Category: Biking

“Cycling in the rain, just cycling in the rain. What a wonderful feeling…..”

The morning of May 6^th was dark, overcast and foreboding. The weather forecast did nothing to suggest any change but, despite this and a last minute offer by the leader to just meet at the restaurant, 6 intrepid GIN bikers demonstrated their true grit and bundled up in waterproofs to take up the challenge. Peter D, Peter T, Mervyn, Mark, Stephen and e-Philip met at the Everness hotel in Chavannes at 10h sharp. Great to have Philip back with the group, looking fit after his encounter with the surgeon. Unfortunately, e-Thatcher had to withdraw for his first ride due to having to keep an eye on Mrs. e-T, whose surgeon had recently been keeping an eye on keeping her eyes clear.

The ride started smoothly: only a few specks of rain and no punctures. As we moved eastwards along the lake through Céligny, Crans, Nyon and Prangins, the conditions became steadily worse and early optimism that we might be able to miss the worst of the rain were thwarted. Peter D donned his jaunty, waterproof, blue see-through attire……memories of earlier days when he dressed up as a fairy. The first climb up through Prangins showed the benefits of an e-bike as Philip cruised effortlessly towards the front, despite frantic pedalling by the leader who did not want to be overtaken. By the time we had progressed onto Trelex and up the next hill the slippery conditions saw Stephen slipping on his pedal and ending up on the tarmac. Was it by chance this was in full view of a chatty female rider who had stopped by the side of the road to refill her water bottle at a fountain? Battered and bruised and wet, but not beaten, the magnificent six amassed at the Gingins start of the climb to up above Bonmont. On a rolling start we took our usual positions with the e-bike interloper again pedalling easily into the leading group. He also had time to compare the cadence of the other riders. If ever there was a sales pitch for an e-bike……

e-biker taking it eeeasy after a gentle ascent

Party wear and optimistic sunshades Mr. Drew……

A well-earned breather at the usual 717m peak (21 times for Peter T this year so far) before a cold and wet descent through La Rippe, Crassier, God’s Corner and onto the previously promised relief of the Founex Tennis Club restaurant. Protected though it was from the wind and rain, some seating was a long way from the heater. As we shivered on the terrace, downing the welcome beer before enjoying one of the weekly special menus, there was some reflection as to whether there should have a been a choice of ride or terrace lunch and not both. However, as we dispersed into the continuing rain we (all?) agreed that this was a memorable ride, not to be missed, and one that will ensure that we really appreciate future rides in better conditions.

Can’t we get that heater nearer?

It’s fine for us, thanks.

Ride stats: ca. 35km, 480m elevation gain, 21.4 km/hr average speed, 1h38m saddle time (meeting point to restaurant). Conditions: wet.

22 April 21

A Long-Form Report

Another perfect day for biking saw Peter D (leader), Peter T, Mervyn, e-Paul, Mike and Stephen meeting at the Chavannes de Bogis hotel at 10.30. Peter D had organised the route promising us an undemanding ride to the pleasures of a terrace  lunch at the Auberge de Gilly. However, the start had to be delayed due to Stephen deciding to test the groups’ tyre changing prowess (again) as he found his bike had a puncture immediately after set off. Happily, Peter T. was deterred from fiddling with the front, good tyre. After the experience of the previous ride, our leader (Note : day-leader, not Bike Organiser, Ed.) had come prepared with a spare inner tube and in next to no time the rear tyre had been removed, the new inner tube inserted and the bike ready to go….apart from the need for tyre inflation. Once again, all the available pumps were found inadequate and Peter D returned the short distance to his home to pick up a reliable pump as well as a back up crew to return this home. Helen made some comment about whether we wanted back up for the entire route but we parted happily on our way, declining this offer. A couple of hundred metres later in an acceleration around a corner we realised that we were too hasty, as the repaired tyre suffered a second puncture. Moral: always check the tyre to remove any offending sharp object before repairing a puncture.  Stephen was ready to let the group cycle on without him but, being close to home, Peter D.  volunteered a spare bike, albeit lacking a recent service and, as discovered later in the day, with a saddle that didn’t allow for a previously pampered backside. 

