Category: Biking

With our BLeader away it was time for the mice to play, on our E-Bikes. A hot day in prospect on the plain no doubt put a number of peddlars/peddlers off, but with a plan to go high the aim was to get up into cooler air.

Here was the flyer:-

“In the remote case that there is anyone interested to join me on Thursday, given that our Bleader is gallivanting elsewhere, I am planning a ride.

I very much enjoyed the E-Bike ride that I had up the Jura to La Vattay and Col de La Faucille last Wednesday for the Zip, that I would like to share it.

So, I plan to ascend the very quiet French route from Huttopia behind Divonne on the forest trail to the Noire de Divonne and Petit and Grand Grande ski trails (max 1406m) and thence to La Vattay with a short road section to the Col. The forest trail is all tarmac, at a reasonable gradient, and is shaded from the sun pretty well all the way. I took 2hrs 20mins from my house 1093m and 29km (but went slow as I was only on level 2 power for most of the way up). 

Lunch at the Zip Col de la Faucille la Petite Chaumiere restaurant at 1262m (I’ll book a table). Max temp in forecast at St Cergue at 4pm is 29C. So it should be nicer that bit higher and earlier. 

Return via Vattay and then the Grande Grande Chalet (in total another 200m up) descending the very quiet tarmac road on the Swiss side to near Bonmont and La Rippe. (It took me only an hour to get home last week, (albeit I went down the French route). I had 43% battery left.
Suggest we (if any takers) start at 9.30 from Everness. We should be home before the 35C temp hits La Côte.”

In the event 5 of us turned out at Everness on time. Mervyn, PeterSt, Mark2ts, Thatcher and me, with apologies from a number of folk.

The route (59km and 1300m) we followed was exactly as planned above:-

It was good to see Thatcher out again, testing his operating system after his recent op. He sensibly turned back at the 800m contour satisfied that the test had gone well enough for the day. The rest of us carried on to the planned coffee stop at 1082m, after chatting with and passing a friendly non E Biker covered in sweat but enjoying the shady ride.

The E bikes were going well. Mervyn managed to get to Huttopia (570m) on no E power at all, as he said he had forgotten to charge his bike to 100%, and was saving power. It started with 85% which was more than enough. PeterSt carried a spare battery as he believed that his bike’s battery was not going to last the course (it did). We powered on (level 2 in Mervyn and my case) up to the Noire de Divonne and the temperature slipped down to a very pleasant level. The ride is now more gently up and then down to La Vattay and was a really pleasant highlight so I clicked up to Level 3 and we cruised at pace up the cross-country ski trail which used to be exhausting when skating, back in the day.

It was not long before we were à table at La Petite Chaumière, slowly served by a young lady with a T shirt that read “I am a simple woman”. But the beers came eventually and were cold and good.

The food is not the best here, but it did the trick, most of us choosing the equally simple Jura salad, otherwise chicken. Coffees followed and we were away by 1.50pm, the heat rising a little at the col.

There followed an easy cruise down to La Vattay, a simple ascent up the Grande Grande ramp (exhasting to skate up) and across to the chalet of the same name, transitioning off the tarmac for 700m or so.

The border gate is not locked and we were soon back in our home country taking the short ride up to the col (1414m).

The Swiss road down to La Rippe is not as wide or as clean as the French road we had ascended on. It is also a bit steeper in places. I had biked up this test piece before – several times with our Bleader. Coming down was a really nice ride, at first herding cows, and mostly on the brakes. At the P’tit Bard (1060m) we stopped for water. It was hotting up.

From there it was a simple glide back down through the forest to La Rippe and Crassier where PeterSt turned off right to Divonne, his battery still giving him power. We said farewell to Mark at God’s Crossing (or is it Gods’ ?) and we were soon home for a shower and a siesta by 3.20pm. The day was still hotting up.

I had 46% power left.

A fine ride employing E-bikes for their most effective and proper use.

End of July and another canicule. But this wasn’t enough to put off seven intrepid cyclists, (Bill, Mark W2ts, Paul, Peter T) and including three (Mike M, Richard F & Mervyn) who had conquered La Barillette (1528m) two days earlier, from signing up for today’s ride. Several other regulars were unavailable for various acceptable reasons. None cited the expected high temperatures, although may that have been contributory?

We duly assembled at Everness at 09:30 and set off to do a warm-up circuit of Lac de  Divonne, where we met up with Peter T, who was late leaving home due to a technical issue with his bike – namely getting a bag strap meshed in the derailleur. What a tangled web some of us weave! And Kobie could not be blamed in any way for this impediment.

