We met at the parking lot of Mont Mussy at 10:00am.
The group of 10 GIN walkers started our 5.8 km walk “Boucle de Mont Mussy/Mourex” with a positive elevation of 156m, on time.
The first part of the walk through the forest presented some inclines and was rather rocky. This caused some stragglers, after a loud yodle the front runners stopped and the group got together again.
We noted that quite a few trees had been cut down and large stacks of firewood were placed alongside the path. After reaching Mont Mourex the walking became much easier. Several stops were made to enjoy the views of Lake Geneva and the city of Geneva.
We met quite a few walkers with dogs and some of us chatted with the dog owners.
On the way down to the Mourex parking lot we enjoyed the beautiful wild flowers.
Looping back to Mont Mussy was easy going and we all arrived back at our cars at 12:00 pm.
Alan and I led a group of 5 cars to the parking lot behind the restaurant Au Bon Accueil, where we enjoyed a good lunch and glass of beer.
The walk and lunch were appreciated by all the participants.
A group of five regular bikers met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10h. Stephen, PeterT, Mark2Ts, e-Paul and e-Thatcher, with apologies from PeterD and Mervyn. Stephen’s promise of a gentle ride along the Jura was met with some scepticism, especially when he said there would be a warm up loop before the Bonmont ascent. However, he regained some credibility when a coffee stop was allowed at the new bakery between the new cycle shop and cycle museum in Crassier after an hour’s circuit through Grilly (F) and along the old railway track back to Switzerland. The impact was that the warm-up benefits were lost and the pedal up to Bonmont and the hill itself were more of a challenge than originally planned. The e-bikers kept the Taylor/Long competiton fair, not allowing slip streaming advantage. 240 Bonmonts in the previous year paid dividends and PeterT broke the morale of the challenger with a well-timed push on the final uphill slope.
The victor, with e-bike pace-setter and canine inspiration
From there it was downhill all the way to Givrin (except for that one short sharp hill). With lunch booked for 12.30h there was some concern that the leader might opt for a pre-prandial Genolier hill, up past the clinic. Some of the non e-bikers seemed to be slowing the pace in the hope of avoiding such a fate. They were successful and we cruised down from Genolier centre to the Auberge at Duillier for a very pleasant, leisurely lunch on the terrace, overlooking the vines, the lake and the Alps. Service was slow but the conversation was lively and when the food arrived it was worth waiting for. We uncovered the meaning of “gaslighting” (the act of manipulating a person by forcing them to question their thoughts) and then found many examples of potential use. This included the use of the description “gentle” for rides.
Main course is taking a while….lucky we had a starter.
…..we didn’t have a starter.
It was a direct ride back after lunch (except for Paul, who once again took his favourite Route 50 into Geneva) taking in the Landi carpark route and some slightly rougher tracks (to help Mark2Ts think about trading in his road bike). We split up at the God’s crossroads and made our separate ways home. We were on schedule (just) for Thatcher not to be late for his 15h swimming lesson with his grandchildren.
Statistics: Weather sunny, slight breeze. From Chavannes Hotel to God’s Crossroads 47km. ca. 2h30m saddle time, 552 elevation difference, 20.4km/hour average speed. Average: 1.6 beers/person and 2.1 coffees/person.
Mike Hempstead organised his fine debut-leader hike from the Col de Marchairuz followed by an excellent lunch at the restaurant terrace there.
The weather was not looking great – lowish cloud over the Jura, but it was dry and had the benefit of providing a very pleasant temperature.
Mike seemed to think we were ten, but in the event 11 of us turned up, one with a large dog/small golden bear. Despite following others, Mark W2tts took a holiday route to the start via Rolle after missing the Gland exit. He and Mark W2rrs were chatting intensely together.
Our leader arrived with his sports limo, but without his boots. In the event he cruised the route in his hush puppies. Rob had a close shave with the bear who tried to head butt his nose.
