Blog – Page 27 – GIN Club

Biking the Barillette at 70

17 June 2021

The day dawned hot and I began to experience an unsettling fight or flight reaction. The Barillette bike ride is a rite of passage for certain gintlemen of the biking group on attaining the age of 70, but it involves much pain, misery and perturbation. It’s a right-awful rite. It comprises 24 km of tarmac from Coppet and 1,100m or so of ascent. Perhaps we are trying to prove that we are not dead yet, albeit the ride itself might force such a conclusion, especially on such a hot sunny day.

I had just turned that age and Peter Drew who had accomplished this with others of us in 2019, was organising the event and would join me. Peter’s sons were also absent his year and Stephen was stuck now abed in England thinking himself accursed he was not here. Happily Mark Watts was organising a support hiking group who would join us for lunch at the Barillette restaurant, should we make it. Mervyn was going to be delayed but elected to drive up and provide moral and taxi support. These support groups really did give us moral support – a convivial beer and fine meal on a terrace would follow the coming nightmare and this thought kept me going through the ordeal.

Peter and I set off at pace from Divonne Lake and I was disappointed when he told me that our route would be direct, straight up and no messing about, through Crassier and La Rippe to the start of the climb itself. The heat was hot as they say and only slightly diminished as we entered the Bonmont woods. I began to realise that I had forgotten to pack painkillers and electrolyte for my water bottle.

Turning up past Bonmont a large and luxurious Mercedes open top sports car passed us with a biking-now-hiking member waving his cap at us, causing a sap to morale. We were beginning now to weave across the road to shelter from the hot sun on the shady side of the surface. I pulled ahead a little sensing Peter was pedalling in a lower gear than me. We had both done a little training before this day, but perhaps not enough. My biking activities were being curtailed by dog hiking but I had managed the P’tit Bard at 1060m on the road to Combe du Faoug a few days earlier; Peter had trained on the 3 Hills.

Gasping in the heat we stopped at 870m for a rest and a drink. We tried to assess if we could make it with one more stop at 1200m but this proved futile. On we went, an elderly couple on e-bikes sailed up past us. As did a young lady on a road bike. Gradually I realised that Peter was not keeping up behind me and ground to a halt at 1140m. I called him by phone and he said he was resting but would be up shortly. He eventually arrived and we discussed tactics in the continuing heat, his words to me were – just carry on and I’ll see you at the top.

So, on we separately went in lower gears than of past, unremembered, ascents. Trying to blank out the grim reality of what was happening – we were here actually attempting to bike the Barillette – at our ages. At about 1300m or so I stopped with cramp in my right thigh, and another young lady passing me on a VTT calling out “Courage!”. I responded “Crampe!”. Peter was somewhere below and eventually I massaged my leg into action and continued. It was just after the turning to the Chalet de la Dôle that Mervyn passed me in the Batmobile “it’s only the last mile to go” he exhorted waving a red bottle. Finally after more numbing switchbacks and near-cramp leg experiences, Mervyn himself appeared by the roadside with 400m to go, offering to empty the contents of his bottle over my head.

The top was in glorious sun and I collapsed on the ground in relief. We spoke by phone to Peter who was somewhere lower on the mountain but who said he was taking his time and would be up shortly, he suggested we go down to the restaurant. Mervyn duly loaded my bike onto the rack of the Batmobile and we glided down past Mike and Mark Warren who were close to the venue. The terrace was decked out splendidly under some white flecked sunshade material that gave me the impression of paradise above the Shangri-la valley and lake far below. Richard and Mark Watts arrived from La Dôle summit and we quaffed down some beer. Finally Peter arrived looking thinner than usual but in good cheer. Not dead yet we had made it! , and a most convivial lunch followed of salad, sausage and chips, with apricot tart washed downed with several bottles of excellent white wine (I was too exhausted to make a note of the exact make but I think it was indeed Chasselas) then coffee.

Mervyn eventually taxied Peter and I and our bikes safely down to the heat of the Terre Sainte and home.

Many thanks indeed to everyone involved. The support team were amazing and the lunch was great. Peter D deserves a special medal for joining me in conditions that were far hotter than we had previously experienced. Thanks too to Richard for the magnesium meds. They worked and I had no further cramps.