Anyway,  we were finally on our way about 30 minutes behind schedule, so any detour (e.g. via a Bonmont climb) was cancelled. Our leader took us via a scenic route through the vineyards once we had left behind the approach via God’s Corner, Crassier,  Gingins, Givrins, Genolier and Begnins. Mike, on his first outing with the group, manfully pedalled his way on a mature bike with a problematic brake, encouraged by our leader’s frequent claim of “no more hills”……..although there was some poetic licence here.

The Gilly hostellerie was ready and waiting for our arrival, happily advised of our 15 minute delay as the terrace was full with others enjoying the weather and the newly re-opened terrace restaurant. A couple of amber refreshments followed by the usual excellent lunch at this restaurant, made the trials of the morning ride fade into the background and fortified us for the return. Paul took his leave early, needing to e-bike it back to Grand-Saconnex and not needing his batteries recharged more than a liquid top-up.

The return journey was largely uneventful, opting for the direct route as required by blood focused on digestion. In total about 50kms with a height difference of ca. 400m. we dispersed at God’s Corner and made it back to our respective homes in time for a well earned rest and cup of tea.

Stephen Long (GINs Bike Organiser)

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

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

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

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

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

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

A small team headed from God’s Crossroads to Bonmont in weak sun, via Nyon, Prangins, Trelex and Gingins. We arrived home before rain and news of Trump’s virus. Very pleasant B179 for me. Thanks Steve for organising.

17 Sept 2020

Yet another beautiful sunny day, albeit with a strong but warm Bise wind. Four of us assembled at Lac de Divonne and set off in the usual direction towards Bonmont, at a leisurely pace untroubled by any possibility of forming a Groupetto behind Steve, who was otherwise occupied. Having dispensed with the formality of Bonmont we sidled down for a coffee in Givrins before swooping down to the Les Aberiaux restaurant by the port at Prangins for well needed beers and al fresco lunch. We toasted absent friends, who had really missed another great and not too challenging day out. A good lunch – beef/octopus and chips and coffees before winding our way back to God’s Crossing. Attending : Mervyn, Mark Watts, Peter D and Peter T.

10am sunny morning and five of us set off from Divonne car park. The peloton (short of Long) ambled up to Bonmont to help me get B165, and thence swooped down and across to Givrins for a coffee on a sunny terrace, avoiding patisseries available as we had a table booked at the Auberge de Gilly at noon. We sped over via Coinsins and Vich in a single breakaway and were soon ensconced around a round table drinking beer and then tucking into the rather fine fare they provide there. Recommended and at a good price. We set off back in warm sun via Trelex and Grens and were soon back at the start. 55 km or so. 300m deniv? A fine day out with time for a siesta, or in my case a powerpoint presentation in Mongolian.

Attending : Peter Drew, Mervyn, Philip, Mark Wtts and me.

A somewhat reduced group from the Lockdown Peleton assembled at the Divonne Lake on Weds 1 July in fine sun. We attempted to explore the fine 2019 bike path from Divonne to Gex, and particularly a new 2020 section on to Ornay (as Richard had told us it went there) – but none of us knew where Ornay was. We reached the very end (Ornay?) after a traversing a small missing piece of track, but although rideable the last part was still officially closed, opening 17th July.

Satisfied we had pushed it to the end, we retreated to Gex and then Vesancy and Bonmont, me with a slow rear puncture. As one of us had just had a Covid19 test and was not yet apprised of the result (eventually negative) we aborted the usual terrace lunch and headed back in the sunshine. Next time.

Attending, Long, Taylor, Watts.

Apologies, Mervyn, Peter D, Philip, Tim.

I wanted to restart the biking group, albeit several of us in CH have been meeting over the restricted period. I will suggest a plan after asking around on the favourite day of the week. Stay safe, Peter

Three intrepid peddlers started out from Divonne, two in shorts. We had a splendid short ride on two hills via Bonmont and Vesancy to Gex where we took the excellent plat du jour at L’Essentiel on the main Street. There remained the fast and excellent bike path back to the start. Cloudy but no rain!

Attending

Peters T and D, Philip J.

Our illustrious leader was unavailable (holiday in Crete) but did send us this

so we were ably led by Peter D: up the hill at Bonmont, over to Gex, then to Echenevex to find a closed restaurant and on to the Maison Blanche golf club for lunch and well earned beers.

After lunch we returned to Gex where we found the old railway line and followed it all the way back into Divonne.

A great bike ride. Thanks to Peter and Steve for waiting for me.

Total of 52 km (a few further for Steve) and 545 m dénivellation