Attending : Mike H (Leader), Drew, David, Richard, Stephen, Rob, Thatcher, Philip, Peter (with Kobie) and Marks 2t and 2r. Apologies – Mervyn, Keith and others.
We set off on Mike’s planned 13km hike with 250m deniv – which in the event was more like 11.6km and 350m deniv – an anticlockwise loop to La Neuve and back. The going underfoot was mostly dry and pleasant, and with a fairly easy downhill start there was much crack. Kobie patrolled up and down the file of Gintleman hikers to keep us in order. The crux of the outward leg involved passing through two herds of cows intent on getting a close acquaintance to our small brown bear. Happily teamwork, fine dog-handling and some stick shaking prevailed and we hurried unmolested through the stampeding heifers.
We turned to return just before La Neuve, at which point Kobie decided to hoof off into the distance following a scent trail. That gave Mike the cue to provide some Swiss apéro wine to the patiently waiting team, while Peter went off to find his hound.
All reassembled, we headed back to the restaurant at the Col without incident arriving on time at 13.00 with a large table on the terrace for us all to fit around. Fine beer arrived. The usual banter included some reference to Scottish independence with the usual arguments. Indeed it was a most pleasant lunch with the majority going for Steak Tartare, even the sun appeared a little. Kobie managed to slip his leash and ran inside the restaurant to meet all the indoor diners, some of whom seemed to like him..
A fine day, nothing too hard but very convivial. A fine debut Mike.
Next hike – Stephen will organise a 700m ascent at Morgins if the weather allows on Thursday 2 Sept. With a mountain restaurant terrace lunch if so.
After the apéro and with prodigal bear
The first beer is the best beerEven the sun came out Panaché or beer, they were goodThe Plat du JourWine tooHappy Hound (Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam)
A quick note to record that Peter Drew and Peter Taylor biked the three hills clockwise in good weather and before the heat on Thursday 12 August, followed by a fine beer overlooking the lake.
A dozen of us met up in brilliant sunshine in the parking lot of the Lycée internationale in Ferney and set off on the 5 km cross-border loop through Ornex and Collex-Bossy. It is the eighth time that this exhibition has taken place and 47 works of art were on display. Most of the artists were local, including some exhibits from school classes in both France and Switzerland. The materials used were very varied, but some of the more fragile pieces had suffered somewhat from the recent “intempéries” that have plagued us this summer. However, each one was carefully studied along with the accompanying explanatory boards, and various sage critiques were proferred.
Cover page
The route
Our path went through pastures, orchards, vineyards and woods and was actually a revelation to some who lived in the vicinity and were not aware of what lay on their doorsteps. It made us realise how lucky we are to live in such beautiful surroundings and in particular, the views of the Jura were superb against such a clear blue sky.
The Jura
In the sunshine
Shady characters in the shade
Past the sunflowers
Images of Svalbard
Emerging from the forest
The standard of the exhibits was somewhat varied, but each showed a certain degree of imagination and inventiveness. In particular, three children’s swings made almost entirely from old bicycle tyres and inner tubes were impressive, as were a set of three collages using dead honey bees.
A short muddy section through the Ornex woods had to be negotiated with care amid the odd complaint that was completely ignored! We emerged from the forest onto the brand new cycle/walking path that led us back to the cars.
Eight of us then proceeded to the Rajpoute restaurant where for the first time for some of us, our health passes were scanned at the door, as is now the law in France. A copious and tasty three course meal followed, washed down by Kingfisher beer for some and a surprisingly fine Indian red wine for others.
That’s not all yours, Norman!
Expended energy replaced!
Attending: Tom Boult, Norman Eatough, Mik Ferran, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob Mackenzie, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, David Stieber, Gerry Swart and Mark Warren. Apologies from many, mostly because of being visited by, or visiting, families cut off by the pandemic.