Then followed the now familiar course along the old railway track to Gex. Bill, on his non-e road bike was relieved that the partly gravel surface was sufficiently smooth for his slender tyres to negotiate without incident.  Gex, being infamous for it’s almost complete absence of morning coffee stops, it required us to cross through town to a boulangerie/pâtisserie which we had located on a previous ride. There Paul treated us to coffee and cakes in a double celebration of his birthday and the publication of his new novel, Jungle Gyre, the third (and final?) in his satirical eco-thriller Borneo Trilogy.  

Many thanks, Paul and congratulations.

Bill and cakes

A GIN bike ride would not be complete without some uphill and so it was that we rode up to Vesancy before sweeping down to La Rippe.  An ascent of Bonmont had been mentioned and given that we had the time, if not unanimous enthusiasm, we did indeed head upwards.  At this point the power of the e-bikes became clear as poor old Bill, valiant and strong thus far, was now relegated to the position of lanterne rouge, so much so that he lost contact with the e-group and missed a left turn near the top.  The leader had earlier mentioned the lunch venue so felt sufficiently confident that those who were hungry enough would congregate there. 

The descent back down to La Rippe and Crassier was both swift and well-deserved. There Richard left us to enjoy the rest of the day at home in the cool, mentioning something about mad dogs and Englishmen. Mike had earlier peeled off as he had an afternoon appointment with Odysseus at the Balexert IMAX.

The final few kilometres in the heat were accomplished at pace and we duly arrived at the lunch venue, L’Auberge du Lion d’Or in Tannay, at 12:50, a minute after Bill.  A table for 7 had been set up for us on the terrace although the lunch party was now reduced to five.  Ice cold water and beers were greatly appreciated and a delicious plat du jour of cold soup or salad and sautéed gambas ordered and enjoyed.  

Yes, it’s the plat du jour!

Paul holding forth

As hot, tired bodies gradually eased the conversation flowed, although this scribe can’t remember much of what was discussed.  I’m sure it was just as erudite and pertinent as per usual.

For most it was, from Tannay, a short if hot uphill ride back home.

Vital statistics for the day:  distance 55Km,  deniv 500m?,  temp  37°C

Mervyn Powell

On the ride (all E unless otherwise indicated):

Richard F

Peter T

Stephen (non E)

Mervyn

David Baddeley

Paul S

And for lunch, add: Philip

About 40 km return from Everness.

Altitude gain. Roughly zero. (But in fact there was quite some Deniv, my watch showed 320m from Coppet, but clearly that is too much – PeterT)

Lunch: I Sapori, Grand Saconnex

Thanks David for coffees.

Thanks Philip for drinks at lunch.

_____________

The invitation: 

Dear GIN Bikers,

Stephen has convinced me how much fun it is to organize a GIN bike outing (I think he’s been reading Tom Sawyer).

I propose a Bucolic Summer Jaunt (sorry, I’ve been reading the Lake Poets).

Thursday July 16

This will be a flat, cool (mostly in forest), attractive, easy ride, about 20 km each way from Everness.

I’ll meet the Vaud contingent as usual at Everness at 10.00.  We’ll then backtrack through the forest and pastures to Grand Saconnex. This will be a calm ride, if we see something interesting (bison! sunflowers! deer!) we can stop. We might also stop by the Versoix River for a dip or meditation break.

Lunch at Italian joint I Sapori in Grand Saconnex.

I’ll then point you in the right direction for your return, while I head home for a nap.

PS: Philip, if you want to come I could meet you at the Vireloup douane by the Swiss-side customs house, and show you my usual route to Everness.

Let me know by Tuesday July 14, please. Feel free to bring along other bikers who might be new to the group.

Paul

_______________

David Baddeley was a welcome last-minute joiner.

Pleasant and easy ride.

The group failed the Meditation 101 opportunity during a stop at the Versoix River, arguing that it is impossible to seek the Meaning of Life without first having coffee. (Or maybe, perhaps I misunderstood, the group was really saying the Meaning of Life is coffee.) So, a stop at the Golf de la Vieille-Bâtie was in order; thanks to David for hospitality. Takeaway (Mark 2Ts take note): GIN is not ready for a Meditation/Back to Nature sub-group.

