A Change of Locomotion

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This weekend seems to be quiet, hiking wise. So far I see just one event, organised. Sunday would have been an option, except that it could be stormy in the afternoon. If light rain falls, then that’s fine, but if it is hail then it is better to avoid. I think that’s why we have gone from five hikes in a single weekend, to just one.

Yesterday I studied the logistics for this hike, and I got everything ready. I don’t like that we had to decide by yesterday night, whether we were committing or not. I’d rather commit a night or two before, but especially to have the freedom to drop out if I find another interesting activity.

More than once I have seen cycling groups pass by and I’ve wanted to join them but I didn’t know where they set off from, so I didn’t know where to join them from. For Saturday’s ride I do, so I can.

More than once I have seen rides being organised, and more than once I have been tempted to join. My two reasons for not joining are either logistical, it’s a pain to get to the start, and the time of day.

For the ride on Sunday I would have a 22km ride to get to the start point, which means I need to set off at least one and a half hours early to be there on time. I could take the train either from the start, or from the end but then I’d have to pay for myself, and the bike. If I do that then I might as well park the car in Geneva. In theory that would come to 9 CHF. The train would cost the same.

The planned loop is 60 kilometres, and I would need to do 44 kilometres extra. 22 to get to Geneva, and 22 to get back. That would be a 100 kilometre bike ride.

My plan is to ride downwards, and across towards Céligny, and then to Founex, Coppet, along the lake to Geneva, and then to the bike shop, meet the group, and then ride with them along the lake and do the route they do. At the coffee stop I can decide to keep riding with them, or go home with ease. The route then goes to Divonne, along the Voie Verte, and then back into Switzerland and Geneva.

If the pace is 21 km/h as planned then this should be a relaxing and comfortable ride, more comfortable than if I was riding solo. For the route back I would then take the route du lac, on fumes, and slowly make my way home, for some late lunch. Today and tomorrow I need to rest, and then Saturday I can push myself, distance wise. I expect the pace to be comfortable.

And finally, my primary reason for cycling with this group is to meet new people. If it goes well then it will motivate me to make more effort to join other rides. I also have the advantage of having the train from Coppet, Versoix and one or two other places if I run out of endurance.

It should be fun, and I am already familiar with the route.