‘Twas with some trepidation that we set out to tackle the Mont d’Hermone on 5th August. Partly, because we had to traverse Geneva with its early morning traffic and roadworks and partly, because the weather forecast was following this summer’s unpredictable pattern. Well, the former was not a problem at all and everyone arrived in good time at the small unpronounceably-named village of Reyvroz in the depths of Haute Savoie. The latter did become a bit of an issue but more later on that. Seven stalwarts were in attendance and we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Wynn to the group.
The route that we would follow was included in Janette Norton’s book “Walking in the Haute Savoie (North)” and apparently was her favourite walk and the last that she did before she sadly died in 2013. It promised extensive views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps, so hopes were high, but somewhat apprehensive!
Using perfect Swiss timing, we left the village as the church bell struck ten and sauntered off in good spirits. We had hardly warmed up our muscles when we turned onto a steep, stony jeep track which ascended unrelentingly until we reached the ridge which forms part of the GR Balcon de Léman. Although it was dry when we started and we were afforded beautiful views across the valley, the rain started after half an hour and rain gear was quickly donned. The promised views from the ridge were completely obscured by the rain clouds so we could only use our imagination! The rain was quite intense and two of us were not too shy to use our umbrellas!
Apart from a few deer, this rhino (previously identified as a hippo) was the only wildlife we saw
The crew having a break
We reached the chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone in good time and considered our options for having lunch in the rain. There was a small ante-room to the chapel, the main part being barred by an iron gate, but as this was only a few metres square, it was certainly not conducive to eight burly hikers eating a picnic! Maybe it was the aura of the place, but the rains miraculously abated and we could stand outside around an (some said – sacrificial) altar and enjoy our well-earned lunches. These were washed down by Italian and Californian reds graciously supplied by Steve and Mervyn respectively and then, of course, Rob’s special whisky of the day.
Our goal – the Chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone
Through the iron gate
At the high altar
Still eating and drinking
We left the chapel, and three ladies who were the only other humans we saw on the whole hike, and commenced our descent. The rains started again and we cautiously picked our way down the rocky track. Perhaps it was the euphoria of feasting on wild raspberries, or maybe the yearning to walk on different surfaces than jeep tracks, but we made the decision to take a smaller side path from the prescribed route. Things then became a little tricky as there was a dearth of signposts and conflicting views on the direction we should head. Anyway, using maps, various apps such as Google Maps and Maps.Me and blind instinct, we navigated unfrequented and sometimes, barely discernible paths to reach our destination. Our route was not without our having to occasionally retrace our steps on some tracks which petered out and there were also a few slips on muddy slopes. The hike organiser accepted unconditionally the full responsibility for all the confusion!
Descending a slippery slope
…..and after a muddy fall!
A momentary clearing in the weather
Our first thoughts upon reaching Reyvroz were where we could quench our thirsts. The advance party questioned a local who confirmed that there were no such premises before Thonon, but he was kind enough to offer us a beer chez lui. When we told him that there were eight of us, he recoiled somewhat, although a neighbour called out that he wouldn’t mind one!
So we set off in convoy seeking some refreshment, but it was not until we saw a sign to the Port of Sciez some 20 kms away that our hopes soared. After negotiating the most tricky entrance to a car park we had ever seen, we were soon sitting around a table by the marina enjoying a well-earned “pression”.
Back in the sunshine
Well, we got some good exercise, fresh air, fine drinks, good company, but unfortunately, not the extensive views that we could have enjoyed. Another time, maybe?!
Attendees: Bill, Rob, Steve, Mark, Mervyn, Keith, and Richards W and S. Regrets from the usual suspects, who were much missed.