Apologies from absent friends from Stephen, Philip, Paul and Thatcher – and there may have been others, my apologies to them. We toasted absent friends and missed them.

Ebikes next time ?

The route up with heart beat colouring for me.

The author at the top, on a bottle provided later by Mervyn (Merci M!). To be laid down for a year or two.

Mervyn and Mike

With Mark W

With Mark W

Beam me up

Hiking group to Creux de Van, 2021-06-10

Following the walking group’s expedition to the Gorges de l’Areuse, Mark 2”r”s decided to take the hiking group to the same starting point but to head off in a different direction and visit the Creux de Van, Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. Mark had given careful thought to the location of a suitable restaurant for lunch and decided that we needed to leave Divonne at 08:00, a restaurant closer to the end of the walk would have entailed an earlier start and potential mutiny.

Accordingly 7 of us gathered in Divonne at 8 a.m. and decamped into 2 cars for the roughly 90 minute drive to Noiraigue railway station, alt 729m according to several GPSs and the signpost, where we had a coffee and ate the pains aux chocolate that Mark had kindly provided (hope no precedence was being set!). Then Captain Bligh announced that we were already 30 minutes behind schedule so we hurriedly donned boots and set off.

We had a reasonably gentle climb over the first couple of kilometres to les Oillons at 1015m.

Team at les Oillons: Rob, Mark, Richard, Mervyn, Philip, David. Other Mark behind camera.

Then the path started to get steeper and zig-zagged up through countless contours until we came out to the spectacular view at 1374m. There was much ooohing and aaahing and taking of photographs, including one of the whole team.

Our illustrious leader, aka Slartibartfast, surveying his handywork

The old railway station got in the way of a good photo so the team had to move it

Moved, that’s better, Philip directing and taking the photo.

So tame it almost appeared to be a model.

After the excitement of the rim and moving the railway station and the bouquetin it was time to move to the restaurant for lunch. This was the real excitement with Mark wondering if we should have turned left at the bouquetin and imagining the abuse he was going to get if we were late for lunch. However we arrived at the charming la Grand ‘Vy for well deserved beers and a great lunch. We were supposed to socially distance at 2 ends of a long table but somehow failed that test – maybe it was the absinthe.

Ice cream with a pool of absinthe, local speciality

Reluctantly we eventually continued with Mark encouraging us by announcing that it was all downhill from here on. True but much harder on old knees. We got back to the cars just after 4 for the drive home.

A great day out, thanks to t’other Mark for arranging the route, the weather and the pains aux chocolate. Click this link for a load of other photos, including a panoramic video taken at the rim.

14.2 km, 774m. Richard S, Mervyn, David C, Rob, Philip, 2 Marks.

More detailed map (can be used for future hike)Download

GIN WALKING GROUP – AREUSE GORGES – 28 MAY 2021.

This trip beyond the usual geographical scope of our walks was delayed until the daily deluge had abated and the pathway through this amazing series of gorges had a chance to dry out somewhat. A sudden improvement in the weather forecast triggered the organiser to copy General Eisenhower’s 5 June 1944 decision of “Let’s go…”

The Areuse Gorges lie within the Jura foothills, close to Neuchatel, and form an often-hidden area of the scenic Val-de-Travers region. Cared for by a local charity, the route follows the River Areuse for 11 kms between Noiraigue and the outskirts of either Bole or Boudry. For much of its way, it skirts the river as the Areuse meanders leisurely, followed by periods as a raging torrent forcing its way through two narrow and deeply incised canyons and white-water rafting country. Local publicity informs us that the path climbs 52 metres and descends 334 metres, with a duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes of “family friendly but moderately difficult” walking. OK – This is what faced our gallant team.

The group of six members arrived by car or train at the pretty village station in Noiraigue, fortified themselves with a coffee, managed not to be tempted to take an early morning absinthe and headed off in glorious sunshine along what was initially a straight, surfaced path alongside a babbling brook. A large gathering of lady hikers had already disappeared from sight, the only remaining sounds coming from the river itself and a variety of Skimmers and other birds. Everything changed some 30 minutes later, when we ventured into the upper of the 2 prime gorges. A sleepy stream suddenly became a cascading torrent. The pathway became a mix of jagged rocks and glutinous mud. The fun had begun.

