ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL RIDE FOR 21 MINIONS!

SKITTLES KEEPS WINNING!

The Nation gathers on Saturday!

TOESETTER MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW!

WILDMAN CAUGHT BY PAPARAZZI!

TUESDAY NIGHT CHAIN GANG RIDE BEGINS!

Belo News

April 11, 2015

Shark Cove, Mi. - Dawn, once again, broke cold and crisp as our hero bounded from under his Shark Bedspread and headed to the Shark Weather Station to check out what type of clothing should be selected for the cool ride ahead. Though not as cold as the previous week, 35 degrees at launch is still a bit daunting.

Sharkman giving starting instructions (please note how absolutely no one is paying attention).
Oh, the humanity!!!

Sharkman brought a number of clothing selections up from his Shark Locker in the Shark Cove basement before finally deciding on his kit for the day. As he prepared his ride for the morning, he continued to feel cold and decided on the heavier kit, however, it later proved to be too warm for the cold blooded shark.

Zickman/Fabio makes his season debut!

Mad Dog rode into the Cove as the garage door at Rainman's abode slowly rose. Yes, Rainman was back from his spring training in Arizona and was ready to ride. The three riders caught up on their winter activities, spring training and the fact that it seemed like the warm weather would never arrive.

As they headed down into Galesburg, they saw Nikeboy riding back towards Battle Creek and waved hello. Nikeboy apparently had something else going and make and early ride.

At the start, a number of riders were already there and many were unloading their bikes from their cars and trucks.

On the previous evening, Chains, also known as “the Bounty Hunter” had reported to Sharkman that he was bringing a new rider who had kept saying he was going to ride, but then did not show up. Chains commented that he thought his name should be “the Promise” as he had yet to keep his promise to ride. 

Sharkman thought it might be more appropriate to name him “the Promise Breaker,” but was open to the name, pending the ride.

Chains with new Minion, "the Promise."
Welcome to the Nation, Promise!

Well, Belo News is pleased to report that “the Promise” finally kept his promise and made his first ride! However, he certainly has a lot to live up to with a name like “the Promise!” Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation Promise! The Nation will be watching you!

As a matter of fact, Belo News has learned through an under cover informant that “the Promise” had forgotten his gloves and a hat and had to borrow them at the start! Having “the Promise” in the Nation "promises" to be interesting........

In attendance at the start was Zickman/Fabio after wintering in San Diego. Fabio, you ask? Yes, this past year at Iceman Zickman began complaining to Sharkman that his name was, for lack of a better word, humdrum. Humdrum? The legendary Zickman? Humdrum? We think not!

Rainman and the Great Dane in their
season debut!

When asked what kind of name he'd like he replied, "I don't know, something like .....Fabio." Well, the name must have stuck as Sharkman was talking to Reb later in the week and commented on how strong he had ridden. Reb stated it was because he had ridden the wheel of Yeti Boy and Zickman/Fabio and coasted behind the combined age of 130+! Is this a great country or what!?!

Recently retired Stryker Guy tried to sneak into the start before being spotted by the paparazzi, while Toast was also making his season debut to the peloton.

For the second week in a row, Gazelle Girl shocked the peloton by showing up at the start with Toesetter in tow, making it two in a row! Say that 10 times fast, Bunkie!

To shouts of “Gazelle Girl!” the Nation slowly came to the starting line, where Sharkman attempted to give instructions but as readers will note from the photo, no one was listening.

B-Rod was ready to start the season!

Sharkman got the train moving and then immediately had to pull over to adjust his seat, which had shifted when his bike had fallen over while he was taking photographs.

Eighteen riders clicked in and the trained pulled out of the station on time!

As the Nation slid by the Klutch, the early morning group waved their hero's on and someone saw the Pirate pulling into the parking lot. It appeared he was in street clothes so the Nation assumed he was getting koffee and just kept going. He was, in fact, planning to ride and with jet lag, had over slept. He ended up catching on later somewhere near the Frona stop.

As the Nation headed north, Sharkman worked the peloton, pressing the flesh as B-Rod, making his season debut, headed to the front and

New Minion Buff was back!  Welcome
to the Nation, Buff!

tried to push the early season pace. But the Nation was not taking the bait and continued to talk as they pedaled into a friendly pace.

B-Rod did led out our hero to take his honorary first sprint with Reb on his wheel. Sharkman took a count at the G Ave. crossing and the Nation moved on to the col de Twin Lakes where a rider threw a chain and the Nation splintered at the top of the climb as some slowed and some did not.

