Blog – GIN Club

GIN Bikers – June 4th, 2026

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

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

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

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

Happy and dry….for the moment

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

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

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

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

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

Gin Hike – Barillette Beer aand Beyond – 28 May 2026

This week saw a heat wave that really started to sap energies so it was not surprising, also given the number of members travelling in far off places, that only three and a dog turned out for this hike. Here is the flyer :-

“It will be hot this Thursday, so I am planning high and shaded, and beer at the Barillette. Maybe 400m – 500m up and not arduous except for the heat. The walk will be Taylored to the attendees.
And we shall have a picnic after the beer, a little higher up.
Meet at 9.30 at Divonne or at 10 am at St Cergue parking lot (W3W ///outer.dupe visits) at 10 am. (Note – this is 50m down the second road on the left entering and just before the roundabout in St Cergue, after ascending the hill from the Nyon exit. It is NOT Tancouez.)
Bring a picnic and water and sun gear.”

Attending : Nathan, Chris, Kobie and me.

Apologies : Mervyn (sipping Liffy water), Richard, David, Markrrs and Philip (keeping powder and foreheads dry), PeterSt (in the big hills), Marktts (in west Wales), Rudolf (sidetracked by the Walking Group scheduling), Rudi (golf), Thatcher (sailing the Cyclades), Ross (repatriation admin), etc etc.

The road up to (but not down from) St Cergue was closed and we had to deviate up through Arzier but we arrived shortly after 10am with heat beginning to build. The higher 1040m start point reduced the heat level a bit, and the final denivellation a lot.

Perhaps because of this heat we had to halt after only one minute because Chris’s left hiking boot came apart when the heel-sole came unstuck. He went back for his trainers. Nathan recommended the boot repair shop in La Combe and I can endorse this.

We set off again up the Beatrix trail turning right to ascend beneath the ruins of the Vieux Château and up past Guinfard, through the Bois de Guinfard. Nathan was keen to keep right but we kept left to the ridge and actually later descended down Nathan’s path.

Kobie finding the shaded trail warm and not looking chill

Nathan and Chris looking chill and enjoying the shady trail

Although the sun was high, there was a nice cooling breeze from the north, not quite a Bise but almost and the temperature was very pleasant all day.

The sun blazed down on us as we headed up the final stony slope towards the Barillette restaurant, which was open and not crowded on the terrace, and we were appointed a semi-shaded table for a most welcome beer – thanks Nathan for the beer!

With Kobie chomping on a meaty chew, splendid cold beer and good company, fabulous views across to the Alps, the question could have been asked, is this as good as it gets?

A decision was made to eat our picnics at the outside table at the Chalet des Apprentis, and we charted a course on the main trail avoiding the steep drop to the Bent Tree. Sadly however the outside table must have been inside, so we ate our lunch on a bench in the porch with superb views across the cliff face of La Dôle.

Lunch at the Chalet des Apprentis (note sunspecs now reversed)

Fortified by a small tot of Lord Richmond whisky, (lord knows where that is from (and we missed Richard’s Bottle)), we took the courageous decision not to summit La Dôle, nor track up to the Col de Porte but instead wind our way back down the 5 Jura Crest Trail.

It was not long before we found ourselves down at the Bent Tree where it was comforting to see that it is still partly alive.

Kobie spent most of his time lurking in the shade of the mountain trees that we passed but it was not long before he found his true heaven.

The trail back down (slightly up in one place) was pleasant and enjoyable in the cooling breeze and it was not too long before we found ourselves heading down the slope into St Cergue.

This was a fine medium-grade hike made more enjoyable by the company and the good (not too hot) weather. Kobie enjoyed it too.

Back down in Divonne it was 6C warmer (30C) and dusty like Texas.

12.65km and 623 m denivellation (but Nathan had recorded 510m up and 570m down (!), Chris had 580m up – so I’ll go with mine).

Clockwise tracking – lunch at the left tip

Gin Club Walks April and May 2026

Walk Wednesday 22 April 2026

The first organized walk in 2026 was a gentle saunter from the Place de l’Eglise in Divonne les Bains, along the riverside walk and up to the Pavillon de Golf at Divonne Golf Course. In all about 1.5km each way with a height difference of about 50m.

