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Once again the weather forecast was kind to us: cooler than in the previous hot and humid days and only a small chance of rain….ideal for a GIN Bikers’ outing.

The Bleader had promised an interesting route, taking in the delights of the local countryside as well as a couple of uphill challenges:

“The plan is a 09.30h start at the Everness Hotel. From there the usual gentle start, similar to last time, in the pleasant countryside around Châtaigneriaz, God’s Crossing, Crans, Arnex, Eysins and up to Signy, Grens and Gingins, where we’ll stop for a coffee. Reinforced with caffeine (and maybe beer for PeterD?) we start the first of two hills: the first our Bonmont benchmark but up from the Gingins side…..some say a little more challenging. Having conquered the ascent to 727m we enjoy the downhill, passing above La Rippe and along the back border crossing into France. A small warm-up after the camp site before the short but steep Vesancy climb a little further on. At this stage in the season, we’ll save the brutal Mourex climb (the last of the hills in the famous 3 hill route) until our legs and batteries are used to discharging sufficient power and instead freewheel down towards Gex and onto Versonnex, where lunch is booked at the sur l’Ardoise. Suitably refueled all that is left is the attractive, non-strenuous ride back into Switzerland and through the Versoix woods to our starting point.”

Seven Bikers signed up for the outing, all arriving on time at the Everness Hotel meeting point: Stephen (BL), PeterD, Mervyn, Mark2Ts, Bill, e-Thatcher and e-Richard. Richard already making an excuse that he might again have to leave after the coffee stop, blaming a household injury (although could it have been another “important” webinar?). In his defense, he did complete the circuit, realising en route that e-biking is kind to leg injuries.

We set off in a non-intuitive direction, the BL keen to keep any independent-minded participants from guessing the way he would go and hence keeping them close. Bill was in fine fettle after a successful 3 day biking warm up with friends and even Mark the (sometimes diminished) Wattage was looking spritely, determined to show that muscle power alone is adequate, demonstrating that e-biking is still a way off for him…. and so not giving PeterT an excuse to also move to e-biking. The group kept mostly together up until the first incline to Signy and beyond although at one stage, as PeterD took the lead, confirmation was sought by some of the group that he had indeed gone the intended route (he had). As the coffee stop neared (Maison Brega on the outskirts of Gingins) the skies started to darken and PeterD was way up front. The BL made an attempt to haul him in to the desired destination and, with the help of the others, he indeed did correct navigation but Peter managed to cycle past the coffee spot and half way up the hill to Gingins before being recalled. There is a theme emerging here.

We shared the restaurant garden with a couple of ladies from the Nyon Ladies Group who seemed pleased to have seven such fit, Lycra-clad, GIN members join them. As we finished the coffees (and one green tea) the dark skies started to precipitate their contents and the ride up to the Gingins fountain became quite damp, necessitating some to out their rain gear.

Happy, if a little wet.

The Bonmont climb from Gingins is indeed a little longer and maybe steeper in parts than the traditional route with the result of the peloton spreading out behind the easy going e-bikes. Muscular and electrical power saw us all safely up to the usual 727m stopping point…..Wattage intact.

Good looking and fit, bikers at 727m (Richard behind the camera)

What a delight that downhill ride through the woods, the cool wind ventilating our exercised bodies and giving some temporary relief before the next uphill. This arrived all to soon and once again the peloton lengthened as the non-e-bikers manfully struggled up from St. Gix to Vesancy. Regrouping at the top, the general consensus was that the effort was not as tough as remembered (but then memories are perhaps getting hazy….). Once again we could enjoy a downhill ride: past Gex, through Cessy and onto Versonnex for lunch. At one stage e-Richard was seen to try and emulate Mervyn’s streamlining to get additional downhill speed (to no avail). With our lunchtime destination almost in sight, the heavens decided to unexpectedly open again but there was no stopping us this time to put on rain gear….the beers could almost be tasted.

Beer delivery……..

Ready to say “Cheers”!