At the Yorkville Church, some of the Nation put the pedal down and the pace picked up considerably. Sharkman was fighting to hang on but got dropped and was pulling a smaller group past the Kountry Klub and was fading fast. However, Zickman/Fabio came by stating, “you've pulled long enough!” and took over. Thanks Zickman/Fabio!

The Nation gathered back up at the top of the col de Norte before heading into the Holy Roller section. Out of the blue, Boatman appeared and was obvious as he was the only rider wearing shorts! Welcome back Boatman!

Stryker Guy tried to sneak in for his season
debut, but got caught in this photo.

Sharkman was talking to Gazelle Girl as they headed south and before they knew it, the Nation had opened up a huge gap and riders were spread all over the hills before getting to the Frona feed station.

After crossing the Digital Divide, Mad Dog went to the front and started, what turned out to be, a pretty darn good pace line for this early in the season. The speed picked up and the Nation stayed together until the GGG Spot were a couple of riders took off to contest the sprint (Belo News will not be reporting sprint finishes until May).

As the Nation turned south for the final sprint, B-Rod was leading a group that seemed to be jockeying for position. Without a Hossman or Tow Truck to take the pace out, Sharkman decided to go to the front to pick up the pace. Well, as much as Sharkman CAN pick up the pace.....  However, Sharkman started to open up a small gap when, to Sharkman's relief, Rainman took over. The two riders began to open a larger gap as no one from the peloton wanted to chase. They maintained the gap to the bottom of the final ascent to the finish. Mad Dog then went by and Rainman went after him as did a number of Minions who were feeling frisky and wanted to stay near the finish.

Gazelle Girl and Toesetter make
two starts in a row! Is this a great
country or what!?!?

As the fast moving trained moved to the finish, Sharkman noted an average speed of 17.2 mph on the ride. Very mellow and a good spring ride pace.

The tofosi and paparazzi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as the hero's zipped up their jersey's for the sponsors and motored their way to the Klutch where Andrew was waiting with hot koffee in new mugs!

Rainman bought koffee for our hero and some of the early morning group were still having their morning brew. (Thanks Rainman!)

The discussions centered around the Pirate and Boatman's late arrival, Zickman/Fabio's spring training in San Diego, Sharkman being over dressed for the ride home, and the new Edward Jones Koffee mugs at the Klutch. Most of the Nation stopped for koffee and swiftly cleaned out the place and took over. Is this a great country or what!?!

You won't want to miss next weeks edition of the KK-TdG!

The late arrivals, Pirate and Boatman enjoy a kup!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Launch Time - 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!

Be there!

The Klutch was rocking!

Gazelle Girl, Zickman/Fabio, Toesetter and B-Rod
hold court at the Klutch.

SKITTLES KEEPS WINNING!

Belo News

Skittles looking good for the paparazzi!
Photo by Tara Plante

April 11, 2015

Lowell, Mi. - The Nations own Skittles was at it again this past weekend when he raced a Gravel Road Race and took second in this age group at The Lowell 50 – Classic Gravel Road Race!

Skittles medals again!

During the post race press conference, the Gravel Road Expert was asked about his second place finish, to which he responded, with a new bend on the the old Minion Credo, “I may have come in second, but when you look this good, every day is a win!”

Spoken like a true Minion!

Skittles , who was in attendance on Opening Day also stated he is looking forward to getting back to the Nation. That is, if he isn't winning or placing in another gravel/cyclocross race somewhere in Michigan!

Congratulations Skittles, you did the Nation proud!

WILDMAN CAUGHT BY PAPARAZZI!

Belo News

April 9, 2015

Wildman and family caught by the paparazzi!
Is there no decency?

Battle Creek, Mi. - As a “legend” of the peloton, the Wildman is constantly followed by the paparazzi and as all Minions can identify with, it can be hard to keep them at bay.

The Nation is always being followed and asked questions about our intrepid hero, the Sharkman.

This was quite evident recently when Wildman was confronted by the paparazzi while attempting to have dinner with his wife and in laws at a local Battle Creek establishment. Wildman was, as always gracious and after acknowledging that he does in fact know the Sharkman, and actually knows him well, due to his respect for the diminutive hero, he would not be making any statements.

Thanks Wildman!

THURSDAY NIGHT RIDES BEGIN!

