Author: Stephen Long

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

The first day of December and the GIN Bikers were still keen to prove themselves. Even at 5C one die-hard arrived in shorts having e-biked it all the way from Geneva.

Eight hardy members signed up for this last official outing of the season. In the event, Mervyn had to call off due to teething problems….a 9/10 excuse. So it was Stephen. PeterD, a reluctant PeterT, Mark2Ts, e-Paul, Ivan (on his new, old bike) and newcomer e-Mike (immaculately turned out in brand new gear) who met at the Everness Hotel at 10h. PeterT’s lack of enthusiasm was due to a definitely non-Alfred previous evening. E-Paul was also not at his performance peak…..maybe due to recovery from the GIN Wine Group or maybe having to nurse a cold battery already diminished from the warm-up ride from Grand Saconnex.

We raced(?)off in the direction of Céligny, our leader making an ill-judged call to use a farm track which was water- (and mud-) logged in places. However, having now initiated any new and/or clean gear there was no need for subsequent caution. We followed the familiar road and track from Céligny to Crans, through Eysins, up to Signy and from there to Gingins. The peloton seemed a little sluggish and there was frequent need of “herding”. Regrouped at Gingins we embarked on the infamous Bonmont ascent. Our leader forged ahead trying to prove manhood and the ability to take on the e-bikes. 50% success with the latter, the former to be judged by others.

After the customary photo shoot, we enjoyed the downhill ride to La Rippe.…although the wind chill factor was noticeable. As we prepared for the ascent to Vesancy, where a coffee had been promised at our favourite Ô Château restaurant, there was leadership concern about timings. Lunch had been booked in Divonne and we had been told to arrive before 13h. Backmarker, Mark, magnanimously offered the rest of the group to speed ahead and secure coffees. This seemed a solution and was gratefully accepted by the front runners. However, the Vesancy hill proved almost too much for the depleted battery of e-Paul and he manfully preserved the fading glimmers of charge by raw muscle power. The hill did prove too much for Ivan’s new, old bike. What was once the pride of the PeterT’s stable suffered from a detached pedal and a non-fitting alum key only provided temporary fixture. Hence, by the time the rear group arrived at Ô Château, coffees had been long drunk by the advance group and it was evident that the 13h deadline in Divonne was unattainable. Happily, the GIN Lunch the week before had generated much goodwill (and income) for the friendly waitress, who recognised the organiser of that event. His enquiry as to whether she could fit in an addition 7 for lunch was met with enthusiasm. It was just a question of cancelling Chez Mademoiselle’s, whilst maintaining the potential for a future visit there. Task accomplished. We happily settled down in the Vesancy restaurant, without time pressures and without any other diners to disturb our banter.

The menu du jour lunch was truly excellent, washed down not only with the usual beers (and some non-alcoholic drinks) but also with a PeterT sponsored Vacqueyras red wine, and a locally formulated “44” pousse-café.

Difficult to recall all the intellectual conversation around the table but it included subjects such as why e-bikes don’t have the ability to recharge the battery on downhill runs, the amortisation time of solar panels and whether this should include potential additional house value if you have no direct inheritors, karma and re-incarnation, the advantages of completing a PhD on Bhutan temples and erect phallus iconography, wildlife and vegetation under snow coverings, etc. As the meal progressed the conversation flowed, the subject matter diversified further and the ability to recall any of it diminished.

Eventually, it was time to leave the warm, convivial bubble of hospitality and venture back out into the grey, cold afternoon. E-Paul was advised on shortest routes back to Grand Saconnex, with the hope of nursing the failing battery home. We unanimously agreed to avoid the Mourex hill and take the long, but downhill, road towards Gex. Paul parted ways as we reached the main road into Gex and for him onto Ferney. We assumed he found a successful route home (and have since learnt he did with 1% charge left). The rest of the group headed in the opposite direction, along the old train track towards Grilly. The Peters peeled off here to take the back route home. The remaining four cycled together as far as the Divonne Casino (supermarket, not betting tables) and they headed home across the border to Bogis-Bossey. This left Mike to escort Stephen back to Arnex before he made his solo way into Nyon.

A memorable ride although this blogger’s Garmin memory failed to record the all the data. It seems that we were too long at lunch and watch batteries, like e-bike batteries, sometimes go into shutdown.