The restaurant Sur l’Ardoise maintained it’s reputation for food and drink. A simple choice of two starters and two main courses on the menu du jour served our needs more than satisfactorily, with everyone opting for the cucumber soup and then a split between chicken and fish main course. The majority then felt that a dessert should be added to aid the calorific input for the trip home. The tarte tatin was excellent! There was some discussion about a possible spouse pick-up but this was soon lost in bikers’ chat about bike design, advantages of gravel bikes, positioning of water bottles etc. as well as not entirely favourable analysis of a certain President’s current activity.

The ride back across the border before Bossy and then onto Collex and through the Versoix woods was challenging enough even without major slopes. By this stage the sun had re-established itself and in the open it was hot and oppressive. The shade of the woods gave pleasant relief. By the time Stephen and PeterD passed our starting point all the other participants had peeled off (Thatcher making a now habitual stop at Jumbo).

Ca. 50kms and 800m climb.

Another perfect day, with only the Canadian smoke haze obscuring the views of the Alps and the Jura. It was going to be a Magnificent Seven but at a late hour we were augmented to an Awesome Eight participants:
e-RichardF
e-Paul
e-Reinier
PeterD
Bill
Mervyn
Mark2Ts
Stephen (Bleader)

We met at 09.30h at our usual place, part blocking the entrance and exit of the Everness Hotel much to the frustration of passing drivers.

Stephen had pre-warned what was in store:
Meet at the Everness Hotel, gently pedal towards and past God’s Crossing, through Céligny, Crans and onto Eysins. Under the motorway and a small incline to Signy and further on through Grens to Gingins. From there we pass the opportunity to slip in a Bonmont ascent in order to save energy for later. Our usual route from Gingins to Genolier but stopping at Givrins for a timely coffee. Caffeine on board, we mentally prepare ourselves (if not physically) for the climb up on the new cycle track past the Genolier Clinic to Le Muids. A last push up to the top of the village and then a well-earned downhill sweep to Gimel but with that last irksome slope up to the village. From there our work is almost done! Downhill to Begnin, Vich and across to Coinsins and onto Duillier for lunch at the auberge with that spectacular outlook from the terrace (suggested on our last outing). Stomachs full we follow the leader along the route to Asse, farm track from Signy Centre to Signy village, Borex, Arnex and onto God’s Crossing, where we can disperse to our respective homes.

We set off in high spirits, unexpected by the Bleader as in his route plan he had mistakenly called Bassins, Gimel, which would have entailed a further 9km up the hill after Bassins at the end of an already steep climb. Once again the mettle of the group was displayed with not a negative murmur about the assumed task ahead. All went smoothly through Céligny and Crans with the group spreading out as we started up the gentle slope from Eysins to Signy and onto Gingins. By that stage, two of the e-bikers were at the front and were not aware of the regrouping at the Gingins fountain. Happily, they knew the way to the bakery/café in Givrins, but as it turned out they recognised the lack of peloton and waited along the route. For the first time this season, a coffee stop was on time and seating space was available outside the Givrins bakery. Richard and Paul fought over the rights to pick up the tab, which Richard won, much to the gratitude of all. Coffees paid, Richard declined the challenge of the Genolier hill as he had a “pressing webinar” to attend back home. Reinier also found an excuse to make an about turn. Perhaps, subconsciously, the potential of the Gimel destination was too draining for those with e-bikes……

Momentarily stopped at the Nyon-St.Cergue railway crossing outside Givrins, we slalomed the barriers but with due respect for safety (as we could see the train stopped at the Genolier station). On up through Genolier towards the clinic, where road signs indicated that the road was still closed after the clinic. A short debate resulted in the optimistic belief that GIN Bikers would be able to get through and PeterD led the way past somewhat irate workmen who questioned our ageing vison and sanity.

We regrouped at the top of the road with the backMarker still finding Wattage in his legs, although there were signs of the result of absence from the three previous outings. Digging deep, apart from e-Paul who was still comfortably charged, we made the climb through Le Muids until we enjoyed an all too short downhill on the way to Bassins before the final push up to the highest point of our ride (760m). Photographic evidence of this achievement was assigned to Bill. Having initially believed that he had a photographic or personal malfunction (couldn’t find the image on his phone) the result below was happily retrieved once safely back at home. The Gimel sign beckoned but all declined the opportunity to be late for lunch instead opting to be early for beer.