NEXT THURSDAY LAUNCH AT 5:30 P.M. - SHARP!

Belo News

April 14, 2015

How many Minions does it take to watch a
tire change? Apparently, a bunch.....

Battle Creek, Mi. - The Tuesday Night Chain Gang Ride had a “soft” opening this week with 6 Minions testing out the roads for this annual summer riding series. The ride launched from behind K2 in Battle Creek (shares a parking lot with Arcadia) and did pace line work out to Galesburg and back. Airman led the Nation with Stingray, Mad Dog, Rainman, Wildman and of course, our intrepid hero, Sharkman, in tow.

Wildman gives a clinic on tire
change as the Nation looks on.

For the first of the summer series, the small Nation of Minions formed up a very nice pace line, that is until they got to the Battle Creek Sewage Treatment Center where Wildman hit a rock and flatted out immediately. He and Sharkman then led a clinic on tire repair with Sharkman chastising him for not packing his spare tube in talcum powder. However, any credibility given the two in tire repair quickly evaporated when the tire went flat again withing about 50 yards of the repair.

Rainman get's it done!

At this point, Rainman had had enough and took over. Within a fraction of the time, a couple of pinches with , a swift of CO2Rainman had the tire fixed and the Nation back on the road!

This ride is similar to the old Chain Gang ride that Kellogg Minions were always late for. It is a great work out and the group rides adjusts the speed to the riders who are there. So come on out and join the Tuesday Night Minion Chain Gang.

Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.

The gathering of the mighty Minion Nation

THIRTEEN MINIONS BRAVE THE COLD FOR OPENING DAY!


BARRY ROUBAIX MINIONS IN THE NEWS!


TOESETTER HELPS OPEN THE SEASON IN STYLE!


GROUP RIDING ESSENTIALS FROM ROAD I.D.!

Belo News
April 4, 2015

Galesburg, Mi. - As dawn broke cold and bright over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero shot of bed in wild anticipation of the day ahead of him!  To be back in the mighty Minion Nation as yet another season lay out before him had made it difficult to sleep!

Though back from his “Spring Training” in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a bit drained from his “re-entry” to Michigan, the old Shark was anxious to get his steed ready to meet up with Mad Dog, his perennial wing man for the ride over to the start! It was one of those mornings when it was difficult to figure out what to wear as it was 29 degrees and would warm up during the morning.

Mad Dog and Wildman discuss race
strategy....or something like that.

Right on schedule, Mad Dog came riding out of the sun, into the Cove and after greetings the two riders headed out for the start.

It was a beautiful morning and though Sharkman had thought he might have overdressed, was hit by the west wind and knew he had provisioned appropriately for the morning cold.

As the two riders arrived at the start, Brewman and Cheese were there waiting, with Airman and Kid Doster driving in shortly after.  Moments later, Wildman appeared along with Yeti Boy, Skittles, Dream Boat (minus the Mighty Monk who had whoosed out), and a rider who has ridden with the Nation before but was un-named.  He is now known at Buff!  Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation, Buff!

As the paparazzi snapped shot's, and the Mayor of Galesburg presented Sharkman with yet another key to the City, the Nation waited to see if Gazelle Girl would make an appearance at the start, rather than her dramatic entrance on the road.

Just as the last photo was snapped, a roar in the crowd went up as the “Sweetheart of the Peloton” rode up with her main squeeze, Toesetter himself!  Making his first appearance at the start, Toesetter enjoyed the attention as the two rode to the start line for the Opening Day Photograph as the Nation greeted them with a shout of “Gazelle Girl!”

Airman was back healthy this season!

After the last photos were taken, Sharkman reminded everyone that as the first ride of the season, the pace would be easy and no sprints would be reported in Belo News until May.  To the sweet music of pedals clicking in, the Nation headed out and were greeted by a runner who was enthusiastically waving to the peloton! It was none other than Ironman who apparently is in training for some running event (ya, what the hell his he thinking, eh Bunkie?)

The Nation rolled through the thriving metropolis of Galesburg, past the Klutch and on to the road heading north.  However, just as the Nation was turning to head north, “Mechanical” was heard through the peloton.  Sharkman, who had just helped Yeti Boy put a new cassette on his rear wheel saw Yeti Boy at the back and started worrying it might be his handiwork, while Skittles stated he better head back.

