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.
Six fine pairs of legs in shorts. Only the photo taker didn’t follow the dress code.
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?
A fine new chain. A pity about the rusted pedals
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?).
Have you heard the one about the bike which kept on breaking down….?Looking good after the first beer….….not so perky after the second
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 colourful bunch amongst the autumn colours
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.
Belgian humour. Tintin in GinginsRenewing the muscles with mussels
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.
The Ardèche, The Pyrenees, London, Poole, The Cotsolds, Cinque Terre all featured as possible destinations for this week’s hike from our dispersed members, away on October breaks. Promotion even including free beer by some. However, the reality was that 4 stay-at-homes decided against excessive travel and joined a gentle, local hike on a pleasant autumnal day, with only a short shower on our exit from lunch and as we arrived back at the cars at the end of the walk.
Stephen, Andrew, David and newcomer Nathan, a Tannay neighbour to David, met at the Divonne car park near the old station. On this occasion, Andrew was not left waiting at the incorrect three words location used on a previous occasion. Nathan avoided any potential confusion by hitching a ride with David. The plan was to walk up through Divonne to Mt. Mussy and onto Mt. Mourex, then passing through Mourex and to Vesancy for lunch at the Ô Château restaurant. After lunch, time permitting, walking up to the Riamond chapel and maybe up to the Riamond (881m) before returning to Divonne via the golf course.
Not all the paths were known so there was a certain sense of adventure as we checked maps and signs along the way. However, it transpired that Nathan was taking his first outing with us seriously, not only having prepared with a walk up the Dôle the previous day but also fully equipped with a satnav. He was able to identify our exact location and the most likely direction to arrive at the planned lunch spot. Credibility was somewhat tarnished when he informed us that there would be a building 200m further up the path, only to find no trace of one.
On the right path but where is that building?
Undeterred, he then questioned the leader’s proposed route suggesting that there was a more direct way to reach Vesancy from Mt. Mourex, by-passing Mourex. Without the usual multitude of differing route suggestions from various brands of hiking software, the group had no choice but to follow this lone advice. Certainly, it was a very pleasant wooded path, and it did avoid Mourex, but as we gazed at Vesancy receding behind us across the valley, with a scarp rock face between us and it, several thoughts crossed the leader’s mind:
• Our usual GIN Hiking leader would have led us down the scarp face and across the valley to lunch • He should have done his homework better and/or he should have used executive privilege to dictate the route • Newcomers to the group should have a probationary period (but not possible due to the GIN “only one rule” rule, the one rule already being used up) • Where else was there a restaurant nearby for lunch?
Happily, a path not previously identified eventually took us down to the valley with a corresponding path up the other side, backtracking towards our luncheon destination, vindicating the choice of route. I should also add that the leader had taken the late precaution of checking that the restaurant was indeed open and happy to accept us. David had seemed particularly concerned that he might not get lunch.
All’s well that ends well. We arrived only marginally behind the original timing plan and were greeted warmly by the restaurant, pleased to have their clientele boosted by 300%. Lunch was well up to standard, all of us taking the menu du jour of salmon, shrimp and jellied guacamole starter with leg of duck and vegetables as the main. The house red, Vacqueras, was also more than acceptable, as were the introductory beers. Discussion did not cover Scottish independence, which is now seen as inevitable.
Well fed, shower passed, and ready for the direct route back
The after-lunch planned route was amended to ensure a timely arrival back at the car park in Divonne. Unfortunately, this meant that the visit to the Riamont chapel had to be postponed to a later date. So, we followed in reverse direction the original, scarp free, plan from Mt. Mourex to Vesancy and then a known wooded path from Mourex, along the base of the Mt. Mussy hill, directly back to our parked cars.
Another memorable day out, great to have Nathan with us and, no, we’re not envious of those absentees in far-flung places.
Statistics: 18.8 km, 430m elevation climb, max elevation 760m, total time (including lunch) 6h5m, walking speed: gentle.
