Blog – GIN Club

GIN Hikers – October 15th 2026

Leadership, according to one source, is the ability to influence, guide or inspire others towards shared goals. The GIN Club has very flexible goals so taking on the leader’s role for the Hiking Group during the absence of its usual leader should be a relatively easy task. With this in mind, Stephen stepped up whilst Peter T was away enjoying the countryside in the Auvergne. The previous week this substitute guide had learnt the hard way the benefits of checking venues before committing to bowling outings. He was keen to demonstrate that he could do better. Happily the GIN Group are a forgiving bunch……

The day started bright and sunny, if a little fresh, with the autumnal colours and lighting promising a great day on the Jura. A route was selected that allowed cars to be left in the safety of the Genolier car park whilst we toured up through Arzier and then descending to Le Muids and on to Coinsins for lunch at the Auberge de la Reunion. From there a short return to Genolier. In all an estimated 10-12 km and 600m ascent.

A surprising number of participants decided to join: 11 walkers and Mike Müller with Nessie who was to join for lunch. In rough order of seniority (not that this has any relevance but it was a subject of discussion):
Chris, Andrew, Rudolph (+ Daisy), Mike Mathews, Stephen, Nathan, Mervyn, Mark 2Ts, Richard S, Mark 2Ws, David

An eagle-eyed Richard S had spotted, whilst zooming in on the sign at the selected car park on Google street view in his careful preparation of the day, that the allowance was for only 2 hours parking. Consultation with local residents suggested that this ruling wasn’t applied rigorously but participants were given the choice of running the gauntlet or parking further down in the village at the school parking, where 12 hours were permitted. In the event, there was a ca. 50:50 split, those in the original parking setting their blue discs on various times to try and minimise the risk of detection. Were we to find out the greatest fine: setting the time incorrectly or overstaying your welcome? TBC….

We proceeded from the car park in the centre of town, up past the houses on the way to the clinic before forking left up the road to Sus-Châtel, our first crossing of the railway track (with workmen in place for the 2 week maintenance closure) and to the start of the forest track. Here, Stephen showed some uncertainty of the exact entrance point, but Richard displayed again that keen eye and the obvious yellow hiking trail sign just a few metres away. Then started the longish uphill trek, taken gently, each at their own speed, whilst enjoying banter and the lighting amongst the beech trees, with the occasional glipse back through the foliage to the lake below and Alps across on the other side.

Frequent map checks by the leader kept us on the correct route with only one short detour. Frequent checks on the time started to put doubts that we would manage our 3 hour allowance to the restaurant, already booked at the later 13h time. By the time we crossed the railway line and reached Arzier and the glorious open vistas that allowed, a call was made to a re-assuring restaurant manager that there would be no problem if we were 30 minutes behind plan. Mike and Nessie were also informed that they could have another coffee/bone at home before meeting us for lunch. Without the time pressure we allowed ourselves a coffee (with a smoky grappa additive…..that bottle again) and water break but decided that full appreciation of any wines on offer would be damaging to the new schedule.

Up, up and more up.

No trains due today…….Nathan proving the point.

We did some street bashing through Arzier and onto the path alongside the strangely quiet railway line to Le Muids, crossing again the line (with more workers, not working at this time but enjoying their lunch break). A sign that we were still up against the clock, also confirmed by the check on distance covered and still to go showing that the pre-walk estimation was rather conservative. Despite some signs of fatigue (and once temporarily losing our backmarkers) we enjoyed the downhill stretch to the Bois de Chênes. At this point the restaurant was close but the new ETA had shifted another 30 minutes to 14h. Happily, our restaurant team was in place and could calm the anxiety of the manager, who was keen to close the kitchen, as well as take our orders when we were about 15 minutes away. Mike also felt duty bound to order a lunch for himself so that the restaurant at least had some timely business.

It was about at this point, after a short break to regroup, that Daisy after 11 years of perfect obedience decided to go AWOL. She timed it to perfection to cause maximum disturbance to a time-stressed team. Part of the group forged ahead whilst a search party went looking for, and found, the wayward dog. Happily for the leader, this allowed a party-line to explain to the restaurant manager that our delay was not our fully our fault. Daisy was subsequently rewarded by a helping of steak …..admittedly, after Nessie had consumed her lunch.

First real freedom in 11 years. It was a great walk!

Good beers, good lunch and fun banter restored body and mind and we eventually left the restaurant at about 15.30h for the short return to Genolier. There were requests that Mike relayed 11 people in his car to the parkings but in the end only one of our more mature/experienced hikers took advantage of this, to enable the early siesta many of us craved.

The hardship of a Swiss life.

