Author: Stephen Long

No gain without pain……

Three veteran manual bikers and two e-bikers (PeterD, Mervyn, Stephen, e-Paul, E-Thatcher) met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10h with the promise of a nostalgic 3 hills ride. For those not in the know, the 3 hills ride was devised some years ago by PeterD. This challenge attracted PeterT and Stephen, who then formed the origins of the GIN biking club. The ride includes conquering the Bonmont, Versancy and Mourex hills. On this occasion, Stephen decided that a warm up was required and led a circuitous route from Chavannes via Céligny, Crans, Eysins, Signy, L’Asse, Duillier until traversing to Gingins and the start of the 3 hills.

For some, this warm-up seemed a little excessive (1H30m), and on the way to L’Asse a break away group tried to take a short cut and had to be called back in line.  A pause was also required at Givrins to top up on fluids having experienced the first uphill slope from Duillier. However, by the time we arrived at Gingins we were all eager to tackle the first real climb. The e-bikers realised that their role was to encourage the non-assisted pedal power and the leader carefully avoided telling them the exact route so that they couldn’t progress too far ahead. The statuary photo was taken at the top of the Bonmont hill:

Still happy after hill 1…..

Lunch was promised in Versancy at a new restaurant run from the château in the centre of town. The heat and the length of warm up affected some riders and the climb up to Vesancy was not as smooth as on some previous occasions. Exhaustion and lack of attentiveness also meant that PeterD and e-Thatcher rode past the restaurant and completed an extra hill before lunch. It was noticeable that only the e-bikers had energy to speak initially and we gained a preview of “scenes” from Thatcher’s potential autobiography. The lunch was magnificent! Paul ensured that our fluid levels were properly maintained as he generously picked up the bill for these in celebration for an imminent birthday. (note to future organisers: book a tour near August 1st and invite Paul). An impressive choice of lunchtime menus and friendly service also meant that calories were replaced and a general feeling of content spread amongst us. Unfortunately, after a lengthy lunch we realsied that we had to move on and tackle the final short bt sharp hill up to Mourex. Paul saw the potential of a way out as he decided to circumnavigate this hill and head in the direction of Gex as an effective way to return to Geneva.

The danger of eating and drinking well is that concentration is often impaired. Unfortunately, on the descent from Vesancy, Paul wandered from the tarmac, hitting the verge and ultimately tumbling onto the tarmac. Whilst PeterD and Stephen were unaware of this event behind them, Mervyn and Thatcher were picking up the pieces and washing down skin scrapes. Happily, Paul managed to return home by his chosen route and is not too much the worse for the incident. Ironically, he was the only one of us not to have imbibed at lunch. Is there a moral here?

Having conquered the 3 hills again, we dispered to our respectives homes from Divonne.

Statistics: Warm and sunny. Ca. 48km (>70km for Paul), saddle time: ca. 2h25m, eating (and drinking) time: 2h20m, elevation gain: 710m, average speed 19.4km/h.

“It’s raining, men, hallejulah…..”

The summer months  have arrived, along with changeable weather, and an absence of many of our members. So, it was a determined residual 3 of PeterT, Mervyn and Stephen, fresh back from a lengthy stay in the homeland, who ventured out in a forecasted respite from the rain. A gentle pedal was promised along the base of the Jura in the direction of a terrace lunch and a gentler pedal home.

Unfortunately, the weather gods did not read the script and the heavy rain, due to begin at 14.30h, decided to make an early appearance. We met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10.30h and headed in the direction of Chavannes-de-Bois, through the woods and then crossing into France towards Grilly to pick up the old train track back into Switzerland. Rain attire had to be donned before we reached Crassier. The easy escape route back to the warmth and dry of our respective homes was shunned and we pressed on, with occasional stops to check tyre pressures, through Gingins and Givrins towards Genolier. At this stage there was an anticipation that the leader would head straight to the lunch booked at the Hotel de la Reunion in Coinsins. However, having been deprived of the hill challenges during his 6 week stay in the UK and with the need to compensate for over-indulgence in bitter, pork pies and fish and chips, he headed up the hill past the Genolier clinic. At the top of this road, the further climb to Bassins was rejected and we descended rapidly towards the hostellerie and a very welcome lunch and refreshments.

