Four faithful fellows forewent broomsticks for bikes this Hallowe’en (31.10.24) – Ivan, Mark2Ts, Peter T plus yours truly. The usual litany of excuses for absence, ranging from the forgivable to the feeble, was received from…….. no names, but you know who you are.
We met up at Divonne Lake at the appointed hour of 10am and after a brief conflab agreed to try to find the elusive sun which was reported to be shining above 800m. This entailed a ride past Bonmont and further up the road towards La Barillette. At the junction leading towards the pond we were still in mist so decided to head on up to the junction at 888m. En route we were pursued and, much to our astonishment and shame, overtaken by an elderly ironman on roller-skis out training for the upcoming ski de fond season!
Still not in sunshine we ventured further up until, at 990m we were finally rewarded with clear blue skies and an appreciable rise in air temperature. Our own temperatures were decidedly on the high side after 90 minutes of exertion, not least Ivan, who had for the previous couple of kilometers struggled with the added handicap of a back tyre rubbing hard up against the bike frame. He had been putting so much pressure on the chain that the wheel had become misaligned. As none of us possessed the requisite spanner (Peter D, you were missed) it was an easy decision to head back down. After all we had reached our goal – the sun.
The descent was decidedly on the chilly side with cold air blowing on sweat-soaked clothing so it was with great relief that we repaired to the restaurant at the foot of the hill in Crassier soon after 12 noon. We’d eaten there some years back but it is now the Restaurant La Semplicità, under new Italian management and to be recommended. Beers and the plat du jour plus desserts were thoroughly enjoyed, except by a very strong-willed Mark who is still on the wagon for another week.
A satisfying outing and a rewarding contrast to the washout of two weeks earlier. Hope we can fit in a few more rides before the snows come.
Of the seven who had signed up for this outing two sensible souls – the Honourable Members for Founex and for Rolle – believing their own eyes rather than the weather forecast, decided to stay in their pyjamas in preference to donning wet weather cycling gear. That left five of us who duly assembled at the start line at 09:30 – Ivan, Mark, Mervyn, Peter S & Ralph.
The grounds of the Everness Hotel are the usual meeting place for our biking trips but today, under leaden skies and heavy rain, the invitingly warm interior was the unanimous choice. There we shed wet outer clothing and ordered coffees and teas. It continued to rain so we had another round of coffees and discussed the options for the morning. By 11 o’clock, with no improvement in the weather expected for several hours, we had decided to abandon any thought of cycling other than to head straight home.
Oh well, next time?
Blog written by a fully signed-up and unashamed member of the Fair Weather Biking Group.
PS: There are no photos of this non-event because no one had a waterproof camera.
I was recovering from the excess of Fizz the night before, and viewed the prospect of riding my VTT alongside two E-Bikers (Paul and MikeM) and a racing road bike (Bill), with some apprehension, perhaps trepidation. In the event it was not so bad.
Mike is wearing some sort of show-all bra he picked up at Paleo
Nothing had been pre-planned so we elected for the usual bike trail to Gex for coffee. The first stop is usually the water trough at Grilly where we rested and chatted by the clear sparkling water. The bike trail passed pleasantly in the shade and we were soon at Gex.
It was a fine morning, sunny but not hot helped by a cooling soft breeze from the north. Our usual choice for coffee is the Hotel Bellevue in the centre of Gex, but it was still closed for renovation. It was at this point that Mike became involved with a very friendly fellow who was commenting on the e-bikes. Only a bit later did we find that he was a 7th Day Adventist trying for new recruits. We asked him if he knew where we could get coffee, not realising that this sect do not drink it. Indeed he could not provide us with assistance in our plight, albeit he could help in other ways more spiritual. We extricated ourselves and biked a little way up the hill where we could see chairs and table under sunshades next to a courtyard.
We had reached the Crêperie du Jeu de l’Oie at 109 Rue des Terraux, where we could sit outside comfortably in the shade. It’s next to the police station so we did not bother to lock up our bikes. Coffee for 4 supplied with cold water on the side – all for less than Eu10!
Plans were agreed for the rest of the parcour. No lunch but a Bonmont. Happily our bikes were still there and we set off towards Vesancy. I was in the lead, but that was the last I saw of my colleagues.