As this expedition took the group to an area perhaps not known to some readers, more than the normal number of photos are included in this trip report. They tell a story that need not be repeated in detail in writing! We crossed several bridges, the ancient and arched one of which offers the picture postcard image of the Areuse in full fury (as it was on 28 May). The number of slippery wooden steps negotiated at times felt endless, even before our hungry band reached the halfway stage. Suddenly – and like a mirage – some houses appeared in sight. We had reached Champ du Moulin and its Hotel/Restaurant de la Truite.

All thoughts of surviving on a picnic lunch were instantly forgotten as we sat in an oasis of sunshine outside this welcoming restaurant, tucking into – you’ve guessed it – excellent trout, our throats lubricated by Neuchâteloise wine. Then, the second half of our trek was to be faced. This path had almost survived the ravages of a long winter followed by a very wet spring. The mud seemed even more glutinous, the steps steeper and the rocks sharper.
The result was the stunning sight of a torrent thundering almost below our feet as it fought its way through the second gorge. Minor deterrents were all taken in good spirit, no walker tripping or slipping but a small number of us found ourselves inadvertently crossing the river and following a surfaced road for a while. Mobile phones soon brought us back in line! As suddenly as the second gorge had started, it ended, and a signpost pointed our group towards Bole. Little did your scribe know that this track led steeply up to road level via a good 100 slippery wooden steps followed by an even longer walk to Bole station. The short train journey back to Noiraigue came as a welcome chance to recharge our energy batteries.

Well – Was it worth the 100 kms+ journey from our homes? The conclusion of this group was a resounding YES and a recommendation that some future walks be conducted in other areas of natural beauty or of specific historic etc interest. Long summer days and an easing of Covid-19 restrictions offer possibilities as long as we avoid exceedingly popular tourist destinations during “Le Saison”.
Thinking caps on, please…..

Here are some of the photos. The full set is to be found at this link

GIN Hikers – Colomby de Gex 27 May 21

A magnificent crew of 7 again turned out for this purported jaunt into the French Jura starting at W3W magnolias.upends.decorators . Attending : Mark Watts, Stephen, Richard, David, Philip, Mike and Peter T. Shorts were 3:4, but soon were 5:2 as Richard soon rolled up his leggings and David unzipped his.

The leader (PT) had already spotted a flaw in his original plan to hike up the Pas de l’Echine to the Colomby de Gex. The top of the gully was still filled with snow – as seen from Coppet. So, the leader optimistically asked others if they would be up for a longer circuit of the Creux de l’Envers, anti-clockwise. Most seemed to acquiesce, at least agreeing that it avoided an otherwise up and back the same way, but little realising that this circuit would mean some 19.5km and 1270m of denivellation (there being 300m of extra down involved).

Accordingly we all set off downhill in sinking but high spirits from point 728 (it was 711 to me Ed.) (magnolias.upends.decoratos) marked on this map, in a general NW direction aiming to reach the pass left of Petit Mt Rond via the path (on better maps) called La Vie de Chaux. The Life of Lime. It was quite a haul wending up through the beautiful forest with occasional views back across the deepening Creux.

After various traverses we eventually we reached the limelight and the line of the Life of Lime in regimental order (ie Stephen ahead). The crux involves a long diagonal upward traverse of a steep smooth grassy/rocky slope, thankfully the path is good and the going was dry underfoot. Do not slip on this path. Several chamois were spotted at this point (and many more later).

La Vie de Chaux with Stephen scouting ahead

Looking back down across the the Col de la Faucille road.

The team assembled at the top believing that the worst was over. The breeze here was noticeable and we donned fibre piles for the traverse across to Mt Rond (the Grand).

The Team arrives on the pass and the top ridge line with the distant target of the Colomby de Gex above Mark’s head.

Shortly above this pass Richard spotted the location of his award winning shot of Stephen in winter on a wave of snow, the Wave. Duly they shot Wave 2.

Wave 2, by Richard of Stephen, looking more like a green swell.

