmac and sweating profusely as each pedal turn challenged the ageing leg muscles and lung capacity.

One by one the restaurant destination was reached. When 5/6ths of us were there the beers were ordered. When the sixth member had not appeared 30 minutes after the first, some concern was expressed. However, we had no doubts that PeterD would appear for beer. Some minutes later, the BLeader thought that a more positive effort should be made and managed to make phone contact and received a reassurance that our party would soon be complete. Definitions of “soon” can differ but eventually the BLeader started walking down the road in search of the lost rider. A further call and an acknowledgement that all was not well and maybe there would be a spare beer at the lunch table. Not a happy outcome and the incidence of a lost GIN biker would not make for a relaxed lunch. Stephen returned to the restaurant to impart this sorry story only to find both Peters sitting at the end of the table and the spare beer being consumed. In his keenness, PeterD had cycled right past Le Florimont and further on up the track before realising that he had expended more energy than necessary.

Pierre perdu tucks in

The other Pierre does the same

The last time Thatcher had been in this restaurant was 35 years previously. Apparently, little has changed….certainly the place mats were dog-earred. Lunch was excellent and plentiful. The menu du jour was salad, pierrade with chicken and then a café gourmand, all for a modest 25 Euro. Stephen offered drinks in recognition of the last formal ride of the season, Mervyn offered top up drinks including large digestifs (of a much more satisfactory quality than some other recent ones in Barme on the 2 day walk) in celebration of a recent birthday and Thatcher offered lunch as a thank you to the GIN organisers. What comradery!

Replete, relaxed and still a large digestif to round off the meal

Fully relaxed and with that warm glow from good food and drink, we wrapped ourselves up for the chill factor of the descent. It was an enjoyable downhill all the way, retracing our path until the old railway track in Gex, where Paul separated to head directly for home. The rest of us sped along the gravel track towards Divonne with the knowledge that we were not far from a comfortable chair and rest. Unfortunately, the progress was impeded by construction works just before Grilly and we had to descend a steep bank to the alternative road. The first there gingerly slid down the slope whilst Thatcher did an impressive forward roll, happily with only minor damage to his bike and no apparent personal injury.

At Grilly the group divided further with only a couple benefiting from the short new extension to the railway track, which avoids the earlier detour through the town. By the time Divonne was reached everyone was on their individual way home.

This was another exceptional day’s ride and a fitting one to end the formal season. The discussion on e-bikes continues but there is more weight towards the benefits after an ascent of this nature. The capability to go further to new cycling areas also is in favour of e-bikes. PeterT, for one, categorically stated that he would not attempt this route again without electronic assistance but he still is reluctant to set the trend. We’ll see what challenges the Bleader sets next season and what machines are being ridden.

Statistics for the day: +/-42km and ca. 650m ascent

Into October and still the weather forecast was indicating a sunny day. However, we hadn’t prepared ourselves fully for the chill of the morning which carried on throughout the day. Seven GIN Bikers met at the Everness at 09.30h, some wearing shorts and some having changed to their winter wardrobe ith long leggings. The starting team were:

Mervyn
Mark2Ts (back after many absences)
PeterD (back after some absences)
PeterT (back)
e-Paul
e-Philip
Stephen (Bike Leader)

Paul arrived last having been contemplating the wasted fruit on the ground in the neighbouring orchards…..seemingly good fruit but for some reason left to recycle into the ground. His panier basket seemed fuller than usual.

At this stage in the biking season, muscles should be fully formed and lungs ready for the more strenuous rides. E-bikers circumnavigate this need and can perform at all times but the purists can be caught short if they haven’t been active on a regular basis. The BL had chosen a route to test physical condition… the famous 3 hills circuit of Bonmont, Mourex and Vesancy.

“Cycle gently towards the Bonmont climb. Warm up with the climb up to 727m. Down to Crassier and a coffee. Along the old train track, through Divonne and onto the Mourex hill test. Down and then up to Vesancy. Down to the Accor Parfait for lunch. Home after lunch.”
Compromise was made in the shape of a coffee break after the Bonmont hill and serious calorific restocking at lunch.

We set off in the now usual circuitous route towards the first hill, passing a fellow GIN member, Martin Vaughan, walking his dog, Terence. Martin declined the offer of joining the group blaming an ageing bike with a puncture in his shed.

PeterD commented at one stage that the route to the base of the Jura was a little too wayward….but he hadn’t been on the previous outing to make a balanced judgement. The group spread out considerably even in this warm up period and it became obvious who had not been exercising regularly and/or had older equipment. The potential to switch to e-bikes was discussed again but there are some stubborn classical cyclist in the group and they do not want to be seen to crack first. PeterT set off at pace up the Bonmont hill, anxious to dispel the demons of the previous ride. The rest followed with the e-bikers looking decidedly more relaxed and the BL doing somewhat of a corralling role to ensure no-one was left behind. At the 727m junction, the wait for the usual photo seemed prolonged as the backMarker was running on low Wattage. The photo was taken with the potential opportunity to photoshop in any missing member later and then the congregated group departed downhill, eager to get a warming coffee in Crassier.

Time and tide wait for no backmarker

The BL, feeling the responsibility associated with his position, backtracked to ensure that the missing biker was still pedalling uphill…which he was only a couple of hundred metres down the road. The summit attained Mark and Stephen sped down appreciating anew the chill of the day and the impact of wind chill. They arrived at the coffee stop in time to add their order to the open bill, which PeterT kindly settled, adding in some patisserie as well as a bar of house made chocolate.

Happy BL but doubtful GIN Bikers….where are we going next?

At this stage it became apparent that the group was going to fracture. PeterT was called away due an unwell Jill and Kobie, who was in need of his daily part-Everest ascent. Philip had earlier mentioned that he would not be able to complete the circuit as he had to get home for other commitments. Mark part-accompanied Philip on his way before finding an easier route to lunch, avoiding two thirds of the hills on the planned itinerary. The remaining 4 of us manfully adhered to the predetermined route and enjoyed (?) the challenge of the Mourex uphill slog followed by the lesser Vesancy climb. Even e-Paul found that he had to work hard….maybe a case of too many apples in his bag? However, we all made it, age and fitness levels deferring to sheer will-power.

The downhill from Vesancy in the direction of Divonne, via the hamlet of Saint Gix, was a joy apart from that persistent chill factor and we got to the Accord Parfait in good time to have a round of drinks before Mark joined us. Except Mervyn, who decided on the excellent maigret de canard, the rest of us opted for the three course 19 Euro menu, although Paul would have had the copious spare ribs had they not been out of stock. As indicated earlier, the three menu courses were plentiful: pâté en croute with salade, cheeseburger and fries, and an interesting desert of chocolate sauce with mint ice-cream and a thick layer of whipped cream (for those who could manage this). Paul’s often fruitless request for “super croustillant” fries was met on the second attempt as a fresh bowl of indeed crispy chips was supplied without argument by our friendly waiter.

Refreshed, vitalled and warmed we wrapped up again for the quick descent through Divonne and to our respective homes. Such was the eagerness to get to that siesta that the farewell formalities were dispensed with and we peeled off at our individual appropriate points.
Overall ca. 50km and 750m ascent with quite large variations depending upon the individual.