I stopped near Huttopia and called Mike. He had a bike problem, Paul was helping. Bill had gone the wrong way and down to Divonne. We agreed that they would descend and head home and I carried on to Bonmont.
A Bonmont shot (I have 240 of these from 2020)
Very pleasant ride up Bonmont and then back to Coppet via Borex and Arnex.
I was sorry that I had lost my flock, I’ll try and do better next time.
The others did get home OK (at least Paul and Mike confirmed they did) and Mike wrote this to me later that day :-
“Hi Peter, I’m sorry we dumped you in the middle of nowhere. My bike had a flat tyre. I was able to fill it up a bit with the small emergency pump. But had to stop every 5 minutes to repeat. Made it to Crassier where I was able to fill the tyre up completely in a bike shop. So I had a cunning plan to ride to my bike shop in Nyon and leave it there for repair and service and go home by bus. However they could not give me a rdv until late August. So with still some air in the tyre I went back to Gingins as fast as possible using turbo power. Just made it to tell the tale. Cheers, Mike “
We had had some seriously heavy rains but today dawned bright and clear with a good forecast. We were lucky, bright sunny with some cloud and not too hot.
With a number of abstentions (and a late one from Mark2ts who had been collecting from the airport at 3am), we were seven gathered at Everness at 10am. Our esteemed BLeader (SL) was still unready to flex his new knee on his road bike.
Bill, Mervyn, Yvan, e-RichardF, PeterD, e-Paul and me PeterT.
My plan was to re-attempt the ride of 30 May, four weeks previously, when rain diverted us into Mike Muller’s café and taxi-hub, when he drove us to Gilly from Gingins for lunch. This time we would aim to take in hills up to Le Vaud and the fine run down to Gilly for a lunch at 1pm. There would be no need to take in Bonmont with legs as untested as ours’ so early in the season.
Passing Arnex without calling in on our BLeader, we rode steadily up through Borex and across Cheserex golf course and then also passed Mike M’s road in the fine sun. This time Paul was offering a coffee at the M bakery at Givrins – he had lived in this village many moons ago.
PD, Yvan and RF enjoying the caffeine at GivrinsPaul and Bill enjoying some Boost drink, before the hills arrivedMervyn and PT
It was time to engage in the real meat of the day, the hill above Genolier past the Joy Clinique, and happily there was no big heat in the day as we pulled up the hill towards Le Muid and then to a rest on a welcome bench on a ridge overlooking the valley to Bassins. The winding swoop down into the valley of the Ruisseau de la Combe was as fine as the climb back out up the otherside to Bassins was penible. From there it is only 2km to the top out of the day at Le Vaud at 815m.
Here the ride becomes really pleasant with more long swoops down through to Burtigny and then over the Champs de Montagny to Le Molard with wonderful views out over the Lac, over 300m below. A final run down into Gilly is always a pleasure – when you know that a large beer will be waiting on the terrace.
Awaiting lunch in heaven as Paul explains a pointThe beers were disappearing fast as we rehydrated, PD with his party faceBill and PT enjoying the beer
The lunch itself was good too. Some choosing roastbeef and chips, others the slow cooked pork. It was not crowded and the service was good.
All too soon it was time to pay the piper and get back out on the road. Normally the route home is uneventful, not quite so this time.
Just before Dullier as we were saying goodbye to Paul who was heading to Nyon for his train back to Geneva, Mervyn pressed hard on his pedals and one came off the crank.
Yvan takes control
It was indeed commendable that PD was carrying his bike tool enabling Mervyn to be repaired in quick time by Yvan. Mental note – make sure more of us carry bike repair kits. I always carry a first aid kit, but not often kit for my velo.
Paul duly waved us goodbye, and the main team approached L’Asse, noting much Paleo construction. Here in Mervyn’s own words “I was following someone(?) through L’Asse and missed the right turn”. Richard told me that Mervyn had done this on a previous ride, so I was less than very concerned that perhaps his bike had fallen apart again. In the event Yvan and he got home on their own route, possibly through Nyon.
From my house this was a 61.3km ride and 648m denivellation.