The enormity of the task that lay ahead began to sink in to some as we tackled the ascent of Mt Grand Rond, that seemed like Mt Grind. Accordingly some ravitaillement was needed at the top and a check was made as to timing. Clearly we were going to miss the scheduled 4pm bath, and my 6pm AGM in Geneva looked iffy. Others had 5pm Grandkids on their agendas. Oh well..

There was no way for it but to press on; a retreat down the Lime was unthinkable as was retreat generally. So the leader rallied the troops to get agreement to delay lunch to 13.45 when we would be more within striking distance of the final CdG summit. On we went on distressingly Nepali flat territory. Finally, sensing mutiny, a halt was called on a lesser summit on the ridge and a bottle of Gigondas appeared and was uncorked and passed around for sustenance. There followed an Italian red. Lunch in the sun on a fabulous ridge with views across Lac Leman to the alps one way, and across green forests stretching into France profonde the other. Subjects discussed did not include Scottish independence. Boris was mentioned as were Indian variants. Medication was taken as needed.

The leader realised the need to plod on and entered a steady trod across past the snow filled gully of the original intended line and up to the glittering summit of the CdG (1687 – nb. 10m higher than La Dole).

The snow filled top of Le Pas de L’Echine. Showing also the green col passed on the way down later on.

Looking back before the final ascent to CdG

CdG Summit : Finally we had knocked the bastard off.

Arriving atop the Colomby de Gex was an exhausted but jubilant party. Accordingly Slivovitz (72% proof) was provided. As well as some (chilled) white wine from Mark. Duly stunned it was time to face the knee grinding descent down into the combe of the Chet de Branveau, wherein we spotted a large herd of chamois.

Looking back at the Chet de Branveau combe

Stunning view across Geneva Airport. How concrete was my valley?

There followed the long strait stony track back down to the cars, where we arrived somewhat 2 hours and more overdue, and with some in need of medication (sugar).

The leader apologises for pain, misery and perturbation caused. But hopes that these negatives will eventually be surpassed by the memory of a fine day out on the hills of the French Jura. May there be many more.

PS – Well done Philip for busting through his 830m training regimen after his operation.

PPS Apologies from Mark, Rob, Thatcher, Mervyn, Richard Wiley, Peter Drew and others.

GIN Bikers – May 20th 2021

In the summer time, when the weather is fine, You can reach right up and touch the sky, You’ve got cycling, you’ve got cycling on your mind.

Was it good fortune or the stated good connections of our leader, Peter D., that the sun was shining brightly for a day in the middle of a wet week as we met on May 20^th in front of the Everness Hotel in Chavannes de Bogis? Whatever the reason, there was a hum of expectation for the promised relaxed, flat ride towards the Geneva vineyards and a lunch on a warm terrace from the Magnificent Seven of Mark, Mervyn, E-Paul, E-Philip, Peter T., Peter D. and Stephen. E-Paul did his usual warm up ride from Grand Saconnex and arrived looking unexpectedly puffed……perhaps regretting that he could have had an extra 30 minutes in bed and have met us on route.

Fresh as daisies and raring to go…….

We set off through the wooded glades of Versoix with the smell of damp forest and happy banter. Care had to be taken to avoid the copious offerings of many a horse who had passed the same way. We rode through the pleasant countryside around Colley Bossey with the Jura on one side and the Alps on the other before passing into France to cut through the Fernex peninsula before re-emerging into Switzerland at Meyrin. Comments were made about the difference in French drivers at multi-traffic light junctions….we blamed them, they blamed us for unexpected behaviour. Fernex itself was undergoing a facelift which added to a bumpy, devious ride over dug up streets. Once emerged through the industrial estate of Meyrin, we headed towards the delightful wine villages of Choully, Satigny and Pessy with only gentle uphill inclines. Signs offering inviting wine tastings were somehow passed. As we progressed towards our lunchtime destination in La Plaine a difficult decision faced our leader: right uphill, left uphill or straight ahead on an unknown flat track. With much encouragement, the middle path was chosen with a cursory check on the map. 200 metres further on, the track took a sharp right turn and a steep climb beckoned. Well charged e-bikers, charged ahead, in charge of the hills before discharging onto a bench at the top to wait for the well dispersed pedal-power only peloton. Regrouping we gratefully enjoyed the downhill ride to La Plaine.