_______________

Subjects discussed at lunch:

1. Why Mervyn’s name wasn’t on the mailing list. (Agreement: Conspiracy by Stephen)

2. Future of Thomas Tuchel. (Most people thinks he will stay; PS says he’s toast)

3. Whether England is now obliged to return Malvinas to Argentina

4. And the hidden truths of PS’s recent conversation with Google AI, see below for full transcript. (Disagreement whether it was all nonsense, or aspirational, or whether Mark 2Ts’s secret Big Plan for the Future of GIN had been hacked by AI.)

In case you missed it, here’s the Google AI answer to this question:

What are the recent highlights and achievements of the GIN Club, otherwise known as Gentlemen in Nyon, Switzerland?

Google AI

The GIN Club in Nyon-best recognized locally as Gentlemen in Nyon-is an exclusive social and professional network in the La Côte region. Catering to a curated group of gentlemen, the club’s recent highlights focus on fostering community and hosting
premier gatherings. ®
Recent Achievements & Highlights • High-Profile Networking: The club successfully hosted a series of invite-only after- work soirées and dinners. These gatherings brought together local entrepreneurs,
executives, and leaders within the Geneva Metropolitan Area. Facebook +2 Charity & Community Initiatives: Gentlemen in Nyon has recently amplified its philanthropic impact by organizing fundraisers and charity drives. These efforts directly support regional associations in and around the Vaud canton. ® • Gastronomic Partnerships: The club forged exclusive partnerships with high-end regional establishments. Members enjoyed private, tailored culinary and mixology experiences featuring some of the region’s top artisan gins and
spirits. G Ginventory +4 The region of Nyon has a vibrant cultural and social scene, known for major events like the Paléo Festival, as well as its rich culinary and nightlife districts down by the Lake.

Sometimes comments made can catch up with you. The response to this week’s outing resulted in a plethora of e-bikers….well 5 to be exact….and yours truly on a traditional bike. In order to survive the course I outlined a relatively flat but fairly long route to give pure muscle power (myself) a chance against the electronic revolution. PeterT retorted that this seemed a little flat and was it worth him taking the new e-bike and perhaps his earlier non-e model would suffice. This generated a reply that there could be more hills than imagined and that no excuses would be accepted for falling behind. As you can imagine there was only one participant who seriously fell behind when the few hills were climbed. The Bleader was suitably lampooned.

Five e-bikers relaxing before relaxing on the ride

Anyway, I get ahead of myself. PeterT, RichardF, Mark2Ts, Mervyn, Paul and Stephen met at the earlier time of 9h at the usual Everness Hotel. The weather forecast was for a warm, humid day getting warmer throughout the day to reach a balmy earlier 30Cs in the afternoon. Hence, an early start seems sensible. The “flattish” route had been circulated:

“The plan is to enjoy some of the routes we covered last time but in the opposite direction. We’ll follow Route 50 through Arnex, Borex, Grens, Gingins to Genolier where we’ll cut down on Route 7 to Coinsins. From there we’ll take the route 488 all the way to Mont sur Rolle before returning on the Route 1/46 to Prangins for lunch at the Aérodrome. After lunch a gentle return home by continuing on the 1/46.”

It was good to have the full compliment of new e-bikers present (Peter, Mervyn and Mark) as well as a more seasoned e-bikers: Richard, who managed to get away from domestic heating/cooling technical problems, and Paul whose initial participating email had gone astray in the ether or Stephen’s inbox, but persistence won out.

The Swiss cycle routes are really well-planned and are usually excellently signposted as we discovered two weeks ago, although sometimes requiring eagle eyes. They take interesting paths through countryside and towns mostly keeping away from busy roads. This outing followed a coherent joined network of cycle routes and allowed the Bleader to relax as no-one could get lost if the routes were followed religiously. GIN outings are never so simple. The start along the route 50 went according to plan with the pack staying together and making excellent progress. These routes don’t always follow the shortest route and Richard had to be discouraged from taking a perfectly logical but unplanned deviation in Chavannes de Bogis, which by chance would have gone past his home and the ability to check on heating/cooling work progress. Another possible deviation to the plan presented itself when a tempting cafe terrace in Gingins could have lost at least a couple of riders. In the event, the wisdom of going a little further to our usual stop in Givrins was accepted. Peter was still in birthday celebration mode and kindly offered the drinks and croissants. Discussion seemed to concentrate on a new language of battery residual, handlebar dampening, saddle bag attachment, mud guard fitment, etc. After an application of thick, zinc based, Australian sun screen to many of the noses present, the peloton moved on. Shortly after there was some disruption to progress as Peter was successfully attacked on the head by a stinging insect, the latter apparently unimpressed with a head on collision with a speeding e-biker.