The ride with heart rate colouring
As I lay on the lawn at home with Kobie, my legs began to cramp up. I managed to rehydrate without too much problem, I hope others did too, especially Bill with his supper at the Barillette restaurant.
The weather forecast was not great, perhaps even ominous. Despite this 3 of us turned out at the Everness at 10 am. It was not actually raining, yet.
Mervyn, Richard F, and me. One E-bike class, two working class. One member was wearing shorts. Also somewhat optimistically I then booked a table at the Auberge in Gilly for 12.30pm and hoped things would work out. As you may read, they did, but not in a way that I could have foreseen.
We set off with the wind behind us, past the International School and God’s Crossing to Arnex. Here our temporary leader (me) could sense the presence of home brew produced by our real Bike Leader, Stephen, recovering with a new knee. I called him up but sadly he was out shopping, and related that he still could not quite get his new knee to play on his VTT. It should not be Long before he is back in the saddle.
So, onwards we ploughed our way up to below Bonmont (we avoided the temptation) and out across towards Genolier. The fields of poppies were almost as good as last year.
The team hopeful of continued good weather, passing the poppy fields
As we were passing Gingins, Richard pointed out that we would be passing Mike Muller’s new house. Richard had been a little concerned, perhaps worried, that he had forgotten to fully charge his bike the previous night and the hills up above Genolier to Bassins and Le Vaud might be pushing it, literally. Cheerfully he suggested that we visit Mike and thus we turned left up a field road and there was Mike himself inviting us in for coffee.
Mike, Richard and Mervyn. Bikers Rest Coffee Stop.
Mike’s and Richard’s wives were reported to be out together hiking in Italy.
We readily accepted the offer for coffee and for a chance to look around Mike and Tineke’s brand new house, set in an idyllic location on the edge of the forest, surrounded by fields and with a fabulous view. Amusingly there were two young and attractive ladies in orange jump suits measuring the specifications of the property for the Plan Cadastral.
Mike explains the lay of the land to Mervyn.Mervyn tests the water in the poolMike’s Coffee ShopA kit box of your dreams
A wonderful, bright and airy house, with a noticeable lack of clutter.
As we supped our coffee it began to rain, heavily. If we carried on biking to Gilly we would be late and wet. Instead we unanimously agreed that a far better plan would be to accept an offer of a lift in Mike’s car, and all four of us could lunch together in Gilly.
Mike duly drove us there with Nessie. We arrived refreshed and enjoyed a convivial and excellent 3 course meal with beers and coffee. I particularly enjoyed seeing the rain falling outside as we were eating. Nessie behaved prefectly, including when on my lap on the drive back to Gingins.
The sky had cleared and while Mike got back to wiring his home (connecting everything to the wi-fi), the three of us enjoyed the bike ride back across the fields (again avoiding the Bonmont temptation) and down to Gods Crossing where Richard turned back up to his home and Mervyn and I pedalled down to Founex and beyond.
A fine and unusual ride which could point the way forward for similar escapes in dodgy weather in the future. 33 km and 300m denivellation. Thanks to Mike for the coffee and the taxi-ride which saved our bacon.
Australian Cobberdog Rider – not actually Kobie – with thanks to RF and Meta AI – in better weather
With many biking team members proferring reasonable excuses only 3 of us turned out at the Everness on a fine April morning. Mark, Paul and myself. I was struck by the fact that Paul, having e-biked from Geneva, still ported 5 layers of clothing on his upper body, including two padded items.
Team at the start, is that a ski pass on Paul ?
Well I say fine morning, but it was a tad chilly as you can see from the buffs. However the forecast was for a warming trend. Given that there were only a few of us I decided that we should pay tribute to Paul and instead of heading NW, we should head SE towards Paul’s base. Well sort of. We would aim for lunch at Maison Blanche golf course, where Paul is a member.
It was a case then of the woods near Chavanne, crossing the Versoix River and up to Grilly, the train track trail to Gex and a coffee. It was a splendid spring morning, sunny and full of birdsong. The Bar Brasserie Bellevue at Gex is closed for renovation and it was not obvious that there was any coffee to be had so we asked locals. A very friendly fellow (training for the information bureau ?) spent some time helping us find the excellent cafe on the left up in the Rue des Terreaux which goes up to the Marie. I believe this is called Le Flush. It is certainly worth a future visit. Burger du Chef and Frites for Eu 15 looked good.