COVID rules meant that we were seated at 2 tables for lunch. This was indeed a sunny terrace (although mostly protected by large shades) and a welcome change from our last cold lunch. Whilst the one Coke (with “beaucoup, beaucoup, beaucoup de glace”……e-Paul needed cooling) and 2 beer table discussed erudite subjects such as advocacy psychology and the derivation of Pi, the 8 beer table ended up debating the need to keep purchase receipts in order to check monthly financial statements (3 out of 4 in favour…..one accountant didn’t see the need!). The lunch lived up to the promises of Peter D. as evidenced by a full clientele.

If you take a regular polygon of infinite sides it converges to a circular profile….

Another for the road? Peter says there’s only one more hill.

Checking expenditure….no need, I’m an accountant.

“Only one more hill” before we had a flat run for home. What a hill! Legs heavy after a full lunch, we battled up through Cartigny and Aire-la-Ville before descending to Penney and an unpromised second uphill to Satigny. The Magnificent Seven became restless. Paul headed for home, not wanting another long detour to Chavannes. Philip decided to lead a scenic route away from the main road but Mark and Mervyn decided to pursue their own route. Similarly, Stephen sped on, on his own, losing the peloton once back in Switzerland. Stopping for a tyre check on Philip’s bike (just a repump needed…no puncture) allowed our leader to “herd the cats” and regroup for the final push back to our starting point.

Another great day out enjoyed by all and further proof that e-bikes will be with us all shortly.

Ride statistics: 61kms, 3h31m saddle time, 18.6km/h average speed, denivelation 787m (Mark’s optimistic value). Conditions: sunny, pleasantly warm, slightly damp under tyre.

Gins conquer Crêt de la Neuve, May 13, 2021

The metéo promised coolth, rain and generally miserable weather. The restauranteur at Col du Marchairuz firmly said that he would not be serving food or drinks and implied that anyone wanting such must be mad. So with all this encouragement 10 intrepid hikers plus Kobie met in sleet in the parking at St George aiming to saunter to Col du Marchairuz and back. This was a GIN hike 3 of us (Pete, Mervyn, Mark) had done with Jonathan Harle back in 2017. In fact March 17 and we had then eaten out in warm sunshine at the Col.

Just before departure, Pete behind the camera, Mike??

Mark had selected and was leading this hike and it soon became apparent that he couldn’t really remember it. Fortunately Rob and Peter are very familiar with this part of the Jura and provided expert assistance, including suggesting that there was no real purpose in going to the Col since it was shut so we went instead to Crêt de la Neuve, where we stopped for lunch.

On the way up we passed a brown bear posing by the roadside, waiting for fellow poseurs, so we helped him out. Then we saw a couple of birds nesting in the rock face. The jury was out on whether they were crows or ravens. They were certainly black birds but not blackbirds, Cravens?

And again with the bear, this one by Richard

Lunch was cold, colder than the previous time when we were snowshoeing but there was an abundance of wine and spirits including several nationalities of whisky. The world was put to rights about Scottish independence, Irish vs Scotch whisky, the Lions touring party and other similarly momentous subjects on which we were all experts.

After lunch Peter found a paved road that had been specially prepared to take us directly back to our cars. The sun came out on the way down and we even saw the lake and the jet d’eau. We got back to the cars at Chinese dentist time just as it started to rain again.

A great day out. 14km and 580m uppsy-downsy.

Participants: Peter T and Coby, 2 Richards, Steve, Mike, Rob, Mervyn, Philip, 2 Marks.

Our route, 1st loop anticlockwise, smaller loop clockwise

Wine-tasting, Wednesday, 12 May, 2021, 7pm.

Our first wine-tasting since January 2020, was just like a breath of fresh air; 7 of us enjoyed an evening of chit-chat and trying to solve the covered (Hamish’s socks) labels of 6 bottles of red wine from the surrounding region of Prangins….with a final decanting of a 40 (1981) year old vintage Bordeaux red which was much appreciated…..even by the ladies who had come to collect their husbands……

Terence Gale
Host

For the future:

June	Paul Sochaczewski
July	Ian Cappin
August	David Gwilliam
September	Tony Raeburns

GIN Bikers – May 6th 2021

“Cycling in the rain, just cycling in the rain. What a wonderful feeling…..”

