Blog – Page 19 – GIN Club

GIN Hikers Xmas Lunch 2021

26 November 2021

Founex Tennis Club

It was a dark Black Friday before the expected snows that the hiking section held its Xmas lunch at the Founex Tennis Club. Ismaël the manager did us proud again with filets de perche at the Friday price of chf 22 (!).

In the event 23 turned out (12 Gintlemen and 11 better halves) albeit Mervyn happily arrived for a coffee at the end. Apologies were received from Peter D (in Gomera) and Thatcher (Thanksgiving).

We all enjoyed a fine lunch along a long table in an almost separate room to ourselves.

PeterT gave a short speech welcoming the usual suspects with some new faces, and listing those giving apologies (some better than others). He referenced the 17 hikes of the year (see the attached list) and with a cumulative 235 kilometres and 12,408 metres denivellation. All in all a good year with only one safety incident (that was resolved speedily). We have had many fine temperance lunches and wine tables with perhaps the highlight being Mervyn’s champagne bar on the Môle. Peter hoped that next year we would see more forays into France. He thanked the all leaders and drivers, Rob for his medicinal Scottish fluid, Richard for his exotic potions and Mark2RRs for his coffees.

We now look forward to the start of the snow-shoe season, but with perhaps one more hike on the cards next week.

We toasted absent friends and for some great hikes in 2022.

Here with a selection of PeterT’s and Richard’s photos.

GIN Bikers – November 25th, 2021

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

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

Bonmont man

Bonmont men

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

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

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

GIN Hikers – November 18th 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIN Biking – November 4th 2021

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

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

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

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

Dog Blog : Doggers First Outing – Genolier Forest

2 Nov 21

A new activity started today. Dogging. Or walking with dogs. Four fellows with 5 dogs turned up for our inaugural outing. Rob, Mike, PeterT and Ed Giradet – potential new GINclub member. With dogs Syrah, Rocco, Kobie, Tess and Hope.

We set off in squally rain from the Genolier parking carrying flasks of coffee, croissants (thanks Rob), dog treats and with much barking from one of our members (happily scaring all fauna away). Once past the train-line we let slip the dogs and were off up Rob’s trail by the ruisseau in paw weather/heavy rain. We all seemed to get on well and the dogs did too, with much cavorting and with Rocco doing his usual thing.

It was good to hear of Ed’s activities, in particular in the Med with an old boat and young folk studying the changes there to the environment and culture over the years. (website link). There was time for some dog talk too. At times though we were at risk of being bowled over by rampant playing dogs, not something I am used to.

Coffee stop – Kobie almost got my croissant

Much romping later, and after the long gully up, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We reached a clearing in the sun for our coffee stop with our canine chums making their presence felt in the treat-request department. There were some fine but limited views out over the Lac, and the fall colours were good but perhaps just past their best.

L to R : Rocco, Hope, Syrah, Kobie, Tess, Rob

We wound our way doggedly back down on the wide tracks in the sun, solving the world’s problems (except Scotland’s), with our charges happily frolicking about and slightly older Tess remaining above the fray and deploying an overview position in the rear. Leashes were on well before the train-line. An enjoyable inaugural outing for all, with (some) good canine control (and no straying or lost animals). 270m and 5 or 6 km. 2 hours.

Dogs : Tess, Syrah and Rocco – Spaniels; Hope – Golden Retriever; Kobie – Australian Cobberdog.

GIN hike, Marchairuz to St Cergue 2021-10-28

Our logistics were somewhat simpler, we needed to get six of us to Col du Marchairuz to start the walk and get us home from St Cergue. Busses only run to the Col on Saturday and Sunday.

We met in 2 different car parks at Givrins (somebody could not read the instructions) and drove in 2 cars up to Col du Marchairuz. At the end of the walk we all descended by the little red train from St Cergue to Givrins whereupon 2 kept on the train to Nyon (something about a bar serving good beers) and the rest was easy.

The valley was foggy and cold but once we got up to the Col we were above all the cloud with brilliant sunshine and wonderful fall colours.

Today’s hike was one section of Swiss National Trail #5 which runs for 16 sections and 320 km between Zurich and Geneva. As such it’s a good path and well marked essentially all the way.

We set off at a sprightly pace and soon reached Crêt de la Neuve where we stopped to top up our fluids and admire the view across to Mont Blanc.

About 1:30 we decided we were about half way so it must be lunch time. Peter supplied a good red wine and we all socially distanced ourselves (actually we each found convenient rocks for seats). Lunch was finished off with coffee and 2 types of whisk(e)y provided by Scot Rob and Irish Richard. There was naturally much discussion over the relative merits but all other than the Scotsman and Irishman thought they were both good.