Paul after a useful coffee. Croziflette was on the lunch menu
I introduced the subject of “dictums” and Paul has subsequently provided me with some useful input for my quest into the various rules of life. I would welcome more from members. The quest continues.
No croissantes were left so there was nothing for it but to head to Maison Blanche up the “bastard” (designated by M2ts) of a hill outside Gex, followed by a leisurely roll across and down to Maison Blanche.
We arrived at 11.40am, 20 minutes too early for lunch so there was time for a beer or two on the sunny terrace. This is the life. A fantastic view out over to Mt Blanc, warm sun, great beer and fine company. Adding to the company was David, a friend of Paul’s, who used to work at Motorola. His two chums Kevin and Stephen (who had recently had a new knee (sic)) came in from their half round and joined us for a convivial lunch inside. The Maison Blanche has a new chef, from Mauritius, and the menu du jour was excellent, BBQ chicken and frites.
Mark, David and PaulStephen and Kevin
We enjoyed some bon conversation/banter and coffees before it was time to leave to roll back down to our respective base camps (in my case reversing the train tracks and the V River crossing). There was one point where Mark took a slightly wrong turn in Gex and I sat waiting for him to struggle back up a hill with large trucks.
More of a lunch with a ride than a ride with lunch, but hey, we got out there.
I recorded 40km and 400m, so not such a doddle perhaps. A most convivial ride and lunch. Maison Blanche is certainly worth a lunch. The terrace and restaurant views are superb, food and beer good, friendly service and prices reasonable.
Skiers were skiing and others were in Rehab or travelling, others still had reasonable excuses. In the end 3 of us turned out at the Everness on a bright but cold Thursday morn at 10 am. Rudi, Yvan and me.
Earlier I had opened the bike shed for the first time this year to find that the mice had chewed through my old winter mitts. There was evidence of nests in all the open saddle bags..
Rudi had his e-bike (he drove to the Everness), Yvan his Ukrainian 3 gear (mended) special, and me on my ATB. Yvan had a head warmer below his helmet, so did I with a buff. Rudi had his ski helmet on to keep warm, but had forgotten about the need to keep his feet warm and his summer pumps and thin socks could not have been pleasant. It was COLD, even in the sun.
We set off on the usual route stopping as is our habit at the water tank in Grilly, then we set off up the train track.
At Grilly. Rudi had held the impression he was a tall person…
The blossoms were coming out and the primroses wonderously in flower as we sped past, head down into the cold air. Taking the quick turn up and round before Gex, we set off up the road to Vesancy. My legs were beginning to ache on this first outing of the year, but in offset I hoped that the activity was helping my damaged knees.
Stopping just after Vesancy for a breather, we began to face the north wind and it grew colder as the sun disappeared below some cloud hugging the Jura. It was not long however before Bonmont arrived and we warmed up by over exerting our surprised legs up the eternal trail.
At Bonmont top #1 of the year
We descended in the sun and cold air to La Rippe where Rudi showed us the very pleasant looking house that he had lived in for 27 years (he left 20 years ago), up a quiet cul de sac. His purchasers were still there.
Onwards and upwards over the very pretty back roads before descending to the Lac de Divonne and a coffee at the Armenian Food Truck. Yvan elicited some good service as he conversed with the owner in Russian. Several punters arrived to collect food ordered by phone. We noted that chicken kiev was on the menu.
Divonne Lac Armenian Coffee stallGlad it was nearly over !
A fun but cold ride. Good to get this under our belts – for me the first of the year. After I got home I dozed in the sun in our garden room until a severe cramp spasm in my right thigh creased me up in pain. At least my knees felt better for their efforts.
The forecast looked as if the rain was going to stop but as I got nearer to Divonne Lake it seemed to get worse. Our leader Peter D had offered a ride that would take in lunch in Coinsins, but it had rained all night and in the event only two Peters turned up at the start.
Ivan said he was coming but we found him telephonically, at the Everness. No matter as eventually we all met up above Gilly on the bike path.
