What do you think of when you think of Geneva?

I asked a few friends who don’t live here, and these are a few of the (less than positive) answers I got:

· Secretive bankers

· Expensive watches

· Fancy cars

· Terrible traffic

· Reserved residents

· Gray and cold winters

· Crazy expensive to visit

· Just a place to pass through on the way to the alps

· Nothing to do

Now I think pretty much any cyclist who lives here will take issue with some of those. Particularly the last one.

Because almost every single ride I go on you can guarantee that one (or more) of my fellow cyclists will say one of the following:

· How lucky are we to live here?

· What incredible roads we have

· What an amazing ride

· I can’t believe these roads are just 10 mins outside a major city

· We’ve hardly seen any cars

· What a fantastic view

· Look at that eagle / deer / buffalo / lynx (it happened once!) / red kite

· Can you believe this climb?

· Wow these hairpins

· I love that descent

I really believe Geneva is one of the very best places in the world to ride a bike. You can do anything pretty much directly from the city centre:

· Roll out along the lake towards Nyon and Lausanne

· Take an up and down ride in the vineyards of Satigny and Dardagny

· Enjoy car free climbs up Baudichonne or Combe Blanche

· Attempt the super steep ascent of Mont Salève

· Climb Faucille for incredible views of Mont Blanc

· Head out into the Vallée Verte for countless cols

· Ride some incredible gravel routes that crisscross the canton

So, if you’re ever visiting and wondering whether it is worth bringing a bike, I say do it!

Get in touch if you want some route ideas, or someone to ride with, and we can even help you sort out a bike.

There really is nothing a hell of a lot to do in Geneva (on and off the bike!)

There’s nothing to do in Geneva

The ride where I get dropped. Again.