Eventually we had to continue the hike and went past the ruins of Oujon with hardly a pause to admire them and on into St Cergue where we saw the 16:02 train just as we were crossing the tracks. There was mad scrambling with mobile phones as we all tried to buy our tickets and we were off down the mountain.

A great day out with excellent company and weather to match. Just under 17 km with 450 m ascent and 850 m descent.

Peters D&T, Richard W, Mike H, Rob P, Mark 2Ts.

Map of route, click to view/download

GIN Biking 21 Oct 21

Three men on their bummels set off (again) on a sunny and breezy but not too cool day from Divonne. It was kind for the morning that the wind was from the south as we headed up north towards the hills, half-forgetting that the wind would be in our faces on the return from Gilly. Avoiding the purgatory of Bonmont we instead opted for a ride across to Givrins and our favourite bakery coffee stop. Sadly the oven was being changed and it was closed, but the local cafe was open 50 mtrs away, and it had seating on sunny terrace beating the bakery. Sadly for the same reason there were no croissants (thanks for the coffee Mark).

Having avoided purgatory we faced the hell of the Genolier hill below the Clinique, but because of the tailwind indeed we were blessed with an easier ride. That was needed because we were bound for Bassins and Le Vaud. Leaving my water bottle behind at the Le Vaud water fountain we rolled down to the restaurant at Gilly where they know Peter Drew’s middle name.

The plat de jour was deer and being half vegetarian I managed to be game for it. Good service, beers and company. Warm inside table. We toasted absent bikers.

The ride home was the come-uppence we deserved – into the keen wind and the wind came straight though my helmet onto a bald surface. The next day I had a fine cold that I had been struggling domestically to avoid.

Attending : Peter Drew, Mark Watts, Peter Taylor.

I (PT) logged 58.61 km and 630m deniv. But statistics are windless…

GIN Club Lunch Weds 20 October 21

A GIN Club lunch was held at the Founex Tennis Club in warm conditions on their semi-outside, semi-inside terrace. Most opted for the Filets de Perche which at chf 38 is perhaps market rate but substantially more than the alternatives (eg lasagne at chf 23 – so it was made sure that the final bill was settled properly with each paying for what one had ordered). Both came with a salad, and all 17 of us seemed to enjoy the good food, beer, wine and convivial company. We were blessed by the occasional confetti of autumn leaves dropping through the gap in the rain cover. Early leavers (including golfers) meant we then mixed a bit and were able to chat with others down the table.

Attending were :

Alan Peters

Brian Allardyce

Brian Clark

Dave Gernandt

David Colledge

Hubert Pettingell

Mark Warren

Mark Watts

Michael Hempstead

Paul Socachewski

Peter Drew

Peter Taylor

Reinier Tervooren

Rob Pashley

Rudi Pluss

Sander Winckel

Terrence Gale

with a number of apologies for absence including Alan, John, David, and Trevor.

Table Pano – note the sky-scape through the wind screen – it gradually clouded over

I enjoyed it, I know Rudi did and others seemed to too.

GIN Walk-Le Grand Saconnex-Tuesday October 19, 2021

A group of 11 (12, Paul can’t count) GIN E-Z Walkers took a stroll around the often-overlooked corners of Grand Saconnex. For some walkers it was a return to old stomping grounds, where their younger selves jogged and took children for nature walks.

The event began with mild chaos, as folks unused to the particularities of driving in an urban environment failed to find the entrance to the underground car park. The organizer had astutely removed the gates to the car park but the honest walkers nevertheless purchased parking tickets, fearful of the demonic Grand Saconnex Meter Maids.

The walk took us past a cute church, houses of the rich and famous, a few UN missions (India’s new mission, under construction, is huge, and led to discussions about that country’s geopolitical intentions), farms, a forest, a small nature reserve, WHO, and tunnel construction.

At the last section, a tour of the Domaine de Penthes, the group separated into three splinter groups.

A few hardy souls attempted a steep short cut that left them huffing, the main group went straight to Domaine de Penthes, and a third group elected to save their energy and not to make the descent and subsequent ascent at this park. They were instructed to wait at the chateau, but being of independent demeanor, returned straightaway to the restaurant and started drinking before others arrived. This independence might be a violation of GIN etiquette, but on the other hand, it might be the new normal and their initiative should be applauded and emulated in the future. Time will tell.