The terrace was fresh but nowhere near as climatically challenging as our first outing of the year when restaurant terraces were the only permitted means of eating out. The menus de jour were more than acceptable and between us, by all having something different, we managed to sample 60% of them (for the less mathematically gifted, that’s 3 from the selection of 5). Feldschlossen beer also had a beneficial effect.

The rain had eased somewhat for the stomach-heavy ride home through Trelex, Grens and Borex. At this point, the leader peeled off for the short ride home, taking advantage of his route and leaving the pack of two to the wet additional 7 km in front of them……

Ride statistics: Wet conditions, 46km, 2h15m saddle time, average speed 20.8km/h, 676m maximum and 441m minimum elevation with overall climb of 456m.

In the summer time, when the weather is fine, You can reach right up and touch the sky, You’ve got cycling, you’ve got cycling on your mind.

Was it good fortune or the stated good connections of our leader, Peter D., that the sun was shining brightly for a day in the middle of a wet week as we met on May 20^th in front of the Everness Hotel in Chavannes de Bogis? Whatever the reason, there was a hum of expectation for the promised relaxed, flat ride towards the Geneva vineyards and a lunch on a warm terrace from the Magnificent Seven of Mark, Mervyn, E-Paul, E-Philip, Peter T., Peter D. and Stephen. E-Paul did his usual warm up ride from Grand Saconnex and arrived looking unexpectedly puffed……perhaps regretting that he could have had an extra 30 minutes in bed and have met us on route.

Fresh as daisies and raring to go…….

We set off through the wooded glades of Versoix with the smell of damp forest and happy banter. Care had to be taken to avoid the copious offerings of many a horse who had passed the same way. We rode through the pleasant countryside around Colley Bossey with the Jura on one side and the Alps on the other before passing into France to cut through the Fernex peninsula before re-emerging into Switzerland at Meyrin. Comments were made about the difference in French drivers at multi-traffic light junctions….we blamed them, they blamed us for unexpected behaviour. Fernex itself was undergoing a facelift which added to a bumpy, devious ride over dug up streets. Once emerged through the industrial estate of Meyrin, we headed towards the delightful wine villages of Choully, Satigny and Pessy with only gentle uphill inclines. Signs offering inviting wine tastings were somehow passed. As we progressed towards our lunchtime destination in La Plaine a difficult decision faced our leader: right uphill, left uphill or straight ahead on an unknown flat track. With much encouragement, the middle path was chosen with a cursory check on the map. 200 metres further on, the track took a sharp right turn and a steep climb beckoned. Well charged e-bikers, charged ahead, in charge of the hills before discharging onto a bench at the top to wait for the well dispersed pedal-power only peloton. Regrouping we gratefully enjoyed the downhill ride to La Plaine.

COVID rules meant that we were seated at 2 tables for lunch. This was indeed a sunny terrace (although mostly protected by large shades) and a welcome change from our last cold lunch. Whilst the one Coke (with “beaucoup, beaucoup, beaucoup de glace”……e-Paul needed cooling) and 2 beer table discussed erudite subjects such as advocacy psychology and the derivation of Pi, the 8 beer table ended up debating the need to keep purchase receipts in order to check monthly financial statements (3 out of 4 in favour…..one accountant didn’t see the need!). The lunch lived up to the promises of Peter D. as evidenced by a full clientele.

If you take a regular polygon of infinite sides it converges to a circular profile….

Another for the road? Peter says there’s only one more hill.

Checking expenditure….no need, I’m an accountant.

“Only one more hill” before we had a flat run for home. What a hill! Legs heavy after a full lunch, we battled up through Cartigny and Aire-la-Ville before descending to Penney and an unpromised second uphill to Satigny. The Magnificent Seven became restless. Paul headed for home, not wanting another long detour to Chavannes. Philip decided to lead a scenic route away from the main road but Mark and Mervyn decided to pursue their own route. Similarly, Stephen sped on, on his own, losing the peloton once back in Switzerland. Stopping for a tyre check on Philip’s bike (just a repump needed…no puncture) allowed our leader to “herd the cats” and regroup for the final push back to our starting point.

Another great day out enjoyed by all and further proof that e-bikes will be with us all shortly.