Well into November and still the conditions are good for biking, enough to encourage 4 regulars and one newcomer to venture out, even though the forecast was a little uncertain. Rudi emerged from biking semi-retirement to join Stephen, Mervyn, Mark2Ts and PeterD on a ride marketed as flattish with the potential for our favourite Bonmont climb after lunch. This latter suggestion was shot down before it had taken wing by a couple of participants, who shall remain nameless, but whose names start with the same letter as “mutineer”. It seems that after-lunch cycling has to be short and easy.

e-Rudi had packed his e-bike neatly into his car to avoid draining both bike and leg batteries on a ride from his home in Morges to the Everness Hotel meeting point.

A few spots of rain welcomed the other riders but happily did not transform into anything more significant (the rain that is, for the riders it’s too late). We set off to join the cycle route 50 by the Chavannes Shopping Centre and followed this all the way into Chambesy. Pristine bikes were spattered by spray from the wet, muddy Versoix paths as were bikers who didn’t have the benefit of mudguards. Without the presence of the the leader from the last outing and his off-piste tendencies, we were able to make almost unwavering progress along the designated route. So much so, that there was a potential for either a coffee stop or a slightly longer loop before lunch. We stopped for coffee. Rudi, ecstatic that both his batteries were still fully charged, kindly sponsored the refreshments, including the now customary first beer of the day for one participant.

Fortified and grateful that a longer loop had been averted and that a 50 km/hr speed limit put heed to a time trial along the flat straight lake road cycle track, we were able to proceed without stress, admiring the views and details often unseen when passing this road in the car. We turned off the lake road up past the Nyon Tennis Club, onto the smaller tracks, through Eysins and via the back route to Signy, where lunch had been booked at the Pinte, recently having changed management to Sabo, who also runs the Nyon Tennis Club restaurant.

We all enjoyed the first beer of the afternoon (and for some a subsequent second) and happily ordered the menu du jour of oriental couscous starter followed by braised beef in tasty sauce and truffled potato. This was excellent and complimented by the usual varied and lively conversation.

After lunch, Mark shot off ahead at strategic points, sufficient to ensure that the ever-hopeful leader would not be tempted to divert the group up the Jura. More refreshments were offered in Arnex, but ultimately declined, as the attraction of an afternoon siesta won out.

Statistics: ca. 48.5 kms, 416 m ascent, max. elevation 501m, saddle time 2h30, average speed 19.5 km/hr.

NB. Regret lack of usual photographic record, our chief photographer was absent.

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 20^th 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 23^rd, 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.

Another Thursday, another bike challenge. This time the autumnal chill of the morning required some additional clothing compared to previous rides but by the time the legs were pumping and the sun had risen higher in the sky, it was as if we had full summer still.

The proposed outing: a tour to the vineyards of Geneva, passing through the Versoix woods, crossing in and out of France at Ferney, and onto Meyrin and beyond to the vine clad slopes. Five hardy GIN bikers signed up what was called “a flatter but longer than usual ride”: Stephen, PeterD, PeterT, e-Paul and our Ukranian guest, Ivan. Ivan arrived at the Everness meeting point, proudly showing the repairs carried out on the ageing and ailing machine that Mark2Ts had lend him for his first ride with us. The front brake was working again and new tyres and inner tubes had replaced the 40 year old originals. The saddle had also been raised to a more suitable height. All looked perfect for a speedy departure, when Ivan said that he had to return home for a conference call. He felt that, all being well, this would finish rapidly enough for him to catch up with us at the agreed luncheon spot. This sounded ambitious but, with new confidence in his machine, he was optimistic. E-Paul, recently returned from a long vacation in Asia, agreed to meet us nearer to Geneva and nearer to his home close to the Ferney border crossing, thus saving his unexercised battery and legs undue effort.

So, Stephen, PeterT and PeterD sped the familiar cycle route 50 from the Everness Hotel through the shaded and wooded paths avoiding, at times with difficulty, deposits from well-fed horses. Shortly before the border into France, PeterT, in a haze of nostalgia, led the group down a remembered, attractive track but bypassing the rendez-vous with Paul. Happily, this was recognised before we re-emerged into Switzerland at Meyrin and we were able to back track across the border and surprise Paul by coming from an unexpected direction. We were only marginally behind schedule.