First signs of the free spirit of GIN membership was seen as we approached Vich. The unofficial leader at the time chose to ignore the route 488 sign and go via the direct route. Happily, his small deviation and the official route soon converged and we were back on track. The route from Vich through the vineyards of La Côte is delightful but at times difficult to follow the signage. It was on one of these undulating tracks that the Bleader was left behind and happily the e-bikers overruled the suggestion not to stop and wait. The crossover route from Mont-sur-Rolle to the route 1/46 was not obvious and, once on the 1/46, road blockages and poor signage made navigation through Rolle difficult. Peter decided to take matters into his own hands and left the pioneering group to head directly to the restaurant along the Route Swiss. The rest of us eventually regained the correct and now known route. A less express, but more scenic, path to the Aerodrome Restaurant. We were only shouted at once as we crossed a work site when we should apparently have taken a more devious path. However, we could outpace the slightly irate foreman…..

Peter was already supping his beer when we arrived at the restaurant. More beers were ordered. It’s been several years since we’d eaten at the Aerodrome restaurant but the quality and quantity of the food was excellent, as was the price. Richard could unfortunately only stay for the beer but the rest of us relaxed into either a large salad plat du jour or pizza or a selection of 3 pastas. The usual light aircraft traffic had been suspended due to the G7 meeting in Evian. We caught up on Paul’s latest literary offerings as well as a diverse range of other topics including what AI would say about the GIN Group. See the crazy answer here. Coffees rounded off the meal and water bottles were filled with cold water for the return home.

Menu du jour and pizza

Two satisfied customers and one on the adjacent table suffering from a blow out

Paul with lots of ice and lots of pasta and observers

Out from under the shade of the restaurant blind, the heat of the day was really starting to be felt. Paul made a direct line for the Nyon station on the Route Suisse and the remaining 4 of us made, as it turned out, probably an even more direct line for the Nyon station, as the 1/46 goes right past it. The Bleader left the group as the 1/46 passes the road to Arnex over the motorway and the rest found their most direct routes home as well.

Another enjoyable GIN Bikers outing with good company, great scenery and an enjoyable meal. Maybe a little less heat and humidity would have been appreciated but I, for one, am not complaining….better than the drenching of last time. In total, from Everness to Everness, 61.7km, 750m elevation, average speed 20.4km/h.

Early indications from Meteo Suisse that the weather would be variable had not changed on the morning of the ride. The rain was due to set in at some time after 13h. So we had the opportunity of a morning ride, early lunch and then home. Seven Bikers initially signed up for the outing but this was reduced to 5 after some concerns about the forecast and/or concerns about current fitness levels.

Stephen
PeterSo
e-PeterSt
newly-e-Mervyn
e-Richard

We gathered outside the Everness Hotel at the earlier time of 9h, to allow for maximum exercise before lunch. Mervyn and PeterSo had arrived back in Switzerland the night before, by chance both on the same late arrival from Denmark and both keen to take up the challenge that the leader had indicated previously:

“Route will essentially take the cycle track 1/46 from Tannay along until Vinzel/Bursins where we’ll cross the motorway to cycle route 488. Potential for a coffee. At Coinsins we’ll change to our well-cycled route 50 from Genolier to Gingins and an opportunity for a Bonmont climb before descending to Crassier for an Italian lunch (La Semplicita). After lunch fast home!”

Happy and dry….for the moment

We set off at speed, which the e-bikers soon realised was to ensure that on the flat they were disadvantaged by their 25km/h limit. The leader also took the precaution of not advising in detail the route so that they would have to stay behind, following. Which the pack did closely…..Mervyn especially seeming to enjoying the now effortless cycling.  Some of the routes were new to the leader but, thanks to the Swiss efficiency, these cycle tracks are well signposted with signs at any junction where a choice has to be made. The 1/46 route, picked up at Tannay, winds its way through Founex, Céligny, Crans, Nyon, Prangins to Gland and beyond. This proved to be a pleasure, passing through the villages and countryside avoiding most of the main roads, with the added bonus of seeing two light aircraft take off as we skirted the Gland aerodrome. By the time we reached Gland, there were hints that a coffee stop might be appropriate and we stopped at a suitable café by the side of the road. Coffee and tea were kindly sponsored by Richard. A quick weather check confirmed that the rain was still due at ca. 13.30h, so no need to change plans but we did need to press on to reach the safety of the restaurant.

