Stephen Long – Page 3

GIN Hikers – July 7th 2022

A morning stroll in the Portes du Soleil

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GIN Bikers – June 30th 2022

“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.

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.

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.

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.

GIN Hiking Group – Thursday, June 9th 2022

Genolier to Chalet Basseruche and beyond

What a difference a day makes. Friday, June 10^th was a glorious sunny clear day….just perfect for a hike on the Jura. The forecast for Thursday, June 9^th was overcast with some possible rain. In the event, the intrepid six of Stephen, David, Richard, Mark2Rs, Bill and new recruit Rodney met at the Colonie parking in Genolier in the pouring rain. It was quite an initiation for Rodney’s first venture out with the GIN Group, Richard’s first back hiking after his injury and for Bill back in Europe for the season. Mervyn had the sense to nurse his cold/flu in protective warmth, whilst PeterT was sweltering in Corfu, Mark2Ts was still in pork pie land (gaining insight on Scottish devolution?) and Rob was chancing his luck with the weather in Lenk. Others also found suitable excuses not to test their wet weather gear.

However, spirits were not dampened and we set off up the official yellow-signed path towards St-Cergue. This being notable only due to the fact that recent hikes on the Jura seem to have avoided official tracks and, on occasion, any track at all. Stephen had stepped in for the usual leadership of PeterT and his hound and, not-knowing the paths so well, kept the group on those that are well-trodden. Consequently, good progress was made and frequent stops permitted in the rain without jeopardising the arrival time at the restaurant.

Rodney, a frequent trekker in this area, led us on the only detour of the day…..around the back of some houses in St-Cergue and up to the Basseruche.

On entering the restaurant we realised:

How wet and cold we were. Richard’s son (a local to St-Cergue) was summoned to bring dry clothing (just for Richard!),
How unnecessary the reservation was since we were the only table occupied,
How many bells Swiss cows seem to need.

There was a unanimous vote for fondue to help with inner warming. This was preceded by beers and a meat platter. White wine was prescribed to help digestion and the meal was rounded off with further digestive aids and a toast to absent friends. There is something about a fondue that encourages conviviality and we certainly confirmed this again. We left the restaurant with spirits renewed (in all senses) and all political discussions unresolved.

Richard wisely decided that he had done more than enough on his first outing since injury to take the short route home via the St-Cergue train. After a short deliberation, the rest of us rejected the downhill route on slippery paths and opted instead for a further climb up to La Givrine and catching the train back to Genolier from there.

Overall about 11km of walking and 700m elevation gain.

GIN Hikers – May 12th 2022

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils

Two days after the official ending of the winter GIN season with an excellent buffet lunch at Mervyn and Deborah’s in glorious sunshine, the GIN Hikers were sufficiently recovered from the alcoholic and gastronomic excesses to attempt an ascent of the Dôle. The weather had remained amazingly warm and sunny for this early in the year and our leader, Mark2Ts, taking over the reins from the absent PeterT, promised us a hike of about 15kms and 700m climb with lunch amongst the wild daffodils. His earlier reconnoitre had identified the exact spot at Sonnailley where he wanted to lead the 9 keen GIN Hikers for a picnic lunch with refreshments.

The group consisted of Mark2Ts, Mervyn, Mark2Rs, David, PeterD, Andrew, Rob (re-armed and poles in his rucksack), Nicolas and Stephen. The latter being the last to arrive at the new La Givrine car park, albeit exactly at the designated hour, but late enough not to park near coaches which had chosen to disgorge their mass of day-outing school children exactly the same spot as the other parked GIN Hikers. We were delighted to welcome Nicolas to the hikers, it always being a pleasure to have new discussions and opinions to add to the usual banter. After a brief uncertainty as to whether we had all of the signed up group, our leader lead us rapidly away from the mêlée, across the fields in the direction of the Cuvaloup restaurant. For some unexplained reason, there was no outcry at the lack of a stop for an early coffee and we transitioned to the uphill part of the hike in the direction of the Dôle. Ski pistes originate from the top of the lift and in summer the grass pistes lead upward to the same. As for winter, there is a choice of difficulty and steepness. Inevitably, there are always those individuals who wish to prove themselves and opt for the more challenging routes. The GIN Hikers are no exception and a breakaway group of 3 didn’t follow the leader (who admittedly was some way behind) and chose the fast track to the top. On the way up, we passed an amazing display of daffodils, covering the hillside and dwarfing the crocus challengers. If this was a foretaste of the luncheon spot, we were in for an excellent day.

