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The leader promoted this ride as “Definitely shorts and T shirt weather”. Sometimes you have to eat your words. The warm, sunny, autumnal days had, contrary to the forecast, been replaced by weather more suitable for the season: overcast and drizzling. However, of the magnificent seven who turned up for this outing, only one hadn’t followed the dress code, at least on the “shorts” wear.

Stephen, PeterD, PeterT, Mervyn, Mark, Ivan and e-Reinier met in the light rain at the Everness Hotel ready for the challenge of the three peaks of Mourex, Vesancy and Bonmont before descending to Gingins for a well-earned beer and lunch. Reinier, a welcome newcomer to the group, arrived with his much admired, sleek, lightweight, e-bike and a history of frequent biking as well as usual GIN credentials of various ailments over the years. We knew that he would fit in well and perhaps spur a larger contingent of e-bikers, if not a full sub-section. The chosen route indeed would encourage assisted cycling. Ivan appeared with his re-re-re-repaired bike loaned from Mark. Up to this point new tyres and inner tubes, handle grips, brakes, chain have all been upgraded and an attempt at pedal replacement (unfruitful as of yet due to excessive rust on the old pedals). What else could possibly fail?

We set off with much banter as many participants had only recently returned from recent trips and had much to catch up on. This included a saga of 24 hours in a sweaty Italian hotel bed…..probably too much information, sorry. We warmed up on the easy ride through the woods in the direction of Grilly, although the uneven nature of the track was more uncomfortable for those with thinner tyres and wetter for those without mudguards. By the time we left the old train track and onto the real ascent up to Mourex we were hill ready and our legs “well-tuned”. Half way up the hill the legs felt insufficiently tuned and the group had spread out significantly. E-Reinier cruised easily past the peloton whilst Ivan struggled with the early 20^th century gearing on his machine. However, all were relieved to reach the  top and regroup whilst admiring the fine muscular contours of the last arrival, our backMarker.

Downhill to the main road between Divonne and Gex and then a shorter and gentler slope up to the heights of Vesancy. Some took the PeterD shortcut, which would challenge even the e-bikers, but not the man himself. As the clock struck 11.00h, our leader realised that the Ô Château restaurant opened at this time and would be an excellent place for a coffee. We received a friendly welcome from the waitress, who recognised that we were a subset of the larger group expected on November 23^rd, when the GIN lunching group will appear en masse. Warm and soft drinks were served to all, except the shortcut leader who felt the necessity to replace alcohol depleted by his heroic efforts. Indeed, he followed the precautionary principle and downed a couple of beers aided by the fact the waitress had invertedly poured two. During the chat, Ivan admitted that, despite his persistence, he was ready for a more functional bike. Offers were forthcoming from both Peters (but surely Mark must have another reserve bike?).

The last of the 3 peaks beckoned and we reluctantly left the comfort of the restaurant seating with the knowledge that the first part would be downhill and eager to get the final uphill out of the way, so that we could progress onto a fulsome lunch. Downhill, and some potholes, were a more than a challenge for Ivan’s bike. The new chain leapt from its worn sockets and needed a rapid repair. Confirmation, if needed, that retirement of this bike is imminent.

Aware that other traffic has not always been favourably disposed to counterflow on the one way roads up to our Bonmont summit, the leader opted for the safer and proper direction of travel. Maybe slightly longer and slightly steeper in parts, he was confident that the GIN Bikers’ muscle power was up to the task. Obviously, no qualms for the happily meandering e-Reinier. The leader was not proved wrong and, on this occasion, we could benefit from careful study of Mervyn’s majestic pedal work as he completed the group for the photo at the high point.