We followed the route out of Gland with one indecisive moment as the route sign had been displaced on the ground whilst extensive piping work disrupted the track. We soon picked up the correct way and followed parallel to the motorway from Gland up to Gilly, where we diverged from the 1/46 and crossed over to join the 488. This took us on a devious path above the route du vin, in and out of vineyards and through hamlets, descending to the main road for a short period before climbing up to Begnins and then descending to Vich and onto Coinsins, past the auberge. Grey clouds were gathering and there was a change in the wind, indicating the coming storm. Legs for the non-e-bikers were getting weary and the e-bikers for once were ahead. We climbed up the gentle but long slope to Genolier. No time for resting, we pedalled on up the last short hill to Givrins, past our favourite coffee stop, and onto the well-known path to Gingins. A Bonmont hill was not an option with the storm clock ticking, so we took the lower road through the Bonmont golf course to La Rippe and from there the enjoyable downhill ride to our restaurant in Crassier. We arrived soon after 12h, dry and ready for sustenance.

We had not booked a table as we thought that the weather might encourage us to press on home. As it was, we all decided to stop for lunch but the inside tables were all occupied. There was space outside so we installed ourselves! Waitress service seemed somewhat slow, so Richard crossed the road to the Boeuf Rouge and discovered there were inside spaces and an enthusiastic proprietor there. However, during his absence, the waitress did appear, so we ordered five beers and 5 plats du jour: mushroom stuffed ravioli with cream sauce and a salad to start. As we finished the salad, the rain started and steadily increased in intensity. Happily, there was a overhead blind which extended to cover most of the table, with only PeterSt still receiving a slight dampening. Mervyn updated us on his “stan” travels  which were obviously quite an adventure and these are interesting countries to visit before they are fully on the tourist list. The plat du jour was supplemented with a dessert and coffee….nothing to lose now as we all knew the ride back would be very wet!

We reluctantly climbed back on the wet saddles and prepared ourselves for the thorough soaking which even the waterproofs couldn’t prevent. We separated rapidly, not lingering over farewells, as we made as quick a progress as possible to our respective homes. Warm baths and showers were taken once we got back.

All agreed that the pre-lunch route was a pleasant change from our usual well-beaten tracks with excellent cycling conditions. The short afternoon ride was atrocious! In the end, ca. 60km, 635m climb and an average speed of ca. 21km/h was recorded….a good day’s exercise.

This was the second Tour de Salève, with four bikers (all electrified) —David Baddeley (senior navigator), Mervyn, Richard, and Paul.

Meeting point was the Lancy-Bachet gare — Richard and Paul took the Leman Express, Mervyn was breaking in his new e-bike and rode all the way from his home (and all the way back).

Coffee in Veyrier, then short ride to the cable car station. Lovely Spring day.

The crêt run is rural, attractive, and hilly.

This year we did not stop at the Tibetan monastery (and gift shop), since it was perceived that all participants had already achieved an appropriate level of enlightenment, and that an overdose of enlightenment (ODE in medical parlance) might interfere with the ability to pedal mindfully.

Lunch at Auberge des Montagnards at La Croisette.

Annoying uphill after lunch, then David led us on a freewheeling downhill, with some attractive paths he had discovered towards the bottom that alleviated some of the tedious ride along the highway.

About 60 km from Lancy-Bachy and return.

The start of a new era….for some

Much discussion over the last year had been devoted to who of the non e-bikers would crack first. This impasse was broken by an unmissable e-bike offer at Jumbo when all three likely converters bought at the same time. So PeterT, Mark2Ts and Mervyn are all now proud easy riders.

Six GIN Bikers rallied to the fortnightly call to take to their saddles and pedal the local hills. The outing challenge presented to test our new e-bikers was sensibly considered too much of an early season challenge for one of the initial participants without any e-assistance. So, in the event the party was made up of:

Stephen
PeterS
e-PeterT
e-Mark2Ts
e-Thatcher (who also had a new e-bike….but not his first)

Unified team tops but non-unified machines

At this point I should apologise to PeterS for suggesting in earlier emails that at his young age (10 years below the outing’s collective average) he would consider an e-bike, let alone actually own one. To prove the point he cycled to and from the usual Everness Hotel starting point from his home in Genthod, adding considerable distance for his well-tuned muscular legs.