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!
Not a bead of sweat on his forehead…..
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).
That went down quickly…..now those pizzas look worth trying.
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
Happy to have found the last (?) fault
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:
He had a bike
It was of original good quality (bought second hand in 1996)
It had 2 tyres, albeit with cracks in each but the air seemed to hold
The saddle was low enough that he could use his feet on the ground for forward movement should the gearing mechanism fail.
The old and the new – both bikes and ridersTyre talk : The Good (middle), the Bad (right) and the Ugly (left)
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.
Happy faces having all reached Bassins. Downhill from now. (Note: new expert selfie taker)
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
So many excuses were received for this first hike in September that it seemed for a while that only Stephen and David would participate. Admittedly, Stephen had indicated a drive to Morgins would be required and that first indications of the weather were not favourable. In the event, a final call resulted in a 50% improvement in numbers, Mark2Ts being happy to be transported by David on the way there and return via CFF.
The day dawned bright. SwissMeteo kindly readjusted its forecast to rain-free. The allotted meeting time of 09.30 at Stephen`s chalet came and went and by 09.40, the walk leader was becoming anxious. Thanks to mobile communication, he was reassured that Mark and David were indeed only 6 minutes away. They duly arrived, sheepishly admitting that David’s satnav had led him on a detour heading towards his usual destination of Villars, happily realised before his arrived there.
There was some possibility that we could have had a female participant (would this have been a first?) but Kate, with inside knowledge of the leader, decided for a less strenuous day. The intrepid 3 set off through Morgins village, up to the pas de Morgins and into France. So far gentle. From there a recently found track could have led for a near vertical ascent to above Chatel had the designer not decided to insert a few tight bends as a less arduous route. Even so this rivalled some of the usual GIN Hiking leader’s steeper routes. As it was, the GIN men were tested and reached the heights, sweated but not broken.
Sweaty but victorious
As we climbed about the tree line the panorama opened out with views down the valley to Abondance and across the valley to the ski areas of the Linga and Pré la Joux.
The hills are alive with GIN Hikers
From this vantage point, a slight descent and then renewed climb within close proximity of the Super Chatel cable car station. Cable car and chair lifts were operating but seemingly with little custom. Stephen artfully cut a corner to prevent the other two hikers taking the short detour to the restaurant, having already phoned ahead to the intended hostellerie a little further up the track. Chalet Neuf was reached shortly before 13h, ahead of schedule.
The restaurant was busy. Many of the alpine work force having decided that this was a suitable location to re-fortify themselves over a long lunch break. Unfortunately, there was a lack of waitresses….one in total to be exact….who had to serve both outside and inside clients. An immediate order of beer and panache managed to fill time before the fondue and viande sechée (and the essential carafe of fendant) order was placed and eventually delivered. The sun disappeared behind cloud, the new freshness in the air requiring additional clothing layers, allowing fondue to seem a more appropriate choice for this time of year.
Fondue à trois….and improving selfie takingHow many GIN Hikers does it take to divide the bill by 3?
We eventually left the restaurant at 14.40h, not before the GIN Hikers traditional Scottish digestive was consumed, courtesy of Mark, with the coffee. A short, but steep climb especially as blood was not focused on leg muscles, took us to the Portes de Culet, with its splendid view of the Dents du Midi.
4 old friends (one inanimate)
There was a possibility there for the short, 40 minute climb to the Belleview. Rejected. However, due to the later time than anticipated, modification was needed to the planned itinerary even though Mark said his next commitment was not until the following Tuesday. The leader took an executive decision for a direct decent on the road. This was rapidly vetoed by David, who suggested an alternative unknown grass track, albeit marked at frequent intervals with red “Swiss Peaks” flags, indicating that it probably lead somewhere. Several fit looking individuals passed us at speed going uphill in the opposite direction. It did indeed lead us down to Morgins village eventually joining with a route more familiar to the local resident. There’s a moral here….something about being open to new ideas and not being too blinkered.