Comparison of measurement devices gave a convergence on ca. 17.2 km distance and 540m ascent. Somewhat further than advertised but still a fantastic day out with great company, excellent views and good food……all shared GIN goals (and a forgiving group of gentlemen).

P.S. News on the car parking:
No fines recorded but a notice on one car was seen as it had no blue disc. Hence, better to put up a disc with the wrong time and/or exceeding the permitted time than having no disc at all.

GIN walk and lunch Rhône/Russin 7th October 2026

This is a delightful walk in Russin in the Canton of Geneva that we last did four years ago. We did about 4.5 km of it with a height difference of some 80 metres.

Nine people, Anthony Barrow, John Burley, Philip Jenkins, Mike Müller and Nessie, Robert O’Riordan, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Nicolas Ulmer and Mark Warren duly met in the Vignoble Dorée at 10:00 where coffees were drunk and pains au chocolat eaten. Unfortunately, the weather had not been listening to the forecast so the rain expected at midday had already started. This caused a problem for one of our members who had become so used to the dry weather that he had no rain gear and took the prudent decision to remain in the bar.

The rest of us set off down the steep hill, over the level crossing and down to the banks of the Rhône which was flowing strongly. It was generally thought that this was due to snow/glacier melt. A black woodpecker was seen, and heard, flying across the river to perch on a tree. We then visited successively the teppes or gravel pits, each with their own hides. Our bird spotters’ sightings included seven swans a swmming (interestingly two of the cygnets were white – the “Polish” variety), coots, mallards, a cormorant and red-crested pochards.

Bypassing the mouth of the Allondon, we took the direct route back up the hill which required negotiating works and cement lorries related to the maintenance of the railway bridge over the Allondon.

And so to the restaurant where we were joined by Norman Eatough, who with our latest recruit Anthony had the game menu (selle de chevreuil), which looked excellent. The menu du jour was also very good and cheaper!

Mark Warren

GinHike 2 Oct 26 La Rippe to La Gerle

The forecast for Thursday 1 October looked wet, our first rain since 9 September. Being unused to wetness I emailed around to see if members agreed to a change to Friday when it looked to be a bit dryer. Sadly some could make only Thursday for which apologies. Mervyn and Andrew agreed and the three of us set off from the parking above La Rippe, with Kobie in tow. Quite a number of apologies and excuses came in (mostly valid and thanks to all for every one) and we missed you all.

My plan was a mainly forested hike starting to ascend sharply from the parking at 620m trending up the French border in the forest to the Faoug plateau then crossing and topping out at 1285m at the field of La Gerle. The descent would be meandering and easier on the knees.

Starting bottom right in a clockwise direction C1 and C2 are coffee stops and L is our lunch stop.

The conditions underfoot were extremely dry despite the mild rains of the day before. I mentioned to Andrew that we would reach Level 2 (at 770m) of Kobie’s regular hike around the Petite Côte, but when suddenly it got steeper as we turned S to the French border he commented “well I didn’t know that we would be moving on so soon from Level 2 to Level 5”. I told him not to worry as the border(line) path would soon reach Level 8.

Steeply up a Level 5 gradient to the French border.

The border path rises steadily until it reaches the Level 8 steepness gradient.

Looking down the steep Level 8 section – sticks essential

Happily the trail becomes easier and rises steadily through dappled forest on the French side of the border. After rising 440m, at about 2/3rds height (in just about an hour), we stopped for some hot coffee (and of course milk) that Mervyn had kindly carried up. This was a real pleasure because in another 30 minutes or so we were to have another coffee break, this time cold coffee from the Volg in Founex.

Most of the hard upward graft now done, we can relax a bit.

Beginning to realise that most of the Up had been done

Kobie waiting patiently for us slow-coaches, having a coffee break

On up we went.

As we levelled off we heard cowbells in the field to our right at Combe de la Faoug, and we passed through the herd with only a slight commotion until they began to follow us closely. Were they following us because of Kobie (who does not care for cows) or because of Mervyn’s red jersey? I for one will celebrate when all the beasts are down from the hills for winter (see lunch comments below) and the electric and barbed wire fences are removed.

It was not long before we crossed the mountain road (of bike fame) and moved up through the woods to the top of our hike at La Gerle 1285m, where the iced coffee was taken. This was the place that Kobie had found two cow legs (L and R) lying around some 2 years back, evidence of wolves.

At La Gerle the Lac Leman behind under the cloud base.

The cloud had come in and it had got a little cooler. The trail heads down across this open field, thence into the very green and pleasant woods of Combe de la Joie, named the Bois Badis d’en Bas.