The walkers, John Burley, Jeff Crudgington, Gary Vanatter, Robert O’Riordan, David Colledge and Mark Warren were joined for the lunch by Norman Eatough and Brian Allardyce.

Walk Wednesday 27 May 2026

John Burley organized this walk of 5.5km on the agricultural roads around Borex with a negligible height difference but due to back pain issues was only able to join us for the lunch. Consequently, John showed the route to Mark Warren by car and it was he who lead(?) the walkers, Richard Saynor, Ralph Wares, Robert O’Riordan, Rudolf Staehelin and Paul Sochaczewski.

Thankfully there were not too many choices of path and apart from the odd tractor and cyclist we had a tranquil walk trying to identify certain crops and watching rooks, black kites and a buzzard enjoying worms on a recently disturbed field.

We joined Norman Eatough, Dave Gwilliam, Brian Allardyce, Gary Vanatter and a still suffering John Burley for lunch at the restaurant l’Essentiel in Borex. Not everyone appreciated the carpaccio de poulpe on the menu – an alternative was proposed.

Bridge 19/5/26, 29 point hand

Five of us played social bridge today: Dave G, David C, Rob M, Wolfgang, Mark2Ts.

There were some interesting and fun to play hands but this one, Wolfgang’s, was exceptional.

Partner, David C, had 2 points. 3 no-trumps bid, 5 made. No possibility of a slam since the missing King (and the Ace) were in Dave G’s hand to Wolfgang’s left.

Highest hand I’ve ever seen, maximum hand possible is 37 points. This one is only missing 1 Ace, 1 King, 1 Jack.

GIN Hike from Fort l’Ecluse to Leaz on 14 May 2026

This was a repeat of the hike done on 12 October 2023 that included 11 hikers and 3 dogs who enjoyed sunny autumn weather.

On this occasion our number was reduced to 5 hikers (Mark Watts, Andrew Neivens, Ross Linsley, Peter Taylor with Kobie, and Peter Strebel) possibly due the forecast of intermittent showers and colder than expected spring temperatures. Richard Saynor, with his backpack and special bottle at the ready, had to cancel the night before because of recommendations from his doctor.

The group gathered at the parking lot below the lower fort around 10 am. The mood was upbeat in the crisp morning air and under lighter skies. All forms of rain gear were donned including a fine rain jacket for Kobie.

The hike started with an uphill pull of around 170m through green beech forest to reach the Upper Fort.

Light rain had begun to fall with mists surrounding the Jura ridge and Vuache mountains. Questions were asked about the impressive fortifications but unfortunately the leader had forgotten to brush up on the history of Fort l’Ecluse.

After a gentle descent towards the village of Longeray and passage through a substantial metal gate, there was a right turn upwards following the sign indicating Leaz. The path continued uphill through fresh green-leaved forest and after about 45 minutes opened out into lush cow pastures.

There was a brief stop for a water break but with rain increasing the decision was made to continue walking.

On the farm roads down towards Leaz the rain began in earnest and there was growing concern about finding a dry spot for the picnic. Striding ahead with Kobie, Peter T found an empty water fountain shelter which provided a welcome break from the rain.

A somewhat hurried picnic ensued which was greatly enhanced by the combination of chocolate cookies (baked by Robin Linsley) and strong coffee from Mark 2TTs topped with a tot of whiskey to warm the spirits.

As predicted by the meteosuisse, the rain stopped around 1:40 pm and the group set out to the Belvedere de Leaz overlooking the Rhone valley. Miraculously, the sun came out and the mists lifted providing clear views of the west facing cliffs of the Vuache, the winding river below and the Upper and Lower Forts guarding the entrance to the Bellegarde gap.

As the brief patch of sun faded, the group began the descent into the Rhone valley. Despite the rain, the path down was not too slippery. Kobie opted to take the small bridge over a muddy stream rather than venture to the banks of the big river. The trail went passed the ruin of the Moulin de Condiere (alt 363m) and continued on crossing the TGV train tracks and up through the hamlet of Lavoux to reach parking lot. Under light rain, there were brief goodbyes as this was Ross’ last GIN hike before his return to Australia.