The outline plan was:
“We’ll head towards Arnex on an indirect route before tackling a half-Bonmont warm up climb on the way towards Genolier. Somewhere along this first part we’ll stop for an invigorating coffee. Then on up the Genolier hill (which was notably boycotted on a previous outing), Le Muids and Le Vaud before the welcome descent to Gilly and an AVS lunch menu there.

After lunch the way is mostly flat, if a little further than on some other rides, with a siesta reward at the home destinations.“

Good to his word, the Bleader led the group initially in the opposite direction to the lunch point at Gilly but soon started heading in a more direct line towards Arnex, through Signy, Grens and up to Gingins. Uncertainly of route was the only way to keep the e-bikes behind and prevent them exercising their full turbo potential. However, in achieving this aim the Bleader bypassed his intended route to the half Bonmont climb….a blessing that paid dividends later on the final uphill stage to Le Vaud. Our back Marker, now termed e-sweeper, was also timing his move as he learnt the characteristics of his bike only picked up the night before and being ridden for the first time.

Coffee was taken at our Givrins favourite boulangerie, with thanks to PeterT. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t accept in payment any of the 20000 Co-op points he had collected from purchase of his new bike.

All relaxed and non fatigued….at this point

The route to lunch was now significantly uphill and the e-bikers revelled in their freedom to run through the different levels of assistance and enjoy the thrill of smooth and effortless overtaking of anyone without similar aid. PeterS and Stephen manfully did their best to slipstream behind the others and pretend that they were enjoying the additional health benefits of the greater effort expended. PeterT in particular was riding a new high of the joys of sweat-free hill climbing with time to appreciate anew the surrounding views and not focus on the tarmac immediately ahead.

We regrouped at Le Vaud, which has a disappointing elevation of about 800m for the effort expended to get there. However, from here it is a great downhill (mostly) sweep through Burtigny to Gilly with fantastic views over the lake. Thoughts that non e-bikes would now come into their own were dispelled as the 25kph limit for e-bikes doesn’t apply downhill and we all proceeded at speed together directly to the Auberge Communale at Gilly.

All downhill from here

The restaurant has an excellent AVS menu: 3 courses for 25 SFr including a glass of wine. Between us we sampled the entire choice of salad or soup; fish, meat or vegetarian; rhubarb tart or profiteroles ; sandwiched between a beer and coffee.

Rhubarb tart was good but the profiteroles were the winners.

The route back from Gilly is flat if a little long after a full lunch. PeterT and Thatcher broke off at Gland to head down to the lake road, due to MéteoSuisse warnings of rain, whilst the rest of us stayed high and ran the gauntlet. In the event, the upper group was spared any rain but did find a particularly muddy section of unfinished track by the new buildings adjacent to the Signy Shopping Centre. Mark’s bike was duly christened. This group separated at Arnex, after meeting Ralph entertaining his 3 grandchildren in the communal playground…..it looked as if he might have preferred to have been out biking with us.

59km round trip from the Everness and 720m climb was recorded.

St. George’s day and two true Englishmen and one Welshman stepped up to the challenge of the Swiss and French roads and tracks. Admittedly, Mark2Ts only applied the afternoon before, concerned that excessive celebration of a certain notable birthday might put him at a disadvantage….especially since an e-bike had not been amongst his presents. However, with already 8 apologies, the leader was all too happy to boost the participation by 50% and craft a ride without excessive of climbing.

The outline of the ride had been shared:
“I have devised a gentle ride with stops as needed. The general direction is from the Everness to Grilly, along the train track to Gex, onto Échenevex and down to Versonnex for lunch at Sur l’Ardoise. After a leisurely meal we can head back via Collex and the Versoix woods.”

It was a rare occasion that the party consisted solely of conventional bikes without an e-bike in sight. However, there are definitely moves amongst Mark and Mervyn to progress to battery-aided cycling. It is testament to their tenacity that they don’t want to concede before a certain PeterT, who in turn holds similar sentiment. It was suggested that a negotiation position for 3 e-bikes could resolve this stand off. Anyway, I digress.