Down through beautiful Jura forest of the Bois Badis d’en Bas

Within 40 minutes or so we were down at the lunch spot at the P’tit Bard at 1060m, occupying the picnic table on the decking constructed by Daniel Lüthi of La Rippe in 2003. We arrived at 12.40pm.

Bikers at the P’tit Bard descending in August after the bike ride up to the Col de La Faucille

Mervyn extracted a bottle of Swiss red from his sack which helped to stop me from choking on my wrap from the Volg, and Kobie enjoyed some French sausage. We had a good chat for 20 minutes or so, remembering to toast absent friends (of which there were many).

The views today were much less limited than in August, but we did get to see Mt Blanc in the sun, in between two layers of stratus cloud.

Just finishing our picnic when a lady biker arrived.

Lady bike on her own and who had descended from the Barillette, stops for a long chat

The friendly and garullous lady biker entertained us for a while until all of a sudden a white flat-bed truck arrived and two famers jumped out and joined us at the picnic table with a bottle of chilled white wine! Only one of them seemed to be drinking and it became clear that they were heavily involved in the des-Alpes of the local herds (hurrah!). There are still several thousand head up there, coming down over the next few weeks.

Final selfie showing the limited view of the Alps that afternoon

After much French banter it was time for us to pack up and descend, starting on the road for one zig and one zag, before heading off into the leaf again for the meandering forested route back to the cars.

A fine walk which I have done quite a number of times solo with Kobie. It was nice to have GIN company along with two (!) coffee breaks and a proper sit down picnic meal with a glass or two of red with no choking, topped off with French banter. My knees seemed OK too afterwards. I hope Mervyn and Andrew were OK too. Kobie did not need his normal evening walk in the Founex vineyards. I was home in good time to collect my car from AMAG after a dent repair.

12.5km and 715m.

Next hike – I’m away in the Auvergne – thanks to Nathan’s advice – so I will cast about for a leader on 15 October.

GIN Bikers – September 24 th, 2026

The first signs of autumn are colder mornings, changing colours and a more subtle lighting over the landscape. However, once the sun is up the temperature is perfect for a bike outing. On this occasion we had five participants willing to follow the route of the BLeader:
Richard F
Peter T
Peter S
Mark 2Ts
David B

It should be noted that all these arrived on e-bikes with only the leader persevering with the traditional method of propulsion. Hence a winding and only poorly defined route was proposed, enabling a certain amount of control of the pack to limit their ability to turbo charge forward.

We headed towards France from the Everness Hotel meeting point, past the Chavannes Centre and across the never ending roadworks towards Chavannes-des-Bois. The obvious direction to the Bonmont climb would have been to head east towards Divonne but we veered west taking a longer loop through Grilly and onto the old railway track. We left this in Crassy heading uphill towards Vésenex and the small track cutting into La Rippe and back into Switzerland. By this time the e-bikes were ahead by a margin with Peter T especially pleased to be on a known route to his once favourite Bonmont ascent and relishing the freedom of assisted living.

We regrouped before the Bonmont-lite warm up with Stephen soon trailing on that well-pedalled route. The 727m higher climb was not on the agenda, as we had coffee to get to in Givrins before the harder uphill of the day, so we took the first downhill through La Florettaz towards Gingins and then joined the cycle route 50 to Givrins. There the coffee shop had rugs and lamb fleece warmers on the outside benches to fend off any residual chill of the day. However, we were warm enough from our exertions, the coffee and the increasing heat of the sun. Two female e-bikers appeared and obviously knew David. There was then an introduction of the group and the realisation that most of our better halves were known to the pair even if the husbands were not (up until this point). Several volunteers proposed themselves to pick up the tab, but Richard had slipped in the payment as celebration (or commiseration) of his last outing of the season before returning to his winter quarters in South Africa.

The advance party patiently waiting for the rear-guard leader

The meandering route to coffee had consumed more time than anticipated and the leader became anxious that the full battery-draining part of the ride might not be completed. Tempting as it was to linger and sample some of the excellent pastries, we set off at speed towards Genolier and the hill past the hospital. In the event this was completed with time to spare for the ascent to Bassins before returning to Genolier to lunch. Peter S even had time to sort out his tax affairs with the Nyon tax office before continuing. David did have increasing concerns on his battery charge as the hills kept on giving (or in this case taking electric charge). A smug satisfaction grew within the leader but also a desire not to have a stranded participant. The sweeping run down from Bassins to Genolier is always a joy, with the panoramic views over the lake and mountains enhanced by no battery or muscle concerns and an endpoint of sustenance.

