Blog – Page 28 – GIN Club

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)

Essential kit for future rides. Note the offending splinter; to be removed before any new inner tube is employed.

Salads are still good at the Auberge de Gilly. So is the beer.

Socially distanced. Only 4 allowed per table, so we had to split up. Notice shorts.

Peter T’s route record. Sadly no Bonmont…

Hiking Group seeks La Cure

15 April 21

Intended route – right to left in an arc of red dots.

An intrepid team of ten set out from Arzier (at unhappily.rots.vines) for a saunter up into the unknown Jura and over to La Cure intending a return by the little red train. Despite red dots above, the route planned was a little sketchy and the leader was quietly pleased that at the initial sounding in the carpark at Arzier, the other nine seemed “up for it”. Despite having banged his head early while escaping from the dog, the leader somehow managed to find the trail unfolding, without getting lost, and with no brambles or mishaps.

Bright sun warmed us a bit, with occasional scudding cloud and a chill Bise wind. We found our way up to a field with a magnificent view out back over the shimmering Lake Leman and to the alps, however this time covered in haze and cloud. Back into the forest and suddenly across a clearing were two chamois prancing up a slope into the cover of the woods beyond. There were very few folk out and about.

General banter and conversation saw us quickly uphill turning left and unsettlingly down past the Cave. This is Rob’s country and he was happy ensure the route guidance remained accurate. Very soon coffee was taken on a sunny bank (thanks Mark and Mervyn). The leader was keen to ensure that members avoided standing on the crocuses which had sprung up in hope for a nice life after the snow had cleared and the ground warmed. Sadly some were flattened. Some Finnish fluid appeared but at least one member declared that he was on the wagon for medical reasons, and certain others showed some solidarity and forbearance.

Gradually we started to encounter snow patches which became larger and longer and then continuous, but the going was gently upward and the snow firm and not deep to the tread. After traversing the Givrine-Marchairuz ski trail in possibly its prettiest central section we swung right before Vermeilleys and up a long and snowy track in bright sun. Turning a corner and meeting a sunny and sheltered glade, and with it being one o’clock, the leader declared a lunch stop; no-one objected.

Wines were white and from Sicily and Portugal for those partaking, chilled in the deep bank of snow in front of us. This was indeed a pleasant spot with expected clouds not materialising, and despite low temperatures in the wind, we were nicely sun-blessed.

All too soon we were up and on our way across the highest section of the traverse, past Arxière Chalet in fine snow and gently down towards the long valley to La Cure. With just over 3 km to go we had a decision to make. Mark Warren had a timetable for the train (the leader had failed here). It showed only one an hour (two an hour from St Cergue only). Do we rush to just possibly miss the 2.44pm? The better course was to take it easy and amble slowly down. It also gave time for banter and gentle ribbing on Scottish independence, and other subjects. In warm sun and cold wind we obtained out tickets at La Cure station and supped Lagavulin which somehow appeared. The short little red train ride back was most pleasant apart from mask wearing, and a stiff pull back to the cars at Arzier completed 16.5 km (perhaps 18km per Richard) and 710m denivellation (with 58m down and up in the central Jura).

Next hike – David and the Pleiades narcissi on 29 April.

Attending : Marks W and W, David, Thatcher, Mervyn, Michael, Rob, Stephen, Richard, Peter (Leader).

Up past the viewpoint with shimmering Lac Leman.

Sur le Train

Social distancing – or how to take up the whole carriage.

Actual route – not much different from the intended.

GINs at Arboretum, April 14

We were lucky with the weather. The morning was bright and clear but with a cold Bise blowing. Sixteen of us assembled before 10:00 in the Arboretum car park for a coffee and chat before setting out on the walk.

Unfortunately all the magnolia blossom was killed off by the hard frost the previous week, which nullified the declared intent, but we still enjoyed a very pleasant stroll of about 5km through this beautiful park. The total denivelation was about 200m, more than usual for the walking group, which led to some grumbles which were completely ignored by the leader.

Map-of-route

We all got back to the cars and set off home by 12:30. Some of us apparently enjoyed the route so much that they then tried to retrace it by car!! They know who they are!!

The team

Left to right: Rob Mackenzie, John Burley, Philip Jenkins, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Dave Gernandt, Bryan Clark, Alan Baker, Thatcher Shellaby, Michael Hempstead, Tim Goodyear, Drew Meek, Brian Allardyce, John Webb, Mark Warren, Mark Watts (behind the camera).

GINs Biking 8 April 21

The day started sunny, bright and cold….too cold for us seasoned bikers, so the outing was carefully planned for the warmer afternoon (a balmy…or barmy.. 9C). The usual suspects of Stephen, Peter T, Peter D, Mark and Mervyn had subscribed to this first official ride of the year but boosted by the company of e-Paul. The club has moved into the modern era with e-bikers adding to our number and ensuring that the ageing peloton keeps moving at a certain pace. E-Paul proved the sustainability of e-biking by starting his ride in Grand Saconnex and returning there afterwards.