With 80% of our group now together, we recrossed the border and straight-lined through France and emerged successfully at Meyrin. From here, the delights of the Geneva wine villages are but a short ride away, although there are several potential routes. PeterD decided to get a head start, aware of the increase in gradient, and take the first road up to vineyard slopes. PeterT and e-Paul were oblivious to this decision. Stephen failed in relaying the route and saw the duo happily maintaining a flatter route, off into the distance. Mobile communication agreed a new meeting point at Chouilly, a delightful wine village in the shadow of the Jura. Surprisingly, this saw the majority of the group arrive simultaneously. The other 20% (25% of current riders, 100% PeterD) had been intoxicated by the fermentation fumes of the vendage and cycled onto Peissy, the next village en route. Once eventually regrouped, the leader tried to assert discipline and suggest, ever so nicely, that we stuck together from now on.

Not so easy. As the terrain becomes more undulating, the different rhythms of e-bikers and pure muscle power bikers becomes evident. Downhill to the nature reserve at Malval, the conventional bikers took the lead. Uphill to Dardagny (and what a hill it was…..remembered as a beast from an earlier tour), the e-biker whirred effortlessly past onto the summit. Similarly, down via Russin to La Plaine, across the Rhone and up to Cartigny; although for some reason Paul was resting his legs and battery on the last uphill before lunch…..something about taking time to enjoy the scenery. We arrived at the Café de Cartigny at the anticipated time.

Drinks were ordered. We were just speculating on whether we would see Ivan again when he appeared looking relaxed and effortless on his renovated bike. What had taken us 2h30m took him 40 minutes!

He did admit that he had some help in the shape of motorised transport for some of the journey.

The excellent plat du jour of chicken, sauce and rice preceded by a salad at 18CHF was taken by all. The economy allowed us additional beers, where required, and the last of the lemon tarte du jour, 3 pieces being shared (the leader exercising executive privilege by consuming a full piece and thoughtfully making the division of the remaining 2 pieces easier).

Lunchtime conversation was diverse, ranging from an interrogation of Ivan about the Ukrainian situation but moving onto firewood shortages, environment, plastics legislation, research work for Paul’s 3 new books, unclear descriptions of rock cycle as well as geothermal energy pipe design.

Fortified and caffeinated, we resumed the now mostly downhill route back home. The plan was to head via Penney and Satigny before retracing our ride through Meyrin, Ferney, Versoix and back to the Everness Hotel, from where we could disperse to our respective homes. Inevitably, PeterT knew a better route, cutting across the outskirts of Ferney and, like disciplined sheep, we followed. Paul had already left the group at Versoix and took a direct route home to Grand Saconnex, unaware of the drama to come.

On the outskirts of Ferney, as PeterT was accelerating into the distance, a similar effort was too much for the original chain on Ivan’s, otherwise perfectly restored, bike. Our new leader was summoned back and the situation reviewed and options assessed. A search for a bike shop or a call for transport seemed the two options as, unsurprisingly, the GIN Bikers are not equipped with chain repair means. Ivan called reinforcements. He was happy to remain alone, stranded in France, whilst waiting for his pickup but Stephen took his captaincy responsibilities seriously and waited for either the ship to sink or rescue to appear. Happily the latter was the case. Jen, the guardian angel, arrived having hot-footed it (more accurately, driven) directly from a COVID jab. The bike and Ivan were loaded into the car. Jen summarised the predicament “you should get rid of that crap bike”…………… tbc

The group had dispersed and the lonely leader was left to retrace his steps home without the aid of the person who knew the way from that point.

Statistics: 63.3km (+x km, where x is >0 but <13.7, depending on distance of home from Everness hotel, excluding the variable of e-Paul). Elevation difference 655m or 4623m according to Stephen’s Garmin (seems to have been some kind of chain reaction!), which also claimed a high point of 20000m. Who said it was a flat ride? Average speed 20.5km/h.

Once again the toll of GINjuries, late vacations, grandparental duties, and other miscellaneous excuses withered the participation for this activity to just Mark2Ts and Stephen. However, seeing the need to motivate the b-leader, Mark called in re-enforcements in the shape of a young Ukrainien, Ivan. So as we met at God’s corner, we had a quorum and the average age of the GIN Biking Group had reduced by at least a decade. Mark had “generously” lent his old road bike to Ivan (was it really possible that there was an older transport than Mark’s usual ride, which is already the subject of such derision?). However, Ivan looked at the positives:

1. He had a bike
2. It was of original good quality (bought second hand in 1996)
3. It had 2 tyres, albeit with cracks in each but the air seemed to hold
4. The saddle was low enough that he could use his feet on the ground for forward movement should the gearing mechanism fail.

