Geneva

July 25, 2017

Today was rainy again. Boo! And a bit chilly, so I added another layer to my long-sleeved jersey and then donned my rain jacket. Morez is in a deep valley, and the climbing would start right out of the gate. So we were worried some about overheating. But that didn't happen! It was just right, in fact.

Today's ride to Geneva.

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So off we went. It must have rained all night, as the river channel near the hotel was very full but made for a nice exit from the city.

We started climbing right away. Which is always brutal. Especially in old towns where you are on old infrastructure with unexpected grades! So yes, I (and Happy) got caught on one soon enough and had to walk up the short grade. My front wheel was lifting! Too early for that shit! But I made up for it later because then the grade became predictable and gradual, if not long. And long it was. Seven miles!

Looking back down the valley from Prémanon. Only starting to climb!

Then the climbing got serious, but never over a six or maybe seven percent grade, which is very doable. Reminded me of the Peaks of Otter climb. I can handle 6% forever!

In this part of France, they mark the grades. 6% for the next 4.7 km, about three miles.

Further up and looking back on the valley.

The rain came and went. Mostly it was a drizzle, but it started up heavy near the peak.

Another bicycle motif, this one in Prémanon, almost at the top. I took shelter here and waited for the boys!

After regrouping, we sat out the bit of downpour and then pushed on. We peaked a bit past Prémanon and then had a somewhat long descent in another heavy outburst that made me stop at the first shelter I saw. It was a cold rain with some wind. During the climb, we were sheltered, and the work created heat, so we hadn't really noticed the cold . . . but we did now!

It was also past noon, so a lunch was in order. We hadn't gone far yet, only nine miles! But we had done the bulk of the work so far. Time to eat, especially in a country that closes down at midday! So right at the French-Swiss border, we spied a brasserie and camped out. Great meal!

This was a great steak that hit the spot, and my best steak in France to date!

The restaurant, Logis Hôtel Arbez Franco-Suisse, sits across the French-Swiss border, literally. Right down the middle of the dining room (well, almost). It's even demarcated with flags. We lingered through several on-and-off rainstorms. Then we were off again, in a dry spell that allowed photos of the official crossing into Switzerland.

The French border crossing, followed by . . .

Then our second climb. Not as long as the first, but the last official climb as we peaked at the Col de la Givrine.

From here, it was all downhill (mostly) to Geneva.

Then the grand descent! Chilly at first but warming as we achieved lower elevations. And the rain finally stopped (again!), and the sun came out a bit. All was good. Our first stop was Saint-Cergue, where we regrouped again to celebrate the warmth and sunshine.

Down we continued. Until we finally set eyes on Lake Geneva.

Then more descending. We were not even halfway yet! Lots more winding roads, but it continued to get warmer and drier the lower we went. Where appropriate, we occupied the full lane without "comment" from the following motorists. And when the road alignment permitted, I would move to the right to allow them to pass. The road is popular with cyclists, and we saw several climbing as we descended.

One of the hairpin turns on the descent.

Eventually we were in the valley and turned off the highway and began to access local roads and bike trails.

With a beautiful view of the mountains we had just crossed, still shrouded in clouds.

As we made our way on bike trails and residential streets to the city core, it became more urbanized and busy. But there was almost always a bike lane or other facility. And on one stretch, where the bike trail was closed for utility work, cyclists were not forgotten in the maintenance of traffic scheme! They just shifted traffic over and made it work!

And once closer into the city, cyclists are well taken care of, even when the adjacent bike trail is closed for utility work! They actually took a travel lane to accommodate cyclists!

But all that said, downtown was a little confusing. Especially when we started encountering tramways, busways, and bike lanes, all commingled into the same space, it seems. But we made it through and were soon across the Rhone and at our hotel.

Crossing the Rhône River from the new to the old Geneva.

First order of business, even before eating, was laundry! Never pass on an opportunity to do laundry. And it was only a seven-minute walk away!

The laundry life, mostly handled by Jerry while Happy and I enjoyed a beer next door . . . until it was time to fold clothes. All fresh and ready to tour further!

Today's ride: 38 miles (61 km)
Total: 433 miles (697 km)

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