That red flag must indicate something…..…..the voyage of discovery. Which way is Morgins?
Kate was waiting for us, after her relaxed day, with welcoming tea, fruit and biscuits. Farewells were said and David and Mark drove off down the valley after what we all agreed was another excellent day’s hike in the Alps. Just as Stephen was settling in for his post-hike siesta, Kate discovered unclaimed supplies that David had left in the fridge to keep cool during the day. New farewells were exchanged half-way down the road to Monthey as David’s evening’s rations were returned in a layby.
Statistics: ca. 14.2k, 3h20m moving time, 3h eating and resting time, min. elevation 1305m, max 1784m, 647m total ascent/descent.
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.
An unusual Bonmont plus day. Everyone pleased about the downhill to come.
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.
Plat du jour: fillet de porc en miel. Beer an excellent accompanimentA happy group of GIN Bikers doing what they do best.
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.
A bit adventurous trying to get that lot in one rucksack.
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!
Chocolate doesn’t fare well on hot days, so it could have been a very sticky day given the current weather. However, the Sentiers des Toblerones from Gland Golf Club up to Bassins is mostly in very pleasant wooded shade and the earlier than normal start meant that we completed the hike in time for lunch and a subsequent siesta at home in the real heat of the day.
Summer is upon us and many of the usual GIN hikers were away or engaged with visitors. So, once again, it was a select group, this time of Stephen, Rob , Mark2Ts and Drew who subscribed to this outing. Careful planning identified that we would:
not want to descend during the warmer part of the day and that we would
be in need of refreshment and revitalising at the end point of our hike.
This ruled out making it to the formal end of the sentier at La Pessette (see below). Bassins, however, offered the possibility of an Auberge Communale and parking to leave a car, ready for the drive back after lunch. As it turned out, a notice on the auberge door indicated that it had decided to take a vacation and so an alternative hostellerie was selected at Le Muids, a short car ride away . At 08.30 they happily assured us that there would be a menu de jour but that what it would be was still undecided. Rob and Stephen then descended by car to meet up with Mark at the parking near the Gland Golf Club. From there we walked along the well-marked sentier towards a suitable pick up point for Drew near to his apartment in Gland (the high rise building where he lives being a significant landmark and famous for a severe fire a few years back…happily now repaired). The only glitch in the arrangement was that mobile numbers had not been exchanged but this was overcome by the resourcefulness of GIN members (and the fact that some of them leave telephone numbers in emails).
Amongst the group, knowledge of the correct route was well covered, some used to heading down and along, others ascending from a half-way up starting point, and some with just a vague sense of direction from earlier walks. All of us though re-acquainted and added to our knowledge of the sentier and covered new ground along the way. A short stop at La Cézille, at the once famous ham and gratin restaurant, now changed hands, allowed us a coffee break (all 4 black, no sugar…what a healthy lot!). From there it was a short but nonetheless meaningful last ascent to Bassins to cover the ca. 350m overall climb from Gland and 10.5 kms, arriving just before midday.
The short drive to Le Muids, in the car left at the Bassins parking, brought us to the promised set menu lunch, now finalised, of salad, sausage and chips (or couscous) but more importantly, perhaps, to a couple of refreshing beers. We remarked on the agricultural nature of most of the clientele amongst other wide ranging discussion topics.
Four happy hikers at the end of the climb with an open restaurant and ready for the beer!
We agreed that the timing, length and severity of the hike had been just what was required, giving a sense of fulfilment without heat exhaustion. Nevertheless, this blogger for one, appreciated the afternoon siesta.
For our first Alpine outing this year a seasoned band of 4 congregated on a fine sunny day at the car park, near to the church, in Morgins (1303m) at 09.30. It also happened to be the day that Boris finally threw in the towel. There had been some predictions during an earlier walk and I think that David College might have correctly forecasted a July departure for Boris. (Whether this is valid if he stays on longer as PM……).