John Burley organised the walk from Vich to Begnins and back. Unfortunately, due to injury, he was unable to participate and Tim Goodyear and I volunteered to lead the walk so that it could continue. There was rain overnight before the walk but none was forecast for the day, so the walk was on. There were 14 participants. The route up to Begnins was through fields and vineyards on agricultural roads which did not present any difficulty from the rain but did require caution for cars when crossing the Rte de Gland. The path then skirted the cemetery with a great view of the lake and alps (wasted on the residents), then around the playing fields. Steps led down to the anti-tank fortifications at the La Crosette picnic area. We then followed the line of the Sentier des Toblerones beside the Serine back to Vich. The previous night’s rain meant the river was flowing well and there was a fresh and pleasant aroma to the forest. There were some muddy areas and tree roots to negotiate. Back in Vich after 1h:45, we went to the terrace at La Croix Verte for an enjoyable lunch. Paul to the opportunity of a nearby birthday to gift (and sign) some of his books to interested readers. There was a toast to John, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Three veteran manual bikers and two e-bikers (PeterD, Mervyn, Stephen, e-Paul, E-Thatcher) met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10h with the promise of a nostalgic 3 hills ride. For those not in the know, the 3 hills ride was devised some years ago by PeterD. This challenge attracted PeterT and Stephen, who then formed the origins of the GIN biking club. The ride includes conquering the Bonmont, Versancy and Mourex hills. On this occasion, Stephen decided that a warm up was required and led a circuitous route from Chavannes via Céligny, Crans, Eysins, Signy, L’Asse, Duillier until traversing to Gingins and the start of the 3 hills.
For some, this warm-up seemed a little excessive (1H30m), and on the way to L’Asse a break away group tried to take a short cut and had to be called back in line. A pause was also required at Givrins to top up on fluids having experienced the first uphill slope from Duillier. However, by the time we arrived at Gingins we were all eager to tackle the first real climb. The e-bikers realised that their role was to encourage the non-assisted pedal power and the leader carefully avoided telling them the exact route so that they couldn’t progress too far ahead. The statuary photo was taken at the top of the Bonmont hill:
Still happy after hill 1…..
Lunch was promised in Versancy at a new restaurant run from the château in the centre of town. The heat and the length of warm up affected some riders and the climb up to Vesancy was not as smooth as on some previous occasions. Exhaustion and lack of attentiveness also meant that PeterD and e-Thatcher rode past the restaurant and completed an extra hill before lunch. It was noticeable that only the e-bikers had energy to speak initially and we gained a preview of “scenes” from Thatcher’s potential autobiography. The lunch was magnificent! Paul ensured that our fluid levels were properly maintained as he generously picked up the bill for these in celebration for an imminent birthday. (note to future organisers: book a tour near August 1st and invite Paul). An impressive choice of lunchtime menus and friendly service also meant that calories were replaced and a general feeling of content spread amongst us. Unfortunately, after a lengthy lunch we realsied that we had to move on and tackle the final short bt sharp hill up to Mourex. Paul saw the potential of a way out as he decided to circumnavigate this hill and head in the direction of Gex as an effective way to return to Geneva.
The danger of eating and drinking well is that concentration is often impaired. Unfortunately, on the descent from Vesancy, Paul wandered from the tarmac, hitting the verge and ultimately tumbling onto the tarmac. Whilst PeterD and Stephen were unaware of this event behind them, Mervyn and Thatcher were picking up the pieces and washing down skin scrapes. Happily, Paul managed to return home by his chosen route and is not too much the worse for the incident. Ironically, he was the only one of us not to have imbibed at lunch. Is there a moral here?
Having conquered the 3 hills again, we dispered to our respectives homes from Divonne.
Statistics: Warm and sunny. Ca. 48km (>70km for Paul), saddle time: ca. 2h25m, eating (and drinking) time: 2h20m, elevation gain: 710m, average speed 19.4km/h.
In the middle of a heat wave, a hike on the cool heights of the Jura seemed to be a good idea. Admittedly, the organising committee had taken a few attempts to arrive at this decision, much aided by Mark2Rs initiative…..the normal organiser being away on a summer break. Many of the other usual hiking members were also absent or otherwise engaged . So it was a select band of three: Rob, Mark2Rs and Stephen who met in Divonne at the old railway station at 08.30. Rob volunteered his car and with car SatNav and Mark’s help we managed to find the cable car at Crozet on first attempt, just as it was starting up for the day. The ascent was then easy up until Fierney and we happily watched from above some hikers plod up the long tortuous path from the bottom.