The Trois Tilleuls in the centre of Genolier does an excellent 3 course set lunch for 28SFr and so is very popular. So much so that we were placed outside, beyond the usual terrace close to the busy road junction….made busier by the fact that St. Cergue traffic had to pass this way as the direct route is being resurfaced. (The positioning could also have been due to the undesirable odour of male cyclists). Occasionally conversation was drowned out by the multiple large trucks which passed at frequent intervals. Electric vehicles gave no such difficulties. Service was leisurely but, once we had our liquid refreshments, we were happy to relax and discuss problems of the world: AI, satellite disintegration, out of production spare parts for household devices, etc. This intellectual discourse was interrupted by a nature lover who complained that one of our bikes had been chained to an olive tree displacing a few underripe olives. Stephen owned up and the complainant moved on, happily leaving the misplaced bike intact.

Happy to have the beer…….

A choice of starter (due to the fact that the daily offering had run out), beef bougignon, carrot cake and ice cream was all well-presented and well enjoyed by all. Replete, we regained our saddles and started the homeward track. From Genolier this is downhill towards Duillier, then along the flat farm tracks to L’Asse onto the Signy Centre, where 5 of the 6 of us took the direct farm track to Borex, whilst the usual escapist, being ahead, missed the turning and forged his own way back to a large waiting dog. Peter S parted company at Borex and the remaining group followed Stephen to Arnex before heading towards home or, in David’s case, Coppet railway station.

The official Garmin recorder showed 55km round trip from the Everness and 724m ascent with an average moving speed of 19.7 km/h. Estimated sweat loss for the leader was 2.6 litres (luckily he had a large beer at lunchtime).

Bridge Sep 22, 26. Another great hand

There were 4 of us last Tuesday: David Colledge, Mark Warren, Anthony Barrow (new member) and myself. David could hardly believe his eyes when he picked up this 26 pointer

Typically Anthony, his partner had practically nothing so they ended up in 3NT and made 7, should have been 6 but I miscounted.

This reminded me of a hand in May last year, also in my house and in same seat, a 29 pointer!

This time David was the partner, the hand was dealt to Wolfgang. Again partner had nothing, 3NT bid, 5 made. No chance of more as the missing Ace and King were in the wrong position.

Bridge 19/5/26, 29 point hand

Must be something special about this seat in my house. I’ll have to start charging!

Hike -Noiremont Circuit 17 Sept 2026

The last time that GinClub hiked the Noirement was on 21 Nov 2021. Rob wrote that Blog as he led the hike. But after a slip he also tried out the local helicopter rescue service Rega, which, as this was so effective, we all promptly joined up to.

This outing was likely to prove less problematic as the weather had been dry for ages, and the forecast was for sun with slight cloud later.

Six of us signed up and, after a detour via Arzier as the St Cergue main road was closed, we assembled at the (free) parking now available near La Cure (at 1190m) at the sad old site of Chez Mamac, still a derelict fire ruin. (See photo and postscript (below) of a ChatGPT summary of what happened).

Attending :-

Nathan, Andrew, Mark2ts, Mervyn, PeterSt and me with Kobie.

There were many apologies and some notifications of absence (the latter being without apologies..).

We set off in good cheer, already cutting 600m and 30m of denivellation from our hike.

Setting off up the 125 path Sentier du Noirement

We followed the Sentier 125 path taking the straight-on route to the farm at Les Coppettes. Our intention was to make an anticlockwise circuit of the Noirement as recommended by Nathan as a pleasant alternative to the more normal clockwise. In an hour or so we were up at L’Arzière farmstead (1445m) after a very pleasant stroll up the wide grassy valley.

Mervyn, Andrew, PeterT and Mervyn2 (Nathan) enjoying a quick break in the sun

As did Kobie, enjoying the acceptably warm sun

Andrew follows us at Arzière on the wrong side of the wall/fence..

Following a false trail, we should have been on the right side of the wall

There were many herds of cows about, with electric fences, and some very clean looking pigs. As we got to the end of the fence in the field in the picture above we realised that we were on the wrong side of it, i.e. of two electric fences and a wall.

Looking back. Two members hardly visible in the shade doing some jiggery pokery to cross the wall.

The solution was to be found in the forest at the end and by some jiggery pokery we were soon back on track. This trail leads for another 2 km through a pleasant valley to a left turn before the Crêt des Danses leading down round the north side of the Creux de Croue.

Pleasant going heading N with the Noirement on our left

Hungry hikers turning left to Creux de Croue

View across the Creux to the “Noirement” top where we lunched

Approaching the low point at 1370m, Creux de Croue

At point 1370m below the ridge leading up to the Noirement, at 12.46pm, a non-vote decision was taken to delay lunch until we were up on top, 45 minutes away per the sign. This I believe was the ridge upon which Rob came a cropper descending in 2021. Today it was dry and fairly steady 180m climb up to the top at 1547m where we took lunch. This top is not the actual Noirement top which is another 1km south, but it has splendid views all around including down to Lac des Rousses, and we were all hungry. We were pleased not to have stopped earlier, to have had to climb the ridge after lunch would have been unpleasant.