Waitng in the rain for Ivan
Grinding our way up the steep hill to Mourex it was almost possible to ignore the rain. Ivan found it a little hard given that his bike currently only has two gears, and not a low gear at all, and walked the last steep section.
Down to the road before the up to Vesancy and now PeterD was missing. We hoped he was OK but it was only that rain and sweat had got in his eyes. With the lame excuse that we were now chilly and time was ticking by we chose to miss our sacred Bonmont hill and instead traverse straight across to Genolier. Heck, the sun sort of almost came out at Vesancy and the rain stopped. Too late of course as we were all damp inside.
We arrived at Coinsins and chose not to sit out on the terrace…Ivan stayed for a beer but then had to leave to get back to his parents who had just arrived from Ukraine. However both Peters enjoyed the carbonara and salad from the dish of the day menu.
Just what the doctor ordered.
There remained the simple ride back home in drier conditions. This time we did not have a split party as we both turned right just after the Promenthouse River bridge before Dullier and came back via Asse, the Signy Centre and Borex.
About 45 km and 450m but my watch kept stopping its recording in the wet conditions.
The forecast was good and indeed the sun was shining as 6 bikers set off from Everness shortly after 10am. Our BLeader being in the hills, and Mr Drew in Fleurie, I stepped in and put into practice a sketchy sort of ride to 888. This ride gives some strong deinvellation up the Barillette road (well the bottom part), and was chosen in particular to assist Mark and Mervyn in their fitness drive before their Himalayan jaunt next month. Also attending were Ivan with his two-speed Ukrainian machine and Richard Flett and Mike Muller with their e-bikes. I was tasked with keeping the team together, this time.
Setting off passing by the Centre d’Epuration added a bit of spice and we were soon up at the watering place in Grilly. There was some discussion about how to deal with bats in the house, not related to cricket, and the solution seemed to include a tennis racket. Turning right along the bike path gave us an easy ride to Charly’s Pub for an early coffee.
Time for some more serious biking, so we ambled up through la Rippe and Tranchepied to the foot of the Bonmont Hill. I told Ivan that the target was 888 but he somehow forgot and forging ahead in 2nd gear he simply disappeared. Struggling on up the awful gradient my i-watch was telling me that my heart was beating at 143bpm. At the same time Richard and Mike passed by chatting pleasantly and I heard something about the “power levels” each were using. They disappeared ahead too. E-biking certainly has a more sociable side to it (and I would think of getting one except that with role models of Mark and Mervyn five years ahead of me, I really can’t do that, …yet).
Arriving exhausted at last at 888 after those interminable bends in the road I was a bit taken aback to find nobody there. A call to Mike found that he and Richard were waiting higher up the B road, not having seen any sign saying 888, nor finding Ivan. A call to Ivan found him hauling up the road behind us, after waiting 10 minutes at the Bonmont top. I was relieved when the whole team assembled at 888, not only because I had been tasked to not lose anyone, but also because it was now pretty much all downhill.
We wended our way down, passing the Bonmont top, and gently down through Tranchepied, Borex and past God’s Crossing to Founex tennis Club. The weather held fair and the ride had been enjoyable, after 888. (It rained heavily later in the day).
Mervyn skipped lunch and Ivan stayed for a pint only. Four of us enjoyed variously moules-frites, porc, and salads, while enjoying the wide vistas from the terrace in the weak sun. We drank to all absent friends. The ride home for me was 3 minutes.. 🙂
Apologies were received from Stephen, PeterD, Paul and Rudi.
Mark clocked 43km and 600m ascent. I hope that this has helped him and Mervyn a little bit in their fitness programme.
A Group of GIN Bikers normally stop for lunch and drink beer in glasses of 5dl costing 7 CHF each. On one occasion the restaurant had run out of large beer glasses and offered beer in 2dl glasses costing 4 CHF each. Assuming that the cost of the beer is the same per litre and that the washing up of the small and large glasses is the same, what are those costs? Assuming they drink 6dl each on average, how much should they deduct from the bill to compensate for having to use the small 2cl instead of the large 5dl glasses?