Foretaste of the daffodils and our anticipated lunch spot

The party regrouped at the top, admiring the vista from the Dôle, even though a little haze blurred the distant Alps and a chill breezed rapidly cooled the sweat from the ascent.

All but one of the group….our leader gathering the troops.

Magnificent Mont Blanc -full view from an earlier, less misty outing

From here we could see the downhill direction to the promised Wordsworth worthy golden daffodil fields and the signage promised that we would be there in 40 minutes, an ideal timing for lunch. The path was stony and uneven and separated again the group, based on foolhardiness or comfort.

At the subsequent regrouping point, the leader’s judgement was put in doubt as we were surrounded by fields of golden buttercups. Could his ability to identify flowers need perfecting? We pressed on, passing an earlier meeting point on the Swiss/French border during early COVID times where a glass was shared over a forbidden border. From here we followed a road to the plains and indeed more flowers, including the much heralded daffodils, gentians as well as the occasional orchid. Some could say that the daffodils were past their peak but that would be unkind as our leader had fulfilled his promise.

Lunch was well up to expectations with samplings of fermented products of varying strengths from several countries aiding the digestion and enhancing the conversation. Have the Irish election results increased or decreased the likelihood of Scottish independence? This story has further to run although the main proposer admitted a disillusionment to UK politics (don’t we all?). Golfers also thought that there was a business potential for a new course at Sonnailley….plenty of fairway for any wayward shots. Talking of shots, unfortunately, there will be an absence of Absinthe at future outings as Paul’s long lasting bottle has finally poured its last drop….just as we were starting to enjoy its subtle pleasures.

The saunter back to La Givrine passed uphill through a wood where the track had been blocked in several places by fallen trees.

Well-earned rest having circumnavigated fallen trees on the way down.

We were soon back in the open and found ourselves back descending the pistes and arriving back at the Cuvaloup. This time there was no doubt that a stop was in order and a sizeable order of the amber fluid was made.

There was a gentle stroll back to the Givrine car park where for the first time of the day our leader was actually ahead…..the crowd like sheep having followed the front runners on a longer path.

Another truly enjoyable outing at our back door on the Jura. How lucky we are.

GIN Bikers – November 25th, 2021

The hard core duo of PeterT and Stephen turned out on a cold, grey November day for the last organised outing of the season. Anticipation of a third participant was thwarted when Mark decided at 01h13 of the day to recover from the late night and catch up on delayed activities. As the duo prepared for the cold, we realised that this was not a bad shout. PeterT was also close to cancelling at the last minute when contact lens malfunction caused more than casual concern.

However, having met at the Chavannes hotel meeting point, we were eager to get moving and generate some blood flow. We agreed on a gentle, non-competitive ride along familiar tracks, taking us via Grilly, the old train track to Divonnes and then onto Crassier, before cycling up through Borex and Tranchepied to the inevitable climb above Bonmont. We even separated temporarily, taking slightly differing routes to the usual high point; Stephen opting for the shorter, steeper ride and Peter for the longer but, on average, gentler slope.

Bonmont man

Bonmont men

At the rest point, we realised that cold was rapidly seeping through the layers and so we hastened via Gingins to Givrins and a welcome coffee and snack inside at the boulangerie. Earlier thoughts to lengthen the challenge were rapidly revised and we decided upon a direct route home. This took us via Duillier and L’Asse, across the busy main feed road to the Nyon motorway, through Petit Eysins before a last Landi car park crossing for this year.

We parted company outside Stephen’s apartment with the warm glow of satisfaction that we had gone where other GIN bikers had declined and happy that we could soon bask in that feeling in the comfort of our own homes…..for Stephen, some 7 kms earlier that for Peter.

Statistics: Saddle time 2h06m; Distance 42.72 (Chavannes to Chavannes); Average Speed 20.4kmh; Elevation difference 500m.