Pedalling their craft on St George’s Day

Stephen, Mervyn and Mark set off at a leisurely pace from the Everness Hotel to the track the other side of the closed road between the Chavannes Shopping Centre and Chavannes des Bois, running alongside the French border. Those with thin tyres soon discovered that the track itself could benefit from some repair and had an early vibro-massage. Once onto the railway track at Grilly, the cycling was smoother and we could really enjoy being out in the nature. Although a little fresh at first the increasing blood circulation (and over layers) kept us warm. We allowed sufficient space between us to each feel at one with the surroundings but with stops as necessary to permit regrouping. By the time we reached Gex, there was a mood to stop for the mid-morning drink. However, despite at least 5 restaurants or bistros in or near the main square not one was open at 10.30h for the needs of passing cyclists or, indeed, for locals. We were pointed to a boulangerie a little outside the town, happily in the direction we wanted to head. This served our needs well.

Fortified , we tackled the first and only real hill climb of the day. This took us onto the upper road to Echenevex and past the Auberge des Chasseurs (which under new management is getting very good reviews). Although still early for lunch, we agreed to stop at the Maison Blanche Golf Club to enjoy the view from their terrace, but the leader chose the incorrect route which took us downhill and away from this destination into undiscovered territory. Deciding not to retrace the uphill ride, we continued to the original luncheon destination in Versonnex. As the route had not been researched, the line was far from direct but, helped by Mark’s handlebar mounted phone, we pioneered rustic French towns, beautiful wooded tracks as well as some rather more stony paths. We arrived at the reasonable hour of 12.30h for lunch and a table was found for us on the terrace of the Sur l’Ardoise.

Previously undiscovered leafy and sunlit glades were the reward for the pioneers

For 26 Euros a person we enjoyed a three course meal with beverages and coffees rounding up to a reasonable 40 Euros a head (tip included). As always with this restaurant the choice, quality and service was good. Stephen did comment on the “minceur” quantity of his main course but by the time the dessert had been consumed he felt more than adequately fed without being over full for the return journey. Conversation was up to usual GIN standards with a variety of subjects from wine costs, repainting costs, pigeon proofing solar panels, benefits of emeritus professorships, neighbourly re-grassing techniques and even touching upon topical middle east events.

After lunch it was a short ride back into Switzerland and then a delightful pedal through the Versoix Woods to the Chavannes Shopping Centre, where we split up to head back on the most direct paths to our individual homes.

In all, a round distance from the Everness of about 35kms and 450m climb was measured with small additions for individual routes to and from there.

The first outing of 2026, after an early Easter, took place in glorious sunshine and a springtime warmth. There was still snow on the Jura as the snow shoeing group had discovered, without their snow shoes, the week before. Four GIN members responded to the invitation to test out their legs and/or batteries in this early season: PeterT, Philip, Paul and Stephen. We had an identical number of e-bikes and pure muscle power. The apologies came from a wide global distribution covering the USA, South Africa, UK, Mallorca and due to competing activities for those more local.

We met at our usual starting point of the Everness Hotel in Chavannes at 10h. Both Paul and Philip had already covered some distance having utilised their e-bikes to cycle from their respective homes. Philip was helped in his final direction finding with Peter picking him up whilst he was heading in the opposite direction to the hotel. As promised by the leader, we set off at a leisurely pace in the direction of Geneva, backtracking the way Paul had just ridden, along the cycle route 50. This took us to the Versoix woods where we headed for France via Sauverny, stopping at an intriguing brocante where drinks were only served from 15h.

Old Masters hopeful of finding an Old Master

Sauverny centre allowed Paul to add to his reading as he took advantage of the book loan cabinet at the village fountain.

Reading matter loaded and ready again for the trail.

From Sauverny, we took the back route to Grilly and then onto the old railway track to Divonne and beyond. There had been a plan to stop for coffee at our favourite boulangerie in Givrins but as Crassier loomed into sight it seemed appropriate to stop here and not wait a further 30 minutes and the first uphill slopes. Peter was starting to suffer from sore wrists (as well as unused cycling legs) and sought help at the Crassier cycle shop. Alas, they did not have the handlebar extenders he was looking for but they did have very top of the range e-bikes for those technically minded and with a large bank balance. He resisted a potential trial ride, still hopeful that he would not be the first of a new wave of e-bikers in the group. Philip kindly picked up the tab for the coffees….certainly a lot less financially damaging than a new bike from the adjacent shop.

Invigorated with the caffeine, the leader set off at a slightly increased pace up towards Gingins, mostly avoiding being caught by the chasing peleton although, occasionally, e-Paul demonstrated his power reserve. By the time we reached Genolier, the leader was pumped and ready to tackle the highlight of the ride: the Genolier hill past the clinic. The rest of the group did not share his enthusiasm and opted instead for the descent to Coinsins and our booked lunch table. Undaunted, Stephen persevered on his upward planned route and managed to join the others, seated at the table, just as their drinks arrived.