Lunch at last, with some Australian Shiraz. Note the true Noirement top lies south in the background

Looking north to Nathan who contemplates a bite

Coffee time. Of the two wine bottles, one remained unopened…

During our lunch we heard a dog barking. It came closer and soon we saw a large white Swiss guard dog who had come over to warn us away. He judged us (including Kobie) to be mostly harmless, as he soon went back to his flock, abiding the slopes nearby. Mark’s coffee went down well with Mervyn’s milk. After lunch we passed right by the flock and Kobie went over to pay his respects to the guard dog, who remained on friendly terms with Kobie and us.

The way home took in the Noirement top (1567m) itself, which Andrew and I missed via a slight detour to the right. It was on that path that my right foot slipped forward and I went down with my left foot underneath me and a shooting ligament pain came from my left knee. This has happened twice before in recent years, and it does not help that my knees are also wearing out on the inside. I hobbled on (and still do), taking on a painkiller.

Descending the ski run from the Noirement

There remained a very pleasant (if you ignore knee pain) descent back down through the forest still on Rte 125 turning back along the grass path to Mamac in the hazy sun.

The sad site at Mamac – no sign of any trifons…

A fine hike in fine conditions with a fine lunch and a fine group of Gintlemen. Kobie behaved well, apart from at lunch perhaps, and we departed for home with memories of a super day out.

13.5km and 659m denivellation.

What happened at Mamac

The fire occurred during the night of Monday 27–Tuesday 28 January 2025.
The restaurant was deliberately set on fire by its owner/operator, who was alone in the adjoining family accommodation at the time.
He subsequently left the scene and went towards his other establishment, Le Vermeilley, where police later found and arrested him.
He admitted to the police that he had started the fire. The restaurant was severely damaged and effectively destroyed.
According to his lawyer, there was apparently no financial problem: Chez Mamac had been doing good business.
His lawyer described what happened as a “coup de folie” during a period of profound distress, saying that the restaurateur had been under considerable stress and fatigue and had recently lost both his home and his place of work.
He reportedly expressed considerable remorse and said he cared deeply about the restaurant.
He had no previous criminal record, according to his lawyer, and was released after questioning. He was subsequently hospitalised, while Le Vermeilley reopened shortly afterwards.
The family subsequently announced the permanent closure of Chez Mamac.

The restaurant is indeed now listed as permanently closed, and the tourism office also records Chez Mamac at La Cure as closed.

Hike from La Givrine to La Cure 03.09.2026

In the absence of our illustrious leader, I proposed an inclusive, gentle hike from La Givrine to La Cure via Les Coppettes with a return to La Givrine possible by train. The hike was estimated to be 6km with a 200m climb.

Six hardy young old men responded positively to the invitation: Chris N., David C., Nathan F., Richard S., Rudolf S. and Stephen L. Météo Suisse kindly cooperated and the weather was lovely for the whole day.

Having estimated a 2 hour hike with a half-hour refreshment pause the 9:45 departure would have brought us to the restaurant at 12:15. The hiker’s enthusiasm, however, exceeded expectations and the group progressed so rapidly that we were forced to extend our refreshment pause to avoid arriving too early at the restaurant.

There was no opposition to extending our refreshment pause

On the way down we stopped to pay our respects to our beloved restaurant, Chez Mamac, that was destroyed by a fire in January, 2025. Not much remains.

What’s left of Chez Mamac home of the Trifon.

We had lunch at the restaurant Le Franco Suisse in La Cure well known for the fact that the restaurant lies astride the Suisse-French border.

At the restaurant as we settled in at our table and ordered our libations we had the very pleasant surprise to see Mervyn appear and join us for lunch.

The consensus after lunch was that the restaurant’s location was really its only interesting aspect.

During the ensuing discussions it became obvious that certain expedition members had not found the hike nearly strenuous enough. So, except for 2 who had engagements and gladly accepted a lift in Mervyn’s car, we decided to return to the Givrine car park on foot.

It was a very pleasant outing in good company.
The stats. for the round trip are: 9.6km with a 230m climb.

GIN Bikers – August 27th 2026

The sweltering summer heat had receded and the rain storms were forecast for another day, so this pleasant summer day offered the ideal conditions for a GIN Bikers outing. The usual email went out seeking participants…. and what a response but most turning down the opportunity! GIN members seems to be very active these days, either with families or vacations or the occasional injury. So, only 2 positive replies were received out of a total of 11. In the event the positives were boosted by 50%, as one email had gone astray, the reply having been sent to a GIN member on the other side of the world and not to the BLeader.