A rapid descent into Gingins and we arrived exactly at the anticipated time at our lunchtime destination of the Auberge de la Poste, specialist in Belgian beers and food. With a full restaurant, it was lucky that the leader had reserved the table in advance. However, the restaurant claimed no knowledge and we were seated outside. Happily the air temperature was sufficiently warm and we were under cover. Indignant and determined for amends, the leader showed the internet confirmation of the booking. “Mais ce n’est pas le 27 aujourd’hui, c’est le 20!” La tarte humble. The waiter was gracious in his victory, happily accepting our orders of Belgian beer and, without gloating, let it be known that the plat du jour was no more. Alternatives of moules et frites and hamburgers were ordered. Conversation inevitably focused on UK politics and events in Ukraine but also encompassed many other diverse topics, such as the global population of flies and ants and the ability to convert global excess of carbon dioxide to useful fuel. More beer ordered and a toast raised for absent colleagues.

Homeward bound, well replete after our short stay in the heart of the EU. PeterD and Reinier peeled off first to ensure a long siesta, PeterT and Ivan followed next and the die-hards of Mervyn and Mark joined Stephen for a well-deserved home brew in Arnex.

Statistics: ca. 37km, 570m elevation gain, 17.6km/h average speed, 2h10m cycling time.

Another Thursday, another bike challenge. This time the autumnal chill of the morning required some additional clothing compared to previous rides but by the time the legs were pumping and the sun had risen higher in the sky, it was as if we had full summer still.

The proposed outing: a tour to the vineyards of Geneva, passing through the Versoix woods, crossing in and out of France at Ferney, and onto Meyrin and beyond to the vine clad slopes. Five hardy GIN bikers signed up what was called “a flatter but longer than usual ride”: Stephen, PeterD, PeterT, e-Paul and our Ukranian guest, Ivan. Ivan arrived at the Everness meeting point, proudly showing the repairs carried out on the ageing and ailing machine that Mark2Ts had lend him for his first ride with us. The front brake was working again and new tyres and inner tubes had replaced the 40 year old originals. The saddle had also been raised to a more suitable height. All looked perfect for a speedy departure, when Ivan said that he had to return home for a conference call. He felt that, all being well, this would finish rapidly enough for him to catch up with us at the agreed luncheon spot. This sounded ambitious but, with new confidence in his machine, he was optimistic. E-Paul, recently returned from a long vacation in Asia, agreed to meet us nearer to Geneva and nearer to his home close to the Ferney border crossing, thus saving his unexercised battery and legs undue effort.

So, Stephen, PeterT and PeterD sped the familiar cycle route 50 from the Everness Hotel through the shaded and wooded paths avoiding, at times with difficulty, deposits from well-fed horses. Shortly before the border into France, PeterT, in a haze of nostalgia, led the group down a remembered, attractive track but bypassing the rendez-vous with Paul. Happily, this was recognised before we re-emerged into Switzerland at Meyrin and we were able to back track across the border and surprise Paul by coming from an unexpected direction. We were only marginally behind schedule.

With 80% of our group now together, we recrossed the border and straight-lined through France and emerged successfully at Meyrin. From here, the delights of the Geneva wine villages are but a short ride away, although there are several potential routes. PeterD decided to get a head start, aware of the increase in gradient, and take the first road up to vineyard slopes. PeterT and e-Paul were oblivious to this decision. Stephen failed in relaying the route and saw the duo happily maintaining a flatter route, off into the distance. Mobile communication agreed a new meeting point at Chouilly, a delightful wine village in the shadow of the Jura. Surprisingly, this saw the majority of the group arrive simultaneously. The other 20% (25% of current riders, 100% PeterD) had been intoxicated by the fermentation fumes of the vendage and cycled onto Peissy, the next village en route. Once eventually regrouped, the leader tried to assert discipline and suggest, ever so nicely, that we stuck together from now on.

Not so easy. As the terrain becomes more undulating, the different rhythms of e-bikers and pure muscle power bikers becomes evident. Downhill to the nature reserve at Malval, the conventional bikers took the lead. Uphill to Dardagny (and what a hill it was…..remembered as a beast from an earlier tour), the e-biker whirred effortlessly past onto the summit. Similarly, down via Russin to La Plaine, across the Rhone and up to Cartigny; although for some reason Paul was resting his legs and battery on the last uphill before lunch…..something about taking time to enjoy the scenery. We arrived at the Café de Cartigny at the anticipated time.