The Auberge de la Réunion has a simple, plentiful and economic set menu and consequently is well frequented. The terrace on the warm afternoon was full but service was efficient and friendly. Unfortunately, our waitress was a little too hasty in trying to deliver the food and Peter’s steak and frites did an unexpected pirouette from her hand onto the paving, shattering the plate and liberally distributing its contents. Peter’s longer wait a little longer for his meal was rewarded with an unexpected steak supper for Kobie. Two steaks, one jarret de porc and one veal kidney meal ( and maybe a beer or two) fuelled a lively discussion around the table. This meandered from the collection and disposal of caterpillar larvae, to the communication methods of caterpillars, to the love life of Wallace (guess who knew about this?), to the use of AI for story telling and even some topical comments about recent activities of a certain US President.

Replete and thinking about the shortest way home.

Lunch over, we climbed back onto our bikes and sought the direct routes to our respective homes. This resulted in Paul leaving us in Duillier to head for Nyon station, Peter and Stephen in Borex going in separate directions and Philip was last seen heading for Crassier hoping to find his way to the old train track and eventually home.

A thoroughly enjoyable first outing of the season although feedback from the other non e-biker suggests that more training might be necessary to prevent post ride aches and pains. In total the Genolier hill climber counted 50k and 500m climb with an average speed of 20kph. The others would have done less climb and the majority more distance.

The outing-lite route

The forecast was for sun and 15C at least. More in hope than anything I invited the team to partake of the first GIN bike ride of 2026. This was my first outing in over 4 months but Paul S had been out many times. He and Philip even turned out in shorts! (both on their E-bikes). Rounding it out to make a fab 4 was PeterSo (like me non-E), and we all appeared at Everness at 10 am in bright sun, not a cloud, it had been like this for 3 days after a February of rain and gloom with heavy snow high up.

That good snow high-up had kept other regulars including our BLeader and Mervyn out on their planks. A few other apologies came, including from Mark2ts and PeterD. Bill in the USA was amazed that we were biking so early. In fact in 2023 we had a GIN bike ride on 23 Feb, but more it is usual that our rides start in March.

Indeed the weather was stunning and those in shorts almost had an advantage. My plan was to head for Gilly lunch by 1pm, with a coffee stop perhaps on the way. As this was the first ride of the season we could sensibly skip Bonmont and other climbs and head across in comfort. We tracked across to God’s crossing then up to Crassier turning up right afterwards alongside the ruisseau, Le Boiron de Nyon. A left turn and up past Tranchepied to a water break just below the forest. From the Cheserex golf course we passed above Gingins and arrived at our favourite coffee stop at Givrins where Paul treated us to tarts and caffeine in the sun.

We met a man Edouard with his young son who worked in the golf business. At least he ran an app with software for folk to access a professional lesson anywhere in Europe, and also pay for green fees. There continued much golf talk, including about France and Italy.

Although we had plenty of time, I decided to stick with the horizontal approach to Gilly and we were soon through Genolier, Vich, Luins, Vinzel and Bursins arriving just after midday to a table in the sun, with beers coming quickly. The menu was Chf 25 for those on AVS, very good value, soup or salad, main course, dessert and a deci of chasselas. Sadly PeterSo was too young to qualify and he put on a brave face especially after Paul gave him his wine.

While we were waiting, Paul tried out his memory game on us. Every 5 seconds he showed us one of ten cards on which a french word was written. Could we remember these (in any order) ? Well, er, yes some of us could. Gateaux, divan, ceinture, crayon, nuages, sapin, moulin, voiture, billet, pelouse. I think… I built up a mental image of swimming in a cake by a dirty sofa in a “billet” with a garden.

The cabilloud was good, as was the bread, wine, salads and dessert and coffee.

What a tough ride !

The mood was spirited as was the conversation. It was all too soon time to leave (we had been there over 100 minutes), and for our return my plan was – keep it flat and simple. At Luins we turned left and passing Movenpick Wines we headed right onto the lake road at Dully for some faster rolling into the sun. Paul peeled off at Nyon for the train and Philip and I tracked up at Founex where I helped him get back into the fields below the Everness for his car there. I was home in an hour. I believe PeterSo may have made it home in time for his 3pm call.

A good first ride, leaving me with lots of energy for more gardening and the dechetterie run, followed by a walk with Kobie. I clocked 55km and 466m door to door.