However, it was Wildman, who had just had his pedals “rebuilt” but one of them had “locked up.”  There was no repair and Wildman had to drop from the peloton and ride home, pedaling with one leg! Oh, the humanity!

As the Nation headed north, there was a lot of chatter and camaraderie as it had been a long winter and there was a lot of catching up to do!

Brewman, who finished 3rd in his age
group at Barry Roubaix was on hand.

Sharkman worked the crowd, trying to say hello to all of his adoring Minions as the train moved north.  Sharkman found himself tucked in behind Airman, Dream Boat, Kid Doster and Buff as the first sprint approached and though the peloton slowed in acknowledgement of the hallowed tradition of Sharkman getting the sprint, our hero did not make a move in keeping with not pushing the pace in the early season! None the less, Sharkman was touched by the sentiment.

 As the peloton approached the col de Twin Lakes for the first climb of the season, the Nation scrambled all over the hill like a bunch of ants climbing a picnic basket to find the bologna!

Forming back up at the top, the peloton moved to cross Rt. 89 after one of the longest red lights on record.

The usual “speedway” that is the Yorkville Church/Kountry Klub/Rt. 43 section was moderately faster than the ride and some of those chatting in the back were momentarily spit out the rear but again, the Nation formed back up at Rt. 43. As previously reported, it was a very mellow ride!

The train continued through the col de Norte, the Holy Rollers, Frona's (yes, the Nation still calls it Frona's) and on to the Digital Divide.

Rt. 89 was exceptionally busy so the Nation made their crossing in two waves.  Sharkman, in the second wave, shot to the front with Dream Boat to start the first pace line of the young season.  After getting it started, Sharkman was pleased to see it was actually working and relinquished the lead spot to Dream Boat who put in a humongous pull to the GGG Spot, where a wild sprint was contested.

As the Nation formed up for the final assault on the finish, Dream Boat and Mad Dog went to the front and Yeti Boy and Sharkman rode them like a couple of rented mules!  Even our intrepid hero took a pull at the front before a cast of thousands began to go by him.

Things were wild at the Klutch!

As the Nation crested the final hill, it was all systems go as the Nation happily careened to the first finish of the 2015 season!  (Editors Note: though it was a “spirited” chase and close finish, Belo News will not be reporting on sprints until mid May.)

Of course, the tofosi and paparazzi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as the Nation paraded before them to the Klutch, where Andrew was waiting to serve up some great Bottomless Kups!

Yeti Boy came to the fore and bought Sharkman his first kup of the year! Is this a great country or what?!?  It was also learned that Yeti Boy had forgotten his gloves and rode the entire ride with just his cycling gloves! What a stud!

Things were wild in the Klutch as the Nation took a photo to text to Wildman to determine if he got home safe, which he did and Andrew took a photo for the Facebook Page which can be found at Koffee Klutch (first thing that comes up on the search!).  When checked later, someone had already commented that one of the riders looked like Toesetter! What a celebrity!

You won't want to miss next week's action!

The weather for Saturday is showing 38 degrees at 9 a.m. and 42 degrees at 10 a.m. which is way better than 29 degrees, so we will move the launch up!

Saturday, April 11, 2015
Launch Time – 9:00 a.m. - SHARP!

BE THERE!


BARRY ROUBAIX MINIONS IN THE NEWS!

Skittles, a top the podium! 

Belo News
April 4, 2015

Hastings, Mi. - Late breaking news learned at this weeks Opening Day!  The Nations own Skittles won his age group and Brewman took third in his age group at Barry Roubaix a couple of weeks ago in Hastings!

Nice job Minions! You did the Nation proud! We apologize for








LET'S RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

Belo News
April 8, 2015

Shark Cove, Mi. - The attached was sent in from one of our Minions as a reminder for safe riding when in groups.  Our friends at Road I.D. (and hopefully every Minion is wearing a Road I.D. when they ride) put this list together.  It is also good to remind all Minions that Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.

From our friends at Road I.D.

GROUP RIDING ESSENTIALS!

1 JOIN THE RIGHT GROUP. There are rides for all kinds of cyclists—everything from leisurely social jaunts to race-pace throwdowns. Ask your cycling friends, talk to your local bike shop, or do a quick Google search to find a group that fits your interests, fitness, and abilities. Before you clip in, you should have a sense of the terrain, the vibe, and how far and fast you’ll be riding.