Several excuses had been received from absentees from visiting relatives to summer travels leaving Richard, Mervyn and Rob to take the challenge set by Stephen. This commenced by zig-zagging up towards the source of La Vieze, across the 28 rustic bridges through the woods. Along the way we passed the Cantine de They (1483m), site of annual Heren cow fights, where Stephen had helped sponsor the local, Caprice, to third position in the National “Reine des Alpes” competition in 2014.
Caprice put out to grass.
Interesting as it might have been to linger and admire the scene, our leader suggested getting some altitude behind us before stopping for refreshments. So it was at Torvoissière (1689m) that a short first stop was permitted, a couple of the hikers opting for their first beer of the day, whilst the other two settled for luke warm tea…..all kindly sponsored by Richard.
When is Peter going to give the selfie-taking class?
From here the route continued steeply uphill, made more hazardous by groups of fast descending mountain bikers, illustrating that the marketing of the Portes du Soleil as a biking haven has indeed taken root. A number of these bikers were clearly of anglo-saxon origin due to the understandable expletives issued on hitting large lumps of earth in the terrain at speed. It was decided that this would not be a suitable outing for the GIN Bikers. By the time we neared the spot marked by a cross called “Portes du Soleil* (1950m) in the Portes du Soleil, there was drifting cloud, wind and threatening rain. This encouraged Mervyn to think ahead to the next ski season and take his place on the strategically positioned télésiege seat (we didn’ like to tell him that it was unattached to the télésiege). Happily, the rain didn’t materialise and Mervyn left the seat before the next ski season.
Where’s the snow….I’m ready!Old friends with an old friend (Haute Cime)
From here an undulating path gave us a great view of the emerging Dents du Midi and a panorama down to Les Crosets and across to the Dents Blanches. As we neared the outskirts of Champoussin, it became evident that timings for lunch were optimistic and the selected alpage restaurant was informed that we would be behind the planned schedule and that the punters would be hungry. Indeed, there were signs of sugar lows and unuttered “how much further?”. The former was aided by some dextrose tablets from a well-prepared participant (Rob) and the latter deflected by the leader who encouraged that a little more effort now would pay dividends in a shorter route after lunch.
“Am I too late to get the team outfit?”
So it was that we arrived at the Alpage La Chaux at about 13.30 having completed 15km and ca. 770m uphill. (There were notable differences in distance and elevation from the various electronic devices present. However, since this blogger had the most recently purchased device and this also showed the highest figures, we’ll go with that). The sun came out and the wind died down allowing us to enjoy an open air lunch with a view.
At last, Alpage La Chaux…..…….and a lunch well worth waiting for
Beers were rapidly consumed and the food ordered. Unusual to find truite meuniere at altitude, so this was ordered by the fish lovers whilst the true mountain men stuck to the more heaty offerings of spare ribs and rösti La Chaux. There was some debate as to whether the ribs were spare at all. All meals were well appreciated and the restaurant noted for future outings. To help the digestion Richard had found some professionally labelled grappa in his back pack and was keen to share this around and lighten his load for the return. We duly obliged but questioned the authenticity of the labelling. As usual, we had a lively banter on a range of subjects which surprisingly did, fleetingly, touch upon Scottish independence and the impact of the departure of Boris. As usual, I can’t remember any outcomes to the discussions.
A dubious looking labelled liquid not to mention the person behind
True to the leader’s word, the after lunch walk to the chair lift down was less than it could have been at a different restaurant but still necessitated a steep uphill stretch to bring our total climb for the day to ca. 870m. Everyone was happy not to have to walk down the 600m. It was a short walk from the chair lift station to the parked car. Richard, Mervyn and driver Rob headed home after a tiring but enjoyable day and Stephen returned to his chalet for R&R.
