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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.

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

There was much enthusiasm when I suggested one of our classic outings to Franck’s, but unfortunately several of our stalwarts were otherwise engaged, often apparently engaged in zipping up and down ski slopes.  Anyway, in the end, nine of us met up at the large car park at the Crozet lift station at 10.00.  We were very pleased to welcome a new member, Michael Matthews from Arzier who fitted the GIN mold perfectly. 

After paying our €9 lift fee, we left the grey and rainy car park which is at about 600m and took the Fierney cable car up to the top station at 1300m into a completely different world.  No question about whether to use snowshoes or not, so everyone buckled up quickly and we set off in our usual Northerly direction across the bottom of the ski pistes. 

The route was somewhat indistinct, there were no previous footprints to follow, but we had a fairly good idea of where to go.  It was quite hard going (for some of us, mostly me) through the reasonably-deep snow and we wound our way upwards. There were a few tumbles in the powder, but no harm done, fortunately.

At one point Peter and Kobie decided to take a narrow path or ledge above us and it soon became evident that it was perhaps not the best choice.  Peter adopted a hybrid approach with one boot and one snowshoe but soon had to abandon even that innovation and slide down to us.

The team strung out but we gathered at the table d’orientation at the Col de Crozet (1485m) and consumed coffee and who knows what from a small flask! 

The clouds were lowering as we left the viewpoint, and landmarks were disappearing so there was some discussion about the direction to take towards the Catheline lift station.  Peter and Nathan seemed confident and led us unerringly to the said goal.  We crossed the wide ski slopes and entered the small track through the snow-laden trees to cover the 1km or so to La Loge. 

Franck, Cathy and Laos, their Australian sheepdog, were there to welcome us and he (Laos) and Kobie were pleased to rub noses.  After an assortment of drinks, we were offered a choice of croute au fromage and salad or saucisse and lentils.  The, as usual, hearty meals followed by brownies and crème anglaise were washed down by various liquids. 

Franck went to some lengths to excuse the fact that there was no tarte au myrtilles as the Catheline lift had been out of action due to variations in snow cover, so supplies were limited.  He said that one day, a metre of snow outside disappeared within 24 hours and all became green outside.  No such problems today as we could see that it was snowing quite hard outside.  Many interesting discussions took place, often involving a certain Mr T across the pond, whilst Kobie did the rounds to check on anything edible for him.  Cathy told us that he was in the rubbish bin in the kitchen at one point! 

Franck then brought out the shot glasses and served us the traditional génépi from a large container.  When the bill arrived, this was offered as well as the coffee and we all happily paid the princely sum of €25.

Snowshoes donned, we trudged back to the Catheline through an even more magical forest and then followed the direct route back to Fierney at the side of the ski pistes, only being warned once by an irate skier to keep well away from him. 

We arrived back at the top station with less than a quarter of an hour before it closed, thankful not to have to walk all the way down.

Everyone agreed that the hike had lived up to its reputation as one of our classics and we were blessed with copious amounts of snow.

Personally, I struggled with my fitness on the uphill stretches, possibly due to my treatment last year, but possibly because I seemed to have developed a chest cold in the evening.  Whatever, I am really indebted to everyone’s patience and caring which illustrates the wonderful camaraderie amongst our GIN members.  Long may it continue!

Our hike was carried out under the shadow of events in La Cure whereby Chez Mamac was burnt to the ground on Monday night and the perpetrator was fortunately prevented from doing the same to the Vermeilley later on.  One of our favourite lunch spots lost, but happily one saved.

Thanks to everyone who sent photos – the 2 Peters, Mark 2tts and Michael.

Present: Peters S and T, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Andrew, Nathan, David, Michael and myself.

Distance by my Garmin watch: 6.25, Dénivellation: 298 metres.

Would we or wouldn’t we?  There was some speculation on Wednesday as to whether we should trust the everchanging weather forecasts and proceed with the annual LdeJ hike.  In the end, six of us showed up, three (Mervyn, Peter S and yours truly) in Divonne and Rob, Richard W and Andrew met us at the parking spot at the Geneva end of the lake.  We had a few spots of rain on the way up, but it was dry at the meeting place.  Noting that the weather was only 5 degrees up there, most opted for long trousers except for our hardy Scotsman who had decided to display his bare legs.  We set off in a clockwise direction on somewhat muddy paths until we reached a boardwalk that one of our number tested the slipperyness of, thankfully with no painful results.  Progress was swift but we resisted the temptation to stop at the Bellevue Hotel at Le Rocheray for a coffee and ploughed on admiring the views across the lake.

The lake level was high and we enjoyed the rocky path right by the clear water. 