Stephen, Richard, Mike and Mervyn congregated at the usual Everness Hotel at 09.30h. e-bikers once again outweighed the traditionalists 3 to 1, with only Stephen left to hopefully prove that determination can overcome adversity. In order to help force group togetherness, the BLeader had deliberately only given a rough outline of the route, indicating that we would eventually hit the old railway track, head to and past Gex, maybe circling the Maison Blanche golf course before descending to Versonnex for lunch at Sur l’Ardoise and a pleasant return through the Versoix woods.

Heading initially in the opposite direction to Crassier and the start of the old railway track, we looped through Commugny past the International School, on past God’s Crossing, by-passing Arnex and eventually to Crassier. However, the railway track was ignored and we progressed up towards the famous Bonmont 727m. At this stage batteries and legs were still strong. The e-bikers were kindly not making use of the full range of their assistance in order that we kept mostly within sight of each other up the hill. We allowed ourselves a short recovery at the top and decided that a coffee in Divonne would be a welcome reward. The downhill swoop was a welcome relief, both for the legs as well as air-cooling for the rest of the body. It was actually quite pleasantly fresh. Richard’s favourite coffee shop next to the covered market was closed so we settled instead for the Grand Rue, sitting out with other customers, watching the world go by. I, for one, learnt that a café au lait in France is not a direct translation for renversé. This coffee shop recognised that in a renversé the milk is first in the cup, whereas in a café au lait the milk is added after the coffee. We are still young enough to learn. Richard kindly sponsored our learning.

A gentle day out for the e-boys

Encouragement for the other

By this time, the initial route plan passing by Echenevex, would have resulted in a late lunch, so we resolved to curtail the extra loop from Gex and head straight towards Versonnex after the railway track. The railway cycle track was as pleasant as always, although for some reason the gentle uphill slope seemed longer and harder than normal….maybe the summer excesses and lack of usual regular exercise routine had something to do with this. Anyway, once Gex was reached the downhill run to Sur l’Ardoise was a satisfying way to arrive for lunch.

The restaurant did not disappoint. Between us, we sampled the entire menu du jour range of gazpacho or chevre cheese samosa with salad, swordfish or maigret de canard, tarte au fraise or myrtilles with fromage blanc. All excellent and the 3 courses for 26 Euro.

We got back on the bikes after lunch with some reluctance. The good food, increased warmth and humidity and already exercised and rested legs did not make a good motivational combination. However, with some of us on time pressure and others with thoughts of a proper siesta at the end of the route, we headed back through the delightful Versoix woods on the familiar route 50 track from Collex. At the Chavannes Shopping Centre we parted ways to make our individual ways home. Mike certainly had the furthest to go…..sufficient that he is now determined to update his 12 year old e-bike with a more distance-and-rough-track-friendly model, including suspension and wider tyres for greater comfort.

My Garmin indicted that the round trip from the Everness Hotel was 51kms, with an overall ascent of 785m and an average speed of ca. 20km/h. Of course we all added significantly to that in getting to and from the Everness. I snoozed well when I got home!

Hilly Gilly 20 Aug 2026

The forecast for Thursday 20th had been for continuous rain, but then it changed to something much more benign, so I sent out a late flyer hoping for a response. And it came from stalwart hiker Nathan.

Sadly Ralph responded that his father had just passed away yesterday aged 95. I sent our condolences. With apologies also from Mervyn, Stephen, Mark2rs, Chris and RichardS, this was to be a smallish party, typical of mid-August.

Altogether then and including visiting UK climbing chum from the 1970’s, Alick, and of course Kobie a team of 4 started out from the parking just above Bursins (515m), at the north end of the Sentier des Chataigneurs.

My plan was a clockwise ascent to 880m on the ridge that surrounds the Combe de Bursins, taking in the Pierre à Mille Trous, and coming down the long trail that takes in the Golettes (Schooners) Hut for a picnic lunch.

We commenced in a SW direction along the chestnutters path with a couple of short sharp descents before ascending up to the road that leads to Burtigny (of bikers descent fame). A short section in the field by the road leads to the woods again and the steep section where David Colledge hurt his knee a cuple of years back. We arrived at the ridge top with fine views open open fields, a fox visible lurking on the skyline, and two comfy chairs for my comrades where we took on some restoration. The view from here back to the Jet d’Eau and the whole Jura chain is magnificent.