The morning of May 6^th was dark, overcast and foreboding. The weather forecast did nothing to suggest any change but, despite this and a last minute offer by the leader to just meet at the restaurant, 6 intrepid GIN bikers demonstrated their true grit and bundled up in waterproofs to take up the challenge. Peter D, Peter T, Mervyn, Mark, Stephen and e-Philip met at the Everness hotel in Chavannes at 10h sharp. Great to have Philip back with the group, looking fit after his encounter with the surgeon. Unfortunately, e-Thatcher had to withdraw for his first ride due to having to keep an eye on Mrs. e-T, whose surgeon had recently been keeping an eye on keeping her eyes clear.

The ride started smoothly: only a few specks of rain and no punctures. As we moved eastwards along the lake through Céligny, Crans, Nyon and Prangins, the conditions became steadily worse and early optimism that we might be able to miss the worst of the rain were thwarted. Peter D donned his jaunty, waterproof, blue see-through attire……memories of earlier days when he dressed up as a fairy. The first climb up through Prangins showed the benefits of an e-bike as Philip cruised effortlessly towards the front, despite frantic pedalling by the leader who did not want to be overtaken. By the time we had progressed onto Trelex and up the next hill the slippery conditions saw Stephen slipping on his pedal and ending up on the tarmac. Was it by chance this was in full view of a chatty female rider who had stopped by the side of the road to refill her water bottle at a fountain? Battered and bruised and wet, but not beaten, the magnificent six amassed at the Gingins start of the climb to up above Bonmont. On a rolling start we took our usual positions with the e-bike interloper again pedalling easily into the leading group. He also had time to compare the cadence of the other riders. If ever there was a sales pitch for an e-bike……

e-biker taking it eeeasy after a gentle ascent

Party wear and optimistic sunshades Mr. Drew……

A well-earned breather at the usual 717m peak (21 times for Peter T this year so far) before a cold and wet descent through La Rippe, Crassier, God’s Corner and onto the previously promised relief of the Founex Tennis Club restaurant. Protected though it was from the wind and rain, some seating was a long way from the heater. As we shivered on the terrace, downing the welcome beer before enjoying one of the weekly special menus, there was some reflection as to whether there should have a been a choice of ride or terrace lunch and not both. However, as we dispersed into the continuing rain we (all?) agreed that this was a memorable ride, not to be missed, and one that will ensure that we really appreciate future rides in better conditions.

Can’t we get that heater nearer?

It’s fine for us, thanks.

Ride stats: ca. 35km, 480m elevation gain, 21.4 km/hr average speed, 1h38m saddle time (meeting point to restaurant). Conditions: wet.

Gin Hikers to St Cergue 29.4.21

The Gods had been playing dice with the weather forecasts and the planned saunter through the narcissi that had been in the mind of David had been postponed, but a lucky throw was serving up a dryish day. So a smaller saunter team turned out for a meander up to St Cergue from Genolier, with a possible escape back down by train if another throw turned wet.

Attending : Mark Wts, Stephen, Rob, Mike, Thatcher, Peter.

Apologies : Mark Wn, Richard

Taken at the end, by Mark Wts : Mike, Rob, Peter, Thatcher, Stephen

Meeting at Rob’s parking above Genolier for his regular raids into the Jura forest, the team was in good spirit, albeit some regulars were sadly missed having replanned their day after the earlier narcissi cancellation. Sans dogs this was to be a relaxing saunter with the hope of a beer at St Cergue on a terrace in promise. This was thus to be an inner ring to the previous Arzier to La Cure ramble – which returned by train.

We set off up the bank of the Oujon Rivulet, the bright greens of the new beech leaves almost requiring sunglasses despite the somewhat gloomy weather. Steamy but undeterred we continued up the “gully” and up under the repointed stone bridge of the LR Train. It was odd that it was not raining. There was much to discuss on the ascent which passed quickly with guidance from Rob. Boris, vaccines, golf, nuclear energy, etc. and absent friends were ribbed, but we did not stray into Scottish independence to my recollection. If there was a cuckoo I did not notice.