Stops were made for comfort breaks and photo opportunities on sandspits and then we climbed to about 100 metres above the lake where the inevitable refreshment was proffered, a very acceptable nip of Glenmorangie, thanks Richard!   A phone call was made to the resto to confirm numbers and timing and we set off past some bungalows of the charmingly-named settlement of Le Lieu.  Two chamois in the road eyed us cautiously followed by two more and as we entered the woods, a group of six were meandering around on the path. 

A few minutes later, we encountered a herd of about 20 grazers and shortly after, a larger group of 40.  It was certainly a record to see 70 chamois which included several very young “bambis”!

Our rocky and rooty path dropped down steeply almost to lake level and I needed to take a breather on a convenient bench.  Then our shorts-wearing member arrived complaining about a pulled tendon, so various piggybacking options were considered, and rejected.  Anyway, he soldiered on with gritted teeth and we reached our goal which was the Brasserie des Combières.   

Locally-brewed ales were ordered as was the plat du jour which turned out to be a very large entrecôte with all the trimmings.  I haven’t fully regained my taste buds or full appetite but I was assured that the meal was a definite  improvement on last year’s offerings (the resto is under new management).  The steak was far too large for me but I’m sure Peter S’s hound benefited that evening.

As usual, there was an eclectic range of subjects discussed, including postprandial naps, US elections and misogyny, hearing tests, doggy diets, UK politics, phone contracts, rugby, beer and wine barrels, and of course, how could we not – Scottish Independence!

After desserts and coffees, some  more Glenmorangie (courtesy of Rob this time) and some nocino di Modena from my magic bottle which startled the palates of the participants, there was little appetite to continue walking around the lake for another two hours or more.  So we repaired to the gare in Le Pont and caught the little red and white train back to Le Solliat, about a kilometre from where the cars were parked.  Our whole hike had been without rain and indeed we enjoyed quite a lot of sunshine and eventually, a balmy 11 degrees!  As I write this on Friday morning, I hear that it’s snowing in St Cergue – snowshoeing may not be far away!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow hikers for their encouragement and concern on what was my first hike for over 4 months, and also to all my dear GIN friends whose good wishes have helped me get through a difficult period of my life.

Our hike was about 14kms and just over 200 metres dénivellation.

Robert, I can recommend Dr Berguiga at Vision Future Nyon. Regards, Drew Meek

Fellow GIN members,

I hope that you are well and enjoying the summer.

I was shocked recently to find that I have cataracts and that I need an operation.

I wonder if any of you can recommend an ophthalmologist in Suisse romande.

My optician informs me that the operation is swift ( 5-10 min.) (almost ) painless without anesthesia and will clear my myopia ( short sightedness).

Thank you for any recommendations,

Robert O Riordan

The itinerary suggested for this outing was partly in the forest and partly in open areas. The climb and distance were moderate from St. Cergue to the Barillette restaurant.

Eleven hardy souls met at the small car park in St. Cergue. Mervyn’s friend Stephen joined the walk but could not stay to enjoy lunch with us and Ross had to cancel at the last minute due to illness.

The weather forecast was good for the morning but slight rain was predicted for mid-afternoon. For once Météo-Suisse was spot on. The rain began as expected at 15:15 slightly before we reached the cars.

We had plenty of time, so we began the hike with a short detour along the path Balade de Béatrix to a picnic area with a lovely view of the lake and its surroundings.

After this short pause, Nathan started down a rather steep path toward the original itinerary. Stephen suggested a different path with a gentler slope which was immediately accepted by a unanimous group vote.

The walk proceeded with no notable incident through to our next stopping point where bottles of wine suddenly appeared accompanied with some nosherai. Many thanks to Mervyn and Larry for the liquid refreshments.

Afterwards we headed toward the last bit, just below the restaurant, which was the most challenging part of the climb. Everyone managed without a single complaint.

The lunch went well and the group seemed to really appreciate my enormous effort to have exactly 10 participants when the bill arrived.

We returned along the same path we had taken in the morning. About three quarters of the way down I was woefully derelict in my leader duties and did not ensure that everyone was following. A few of the group lost sight of the others and missed a turn. Happily technology saved the day. A quick phone call and we were reunited just in time for the rain.

It was a pleasant hike in spite of getting wet at the end.

We also bid farewell to Larry who will soon leave on his annual trip to Canada.

***********************

Participants: Mervyn Powell, David Colledge, Nicolas Ulmer, Mark Warren, Thatcher Shellaby, Peter Drew, Larry French, Mark Watts, Stephen Langton, Andrew Neivens and myself.

Walking distance: 8.2km
Climbing distance: 445m