Ride statistics: 61kms, 3h31m saddle time, 18.6km/h average speed, denivelation 787m (Mark’s optimistic value). Conditions: sunny, pleasantly warm, slightly damp under tyre.

“Cycling in the rain, just cycling in the rain. What a wonderful feeling…..”

The morning of May 6^th was dark, overcast and foreboding. The weather forecast did nothing to suggest any change but, despite this and a last minute offer by the leader to just meet at the restaurant, 6 intrepid GIN bikers demonstrated their true grit and bundled up in waterproofs to take up the challenge. Peter D, Peter T, Mervyn, Mark, Stephen and e-Philip met at the Everness hotel in Chavannes at 10h sharp. Great to have Philip back with the group, looking fit after his encounter with the surgeon. Unfortunately, e-Thatcher had to withdraw for his first ride due to having to keep an eye on Mrs. e-T, whose surgeon had recently been keeping an eye on keeping her eyes clear.

The ride started smoothly: only a few specks of rain and no punctures. As we moved eastwards along the lake through Céligny, Crans, Nyon and Prangins, the conditions became steadily worse and early optimism that we might be able to miss the worst of the rain were thwarted. Peter D donned his jaunty, waterproof, blue see-through attire……memories of earlier days when he dressed up as a fairy. The first climb up through Prangins showed the benefits of an e-bike as Philip cruised effortlessly towards the front, despite frantic pedalling by the leader who did not want to be overtaken. By the time we had progressed onto Trelex and up the next hill the slippery conditions saw Stephen slipping on his pedal and ending up on the tarmac. Was it by chance this was in full view of a chatty female rider who had stopped by the side of the road to refill her water bottle at a fountain? Battered and bruised and wet, but not beaten, the magnificent six amassed at the Gingins start of the climb to up above Bonmont. On a rolling start we took our usual positions with the e-bike interloper again pedalling easily into the leading group. He also had time to compare the cadence of the other riders. If ever there was a sales pitch for an e-bike……

e-biker taking it eeeasy after a gentle ascent

Party wear and optimistic sunshades Mr. Drew……

A well-earned breather at the usual 717m peak (21 times for Peter T this year so far) before a cold and wet descent through La Rippe, Crassier, God’s Corner and onto the previously promised relief of the Founex Tennis Club restaurant. Protected though it was from the wind and rain, some seating was a long way from the heater. As we shivered on the terrace, downing the welcome beer before enjoying one of the weekly special menus, there was some reflection as to whether there should have a been a choice of ride or terrace lunch and not both. However, as we dispersed into the continuing rain we (all?) agreed that this was a memorable ride, not to be missed, and one that will ensure that we really appreciate future rides in better conditions.

Can’t we get that heater nearer?

It’s fine for us, thanks.

Ride stats: ca. 35km, 480m elevation gain, 21.4 km/hr average speed, 1h38m saddle time (meeting point to restaurant). Conditions: wet.

22 April 21

A Long-Form Report

Another perfect day for biking saw Peter D (leader), Peter T, Mervyn, e-Paul, Mike and Stephen meeting at the Chavannes de Bogis hotel at 10.30. Peter D had organised the route promising us an undemanding ride to the pleasures of a terrace  lunch at the Auberge de Gilly. However, the start had to be delayed due to Stephen deciding to test the groups’ tyre changing prowess (again) as he found his bike had a puncture immediately after set off. Happily, Peter T. was deterred from fiddling with the front, good tyre. After the experience of the previous ride, our leader (Note : day-leader, not Bike Organiser, Ed.) had come prepared with a spare inner tube and in next to no time the rear tyre had been removed, the new inner tube inserted and the bike ready to go….apart from the need for tyre inflation. Once again, all the available pumps were found inadequate and Peter D returned the short distance to his home to pick up a reliable pump as well as a back up crew to return this home. Helen made some comment about whether we wanted back up for the entire route but we parted happily on our way, declining this offer. A couple of hundred metres later in an acceleration around a corner we realised that we were too hasty, as the repaired tyre suffered a second puncture. Moral: always check the tyre to remove any offending sharp object before repairing a puncture.  Stephen was ready to let the group cycle on without him but, being close to home, Peter D.  volunteered a spare bike, albeit lacking a recent service and, as discovered later in the day, with a saddle that didn’t allow for a previously pampered backside. 