Stephen had chosen a familiar route for the ride, rising gently from the Plaine, via Céligny, Crans, Signy to Gingins before crossing to Givrins (or was it La Givrine?) for a well-deserved coffee ahead of the real effort up the Genolier hill and onto Bassins. Talking of initiation rites for newcomers; by the time we reached Gingins, Ivan was already starting to feel the inadequacies of his machine. It couldn’t have been the rider as he admitted he was once a 70-100km a day biker, although in the city of Kharkiv and not on the undulating Swiss tracks. Once again, Ivan saw a cup half-full: the air was clean, the scenery beautiful and the bike was light and hadn’t collapsed (yet). The Genolier hill provided a steeper challenge but remarkably he managed to use the limited gearing and his seasoned leg muscles to keep the leader in sight and the back marker of Mark at the back.

From Bassins it was all (mostly) downhill to the promised lunch at the auberge of Duillier. However, during the descent Ivan had a message that his wife required assistance and he would have to detour. Clearly, not yet a fully-fledged GIN Biker. As it turned out his back brake suffered a failure during the final downhill into Gland and, although a temporary fix was achieved, the extra ballast after a full lunch could have been the final straw. So we parted at Vich, Ivan limping slowly onwards and Mark and Stephen heading for their plat du jour of Cajun perch, and vegetables with a small glass of beer to wash it down.

Return from lunch was highlighted by the hazardous main road crossing at the Nyon motorway junction followed by the famous Landi car park short cut and a strong headwind, which Stephen was happy to leave early in Arnex and allow Mark to battle on as he completed his circuit home.

Another enjoyable day’s exercise in good weather conditions (apart from the breeze) and with the added bonus of new company.

Statistics:  ca. 45km, total ascent 650m, moving time 2h22m, average speed 18.6km/h

With the heat of this exceptional summer receding, replaced by a more pleasant temperature in the sunny mornings, a group of 5 GIN Bikers accepted the challenge set by PeterD to complete a familiar circuit from the Everness Hotel through Céligny, Crans, Eysins, Signy, Gingins up to the Bonmont heights and beyond before enjoying the downhill rush leading us to the Vesancy climb and lunch in the courtyard of the château restaurant. After which a gentle return downhill via Gex and the old railway line to Divonne and our respective homes.

But I get ahead of myself. Stephen, recently back from the UK, was not yet “back in the groove” and arrived 30 minutes early at the rendez-vous (better than 30 minutes late!) and so enjoyed a bask in the sunshine whilst the others were still donning their gear and thinking about leaving home. PeterD, PeterT, Mark2Ts and Bill duly arrived and acquaintances were renewed after the summer absences. As usual we agreed the need for a gentle and non-competitive ride with threats of additional ballast for anyone not adhering to these rules.

The initial ride through the villages of the Plaine was indeed pleasant but the intensity geared up as we worked our way towards Gingins. By the time we arrived there 80% of the participants took advantage of a head dip in the village fountain despite the warning sign of “eau non conformé”. PeterD and Bill both previously having had problems in dismount of their vehicles….perhaps a sign of unaccustomed exercise….happily without injury. Refreshed, with no visible ill effects from the potentially dangerous waters, we started the upward climb to the usual Bonmont heights only to be encouraged by our leader to “go the extra mile” (or two) uphill to the next road down.

This small addition meant that the timing to the restaurant was Swiss-perfect and also prepared us for that uphill slog from the campsite Huttopia to the heights of Vesancy. We gratefully parked our bikes and settled into a very enjoyable set lunch with the added discovery of beer from the Grilly brasserie, unknown up to this point.

By the time coffee was served after the excellent meal it was clear that neither minds or legs were going to be encouraged for the final Mourex climb. The alternative slow descent, although longer, gained unanimous approval.

As usual, the diverse lunchtime bantered flowed as freely as the beer. As we left the restaurant, a neighbouring client asked in native English whether we would be fine to continue after such a meal. I reassured him that it was downhill all the way. He commented that it was the same for all of us at our stage in life! Much of the subject matter of the lunchtime discussion is forgotten but one that stuck on the descent was of a fromagerie just off the old railway line at Grilly, which Bill had visited previously. So our return trip took in this stop (although we were 10 minutes early for its afternoon opening time). What a smell as we entered! We keenly purchased samples of various cheeses from their international selection and made a mental note that Fromagerie Michelin also has a restaurant.

We peeled off to our homes and that well-earned siesta.

Statistics (depending upon starting and finishing points): ca. 45 to 55 km, average speed 18.5km/h, 675m elevation gain, estimated sweat loss (according to my Garmin) 5.25 litres ….should have drunk more!