Or young dog, who missed the fox on the skyline behind him

View from the chairs taken on 8 August on an earlier outing. I also passed here on 4 Aug when it was hot..

Suitably refreshed we passed in a N direction on up the path of the erratics dropped by the Rhône Glacier 20,000+ years ago, with the Thousand Hole Stone to admire. See (but don’t open the additional link to an itineraire) :-

https://www.visinand.ch/Blocs_erratiques/Vaud/Burtigny-Pierre_a_mille_trous/Burtigny-Pierre_a_mille_trous.htm#google_vignette

The trail then dives into the woods and for over 2 kilometers crests the scarp overlooking the combes on the right and with another couple of vertical erratics at a covert meeting spot. Passing by the tree trunk with ornaments and gifted trinkets, and the lone chair, it was not long before the hidden link to the descent path that starts just W of Prés Martines. This is an old and underused trail and partly on a disused bike path getting down to the road head at 761m where a small road comes up from Gilly. It was here that the only rain of the day began to fall.

We turned right and started of up the trail that meaders down though beautiful forest towards our lunch spot at the Golettes Hut. The rain soon eased.

Autumn on the ground but not in the trees

We arrived at the Golettes hut just after 1.15pm and ready for our picnic. This would be a good place for a large scale celebratory event.

A bottle of Gerwurtztraminer helped the conversation flow and we covered quite a bit of the world’s problems as well as a few of our own, recognising of course how lucky we are. We toasted absent friends especially Ralph. Nathan enjoyed a particularly exotic and expensive roll, while my Volg wrap did not choke me as we had fluids to sluice it down.

There remained a short descent along the road, then recrossing the Burtigny Road again and down steep steps to the very slippery-when-wet Japanese Bridge over the ornamental lake.

Altogether 10km and 460m (albeit my watch read 560m ??), and enjoyable short hike in beautiful low forest, with some good views to boot.

Lunch at the races 18 Aug 2026

Another hot day near the end of the 4th (or 5th?) heatwave this summer found 17 sitting down for lunch at the Grandstand restaurant at the Hippodrome in Divonne. Seventeen old nags and a few horses. Trotters and Traiteur.

A Toast : “To Lord de Brion, who had the good sense to win — and to the seventeen of us who had the even better sense to come for lunch.”

Here was Mark 2rs’s flyer of 21 July:-

“Gentlemen,

During a recent walk/lunch, Gary Vanatter stated that he had never been to the races at Divonne. So we decided to rectify it.

Our next lunch will therefore take place at 12:15 on Tuesday 18 August at the Hippodrome of Divonne. We shall be in the Restaurant Panoramique des Tribunes, catering by Daniel Gobet of So Good Traiteur, who prices his menu at €35.

Please let us know asap of your intention to join us, or otherwise. Parking is plentiful and free; no obligation to bet.

Very best regards

Mark and Gary”

and his follow up note:-

“Dear all,

It’s the first day of the races in Divonne today and I have reserved a table for noon on Tuesday 18 August provisionally for fifteen. I shall be confirming numbers on Tuesday 11 August, so there is a possibility for others.

As of now, I have thirteen confirmed:

Mike Müller, Richard Saynor, Robert O’Riordan, Nicolas Ulmer, Ken Forrester, Brian Allardyce, Trevor Davies, Rudolf Staehelin, John Broadbridge, John Burley, Peter Taylor, Gary Vanatter and myself.

And three apologies: Ralph Wares, Stephen Long and David Humphries.

Whereas the menu, now priced €36, has not been finalised, it will not be a cheese fondue. I show below today’s menu. The restaurant uses Daniel Gobet as traiteur and it was full today with contented looking people.

If anyone else wishes to come, or if there are any changes to my understanding of who is coming, please let me know by tomorrow night, 10 August.

Very best regards

Mark”

The seventeen gentlemen attending had one lunch, plently of beer and wine, but absolutely no useful tips. As one member was heard to say “we may be past our prime but we are still in the running (or this this case trotting)”.

The following were there:
Brian Allardyce
John Broadbridge
John Burley
Trevor Davies
Norman Eatough
Ken Forrester
Mike Muller
Mike Price
Robert O’Riordan
Richard Saynor
Rudolf Staehelin
Peter Taylor
Nicolas Ulmer
Gary Vannatter
Mark Warren
Mark Watts
Bill Westermeyer

True to form the main GINriders had jockeyed for table position by the time I arrived (by bike) but I was left with perhaps the best seat, next to Trevor and Brian with a commanding view of both the assembled company and the amazing racetrack and very beautiful backdrop of the forested line of the Jura. For many of us this was our first day at the Divonne races, for Trevor the first since he arrived in 1972.