Overall, we covered 12 km in 5 hours with a denivelation of approximately 620m.

GIN Bikers – May 7th 2026

The start of a new era….for some

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

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

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

Unified team tops but non-unified machines

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

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

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

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

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

All relaxed and non fatigued….at this point

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

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

All downhill from here

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

Rhubarb tart was good but the profiteroles were the winners.

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

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

30 April 26 The Annual Marchairuz

As MikeH started his travels for the summer the day after this hike, I am blogging for him. Thanks Mike for taking this on before your long summer peregrination and wedding fest.

Mike wrote

Demonstrating the lack of imagination that comes naturally to a former financial regulator/banker, I would like to propose my usual circular walk south west from the Col du Marchairuz. We last did this on May 8th last year. The walk is about 11km and the deniv about 350m.
I would suggest we have 2 rdvs, one at 9.15 in Divonne car park and one at the Col du Marchairuz at 10.00. I will book lunch for 13.30.
I will meet at the Col and this will be my last GIN walk until July/August. 2 daughters, 2 weddings soaks up the time this summer!
Let me know by next Wednesday at the latest,
Mike

and later

So we have a provisional 10 for tomorrow with Peter Strebel, Nathan F and David C opting for Divonne, Andrew N , Rudolf Pluss, Peter T and myself for the Col. As yet , Stephen Long, Mark Watts and Michael Mathews are undeclared.

The forecast is good for tomorrow, sunny and 15 degrees so sun hats, sunglasses and perhaps a fleece are indicated.

The table is booked for 13.30

Mike

Indeed Stephen, Mark and Michael all duly turned out and we were indeed 10 at the start (and finish). Stephen and Mark sported shorts, but for me it was still a bit iffy for bare legs. No dogs this time which was a welcome relief for Mike and me, and come to think about it everyone else too.

Bright sunny and ideal for a hike round Mike’s southerly kingdom. Andrew, PeterSt, MichaelM, Stephen, Nathan, David, Mark2ts, MikeH, Rudi.

The weather was superb, a nice breeze but not strong, a good sun and the prospect of a nice hike. We set off from the Col (1447m) at 10.20 and headed down NW along the main trail that turns SE running parallel to the crest of the Jura. It’s Nepali flat to the Chalet at La Neuve, at 1446 m. The flowers were magnificent, mainly crocuses, but some others that Philip, had he been there, could have educated us about. There was much chatting, with much to chat about.

Still some snow patches in the shaded areas

Reaching La Neuve chalet it was time for apèros and coffee (only Mark’s black as Mervyn did not attend), and some pleasant Italian (I think) red appeared. Richard’s bottle was missed, but not sorely.

Avoiding the short 50m climb to the Crêt de la Neuve (which has great views) we headed across the crest and down to the Petit Préde Rolle where we turned NW for the 5km troll back through forest then field then forest to the Col de Marchairuz and our lunch appointment which we just about made at 13.30.

This was a hotter section of the hike dropping to 1280m.

We turned left at 1357m for the final 1.5km to the Col passing 1460m on the way.

By the time we reached the cars and the restaurant we each had a good thirst going and an appetite to match, and the dish of the day – beef stroganoff with rice – was chosen by all non vegetarians.

We could have sat outside, but I think it was just about preferable inside, where the table had been laid for us.

I asked about the parrot that used to live in a cage in one corner of the bar and was told that is no longer there, but still alive (at 80 years of age (!)) in an old parrots home and had not yet gone to meet its maker. There was much discussion which included the King’s successful US visit, parrots, growing up in Africa, malaria, weddings, boats, electric bikes, GPS technicalities, general relativity, dogs, summer plans, etc etc.

We raised a toast to Larry – and hoped that he is well wherever he now is over the pond in Canada, we think. It was here that we first met him, and I recall he did turn up for a lunch – was it last year ? at the Col.

The dining room is surrounded by ticking antique clocks, all showing a different time, and chiming on the hour of their own special space-times.

