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
We’re so lucky to live here
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
One of the best places to ride a bike
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
Bring your bike
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’s also a comprehensive map available of cycling routes in the greater Geneva area
There really is nothing a hell of a lot to do in Geneva (on and off the bike!)