2 SHOW UP PREPARED. Don’t be that guy or gal. Carry everything you need: a spare tube, tire levers, a multitool, a pump or CO2, water, snacks, money, and your phone. Before you jump into a group, make sure you can ride in a straight line, even with one hand on the bar while reaching for a water bottle, eating, or indicating a turn, or road debris.

3 BE A GOOD WHEEL. Groups ride in a paceline— either single-file or two abreast—to efficiently share the work and keep everyone safe. Ideally, you ride 12-18 inches behind the rider in front of you. Inching ahead of someone riding next to you is called half-wheeling—a cardinal sin that’s annoying and potentially dangerous.

4 RIDE CONSISTENTLY. Everyone is safest when your movements are predictable—so brake gradually, accelerate steadily, avoid erratic or unexpected swerving, and communicate any turns or debris well in advance.

5 COMMUNICATE. Speak up or use hand signals to point out gravel, holes, and other road obstacles. Use your left hand to signal a left turn and your right hand to signal a right turn—it doesn’t hurt to call them out too. Give a quick shout if you have a mechanical issue, or if the group is slowing or stopping because someone has a flat.

6 COEXIST WITH CARS. Follow the rules of the road, avoid unpredictable movements, and ride as far to the right as is comfortable. Come to a full stop at traffic lights and stop signs. On busier roads or streets with a narrow shoulder, most groups will ride single file. Never ride three abreast in any situation— it’s not safe or courteous.

Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.

SHARKMAN TRAINING UPDATE!

"Howdy!" Will our intrepid hero return
from his "Santa Fe" experience! Or has
he gone over the edge?......

EASTY ON THE INJURED RESERVE LIST?

MINION ON THE COVER OF OUTSIDE MAGAZINE!

ANOTHER MINION SHOOTS COVER?!?

OH, THE HUMANITY!

OPENING DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015!

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!?

ALFRED E. SALE THIS WEEKEND!

POLAR BEAR LOOKING FOR A TANDEM!

Moultini and Sharkman at Galisteo Basin!

Belo News

March 25, 2015

Santa Fe, NM. - As the mighty Minion Nation awaits in anticipation for Opening Day, our intrepid hero has been in training camp out in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Belo News is there following his every move. Remember, our intrepid hero doesn't move too fast, making following him extremely easy.....

Is this a great country or what?!?

Sharkman spend the first couple of weeks on the mountain bike hitting the trails at La Tierra and the Galisteo Basin. This past Saturday, son in law Sam, aka “The Great Moultini” took our hero “skinning” up the Santa Fe Ski Basin to 11,800 ft. before skiing back down.

At 11,800 ft. on top of the Santa Fe Ski Basin!

Our hero, had been more worried about making the climb, however he ended up doing fine climbing. However, the skiing back down was a bit of a challenge, to say the least. Moultini, always trying to make his adventures, well, …..”adventures,” did not take into account that his Shark father in law hadn't down hill skied in over 30 years and it was, indeed, an adventure! Actually, it was reported that our hero spent more time skiing on his back, stomach and side than he did on his ski's, though he did get some 10's from the judges on his flips and turns......some described it as controlled chaos!

After surviving yet another of his son in laws “adventures,” our hero took to the roads on an Outside Test bike. The SLS9.2 Boardman Road bike seen in this photo from their site is a beauty to look at and a pleasure to ride! Equipped with Shimano Ultegra this bike looks fast standing still!

At the summit before the descent! Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman has spent the rest of his time with his sharklets. Soccer, swimming, taking/picking up kids to/from school and generally enjoying life out west! After all, he has often commented that he believes he was Latin American in a previous life.  He loves the food, the life style, the beer.......

Will our hero return to the friendly confines of the Shark Cove after experiencing the “Santa Fe Life?”

One to few shot's of Sharkman in the upright
position on the way down!

Well, you'll need to show up for Opening Day to find out, Bunkie!

Sharkman's Santa Fe ride!
Boardman SLS9.2!

Nina at 4 weeks old!
What a cutie!

EASTY PLACED ON INJURED RESERVED LIST!

IT GOES LIKE THIS!

Easty in a more casual pose!

Belo News

March 25, 2015

Marcellus, Mi. - The News Desk here at Belo News has just learned of that our own Easty was involved in a major crash during the Melting Mann Race. Asked to comment on his injuries and share his story, Easty turned in the following report and was quoted as saying;

“Goes like this!”

Decided to take my sweet carbon fat bike out for a little pre-season warm up at the Melting Mann event two weeks ago.