Relief at the highest point, some wistfully dreaming of Gimel

What an enjoyable downhill ride down from Bassins to La Cezille! Mervyn adopted a streamlined position on his bike, taking to the front and subsequently claimed to have reached 60km/h (safety warning: only Mervyn should try this on his aged bike). The Bleader decided on an amended route to stay high and not enter Begnins but double back to Genolier and from there, after a short uphill, enjoy the continuing downhill ride to Duillier via Coinsins. We arrived at the Auberge Malian in Duillier (under new management since our last visit) 45 minutes early, our table set and inviting with what would have been an excellent view across the vines to the Alps but for the haze. Beers ordered, we all opted for the menu du jour: salad, half a chicken and chips, coffee all for a modest 23CHF. Even the super croustillant chips ordered by Paul were included in the price.

A well-earned rest – no chickens here (yet)

Beered and dined we found it hard to leave the table but a siesta at home in a comfortable chair was an irresistible draw. Paul took his leave and headed down to Nyon station and from there to home. The remaining five of us slowly wound up the gears and returned via Asse and Signy Commercial Centre to the farm tracks running to Borex and beyond. Peter and Mervyn were on a mission and took the lead but unfortunately missed the planned turn in the route and ended up waiting at God’s Crossing alone whilst the peloton went the pre-determined way and dispersed before God’s Crossing, with Wattage on low and Bill feeling fit and ready for a multi-day outing with a cycling enthusiast friend.

Another memorable ride through our beautiful surroundings. In all ca. 50km and 700m ascent.

Ascension Day Outing

The GIN Bikers are a trusting group. Eight members signed up for the outing on Ascension Day before they knew in detail what was in store, apart from the promise of exercise, convivial company and a reasonable lunch. Those participating were:
A trio of Peters: PeterT, PeterD and e-PeterS
e-Paul
Mervyn
e-Mike
Bill
Stephen (Bleader)

Mervyn was careful to couch his participation with the desire that there wouldn’t be too much ascension (ironic for this particular day!). On learning that the circuit would involve some gravel track, Bill and his finely tuned racing bike decided to join us along the chosen route at the old railway station at Gex and avoid the converted railway track. So seven of us met at the revised starting time of 09.30 in front of the Everness Hotel. PeterT only realised the change in timing as his alarm woke him from a dream of climbing Everest in his slippers and he glanced at his messages from the previous day. The adrenaline kicked in and he was not the last to arrive. It was a perfect day, sunny but not too warm with a clear view of the surrounding mountains.

We set off in the direction of Grilly, stopping at our usual regrouping point of the village fountain. Since our last visit a book exchange cabinet had appeared and Paul, ahead on his e-bike, had time to peruse the selection and pick up a tome. From here we picked up the converted railway track, progressing smoothly in single file towards the meeting point for Bill. (The Bleader commented that we could have diverted via the testing Mourex hill but accepted that this could have caused a mutiny). Bill was duly waiting for us but the café was not operational until 12 noon so we headed into Gex to find a suitable stop for coffee. As it transpired, the centre of Gex is undergoing a renovation and the route was barred. PeterD wasn’t deterred and hoisted his bike and himself across the barriers and into no man’s land. The rest of us turned around and found a different route to a local café, where we were able to sit in the sun watching traffic pass.

Now that’s a coffee stop!

Where’s PeterD?

PeterT announced that this was the 30th anniversary of his arrival in Switzerland and was happy to finance the refreshments. As the coffees and unexpected lemon tarts arrived for this notable Swiss anniversary (albeit celebrated in France) we realised that PeterD was still absent. A phone call located him halfway towards Vesancy thinking that he was behind us. He decided to stay ahead and wait for us opposite our old watering hole in Vesancy, Ô Château (unfortunately now permanently closed). The spare coffee was shared and the spare lemon tart carefully packed so that PeterD could enjoy it once we caught up with him.

