A Metric Century – Nyon to Yvoire

If things go to plan I will be cycling a metric century today. I will be cycling from Nyon to Yvoire via Geneva. It’s the first time in a while that I cycle this far but there are advantages to this route. For a large part of Nyon to Geneva I will be on cycling lanes and once I survive the crossing through Geneva I will be on the Via Rhona, the cycling route that goes to Marseilles, if you go in the opposite direction.

Relatively Flat

Usually when I do such long bike rides I go over the top of the Jura, towards the Vallée de Joux and back. This time it should be relatively flat with 400m of climbing over 100km, rather than over a thousand. A possible challenge is the temperature and water. I don’t know how many fountains will be running along the way so I don’t know whether to go with 2 litres of water or 600ml of water. Rationally I’d rather have too much, than too little. Riding to Geneva and back I have often consumed 1.6 litres or more, so for twice the distance it makes sense to have 2.6 litres. 600ml on the bike, and 2 litres in a bladder.

Empty Fountains

In the past I would have relied on water fountains to refill water bottles but due to increasingly frequent droughts fountains are empty of water. I do not want to be in a situation of no water, The other reason for the camelbak is that I only have space for one water bottle, so the camelbak gives me more flexibility.

My rule is not to hike with two litres of water, because when you’re hiking up to 3000m+ with too much water you’re exhausting yourself with the altitude but also with the water. I’d rather carry two litres and a water filtration system for when I get to a stream. with cycling weight is critical when going uphill so I may be tempted to have less water than I need but for a flat ride, like today’s I think I can afford to have spare water.

Fuel

I plan to have an acceptable lunch, and have a bar or two, and power gums with me. I don’t expect to need, them but they’re just a luxury to have, in case I suddenly feel the need.

The Previous Longest Ride

The previous maximum distance was 104.85km with 1506m of climbing, so three times more than I will do today. The Geneva part might be a little complicated but after that, and before that could be pleasant.

Looking Forward to It

I am looking forward to this challenge. I was thinking of cycling to St Gingolph and then catching the train back but this should be a fun ride. It could also be my first time around Hermance in years. I used to go every weekend at one time for scuba diving. Yvoire is a nice place, and if the boat schedule is convenient then I would consider catching the boat back.

I think nothing of going for a four hour hike so it makes sense that I would be relaxed about going for a four to five hour bike ride. It might not be ideal to go so close to the solar peak but some parts will be in the shade. If I am tired on the way to Yvoire I can crosss from Yvoire to Nyon, and if I am knackered on the way back I can catch a train with relative ease. This should be a fun bike ride.