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……
“Cycling in the rain, just cycling in the rain. What a wonderful feeling…..”
The morning of May 6th 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.
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.
The route Anti-clockwise.
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.
Thatcher’s round. Cold but dry. Snoozing after a beer
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.
Meeting Heather, Zeb and Ettrick.
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”
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.Mike and Mervyn attack le menu du jour. Peter T’s route record. Sadly no Bonmont…
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).
Off we go. Notice warm gear. 10 participants. 10 cars. Up past the viewpoint with shimmering Lac Leman.Distant Dole. Mike and Stephen.The pelotonSnow commencesCoureur des boisLunch glade.Wine coolerOnward after lunchA happy bunch, all downhill from here…Concourse on Scottish independenceLagavulin for the trainAnother with leader
Sur le Train
Social distancing – or how to take up the whole carriage.Actual route – not much different from the intended.
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.
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).Tarn with blasted magnoliaSense of balance requiredAubonne’s electricity sourceSome usual suspects
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, PaulMt Blanc behind usMany hands make bike work, .. or worse…Peter T’s Map of the bike route – Clockwise on both loops.
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.Stephen leads us towards St C. Thatcher ascending. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamStephen serves the redRob serves Lagavulin. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamReliving rock – the first move only
Tuesday March 30 was bright and clear so Mervyn and Mark set off to Veysonnaz for possibly the season’s last outing. All other skiers had cried off with wimpy excuses involving various combinations of missing skis, warm snow, dogs…, so there were only just enough of us to pluralise(?) the title.
When we arrived after a very easy drive we found no queue at the ticket office and were soon on the slopes.
Mervyn expertly led us over a wide area including finding a suitable rock for lunch and a bar at the end where the beer is delivered to tables by télépherique and the dogs wear face masks. Is there any ski station where Mervyn cannot guide?
Mark was so impressed by the “Long manoeuvre” last week that he tried to emulate it. However only his rucksack succeeded. In a separate incident he demonstrated a face plant that was so effective it had Mervyn concerned for the integrity of his brain cell.
Rush hour on the slopes
The snow was perfect, there were no clouds and nobody else on the slopes so we (I) were exhausted by 3:30 and in need of a cold beer before a very simple and uneventful drive home. A great day out, shame the others could not come.
A bright day dawned again as promised as a team of 7 plus one very junior and furry non-member arrived at the empty parking Col at Givrine at 10 am for a circuit into the Jura. Captain Mark Warren inspected the conditions near the start and declared that snow shoes were not essential nor even recommended and so we all left them behind and set off into the unknown heading up past the Fruitière de Nyon and up to the Rochefort CAS Cabane. Kobie the Cobberdog was attending his first GIN outing, and for it not to be the last, Peter was keen that his copy-book would not be blotted such that the (rather untrained) hound might not be banned from future outings. Still ungroomed at 9 months, he rather resembled a small, or perhaps large, furry yeti. Used as therapy dogs, Peter hoped that his happy countenance would fit in with the fun spirit of the members.
After an hour or so of steady progress with the yeti seemingly under control we reached a hut on the Route de Combe Grasse with a sunny facade and some useful logs for stools. A coffee stop was declared and curtesy of Mervyn’s thoughtful generosity some good hot dark strong stuff was passed around with fresh croissants. It was going to be a challenge to keep the yeti from whipping our pastries, especially for Rob to whom Kobie was particularly attracted and who had an elevation challenge. In the event Kobie played the coffee cup game to keep us amused.
My recollection of the discussions on the hike remain clouded by doggy thoughts, but I believe we recovered the usual ground of Scottish (in)dependance, whisky subtleties, vaccination politics, French and Swiss mismanagement, Trumpism and world struggles. I recall one member saying that in order to ensure he got a high place in the queue for vaccination he might claim obesity and “stick his stomach out at the doctor”. Another member commented “you don’t need to bother doing that”.
The trail led us on up to Cabane Rochefort and we spotted two chamois scampering across the slope ahead. Kobie was sinking into the heavy snow off the trail and even if interested had no chance. At the CAS hut we sprawled out on the outside picnic benches in warm sun and in shelter with hazy views out over Lac Leman. Perhaps the level of dog control could be improved at lunches in future and I apologise here to attendees for any inconvenience or nibbled turnovers. This time convivialities started with Stephen’s Prosecco and moved on to white wines before grappa and some of Rob’s flask contents. A very pleasant picnic indeed.
All too soon we had to part and the hound led us out toward the Chalet du Haut Mont and the Chalet de la Genolière. In places snow shoes might have been useful but we managed successfully, finding the coffee stop (thanks Stephen) at CdlG most welcome, as did Kobie who frolicked merrily with the resident terrier.
We were soon back at Givrine after a very pleasant 10km and 300m hike on snow without raquettes. The verdict on Kobie seemed potentially positive…
In attendance:- David, Marks Wn, Mervyn, Peter, Richard, Rob, Stephen, Kobie.
PS : The next day Kobie was exhausted and we started to groom him. Training awaits too.
Onwards to the Hiking season proper.
The outward trailCoffee stop. Mervyn distributes coffee and croissants. Rob saves his croissant from a yeti.Kobie plays the coffee cup gameLunch at Cabane Rochefort. Richard enjoys a chicken and leek turnover, er, handover..Lunch crew readying to leaveOne man and his yetiKobie waits for the team to catch upThe home strait