Drinks were ordered. We were just speculating on whether we would see Ivan again when he appeared looking relaxed and effortless on his renovated bike. What had taken us 2h30m took him 40 minutes!

He did admit that he had some help in the shape of motorised transport for some of the journey.

The excellent plat du jour of chicken, sauce and rice preceded by a salad at 18CHF was taken by all. The economy allowed us additional beers, where required, and the last of the lemon tarte du jour, 3 pieces being shared (the leader exercising executive privilege by consuming a full piece and thoughtfully making the division of the remaining 2 pieces easier).

Lunchtime conversation was diverse, ranging from an interrogation of Ivan about the Ukrainian situation but moving onto firewood shortages, environment, plastics legislation, research work for Paul’s 3 new books, unclear descriptions of rock cycle as well as geothermal energy pipe design.

Fortified and caffeinated, we resumed the now mostly downhill route back home. The plan was to head via Penney and Satigny before retracing our ride through Meyrin, Ferney, Versoix and back to the Everness Hotel, from where we could disperse to our respective homes. Inevitably, PeterT knew a better route, cutting across the outskirts of Ferney and, like disciplined sheep, we followed. Paul had already left the group at Versoix and took a direct route home to Grand Saconnex, unaware of the drama to come.

On the outskirts of Ferney, as PeterT was accelerating into the distance, a similar effort was too much for the original chain on Ivan’s, otherwise perfectly restored, bike. Our new leader was summoned back and the situation reviewed and options assessed. A search for a bike shop or a call for transport seemed the two options as, unsurprisingly, the GIN Bikers are not equipped with chain repair means. Ivan called reinforcements. He was happy to remain alone, stranded in France, whilst waiting for his pickup but Stephen took his captaincy responsibilities seriously and waited for either the ship to sink or rescue to appear. Happily the latter was the case. Jen, the guardian angel, arrived having hot-footed it (more accurately, driven) directly from a COVID jab. The bike and Ivan were loaded into the car. Jen summarised the predicament “you should get rid of that crap bike”…………… tbc

The group had dispersed and the lonely leader was left to retrace his steps home without the aid of the person who knew the way from that point.

Statistics: 63.3km (+x km, where x is >0 but <13.7, depending on distance of home from Everness hotel, excluding the variable of e-Paul). Elevation difference 655m or 4623m according to Stephen’s Garmin (seems to have been some kind of chain reaction!), which also claimed a high point of 20000m. Who said it was a flat ride? Average speed 20.5km/h.

Once again the toll of GINjuries, late vacations, grandparental duties, and other miscellaneous excuses withered the participation for this activity to just Mark2Ts and Stephen. However, seeing the need to motivate the b-leader, Mark called in re-enforcements in the shape of a young Ukrainien, Ivan. So as we met at God’s corner, we had a quorum and the average age of the GIN Biking Group had reduced by at least a decade. Mark had “generously” lent his old road bike to Ivan (was it really possible that there was an older transport than Mark’s usual ride, which is already the subject of such derision?). However, Ivan looked at the positives:

1. He had a bike
2. It was of original good quality (bought second hand in 1996)
3. It had 2 tyres, albeit with cracks in each but the air seemed to hold
4. The saddle was low enough that he could use his feet on the ground for forward movement should the gearing mechanism fail.

Stephen had chosen a familiar route for the ride, rising gently from the Plaine, via Céligny, Crans, Signy to Gingins before crossing to Givrins (or was it La Givrine?) for a well-deserved coffee ahead of the real effort up the Genolier hill and onto Bassins. Talking of initiation rites for newcomers; by the time we reached Gingins, Ivan was already starting to feel the inadequacies of his machine. It couldn’t have been the rider as he admitted he was once a 70-100km a day biker, although in the city of Kharkiv and not on the undulating Swiss tracks. Once again, Ivan saw a cup half-full: the air was clean, the scenery beautiful and the bike was light and hadn’t collapsed (yet). The Genolier hill provided a steeper challenge but remarkably he managed to use the limited gearing and his seasoned leg muscles to keep the leader in sight and the back marker of Mark at the back.