By the time we had finished (near 3.30pm) all the other diners had long gone.

Another great hike into the southerly Hempstead kingdom. Thanks again Mike.

GIN Bikers – April 23rd 2026

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

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

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

Pedalling their craft on St George’s Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 April 26 The Annual Daffodil Hunt

Here is the Flyer I sent :-

Mark2ts usually leads this botanical adventure but he is still in Blighty, and will be so then, so I will lead.

Let’s hope the daffs are still there. We’ve missed them before….

The map below shows the route over La Dôle, 14km and 690m so quite a tough one for us. Say grade 5.

Picnic needed.

Last year the team of 10 was as follows :-

Each Five of us: David C, Mervyn, Nathan and 2 Marks met at the parking in Divonne and drove up together to meet Peter, Steven, Ross, 2 Mikes: Hempstead and Mathews, and 2 dogs: Kobie and Rocco, at La Givrine.

This year a novel approach was taken. I had advertised this as a hard hike (Grade 5 needs calibrating) in order to ensure that folk were well informed before accepting a harder outing than they wanted. After a kernel of tough-nut hikers seemed to be forming, Mark2rs suggested that an alternative easier approach might attract daffodil delinquents who might not appreciate mixing harder ardour with beautiful botany.

We had 8 hikers start at La Givrine for the traditional Dôle troll, and 5 botannical boffins who would come in from La Vattay and meet us in the fields of gold. Mark2rs’s Botannical Blog is given below (thanks Mark).

Meeting up on time at La Givrine (1205m) were Stephen (bravely sporting shorts), Ross, PeterSt, Mervyn, Chris, Nicolas and Onyx, and me and Kobie. Accountants and nitpicking quiz experts among you may have counted that there are only 7 Gintlemen in that list, along with 2 dogs.

We duly set off in bright weather with a light breeze. After a few hundred metres my accountant brain (such as is left of it) kicked in as I counted only 7 of us when we should have been 8. We had forgotten Michael Mathews who had planned to arrive by train but because of railworks came up on the bus, which had been delayed (as always he says). We duly turned round and on reaching a knoll we saw Michael speeding across the grass towards us. We were now all together.

The initial crew assembled as we began to realise that Michael was missing

The next challenge was going to be evident fairly quickly. How much snow would there be? None of us had grippers, snow shoes or ice axes and we were going to attacking the north face of La Dôle (1677m).

Mervyn and Michael who has now been gathered in

It was not long before we began to transit rather large snow patches.

A further slight problem arose in that Onyx seemed set on humping Kobie at every opportunity, albeit unsuccessfully each time. Nicolas was sadly having to keep Onyx on a leash in accordance too with Swiss legal requirements.. It may be that Onyx may have to be attended to in the tackle department if such behaviour is to be cured.

After 2 km of pleasant going in a SW direction we headed up past the closed Couvaloup de Crans Restaurant towards La Dôle in a general SE direction.

At Couvaloup de Crans starting the ascent of the ski slope

At this point Stephen strode ahead and took a more southerly route up the mountain.

It was clear (to me anyway) that our ascent would be aided by staying off the slushy snow and keeping to the grassy slopes to the left, meeting the ridge and then strolling up the grass on the ridge to the summit; and so it transpired, albeit Stephen preferred the snowy more direct route. We arrived at the top at noon.

Ross, Chris, Michael, Stephen and PeterSt with Kobie, in the sun

Mt Blanc had been visible but the clouds came in a bit

There was no time for coffee or apèro, as we had a rendezvous arrival time of 1 pm and there were a few km of descent to come. We passed by some chamois which our hounds kindly gave up chasing pretty quickly and then struggled down the rubbly and rocky ridge towards the border where we hope to meet the Vattay venturers.

We spot the Vattay Botanists on the hill to the left, seen much earlier after whistling and waving.

It was at this point that we began to spot daffodils, in small clumps.

We struggled up the hill on time at 1pm to meet our French chums (we were now in France) and a hearting greeting ensued, dogs joined in too.

A lunch spot a little off the top of the hill in the lee of the wind and next to a small triangle of daffodils served as an ideal lunch spot, facing the intermittent sun.