Eight races were on the card, albeit the first had finished before noon. The 2nd race, the first for me, was “monté” (rider on horse), all the rest were “attelé” (rider in a chariot), and all were trotting. Gallopers seemed to become disqualified and were pulled up. Lunch was served pretty swiftly as the 2nd race started and it was clear that we had a superb vantage point high up in the stands, close to the start and finish line. We galloped into the salad supplied by our friendly waiter who also despatched beers and wines efficiently.

Brian, MikeP, Norman, John, Rudolph, MikeM, Nicholas tucking into the main course. Note the Race card – which for me needed a magnifying glass to decipher

Nicholas, Mark2rs, John, Richard, Bill, Mark2ts, Ken all true to form enjoying lunch

Ken, Robert, Gary, Trevor lunching while picking their winners

The main course was roast chicken in mushroom sauce and rice, the dessert a small sweet thing I cannot name.

“Maturity is knowing when to bet and when to order another bottle.”

I’m not sure if anyone actually placed a bet, Mark2rs seemed to operate by picking a winner and betting hypothetically. The only thing we were racing was the waiter. The horses trotted at great spped which seemed to increase with our wine intake. I know Number 4 won one of the races (Lord de Brion – see below) but apart from that I cannot relate any concrete race result information. Instead I asked ChatGPT to find out what actually transpired – see below.

Punters adjourn to the race deck, Mark2rs on a losing streak

Here they come, Race 5 the 2pm Prix Boucherie Léonard 2000m with No.2 in the lead (Marquis Fortis)

Form the right, Bill, John and Gary wondering when he will start winning

The 14.35 2600m with No.6 Laurène de Bailly in the lead (just)

It was a fine lunch and good to chat again with fellow Gints, certainly a novel location and a very interesting day out at the Trots.

It was soon time to trot off home. At our age every day at the races is a winning day. Thanks to Mark for such an innovative GIN lunch. I’m betting that there may be others to come.

Herewith what transpired out on the track from my AI chum :-

“I searched the French racing press and results for Tuesday 18 August 2026 at the Hippodrome de Divonne-les-Bains.

The interesting point is that the coverage is quite positive about the meeting, but it is mostly specialist French trotting/racing press rather than general newspapers.

🏇 The main story: Lord de Brion

The standout result was Lord de Brion, driven and trained by Matthieu Abrivard, who won the Prix du Conseil Départemental de l’Ain – Zenitude, the seventh race.

Lord de Brion won over 2,600 metres in 1’14”0, (Surely some mistake here as that is 126 kmph PT) beating Lagon des Brouets and Kronos du Klau. He had been a very strong favourite, starting around 1.4/1.

The specialist publication Le Trot gave the result particular attention, with the headline:

“Mardi à Divonne : Lord de Brion justifie la confiance de Matthieu Abrivard”

— essentially, “Tuesday at Divonne: Lord de Brion justifies Matthieu Abrivard’s confidence.”

The report notes that this was Abrivard’s first visit to Divonne-les-Bains, and that he left with a victory both as trainer and driver.

There was also some drama earlier in the afternoon

Abrivard had another horse, Néléa Mip, in the third race. Néléa Mip was initially first past the post but was relegated to second after an inquiry. So Abrivard’s later victory with Lord de Brion was particularly welcome.

What the racing press thought beforehand

Lord de Brion had been regarded as the obvious horse to beat. The specialist previews noted his recent form and the confidence of Abrivard, and he went off at approximately 1.4, so his victory was not a shock — he delivered exactly what the punters expected.

The final order in the key race was:

Lord de Brion — Matthieu Abrivard
Lagon des Brouets — Pierre Callier
Kronos du Klau — Corentin Parys
Kama Highland — Franck Peltier
Kinder Seven

☀️ And your lunch group has good timing!

The 18 August meeting was one of the major days of Divonne’s 2026 summer meeting. The town’s own programme lists the 18 August meeting as a trotting meeting starting at 11:30, between the special “Race & Care” day on 16 August and the “Hippodrome en fête” day on 21 August.

So if you’re looking for something amusing to say to your 17 gentlemen at lunch, you could legitimately toast:

“To Lord de Brion, who had the good sense to win — and to the seventeen of us who had the even better sense to come for lunch.”

Or, given that Abrivard had one horse demoted after an inquiry before winning later:

“A day at Divonne: even when you’re not first past the post, there’s always another bottle to win.” 🥂🏇

If you’d like, I can also dig out the full results of all seven races on 18 August, including the winning horses, jockeys/drivers and betting odds, which could make a rather good little “Divonne Race Day” briefing for your 17-man lunch.

I chose not to have this overinformation dug out (PT)