Getting My Mojo Back

Rob Henning & Steve at Jet d'Eau in Geneva

Steve bought a bicycle almost immediately after we landed. As of today he has done one 110km ride halfway around Lake Geneva, which by the way is called Lac Leman here, and one just-for-fun community bike ride with Marcelle, our au pair, of 60 km.

Marcelle Burbank & Steve at Tour de Lausannoise Velo

I brought my biking gloves, biking shorts, shirt, shoes and fabulously comfortable bike seat. But until last week I had done only one short bike ride when Zoë was here from home down the hill to the lake continuing to Jed's office and back. The city traffic proved nerve racking for me or was it that I am just getting to old to climb on the old velo?

Our Ferry Approaching Lausanne 

So when Steve proposed last Friday that we take the bikes (mine is borrowed from Helga) on the ferry to Evian and have a look around, I thought doing it or admitting my age and giving up cycling. I opted for trying to get my biking mojo back.

Approaching Evian

We found a way down the hill that avoided most of the traffic. We caught a mid morning ferry and had to buy special tickets for our bicycles. The boat was mostly empty but we were not the only passengers with wheels. It was a gorgeous, sunny day but not too warm, perfect cycling weather. We had restaurant info from the internet and a more interesting option from the brother of a friend who lives nearby in France. We decided to try Mitchel's option first.

When we disembarked in Evian there was a farmer's market in full swing. There were the usual fab veggies, cheeses, meats, mushrooms, spices,etc. and also clothing galore. Steve almost sprung for a new pair of shorts but we really didn't have any way to carry anything.

We rode around town passing the huge Evian Casino and the fancy building that sits above the original source of the famous water. Then we headed out of town to Thonon. Mitchel Newdelman, our connection, told us there was a 14th century castle/chalet in Thonon that is very much like the Chateau de Chillon on our side of the lake but it had a lovely restaurant that would accept people dressed casually in bicycle garb.

Chateau de Ripaille

Steve had seen the area between the towns on his long tour around the lake and assured me the going was flat, scenic, and without much traffic. He was right, right, and wrong. Luckily it was only about 10 km to get there. It was a narrow road and there was auto and truck traffic.

The Chateau de Ripaille  is massive and beautiful,  and surrounded by vineyards and an endless red poppy field. Unfortunately, the restaurant was complet (full). It was explained to us that the restaurant is very small and we must have a reservation even for lunch on a Friday. So that culinary adventure is saved for next time we cross the lake.

Red Poppies at Chateau de Ripaille

Back we went to Evian to make it before our internet recommendation closed for mid day siesta. We ate at the Chalet O Crepes, the French version of IHOP. It was a bit of a come down from the Chalet but the food was good, the service was excellent, we got in some good mileage on the bikes and I found my biking mojo along the way.

Lunch Here

Peaceful Return on the Ferry