Content that for the first time this season there was a timely coffee stop, the peleton set off up the steady incline to Vesancy to regain our wayward colleague and full membership. The ride down from Vesancy is always agreeable after the summit of the town and allows mental preparation for the inevitable Bonmont climb once back into Switzerland by La Rippe. Concerned not to overstep his leadership role, the Bleader offered a democratic vote to only complete the first part of the Bonmont climb and not the final push to the full 727m elevation. Mervyn cast his vote without stopping at the decision junction and the rest of us had to follow up the extra metres. Well, all except Paul, who with the benefit of external power, decided to shoot ahead to the 888m junction and was consequently missing from the traditional photo at 727m. We recovered him subsequently in Gingins looking none the worse for wear after his additional climb.

Where’s Paul?

Our lunch spot was the Trois Tilleuls in Genolier. We all went for the menu du jour of trout pâté, quasi agneau (which we discovered is “rump” although other synonyms were used) with vegetables and fruit salad……all for a very reasonable 28CHF. It was well up to the usual high standard. The final price was somewhat higher after the necessity of liquid refreshments but still good value.

Serious food

Serious eating!

Mike left directly from lunch, his home being close by in Gingins. Paul left us after we descended through Coinsins and Duillier to Prangins to catch the train from Nyon back to Gd. Saconnex. The remaining six, continued down to the Route Suisse and along through Nyon before climbing up past the Nyon tennis club towards Crans and onto God’s Crossing (Evangelical Centre). At this point the party split and made their individual ways home.

All in all it was about 54km on average with individual variations and 670m climb. We all agreed that it was another excellent day on and off the saddle, meeting expectations of exercise, good company and good food with great weather and scenery thrown in.

Thursday, May 15th

Seven keen GIN Bikers met at the Everness Hotel at 10h on Thursday, May 15th. Once again the gods were smiling happily and allowed us warm, sunny weather, although there was some wind ….. as we found out on the return leg. The starters were:

Stephen (Bleader)
e-Reinier
Peter D
e-Richard
e-Thatcher
Mervyn
Ivan

e-Paul joined us later on the route, avoiding his usual commute from Grand Saconnex. It was good to see the return of Reinier after a couple of years out but looking very fit and certainly the most practised of the group.

The Bleader had promised a tour to the vineyards around Satigny on the far side of Geneva. We set off promptly in order to make the planned rendez-vous with e-Paul at the Vireloup crossing into France. We followed the well-cycled Route 50, through the Versoix woods towards Collex. At one point Ivan decided to exercise his one gear fully, took the lead and left the peloton behind. Unfortunately for him, he was not aware of the twists and turns of the Route 50 and had to backtrack in order to recover the group. On the flat tracks to Collex the e-bikes could not show their uphill advantage, but with the first slope exiting the woods, it became clear that ageing muscle power alone was not sufficient to keep up with modern technology. However, the e-bikers graciously waited patiently in the knowledge that on the flat and downhill their 25km/h limitation would show a reversal in their fortunes.

For the first time in the Bleader’s memory, meeting up with Paul at the border was completely flawless…..the rest of the group and Paul being at the correct meeting point at the correct time. Earlier suggestions of a coffee in Fernex were overruled with an unopposed proposal that we could carry on to Choully and enjoy refreshment overlooking the vineyards. Fernex was somewhat more exciting than expected due to roadworks in the centre and diversions (which were neglected by the group leader at that time). After some further attempts at a breakaway group we managed to unite up the initial gentle slopes of the Geneva wine territories, through Bourdigny and onto Choully. This is a delightful part of the Swiss countryside and meandering through the small wine villages with views all around made those of us without electrical support almost forget the effort we were having to exert. Unfortunately, the Auberge de Choully seemed to be having an unscheduled break in operations. We attempted to gate crash a party being set up in a local vintner, who turned down the economic benefits of 8 coffees and directed us through Peissy to Russin, where we would be sure to find refreshment. This was in the opposite direction to the planned route but the Bleader recognised that a second outing without a coffee stop could jeopardise his future career and so he led the pack to a very welcome, if late, coffee (and in PeterD’s case the first beer of the day…..well, we assumed it was his first). Ivan very kindly picked up the tab.