In the Domaine de Penthes, Richard pointed out the exploding sequoia (too dramatic a tale to recount here). One walker sighted what he swore was the famous (and elusive) Grand Saconnex yeti, but admitted it might have been a large squirrel.

Lunch ensued, at which point Paul’s sloppy organizational skills were revealed, when the eight walkers who stayed for lunch were told that the plat du jour was finished and people had to order from the (more expensive than planned) menu. There were some grumbles, alleviated by beer and good food. Lunch conversation included such earth-shattering topics such as Tim’s career-highlight as Captain Corcoran in HMS Pinafore, whether Monty Don knows best how to grow a wildflower meadow, whether Colin Powell should have resigned rather than tell lies about Weapons of Mass Destruction, and how print-on-demand is changing the publishing industry.

Distance, about 7.2 km, time, almost three hours. Some walkers suggested this walk was on the hard end of the E-Z walking scale.

Richard Saynor, John Burley, Mike Price, Marks (2Rs & 2Ts), Norman Eatough, Tim Goodyear, Brian Allardyce, Philippe Jenkins, Wouter van Ginneken, Hubert Pettingell, Paul S.

Some of the above is true.

HIKE up the Môle, 14 October 2021

There were two car loads of Gintlemen, one from France and one from Switzerland, signed up for this iconic hike up the Môle that was clearly described in Janet Norton’s book. When collecting his two “French” colleagues, the leader of the hike (Mark 2R) immediately asked them how to get to the start point and renamed his title as organiser.

In fact, getting to the start point was the biggest challenge for both parties as neither Chez Béroud, Bovère or even St Jean de Tholome were recognised by the car satnavs.

Thanks to Phillip’s paper map, the French group arrived at the start point just before 10h00 and noted a new restaurant had been built and was open for coffee, which was most welcome since it was cold and cloudy (4°C) outside.

The Swiss group arrived a few minutes later having mistakenly inserted Bogève instead of Bogère in their satnav. Sadly this was below a different mountain (echoes of Rum Doodle) but happily only 23 minutes distant from Bogère. Nevertheless they had to resort to Google Maps on a phone after finding the same finding Bogère problem as the French party, but who were better prepared with a paper map.

Shortly after croissants aux chocolate provided by le organiser had been devoured (merci Mark, Ed.), we (Richard, Phillip, Peter, Stephen, David, Mervyn and Mark) set off for the 720m ascent of the Môle. A fine day had been promised so the leader/organiser was relieved when the sun was seen to be penetrating through the cloud and it wasn’t long before we had a clear blue sky with views of the mountains showing above the clouds.

Approaching the col 300m below the summit

Stephen, Richard, Mervyn and David at the col with summit behind.

We made the sun-drenched top of the Môle (1863m) in good time for our traditional picnic lunch starting with a champagne toast to Mervyn on his 75^th birthday. The table/bar and bench combination was taken over for our relaxed break and fellow hikers were welcomed with the offer of a glass of wine. The views over the mountains were now a fantastic 360° of mostly clear summits, including the Mont Blanc range – and ever reducing cloud cover at the lower altitudes.

Summit Champagne – toasting barman Mervyn’s xxth birthday

Notice shorts have appeared on some of the party

GIN summit hospitality – wine for all – Jura behind

Summit Bar Lunch

View from the Cross lower summit with Granges below

Mervyn read us a poem about That Try from a carton of Welsh whisky, which can be seen here

and explained herewith :-

Penderyn « That Try » Bottling Note

Unveiled in 2015 as part of Penderyn’s Icons of Wales series, That Try honours the spectacular try scored by the Barbarians against the All-Blacks in January 1973 at Cardiff Arms Park. It’s a peated Welsh single malt whisky from Penderyn, with elegant notes of coastal breeze, orange peels and a hint of smoke. This comes presented in a black bottle featuring an illustration of Gareth Edwards (who famously ended the great passage of play with an incredible diving try) and a presentation box with black and white stripes to match the Barbarian F.C. kit.

Much refreshed and after grappa and That Try Welsh whisky (we perhaps wisely abstained from Paul’s ambulatory absinthe again) we wended our way down towards the Petit Môle, including a rocky and steep part that was the only slight difficulty of the hike.

Looking back up the steep and tricky descent ridge.

The two youngsters took the optional trail to the Granges and back but were still amongst the first to reach the restaurant for beers on the sunny terrace.

Signposting for the return home was no easier than the outward journey, but at least we knew where we wanted to go!

Thanks everyone for a most enjoyable day out. (Actually a stunning day out in fantastic weather, with a fine celebration of Mervyn’s birthday. Ed.)