Anyway,  we were finally on our way about 30 minutes behind schedule, so any detour (e.g. via a Bonmont climb) was cancelled. Our leader took us via a scenic route through the vineyards once we had left behind the approach via God’s Corner, Crassier,  Gingins, Givrins, Genolier and Begnins. Mike, on his first outing with the group, manfully pedalled his way on a mature bike with a problematic brake, encouraged by our leader’s frequent claim of “no more hills”……..although there was some poetic licence here.

The Gilly hostellerie was ready and waiting for our arrival, happily advised of our 15 minute delay as the terrace was full with others enjoying the weather and the newly re-opened terrace restaurant. A couple of amber refreshments followed by the usual excellent lunch at this restaurant, made the trials of the morning ride fade into the background and fortified us for the return. Paul took his leave early, needing to e-bike it back to Grand-Saconnex and not needing his batteries recharged more than a liquid top-up.

The return journey was largely uneventful, opting for the direct route as required by blood focused on digestion. In total about 50kms with a height difference of ca. 400m. we dispersed at God’s Corner and made it back to our respective homes in time for a well earned rest and cup of tea.

Stephen Long (GINs Bike Organiser)

The day started sunny, bright and cold….too cold for us seasoned bikers, so the outing was carefully planned for the warmer afternoon (a balmy…or barmy.. 9C). The usual suspects of Stephen, Peter T, Peter D, Mark and Mervyn had subscribed to this first official ride of the year but boosted by the company of e-Paul. The club has moved into the modern era with e-bikers adding to our number and ensuring that the ageing peloton keeps moving at a certain pace. E-Paul proved the sustainability of e-biking by starting his ride in Grand Saconnex and returning there afterwards.

We met at the Chavannes de Bogis Hotel and asked a waiting workman to take the starting photo of us all. Unfortunately for him, his “patron” arrived and suggested that he should be doing something other than taking photos! The circuitous route had been carefully planned by the new club co-leader,Stephen, to take in the delights of the small villages of the Jura foothills without needing the exertion of a Bonmont climb.

Our first loop took us past the commercial Chavannes Centre through the woods towards Versoix and then back down a path parallel to the French border towards the Divonne border crossing. Having paused for breath and, for those with less well sprung bikes, to recover from the bumps and pot holes along the path, we proceeded at pace along the cemented path towards Bogis-Bossey. “We” is not entirely accurate as, unknown to the front runners, the back 3 had ground to a halt with Mervyn’s back tyre succumbing to those bumps and pot holes and gaining a puncture. The advance group eventually realised that there was no peleton and retraced the path back to the repair group, who had already disassembled the back wheel. Many keen hands then set about on a total revamp of Mervyn’s bike, including adding symmetry to the bike by deflating the front tyre which the small hand pump stubbornly resisted re-inflating. As chance would have it, we were only a stone’s throw from the bike shop near the border and so two trips later, with new inner tyre and machine inflated front and rear tyres, the bike was good to go again. A couple of British ladies wheeling a buggy had the benefit of passing the whole exercise on multiple occasions with much banter.​

We continued on the well-cycled path to the Ecumenical Centre (God’s Corner) and on to Eysins, Signy and up to Gingins. A final vote was taken (well, an executive decision) not to do the Bonmont hill diversion, despite the retired leader wanting to add to the mere 17 already completed this year. A refreshment stop at the Givrins bakery was a suitable alternative. Paul’s e-bike was still well charged but Paul recharged his batteries not only with a drink, but also a chocolate éclair, and headed off back towards Geneva with much confusing advice as how to follow the Swiss cycle route 50 to his doorstep. We subsequently heard that this was surprisingly successful.

The homeward trip took us via Genolier to Duillier to Asse and via back routes (with the exception of having to cross the main approach road from Nyon to the motorway) to Avenex, through the Eysins Landi car park (much to the surprise of all but the leader) and onto Crans, Céligny and back to the proximity of God’s corner where the group dispersed to their home destinations.

In all a round route of about 50km (about double that forPaul!), just over 2 hours saddle time, 380m altitude change and an average moving speed of 22.5 km/h. In summary, an excellent early season ride with attractive scenery.