GIN Hikers – November 18th 2021

Being late in the season there was a little concern on how the weather would hold up for a hike to 1561 meters with a 660m ascent, all was fine though. It was a beautiful and sunny day, on the cool side but excellent for hiking. This hike was in the Jura, a round trip from La Cure or was it La Coure or even La Coor, who knows but it was that place on the border with France just up from La Givrine. Yes definitely La Cure. The planned route was to climb to Le Noirmont, down to Le Croue and onwards to L’Arziere and back to La Cure. All in all 14.4km and 660m of an ascent.

A motley crew of 8 (Peter D, Mark W, Michael H, Stephen, David C, Mervyn, Richard and Rob) met at the parking in La Cure only to find that it was time limited, so we quickly drove over into France to park nearby and proceeded to march back into Switzerland in the full gaze of the border guard …… nothing to declare.

Many had completed this hike before, often on snowshoes, although not in this direction so we all set off in good spirits and in the knowledge that all was well on a well-trodden path. The climb wasn’t too bad, although some heavy breathing was heard, but classic Jura terrain with some of which on the Noirmont ski piste. We did encounter our first snow of the season and had to occasionally duck from the ice pellets falling from the trees, but we braved on.

There was a quick stop near the top for an aperitif of grappa where the discussion was of interesting spreadsheets and alcoholism before we moved on to the top of the Noirmont for a picnic lunch where we had an excellent view of the valley and the lac des Rousses below, in France. No one on the golf course below though. There was some excellent Spanish wine with the usual digestive on offer to accompany the good cherry chocolate dessert shared by Michael.

As they say in all good sports commentary, it was however a game of two halves, with somewhat more excitement to come.

Descending towards Le Croue was tricky in that the ground was wet, deceivingly muddy, and frequently covered in slippery rocks and tree routes. Taking our time, we managed to find our way down most of it with a few minor slips all round. The viewpoints though were quite unique for the Jura as we descended into some nice pasture valleys.

Then came the unwanted excitement just short of the end of the descent where Rob slipped while holding on to a tree branch and fell not too far down the path, but with an arm still attached to the branch. As the teller of this blog so far, I can attest that it was painful, so much so that he was unable to continue hiking. So halfway through we were stuck. As a group, we decided to call in REGA air rescue mountain accident support (some of us, including Rob, were members). A truly excellent service where the helicopter support with medical assistance arrived just some 15 mins after being called in.

As the blogger, I can attest that as a result of the superior support from the GIN hikers, from REGA and the accident team in Nyon hospital, Rob and his dislocated shoulder is now on the mend. A real big thanks to the GIN hikers for all that they did to get me out of there safely.

Then there were seven hikers with eight rucksacks returning back to La Cure somewhat later than planned.

GIN Biking – November 4th 2021

On a cold, damp, grey autumnal day, many of the usual crowd had decided that an away break after the school vacations was a better way of spending the week. Hence, it was only the stay-at-home duo of Stephen and PeterT who met at the Chavannes Hotel, wrapped up in warm cycling gear and ready to face the elements (and any hills put in the way).

A gentle 3 hills “lite” ride was agreed upon, taking a route across into France at Grilly, along the disued railway track to Gex, up the back road to Vesancy (unfortunately, the Chateau was not open for a rest and a coffee) across to La Rippe before the required attack on the Bonmont hill. Half way up the hill, just as legs unused to such exercise were flagging, Peter spotted a dog walker with 4 Afghan dogs ahead and decided that he should introduce himself and Kobie (remotely by photo, in the latter’s case). The lady in question was somewhat aggressive initially, complaining about dog walkers who let their dogs off the lead and disturbed her troupe. Having reassured her that he would immediately attach Kobie to the lead in the event that they encountered each other, she took on a friendlier tone and became very chatty. At least 10 minutes later and with legs well recovered, the final ride to the top seemed unusually easy.

The wind-chilling descent via Gingins and Signy to Arnex was bracing but rapid and we parted company outside the floral balcony of Stephen’s apartment. We had earlier agreed to forgo the usual lunch in the interests of health and time.

Statistics: ca. 38km Chavannes Hotel to Chavannes Hotel, 1h56 saddle time, 19.9kmh average speed, 499 elevation, 0 beers.