Bottles were opened and our picnic commenced. Red wines, Gigondas and others helped to avoid any choking incidents (as I had bought some wraps).

Kobie settles in to some opportunistic begging

General view – Nathan seems to be taking a siesta. Onyx is restrained for aforementioned reasons

A good place to solve the problems of the world – there are a few at present…

Kobie likes people, and mostly vice versa…

There was a bit of sun. Note shorts in the Vattay team too. Richards Bottle made an appearance.

Nathan now well rested. Note the yellow fields in the distance…

It was time (2.25pm) for us to part and say our goodbyes to the French Frolickers, and we eight hikers and 2 dogs set off down towards the expected golden fields.

Normally the fields on the right would be full of daffodils but the snow pack had only recently melted.

Finally though, on the steeper sunny slopes to our left the daffodils were there laid out in all their glory.

Ross Peter and Mervyn, enjoying the grail of our hike. Mark2ts would be pleased that we made it.

There followed quite a tough after-lunch section up 150m or so through the forest, therefore on quite deep snow into which our boots were sinking. Stephen laid much of the trail, in whose boot-marks we struggled to follow.

Looking back up the mountain from the forest.

Eventually we topped out on the ski run which we followed back to Couvaloup, and which I found much easier descending than on the usual grass. Was it the wine or the ibuprofen?

We had seen at least one skier (with his dog) on the day. Indeed there was quite a covering for those who fancy ski touring. This hike had been tougher than any previous hike led by Mark2ts, on account of the snow cover.

It was left to descend easily the road and then the soft grassy mounds to La Givrine.

I made it 16km and 740m, slightly above Mark2ts earlier assessment. Our gadgets all seem to differ.

A very pleasant hike, good chats, great to see the Botanists in France too. Sorry we missed some regulars including our daffodil guru Mark2ts. The ladies (IWCN) intend to visit the fields towards the end of April. I believe that they too will see daffs, but in the fields that were yet to sprout because of late snows. We were lucky too. May we continue to be so.

Botanical Adventure Thursday 16 April 2026 (Mark2rs)

The announcement by the hiking supremo that the route over the Dôle for this traditional botanical adventure of 14km and 690m was quite a tough one for us stimulated some stalwarts but spread alarm to others. However, instead of throwing their knapsacks down and declining outright, they proposed a less challenging route starting from la Vattay. This was reminiscent of an earlier hike when the border was closed towards the end of the Covid lockdown.

Consequently, five Gintlemen, Richard Saynor, Philip Jenkins, Rob Pashley, Nathan Finkelstein and Mark Warren, set off from la Vattay for a hike of about 5.5 km each way with a height gain of 300m on a straight forward trail.

On discovering that the organiser was a reluctant leader, Richard led us up the direct trail, which though never difficult was covered in compacted snow remaining from the skiing season. In fact, one or two skiers were seen in the course of the day. Botanist Philip informed us of the names of several flowers, including the spring squill, but one, which we baptised the triffid, eluded him. Diligent that he is, he later informed us that the real name of the plant, ignominiously called a triffid, that we saw on the way from La Vattay yesterday, is Butterbur. The unusual flowers are only seen in early Spring. The rest of the year you only see heart-shaped leaves, which get bigger and bigger as the year proceeds and eventually are enormous (rhubarb-sized).

As expected, we arrived at our meeting place 30 minutes before the other group, which gave time to relax and watch approaching hikers for the other party who arrived on time at 1pm. Carpets of crocuses were everywhere as well as several of the promised daffodils, with many more to come.

A leisurely and most enjoyable lunch was had by all.

All too soon it was time to separate and return our respective ways. Philip to the lead this time, taking us perfectly through the cross-country skiing domaine to our cars.

A most enjoyable outing. Thanks Peter and everyone.

10 kilometres and 300m height difference.

GIN Bikers – April 9th, 2026

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

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

Old Masters hopeful of finding an Old Master

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

Reading matter loaded and ready again for the trail.

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

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

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

Replete and thinking about the shortest way home.

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

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

The outing-lite route