We met at the Chavannes de Bogis Hotel and asked a waiting workman to take the starting photo of us all. Unfortunately for him, his “patron” arrived and suggested that he should be doing something other than taking photos! The circuitous route had been carefully planned by the new club co-leader,Stephen, to take in the delights of the small villages of the Jura foothills without needing the exertion of a Bonmont climb.

Our first loop took us past the commercial Chavannes Centre through the woods towards Versoix and then back down a path parallel to the French border towards the Divonne border crossing. Having paused for breath and, for those with less well sprung bikes, to recover from the bumps and pot holes along the path, we proceeded at pace along the cemented path towards Bogis-Bossey. “We” is not entirely accurate as, unknown to the front runners, the back 3 had ground to a halt with Mervyn’s back tyre succumbing to those bumps and pot holes and gaining a puncture. The advance group eventually realised that there was no peleton and retraced the path back to the repair group, who had already disassembled the back wheel. Many keen hands then set about on a total revamp of Mervyn’s bike, including adding symmetry to the bike by deflating the front tyre which the small hand pump stubbornly resisted re-inflating. As chance would have it, we were only a stone’s throw from the bike shop near the border and so two trips later, with new inner tyre and machine inflated front and rear tyres, the bike was good to go again. A couple of British ladies wheeling a buggy had the benefit of passing the whole exercise on multiple occasions with much banter.

We continued on the well-cycled path to the Ecumenical Centre (God’s Corner) and on to Eysins, Signy and up to Gingins. A final vote was taken (well, an executive decision) not to do the Bonmont hill diversion, despite the retired leader wanting to add to the mere 17 already completed this year. A refreshment stop at the Givrins bakery was a suitable alternative. Paul’s e-bike was still well charged but Paul recharged his batteries not only with a drink, but also a chocolate éclair, and headed off back towards Geneva with much confusing advice as how to follow the Swiss cycle route 50 to his doorstep. We subsequently heard that this was surprisingly successful.

The homeward trip took us via Genolier to Duillier to Asse and via back routes (with the exception of having to cross the main approach road from Nyon to the motorway) to Avenex, through the Eysins Landi car park (much to the surprise of all but the leader) and onto Crans, Céligny and back to the proximity of God’s corner where the group dispersed to their home destinations.

In all a round route of about 50km (about double that forPaul!), just over 2 hours saddle time, 380m altitude change and an average moving speed of 22.5 km/h. In summary, an excellent early season ride with attractive scenery.

Team Biking : Peter, Mark, Peter (in shorts), Stephen, Mervyn, Paul

Peter T’s Map of the bike route – Clockwise on both loops.

GIN Hiking Season Starts

Raid (almost) on St Cergue 1 April 2021

April Fools Day. But the weather did not fool us and it was a sunny and warm start for four of us from the parking in the forest above Trelex. Rob, Thatcher, Mark Warren and myself. Having read that the IWCN rules require members to arrive 15 minutes early, I arrived well before 10am, as did the others so we set off at 9.58am. Unhappily however, Stephen had mentioned during a beer after an exhausting bike ride 2 days earlier that he would also join the hike, but I had forgotten this as I had no paper work in front of me. After 7 minutes along the trail I got a call from the slightly late Mr Long. Rob went back to fetch him and after apologies from the leader for being an April Fool the five of us started up the dry and stony trail through stunted oak and beech towards a distant St Cergue.

The initial sparsely wooded ridge allowed expansive views across the forested valley to Genolier and back in the other direction to Geneva and the Alps. Not a cloud in the sky! It was T shirt weather. The unvaccinated among us had our vaccine dates fixed so we were in good cheer. Life was good and the banter steered clear of Scottish politics. Some worries surfaced of the impending French lockdown and its impact on upcoming golf plans. Passing 10 minutes on the sturdy commune bench allowed us to gird ourselves for the steep hike ahead. The leader had only a sketchy knowledge of a middle section resulting in a “holiday-route” up though brambles and some words for the leader, but we were soon back on the trail. We encountered large boundary stones with “SC” and “N” carved on either side (answers on a postcard). A path to the right then skirted a cliff and led up to the under-girth of St Cergue. The cone of snow cleared from St Cergue streets blocked the track but we were soon past and had an encounter with three chamois. There followed an enjoyable picnic lunch on benches overlooking the valley out to Mt Blanc in the distance. Johannisburg, NegroAmaro and Lagavulin were on the drinks card.

Our descent commenced along the cliff to the parapente overlook and the usual amazing view. Rob provided impeccable guidance back down trails he runs up and down regularly, and added a fine detour through the gorge. We were soon back at the cars – a good first outing 2021. 580m denivellation and 12.5 km.

Apologies : Peter D, Richard, Paul, Gerry, Mark, Philip and others – who missed a sunny and pleasant hike.

Thatcher, Mark, Rob and Stephen ready for the hill behind them.

Thatcher ascending. Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam

Rob serves Lagavulin. Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam

At the overlook

Tree trunks and logs.