GIN Biking – September 23rd 2020 – Urban Crawl

A glorious day beckonned, once the early morning mist had lifted. PeterT, PeterD and Stephen met at the Chavannes hotel ready to head for the busy streets of the city before trialling a new route out to Satigny and lunch at the Auberge Communale. The plan was to follow the Swiss cycle route 50 from Chavannes (or where it passed close by), join briefly with the cycle route 1, before heading along the Rue de Lausanne to Cornavin station. At this point we would pick up the signs for the meandering cycle route 102 out to Satigny. Stephen was confident that signs would be more than adequate to indicate the appropriate tracks. En route, we met with e-Paul near the Vireloup CH/F border; he having an unusually light cycling day without the usual pedal out and back to the Chavannes hotel meeting point.

The stop/start of the city traffic increased with the increasing number of traffic lights as we neared Cornavin. However, we realised that our progress was better than that of the other traffic as we cycled past Lambourginis and Porsches in our cycle lane. Only one slight detour during the way into Geneva had to be made, due to inadequate Route 50 signalling, as we followed the small roads through Chambésy. However, the route on the 102 from Cornavin was less well indicated in several places and we had to make some seemingly risky manoeuvres in order to rectify over-enthusisatic directional optimism. Local cyclists helped show us the way as they darted in an out of traffic and past red lights into hidden passageways. PeterD was the back up navigator, frequently referring to the Switzerland Mobility App, when we truly lost the signs. The 102 route was indeed an eye-opener for all of us, taking us to localities that we did not know existed in Geneva. Once we started getting away from the city centre the vistas openned up and the vines of the Geneva wine area appeared over the thinning suburban roof tops.

We arrived at the Satigny auberge ahead of schedule, which was a benefit as the restaurant terrace soon filled other hungry clients. An early disappointment at lack of a menu du jour was replaced by very friendly service and a good choice of burgers, pizzas, salads and carpaccios. Paul encouraged (successfully) to have his frites “bien croquant”. This led into a discussion about Tom Kerridge’s famous triple cooked chips and from there a small leap to Ganesha…..and, importantly, the imminent publication of Paul’s new book….and other diverse topics (which somehow escape this blogger after a generous offering of limoncello by the waitress).

Contentment is well-fried chips.

“How the hell did we miss that turning?” “We were following your bright top.”

Interesting how food (or alcohol?) energises some people and for others it is a prelude to rest. PeterD pedalling rate increased 50% on leaving the restaurant whilst Stephen was struggling to move up the gears. Paul opted out of further competition (not that an e-biker needs to) and from Meyrin headed the short route home. The remaining 3 cut through Ferney before re-entering Switzerland and followed tracks through field and wood before re-emerging at the Chavannes hotel starting point.

A good lunch, who care’s how we get home? One day PeterT will remember to reset his route tracker after lunch…..

The full route: GIN bikers route Sept 23rd

Statistics: Distance ca. 54km (Chavannes-Chavannes); 2h35m saddle time, Average speed 21.2kmh; 370m elevation; Average fluids: 1.75 beers, 1 limoncello, water? (not sufficient)

GIN Hikers – September 2nd 2021 – Bellevue, Morgins

If at first you don’t succeed…….so at the third attempt, the weather favoured an ascent of the Pointe de Bellevue in Morgins, two years on from the first time Stephen proposed the hike. 10 eager hikers, seduced by the organiser’s enthusiasm, signed up for the climb. In the event, Rob, Mark2r and Mervyn had to pull out at short notice, leaving Stephen, PeterT, Mark2t, David, Richard, Philip and, new-comer to this group, Paul met at the church in Morgins more or less at the agreed hour of 09.30. The car sharing group from Divonne had a slow start due to heavy frontalier traffic but still managed to arrive ahead of David coming from Villars, who ensured that his somewhat tardy record was maintained.

The hike started from the town centre past an excellent boulangerie – but no time to sample its delights as the leader was on a mission to get to the top and onto the lunch-time restaurant. The leader had also neglected to tell the group that the 814m climb was almost straight up, intially through the hillside chalets on the road and then out into the open spaces.

Early stages….up and up from Morgins

The target in sight

The frequent procession of cars passing us on the way up also indicated that Stephen had been economical with the truth in not suggesting that the uphill pain could have been seriously curtailed. By the time the Portes de Culet had been reached, the group was well spread out, giving the early arrivers time to chat with other hikers and admire the view across to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.