Relaxed and relaxing we considered options. Lunch was booked in Meyrin at 13h. Ivan and Richard needed to get back by early afternoon. Across the road was a very adequate and tempting communal auberge. There was also the possibility of a short track back to Meyrin. In a democratic vote (some voters thought there was a lack of impartiality in the way the options were listed) the shorter and less strenuous routes back were rejected in favour of completing the original loop on the cycle track 172, albeit in reverse direction to the original plan. Unfortunately, this meant that Ivan and Richard made their own direct route back in order to meet their domestic commitments. The remaining 6 then started on the attractive but relatively hilly circuit back to Peissy. This passed through Dardagny, Essertines and through the Allondon Nature Reserve. It is amazing how perspectives change when you try things in reverse….what you thought were short downhill stretches one way become long, steep, endless hills in the other direction. However, e-bikers and conventional pedal-pushers alike completed the circuit without incident….but on a slightly differing timescale.

We re-congregated for the return to the bright lights of the city and to the centre of Meyrin for lunch at La Meyrinoise, which was in the top 4 restaurants in Trip Advisor. The route to the restaurant had changed since the Bleader was last there and at one point necessitated a climb up steps. At last a positive advantage for the conventional bikes to the extent that Thatcher drew blood in manoeuvring his heavy machine. Happily, nothing too serious and it didn’t seem to impede progress after lunch. Lunch started at an early hour for Spanish eaters but at the later 13.30h sitting for this Italian/Swiss establishment. Beers and other refreshments were orders and consumed and the meals were copious and filling, so much so that at least 2 pizzas were unfinished and there was still some pasta. Conversation was lively as you would expect.

An urban lunch after a ride in the countryside.

Movement after lunch was distinctly slower, impeded by the lack of blood flow to the legs and the headwind which became noticeable out of the woods. Paul took the direct path home from Meyrin and the remaining 5 of us retraced our path through Fernex, Collex, Versoix woods and to the Everness Hotel. Thatcher left us at Jumbo (leg repair kit?) and the rest of us dispersed to our respective homes and a well earned rest.

Formal route (Everness to Everness) was just under 60km with 645m ascent and an average speed of 18.8km/h.

Mayday mayday. Normally a call for help – but happily no infarctions or other incidents occurred on this first bike ride for a while and the first with our BLeader for 2 years (he recounts).

There should have been eight of us but sadly Drew had to pull out so we were the Magnificent Seven instead of a Great Eight. It was indeed a magnificent day and we all assembled at 10 am at the Everness. Attending Stephen (Bleader), PeterD, Ralph, Ivan, E-Paul (who had biked out from Geneva) and E-Richard, with me (out on my 3rd ride of the year).

Stephen has adapted his bike to accommodate a leg that does not (yet) bend quite enough, after his knee replacement. A fascinating but simple additional pedal and crank attached to the original pedal crank.

I found an example on the internet that looks similar to the one he has on his bike.

There was a feeling of good cheer in the team, a shining sun, a lunch at Coinsins and only a Bonmont in prospect to spoil the pleasure.

We set off gently through the woods and over the Versoix River to Grilly. Talk of a coffee at Crassier morphed into a coffee at Givrins after achieving the Bonmont goal. We traversed Divonne and headed up towards Bonmont passing Tranchepied. The angle increased as did the effort. E-Bikers sailed up the hill while 5 of us struggled up. Ralph complained that his bike was designed more for flat and downhill riding, but he made it. The temperature was perfect.

After a period of self congratulation we headed off down for a Givrins coffee. Except that our BLeader took an executive decision to forego coffee in favour of earlier beer at Coinsins. We freewheeled down in the warm morning weather and turned into the carpark at the Coinsins restaurant. Being 1 May there were quite a number of diners in place already.

There followed some excellent beers and we all chose the steak frites, except Richard who chose the sausage but with frites not rösti. Much discussion still about Trump, the state of the world and growing vegetables. Paul had just returned from Indonesia and was still jet lagged, but he was energised by the wonderful sub aqua and temples he had just experienced. Ivan was recovering from a bad knee accident playing basketball but now seems on the mend. Stephen seemed relaxed and indeed cruised the whole route with his offset crank. Richard back from 3 months in S.Africa seemed good to be back.

After coffees we all heading back to Gods Crossing, with first Paul turning left to the Nyon train, then Ivan breaking off to his home.

A really pleasant ride with a Bonmont that looking back did not seem too hard, and a great lunch outside on the terrace under a substantial sunshade.

I recorded about 50Km and 500m denivellation.