As happy in the télécabine on the way up as we were on the way down
At the top we started to follow the direction of the snow shoeing trail some 17 months earlier, albeit without snow. The initial plan had been to head towards La Catheline and then along the ridge to the Crêt de la Neige. However, the organising committee impetuously decided to follow an alternative track which seemed to lead in the right direction. This it did indeed do, but circumnavigating the base of the Crêt, much lower than anticipated on a very agreeable undulating floral track, via La Calame and Curson.
Beautiful alpine flower carpet
Not so beautiful hikers…..but not many of them
The final ascent to the Crêt de la Neige was not difficult and, once there, we realised how well our chosen path had taken us from the mass of day trippers.
Joining the crowds on the Crêt de la Neige
The real incentive for the hike was the promise of a rustic refuse, previuosly frequented and vetted by Mark and Richard. Reaching the Refuge de la Loge in summer did take a little longer than when visited on skis and despite some momentary doubts about direction, after descending from the main path between Crêt de la Neige and the Grand Grêt, we did indeed end up at the promised hostellerie, which lived up to it’s reputation. A hearty main dish of sausage, potato and beans (with seconds thrown in free of charge) and a few beers was followed by tarte aux mirtilles. This was rounded off by a small glass of herbal alpine spirit…kindly supplied by our host, Frank.
The first of two platefuls (and beers) and all for 14 Euro
We feared the return ascent, with attitudes more for snoozing than exercise, but as it turned out the ascent via La Catheline was not steep and the return down to the lift at Fierney brough back memories of our earlier snow shoeing adventures…..not least a cross-field section where the path we were on unexpectedly ended.
We rounded off our very successful day of ca. 15km hiking and 720m elevation difference by toasting absent colleagues at the télécabine base station. A walk definitely to be repeated.
The summer months have arrived, along with changeable weather, and an absence of many of our members. So, it was a determined residual 3 of PeterT, Mervyn and Stephen, fresh back from a lengthy stay in the homeland, who ventured out in a forecasted respite from the rain. A gentle pedal was promised along the base of the Jura in the direction of a terrace lunch and a gentler pedal home.
Unfortunately, the weather gods did not read the script and the heavy rain, due to begin at 14.30h, decided to make an early appearance. We met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10.30h and headed in the direction of Chavannes-de-Bois, through the woods and then crossing into France towards Grilly to pick up the old train track back into Switzerland. Rain attire had to be donned before we reached Crassier. The easy escape route back to the warmth and dry of our respective homes was shunned and we pressed on, with occasional stops to check tyre pressures, through Gingins and Givrins towards Genolier. At this stage there was an anticipation that the leader would head straight to the lunch booked at the Hotel de la Reunion in Coinsins. However, having been deprived of the hill challenges during his 6 week stay in the UK and with the need to compensate for over-indulgence in bitter, pork pies and fish and chips, he headed up the hill past the Genolier clinic. At the top of this road, the further climb to Bassins was rejected and we descended rapidly towards the hostellerie and a very welcome lunch and refreshments.
The terrace was fresh but nowhere near as climatically challenging as our first outing of the year when restaurant terraces were the only permitted means of eating out. The menus de jour were more than acceptable and between us, by all having something different, we managed to sample 60% of them (for the less mathematically gifted, that’s 3 from the selection of 5). Feldschlossen beer also had a beneficial effect.
The rain had eased somewhat for the stomach-heavy ride home through Trelex, Grens and Borex. At this point, the leader peeled off for the short ride home, taking advantage of his route and leaving the pack of two to the wet additional 7 km in front of them……
Ride statistics: Wet conditions, 46km, 2h15m saddle time, average speed 20.8km/h, 676m maximum and 441m minimum elevation with overall climb of 456m.
