Video: Mountain Biking & Sailing Around Lake Geneva
Words: Arnaud Burille & Kevin Burnet
In the world of mountain biking, adventure can take unexpected forms, combining the power of nature with the adrenaline of riding. This is how a casual discussion over a cup of coffee laid the foundations for a memorable and epic one. Lucas Frigout, mountain bike rider, and I, a passionate cameraman, decided to bring his vision of the word ‘travel’ to life: using Milady, Lucas’ sailboat, to conquer the emblematic mountain peaks surrounding Geneva Lake.
Lucas Frigout is an hybrid athlete, passionated about all kind of board sports but above all a professional mountain biker. His days were punctuated by intense training, competitions and a passion for board sports that knew no limits. But he felt the need to escape from this routine and take a break from his racing schedule. The main goal was: to connect the mountains summits of the region using Milady to move from one point to the others. This adventure was an exhilarating fusion of navigation skills and mountain biking ride
Preparations and First Steps
The start of our journey aboard Milady was not the easiest one. Getting the bikes, gear and food aboard the boat was a considerable effort, but an essential step for our adventure. After a late afternoon departure from the port of Sciez and a short night, we began the ascent of La Dent d'Oche in the dark, reaching the summit at sunrise.
A brief stop at the summit and Lucas then plunged into the descent, mixing adrenaline and natural beauty. A stop at La Fetuière to taste the local potato fritters gave us a break with a touch of regional culture. It was only the beginning of our journey, but already we felt the very essence of the adventure that would accompany us throughout this trip.
The Escape to the Chalin Refuge
After our ascent of La Dent d'Oche, our goal was located further east in the Dents du Midi chain. After a short but stressful climb not knowing if the refuge would be able to accommodate us with all our equipment for the night, we finally arrived at the door of this small cabin.
The advantage of unguarded refuge is first come first served
The next morning, a spectacular sunrise greeted us. With steaming coffee in our hands we watched Lucas preparing his ride down to the bottom. It was in this atmosphere that he set off on a steep and rocky slope leaving floating dust behind him.
Descent to the Rochers de Naye
After our descent, our team met up with Milady to return to the port of Montreux, where we enjoyed a quick swim direct diving from the deck of the boat, almost forgetting that we had a train to catch... It's at the last moment we set off like rockets towards the station which will take us up to the Rochers de Naye.
Arriving at the top of this old cogwheel train, we were greeted by the panoramic view on Lake Geneva
No time to lose to catch the last rays of the sun, Lucas began his descent towards the port of Montreux, which we could also see from the summit with Milady whom we had hastily abandoned.
Endurance crossing and descent of La Dôle
The next morning, our team resumed its journey towards the port of Nyon. The crossing, initially planned for a long morning, extended during the day and part of the night due to the lack of wind.
This situation has in no way weakened our determination. On the contrary, it gave us the opportunity to carry out practical tasks, such as washing our clothes, to tell a few anecdotes around a game of cards. The coolness of the lake offered us a little respite, and we were able to have another swim and recovery. We concluded our day by sharing a BBQ at sunset, a well-deserved moment after these days of intense effort.
Welcomed by the sunset us at the port of Nyon, we were ready to begin our climb to La Dôle’s weather station. At the top, Lucas once again embarked on a steep descent, challenging with his mountain biking skills.
Geneva in Sight
Back at the port of Nyon, our team headed towards Geneva. The crossing to this town was short and rather pleasant, benefiting from a favorable breeze this time.
Once arrived, we set off to climb the famous Saleve, which dominates the city of Geneva and offers a breathtaking view of it and the city's famous « jet d’eau ». Then Lucas prepared for the last descent of our trip, a technical challenge in the heart of a grandiose setting, evoking the colors of the Grand Canyon.
The orange lights of the sunset further accentuated the resemblance of the Saleve cliff to the American mountains.
Note, a brief remark marked our journey: an altercation with trail runners who did not understand our presence on mountain bikes, emphasizing the importance of sharing mountain trails.
This trip around Lake Geneva was much more than just a mountain bike adventure.
Lucas' bold idea of combining his passion for cycling with sailing on his sailboat offered us a breathtaking spectacle, revealing the hidden wonders of this place of Haute-Savoie. Ultimately, this trip allowed Lucas to reconnect with his passion and rediscover the pure pleasure that drives him. A valuable lesson that reminds us of the importance of savoring every moment, whether on the top of a mountain or in the depths of a wave.
Film : The Ridge Films - Arnaud Burille, former professional skier / Arthus Kauffeinsen
Photos : Kevin Burnet & Arnaud Burille
Text : Arnaud Burille
Athlete / Rider : Lucas Frigout, 30 years old, E-MTB World Cup Racer / content creator
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NOBODY likes ebikes..
use the plentiful (in Switzerland) available public lift options if your own power does not allow you to access the nature.