September normally marks the start of autumn but this year it is definitely the continuation of summer. The previous GIN Bikers outing had been cancelled due to heat….except for Richard who failed to see the notification in his email junk folder, and manfully did the tour alone. This Thursday, was again offering temperatures in the late 20Cs, so mild compared to two weeks previously but still hot for the uphill grind. Six riders responded to the call and joined Stephen in his suggested route from the Everness Hotel. The heat from his previous lonesome outing had impacted Richard’s reading ability and he needed some help in understanding the meeting point. In the end, this was clarified and we all arrived on time plus/minus at the designated meeting point. Travellers Mervyn and e-Paul, reunited from their east and west excursions, Mark2Ws, PeterT, Ivan (still with only 2 gears), e-Richard and Stephen.
The route involved an initial loop from the Everness through the cool woods and then back to the Divonne border before an early coffee stop at the Apania buvette near the Divonne lake. On the way, indications of a potential leadership coup were thwarted as Peter tried to initiate an unsuccessful breakaway group to take an alternative route. Refreshed and lulled into a false sense of well-being, the group then started on the more demanding part of the ride. Following the cycle track from Divonne towards Crassier we diverted just before the border to take the back route through the fields to La Rippe and from there a half-Bonmont hill, sufficient to test those legs before the more meaty climb to come. Ivan’s two gears did him proud, coupled with leg muscles which seem to strengthen with each outing. Or maybe it’s just that the rest of us are not at the same stage in life. Even the e-bikers, who enjoy exercising their batteries on the uphill were left at a standstill on the occasions that the red streak passed.
Half a Bonmont behind us still along way to go
It was tempting to have a second coffee stop at our favourite Givrins boulangerie but the Bleader had plans to use the time otherwise. The Genolier clinic hill beckoned and beyond that the potential for an additional loop from Le Muids to Bassins. However, by the time we had regrouped at the top of the Genolier hill, the e-bikers looked definitely in better shape than the traditionalists and those who had over-imbibed in US culinary excesses were probably suffering the worst. The careful planning had allowed for the Bassins loop, but a democratic vote indicated that this could have been pushing frendships (as well as bikes) too far, so the group opted for a rapid descent to the Auberge de la Reunion in Coinsins.
As it so happened, the one time that a lunchtime restaurant had been booked allowing for potential delays along the route, was the one time we arrived 30 minutes early. Normally, this wouldn’t have been a problem but as it was the Jeune Genevois, all those non-working individuals had packed out the restaurant and our table was not available until the reserved time. No real problem, as this gave additional beer time. We were ushered inside and beer orders were taken, to be delivered in the smallest glasses ever seen by a GIN Group (at the highest price per centilitre). Apparently, the other customers had used all the larger receptacles. Suggestions to provide a jug fell on deaf ears. Ivan was so upset that he left after his first glass, offering an excuse that he had to get home for predetermined reasons. The rest of us made the best of the two swig (2cl) glasses and waited impatiently for refills once additional glasses were available. Paul helped fill the waiting time with graphic stories of his recent exploits in Indonesia, including a seance to meet the Queen of the Southern Seas. Mervyn recounted the devastation he indirectly caused in North Carolina…shootings, fires, riots, etc…apparently all connected with his presence. The rest of us could only talk about more domestic things, like the cost of replacement cooking hobs in Switzerland, Spanish kisses, etc.
Not a normal size GIN Biker’s beer…or Ukrainian’s
He who has met the Queen of the Southern Seas and on-looker.
Our outside table was clear at the booked time and we orderedan excellent selection of plats de la semaine at reasonable prices: filets de perches and frites, pork in sauce with noodles, salade campagnarde. Only Richard still had room for a dessert……another advantage of e-biking.
Out into the heat and the bright sunlight, with stomachs full and legs heavy, we searched for the quickest/easiest way back home. The Bleader knew which way he was heading but only managed to attract one other, Mervyn. The rest of the group decided to do their own thing but unfortunately forgot to inform the advance group. No sign of the rearguard at Duillier, so Stephen and Mervyn backtracked and eventually made contact by phone. The decision was made not to regroup. Paul had already decided that a train back home from Nyon to Grand Saconnex was the best use of his reserves. The rest of us were looking forward to getting home and a cool shower and a siesta.
Statistics: ca 50km (dependant on starting point and route home), 625m climb, average speed 19km/hr