“I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike……”
Six die-hard cyclists subscribed to the latest outing with a promise of a long slow uphill ride, avoiding the usual Bonmont climb, but substituting the Genolier incline past the clinic up to the heights of Le Vaud. A ca. 55Km round trip from the Everness Hotel with a high elevation of 820m was promised with the lure of lunch at the Auberge Communale in Gilly, PeterD’s favourite hostellerie. In the event, Bill had to back out due to mechanical failure of his motorised transport on the Italian Autostrada near Verona on the way back from Croatia. PeterD had indicated a prior engagement with the dentist even though we started at 09.30 and not at the dental time of 14.30 (tooth hurty!….for the uninitiated, this is a Taylorism).
So it was Stephen, PeterT, Mark2Ts, Mervyn and e-Paul who accepted the challenge. There seems an increasing desire of the group to rate absentees on the validity of their excuse on a scale of 1-acceptable to 10-fully understandable. e.g. open heart surgery – 10, needing to collect dog from kennel the day before -1. More of this to follow in future blogs, I’m sure.
The weather was set fair and we meandered along the Swiss route 50 cycle track, having picked this up at God’s crossroads (another Taylorism). This took us up familiar trails through Arnex, Borex, Signy, Grens, Gingins and onto Givrins where we decided to postpone our coffee until past the worst of the climb. Such is the keenness of the group that everyone wants to perform at their peak. Indeed, Peter had had a sleepless night worrying about the Genolier Clinic hill and wanted to get this under his belt before enjoying any stop.
A shady lot recovering in the shade
As the gradient increased, the lack of cloud cover made it hard and perspiring work. E-Paul drifted effortlessly from the back to the front, stopping on occasions to marvel at why the peloton didn’t also have e-bikes. We eventually stopped for coffee (or other refreshment) at Le Muids, kindly sponsored by Mark. He reflected on how much easier it would have been had he moved to Le Muids, as was under consideration a few years back. However, no time for long contemplations as bleader (bike leader) Stephen was aware that lunch was booked and there was still road to go in order to get there on time. A short stop at Bassins, with heads cooled in the local fountain before the less strenuous slope up to Le Vaud, our high point of the day. We recovered our breath before enjoying the long downhill through Burtigny into Gilly, helping us appreciate each of those 620m climbed.
A cool head is needed…….
We arrived at the Auberge Communale exactly at the booked hour. Beers were rapidly ordered and 4 of the 5 seated at the table ordered the menu du jour of salad, cheeseburger with frites, followed by an usual but palatable banana soup. Not for the first time. Paul challenged the kitchen to produce “super croquant” frites. The challenge was accepted and the chips on his plate did seem to arrive with a slightly darker colour but judgement was reserved on as to whether they actually fulfilled the brief. In any case, the meal was well up to standard. As usual, conversation drifted widely from politics to opera to TV shows with a new category of notable quotes from famous people such as Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde. Typically, more beer was drunk and no conclusions were reached (are the two related?). Absent friends were toasted.
Serious refuellingAssessing the degree of coquantness
Eventually, we had to accept the inevitable and leave the restaurant. Our legs heavy on the pedals due to absent blood which was currently engaged on digestive duties. Stephen’s plan was to follow the Swiss cycle route 488 from Gilly to Vich, avoiding the main road. Peter volunteered the use of his stylish, if somewhat loose, handlebar mounted smart phone to navigate the way. Unfortunately, the electronic guidance diverged with the road signage, which itself was somewhat sporadic. So we did end up for a while on the very road we tried to avoid. Rerouting was decided at Vich and we headed via Coinsins to L’Asse. At this point, e-Paul realised that his uphill antics had damaged the longevity of his battery support and he opted for a return to Le Grand-Saconnex on the train from Nyon. Schadenfreude for some reason comes to mind. The rest of us continued to battle the headwind on raw muscle power, following the farm tracks through Signy to Arnex and somehow missing the intended crossing of Landi’s car park. At Arnex more beers were offered chez Stephen but declined as other, more important, tasks had been planned by some for the rest of the day.