A breather at the Portes de Culet

Despite suggestions that there was an alternative, easier route circumnavigating the Bellevue peak, there was a unanimous will to attack the final ascent in order to get the promised views

Relaxing on the final ascent

The Pointe de Bellevue is in sight

Arrival at the top was staggered with the more reckless walkers bounding ahead whilst the experienced walkers savoured the ever-expanding vistas. By the time everyone was at the Pointe de Bellevue, most of the red wine had been consumed (partly due to sharing its benefits with two lively ladies who had passed us in a car and taken a shorter route up). However, Paul produced the means to toast Absinthe (or was it absent?) friends.

Sharing the Bellevue (and red wine) with 2 belles.

Conversation took a bizarre direction including a Rolls Royce and a crucifix….please defer to Peter for the full story. Since we were a little behind the exact schedule, the restaurant was phoned to suggest that we might be delayed by an hour only to hear that the chef went off duty at 14h. The group was rapidly assembled and a sense of urgency was given to the descent!

On the way down

Restaurant with a view

In the event, the advance party reached the Ferrage restaurant way before the “n0 croûte” time and we were all seated and drinking beer (or alternative) with time to spare to order. Lunch was spectacular for the view across to the Dents du Midi and the Muveran as well as the brochette specialities of the restaurant.

Menu du jour….a flaming sausage!

That’s what you call a lunch!

Dessert tarts were shared and coffees taken before a gentle 45 minute traverse back to Morgins through pleasant grass and woodland track until we hit the tarmac for the chalet dwellings on the outskirts of the town. The path passed above the 7 Peaks brewery, in the shadow of the 7 peaks of the Dents du Midi.

Despite the need for Mark to get back to host a drinks evening, a detour was taken to Stephen and Kate’s chalet, allowing a sampling of home brew beer, coffee and teas as desired. Kate had been watching our progress, even claiming to have seen us on the top of Bellevue from the chalet. Return to the town centre completed the 14km circuit about 7h30m after the start.

A great day out blessed with good weather, good views, good company and good exercise. Only sorry that not everyone was able to make it but I’m sure a repeat can be organised…………..

GIN Bikers – August 26th 2021

A group of five regular bikers met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10h. Stephen, PeterT, Mark2Ts, e-Paul and e-Thatcher, with apologies from PeterD and Mervyn. Stephen’s promise of a gentle ride along the Jura was met with some scepticism, especially when he said there would be a warm up loop before the Bonmont ascent. However, he regained some credibility when a coffee stop was allowed at the new bakery between the new cycle shop and cycle museum in Crassier after an hour’s circuit through Grilly (F) and along the old railway track back to Switzerland. The impact was that the warm-up benefits were lost and the pedal up to Bonmont and the hill itself were more of a challenge than originally planned. The e-bikers kept the Taylor/Long competiton fair, not allowing slip streaming advantage. 240 Bonmonts in the previous year paid dividends and PeterT broke the morale of the challenger with a well-timed push on the final uphill slope.

The victor, with e-bike pace-setter and canine inspiration

From there it was downhill all the way to Givrin (except for that one short sharp hill). With lunch booked for 12.30h there was some concern that the leader might opt for a pre-prandial Genolier hill, up past the clinic. Some of the non e-bikers seemed to be slowing the pace in the hope of avoiding such a fate. They were successful and we cruised down from Genolier centre to the Auberge at Duillier for a very pleasant, leisurely lunch on the terrace, overlooking the vines, the lake and the Alps. Service was slow but the conversation was lively and when the food arrived it was worth waiting for. We uncovered the meaning of “gaslighting” (the act of manipulating a person by forcing them to question their thoughts) and then found many examples of potential use. This included the use of the description “gentle” for rides.

Main course is taking a while….lucky we had a starter.

…..we didn’t have a starter.

It was a direct ride back after lunch (except for Paul, who once again took his favourite Route 50 into Geneva) taking in the Landi carpark route and some slightly rougher tracks (to help Mark2Ts think about trading in his road bike). We split up at the God’s crossroads and made our separate ways home. We were on schedule (just) for Thatcher not to be late for his 15h swimming lesson with his grandchildren.

Statistics: Weather sunny, slight breeze. From Chavannes Hotel to God’s Crossroads 47km. ca. 2h30m saddle time, 552 elevation difference, 20.4km/hour average speed. Average: 1.6 beers/person and 2.1 coffees/person.