From Bassins it was all (mostly) downhill to the promised lunch at the auberge of Duillier. However, during the descent Ivan had a message that his wife required assistance and he would have to detour. Clearly, not yet a fully-fledged GIN Biker. As it turned out his back brake suffered a failure during the final downhill into Gland and, although a temporary fix was achieved, the extra ballast after a full lunch could have been the final straw. So we parted at Vich, Ivan limping slowly onwards and Mark and Stephen heading for their plat du jour of Cajun perch, and vegetables with a small glass of beer to wash it down.

Return from lunch was highlighted by the hazardous main road crossing at the Nyon motorway junction followed by the famous Landi car park short cut and a strong headwind, which Stephen was happy to leave early in Arnex and allow Mark to battle on as he completed his circuit home.

Another enjoyable day’s exercise in good weather conditions (apart from the breeze) and with the added bonus of new company.

Statistics:  ca. 45km, total ascent 650m, moving time 2h22m, average speed 18.6km/h

With the heat of this exceptional summer receding, replaced by a more pleasant temperature in the sunny mornings, a group of 5 GIN Bikers accepted the challenge set by PeterD to complete a familiar circuit from the Everness Hotel through Céligny, Crans, Eysins, Signy, Gingins up to the Bonmont heights and beyond before enjoying the downhill rush leading us to the Vesancy climb and lunch in the courtyard of the château restaurant. After which a gentle return downhill via Gex and the old railway line to Divonne and our respective homes.

But I get ahead of myself. Stephen, recently back from the UK, was not yet “back in the groove” and arrived 30 minutes early at the rendez-vous (better than 30 minutes late!) and so enjoyed a bask in the sunshine whilst the others were still donning their gear and thinking about leaving home. PeterD, PeterT, Mark2Ts and Bill duly arrived and acquaintances were renewed after the summer absences. As usual we agreed the need for a gentle and non-competitive ride with threats of additional ballast for anyone not adhering to these rules.

The initial ride through the villages of the Plaine was indeed pleasant but the intensity geared up as we worked our way towards Gingins. By the time we arrived there 80% of the participants took advantage of a head dip in the village fountain despite the warning sign of “eau non conformé”. PeterD and Bill both previously having had problems in dismount of their vehicles….perhaps a sign of unaccustomed exercise….happily without injury. Refreshed, with no visible ill effects from the potentially dangerous waters, we started the upward climb to the usual Bonmont heights only to be encouraged by our leader to “go the extra mile” (or two) uphill to the next road down.

This small addition meant that the timing to the restaurant was Swiss-perfect and also prepared us for that uphill slog from the campsite Huttopia to the heights of Vesancy. We gratefully parked our bikes and settled into a very enjoyable set lunch with the added discovery of beer from the Grilly brasserie, unknown up to this point.

By the time coffee was served after the excellent meal it was clear that neither minds or legs were going to be encouraged for the final Mourex climb. The alternative slow descent, although longer, gained unanimous approval.

As usual, the diverse lunchtime bantered flowed as freely as the beer. As we left the restaurant, a neighbouring client asked in native English whether we would be fine to continue after such a meal. I reassured him that it was downhill all the way. He commented that it was the same for all of us at our stage in life! Much of the subject matter of the lunchtime discussion is forgotten but one that stuck on the descent was of a fromagerie just off the old railway line at Grilly, which Bill had visited previously. So our return trip took in this stop (although we were 10 minutes early for its afternoon opening time). What a smell as we entered! We keenly purchased samples of various cheeses from their international selection and made a mental note that Fromagerie Michelin also has a restaurant.

We peeled off to our homes and that well-earned siesta.

Statistics (depending upon starting and finishing points): ca. 45 to 55 km, average speed 18.5km/h, 675m elevation gain, estimated sweat loss (according to my Garmin) 5.25 litres ….should have drunk more!