We descended still dry into St Cergue after coming across a friend of Rob, a possible future member should he want to join (the only GIN requirement). We were invited to the magnificent rear terrace of the bar on the high street and Thatcher generously paid for a round of beers, mine a pleasant red Himbergen – new to me, a little sweet but very quaffable. Large awnings sprang up as soon as a few drops of rain were complained about and we were snug and could have been set for a session, except we all had packed lunches and there was some Chilean red to be sampled. Also Rob had forgotten to pack any winter gear (or he could not be bothered to fetch it out of his sack) and complained later of being freezing – odd for a Scot.

All too soon we were off to the trail that led to the lunch spot that we had enjoyed on the first (b)ramble to St Cergue, 4 weeks earlier. Amazingly the sun appeared fleetingly and we chatted inter-alia about generational differences over our lunch (in my case a home-made gorgonzola, salted crisp, and roquette tortilla – from which I had no ill after-effects). There was also some reference to the difference between men’s and women’s brains which Mark seemed to know about and which explained everything (see the video Mark sent round).

Duly fortified and replenished we sped on across to the Parapente Lookout to see a squall approaching. Happily it fizzled out and we stayed dry.

Squall approaching. Let’s get down.. Notice the colours change with elevation.

Facing the music – notice hand warming needs.

It was then down down following Rob’s expert guidance. Descending a remote and particularly bright green and pleasant gully we met Rob’s wife Heather walking two of their three cocker spaniels Zeb and Ettrick up the hill. She was the only person we met in the forest all day.

Happily indeed the rain held off and we strolled back down the main track to the cars in good order and in time for baby sitting and other duties to be tackled.

Another pleasant, dry but cool, hike. 550 m deniv, 12.5 km. Total time including stops 4’37”

What did I miss ?

GILLY Biking LUNCH

22 April 21

A Long-Form Report

Another perfect day for biking saw Peter D (leader), Peter T, Mervyn, e-Paul, Mike and Stephen meeting at the Chavannes de Bogis hotel at 10.30. Peter D had organised the route promising us an undemanding ride to the pleasures of a terrace lunch at the Auberge de Gilly. However, the start had to be delayed due to Stephen deciding to test the groups’ tyre changing prowess (again) as he found his bike had a puncture immediately after set off. Happily, Peter T. was deterred from fiddling with the front, good tyre. After the experience of the previous ride, our leader (Note : day-leader, not Bike Organiser, Ed.) had come prepared with a spare inner tube and in next to no time the rear tyre had been removed, the new inner tube inserted and the bike ready to go….apart from the need for tyre inflation. Once again, all the available pumps were found inadequate and Peter D returned the short distance to his home to pick up a reliable pump as well as a back up crew to return this home. Helen made some comment about whether we wanted back up for the entire route but we parted happily on our way, declining this offer. A couple of hundred metres later in an acceleration around a corner we realised that we were too hasty, as the repaired tyre suffered a second puncture. Moral: always check the tyre to remove any offending sharp object before repairing a puncture. Stephen was ready to let the group cycle on without him but, being close to home, Peter D. volunteered a spare bike, albeit lacking a recent service and, as discovered later in the day, with a saddle that didn’t allow for a previously pampered backside.

Anyway, we were finally on our way about 30 minutes behind schedule, so any detour (e.g. via a Bonmont climb) was cancelled. Our leader took us via a scenic route through the vineyards once we had left behind the approach via God’s Corner, Crassier, Gingins, Givrins, Genolier and Begnins. Mike, on his first outing with the group, manfully pedalled his way on a mature bike with a problematic brake, encouraged by our leader’s frequent claim of “no more hills”……..although there was some poetic licence here.

The Gilly hostellerie was ready and waiting for our arrival, happily advised of our 15 minute delay as the terrace was full with others enjoying the weather and the newly re-opened terrace restaurant. A couple of amber refreshments followed by the usual excellent lunch at this restaurant, made the trials of the morning ride fade into the background and fortified us for the return. Paul took his leave early, needing to e-bike it back to Grand-Saconnex and not needing his batteries recharged more than a liquid top-up.

The return journey was largely uneventful, opting for the direct route as required by blood focused on digestion. In total about 50kms with a height difference of ca. 400m. we dispersed at God’s Corner and made it back to our respective homes in time for a well earned rest and cup of tea.

Stephen Long (GINs Bike Organiser)