15 th European Ulysses-Club
International Gathering
Bois d’Amont – Jura – France
Friday 18 September to Monday 21 September 2026
Riders from across Europe converged on the Jura town of Bois d’Amont where Sophie and the team at Hotel Club le Risoux provided an excellent base for the 2026 European Ulysses Club gathering.
Here are just a few photos and notes of what proved a fabulous event with great weather, great food and great company.
Riders from the Ulysses-Club France led rides along stunning routes offering fabulous views in the Jura region and neighbouring parts of Switzerland and the Doubs Department. Rides departed after the sun had lifted the morning mist in the valley.
After a filling breakfast in the hotel, participants collected their lunch packs before heading out to explore the Jura either on their own or joining the French team along a choice of short, medium and long routes along the deep valleys and hills in Jura Mountains.
As riders returned to the Hotel in the afternoon, the staff were kept very busy resupplying their beer stocks and then everyone moved through to the dining room to enjoy an excellent 3 course dinner before returning to close out the day in the bar – and sure enough they ran out of whiskey.
On the Saturday afternoon and evening, live music was provided by an excellent local band, and we were very pleased to be joined by the Mayoress (Madam Le Mayor) of Bois d’Amont who enjoyed a drink in the bar and was then introduced to the national Presidents of the Ulysses-Club from France, Switzerland, Germany and Norway and also to our host Sophie and the team at Hotel Club Risoux.
Special congratulations goes to Patrick Laycock the GB Club President, who despite the short notice delivered an excellent speech in French - which did not need to be repeated in English.
On the Sunday most riders chose to have a rest day or explored the area in smaller groups or on their own. Thankfully everyone returned safely from their day out to enjoy another fabulous evening meal and a further attempt to grow old disgracefully by draining the hotel bar alcohol stocks.
Breakfast on Monday morning was followed by the group photo opportunity. This was perhaps overshadowed by the realisation that yet another fabulous Ulysses-Club event was coming to an end and it was once again time to say farewell to so many friends and familiar faces until 2027 when hopefully we will all continue to enjoy growing old disgracefully and meet in Switzerland for the 16 th European Ulysses-Club International Gathering from Friday 11 June to Monday 14 June In Maienfeld
at the Swiss Hedi Hotel.