It was a nice clear briskly cold morning after a warm Saturday. (This will turn out to be critical information).

I had the ideal set up for the conditions.....as the overnight freeze had left a sumptuous mixture of glare ice and "rough raked" frozen mud on the country gravel roads.....with my ultra lightweight fat bike mounted on 45North studded tubeless tires delicately inflated to 12.5 lbs and some comfy bar mitts for my paws and Lake insulated riding boots so the toes would stay warm, I was ready to roll!

As I pulled up to the starting line I noticed a familiar silhouette and slid in next to the infamous Brewman! He was sporting his seriously cool Moots (titanium....again important info for later) cyclo cross bike with his custom Brewman stem cap.....very elegant as usual.

The starting gun sounded minutes later and we were off! I had told myself that this was going to be a nice gentle ride to dust off the winter cobwebs and for the first mile.....it was. Then, the little guy on my shoulder (ironically as it turns out) spoke up and said "Hey Easty!! You got yourself the right set up for this course, you've been seriously training all winter and you are passing a lot of people.....why don't you amp it up a bit?"

Somewhat coachable, my amygdala brain took this seemingly sage advice and began a bit more aggressive "campaign". I continued to slice and dice (ATMO) as the conditions of glare ice and frozen mud played right into my studded tires teeth.

As I headed toward the front of the Peloton (once again...according to my opinion), I allowed myself to become more focused on my next "victim" in lieu of actual course conditions. About 7 miles in, coming over a short rise to a quick downhill, I had the next quarry in sight only to notice at the last minute the bottom off this hill was a virtual snake pit of deep frozen vehicle ruts (recall the warm day before information) and I was a bit late in setting up for such.

I caught a particularly nasty dually rut almost immediately and before I knew it was pitched sideways and down into the frozen ditch in one fell swoop. I have never hit so hard and so fast and knew immediately that I had broken my clavicle.

After being triaged by another rider (who happened to be a 4th year med student) AND subsequently passed by the ambulance that had been summoned to take me to the hospital, I was swooped up by KJ and wound up at Bronson ER.

It was here that I would find out my clavicle had suffered breakage into 6 pieces and my helmet had suffered terminal damage with multiple fractures of its own. Fast forward to Thursday and I found myself recovering from a 2.5 hour surgery to install 2 titanium (Moots) plates and 15 screws onto my left clavicle (right where the little devil was standing egging me on ;-). I now feel compelled to purchase a titanium ride just to complete the ensemble.

Feeling fantastic now, remounted my stationary steed as of last Thursday and get the prognosis from the surgeon this Wednesday on return to live action!

Must say, the concussion as a result of the crash was ultimately the most debilitating. A great testament to always acquiring and wearing the best helmet possible.

Really looking forward to rejoining the peloton!!! Just be aware I may have more than one screw loose from now on!!

Thanks for the reach out!

Easty

Editors Note: Thanks for a great write up! The Nation wishes you a speedy recovery and hoping you can come out and join the Nation for koffee until you can ride.  The Nation will hold your spot in the peloton for you!

MINION ON THE COVER OF OUTSIDE MAGAZINE!

ANOTHER MINION SHOOTS COVER?!?

Daughter Nicole Moulton gets her first cover photo
and it is her husband, Sam!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

Belo News

March 24, 2015

Santa Fe, NM. - A Minion has finally made the cover of a national magazine! Not only that, but the photographer that took the shot is also a Minion! Is this a great country or what?

In addition to giving birth to Sharkman's fifth Sharklet, it was announced earlier this month that Nicole Moulton, our intrepid hero's daughter, had scored the cover photo for the April Edition of Outside Magazine! Her first national magazine cover photo and she is married to Mr. Coverboy himself, the Great Moultini! It was shot in New Zealand last year and is hoped to be the first of several of their New Zealand photos to be used in Outside!

Oh, the humanity!

It is on newsstand now and each Minion is of course required to pick up enough editions to share with family and friend!

OPENING DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015!

Belo News

March 25, 2015

Santa Fe, NM – From our intrepid hero's spring training and diaper changing camp, just a reminder that we are less than a two weeks away from Opening Day!

Saturday April 4, 2015 will be the start of the mighty Minion Nation Season and no Minion worth his salt will want to miss this day, though it is realized it is Easter Weekend and Spring Break time, but the old Shark will be their to open the season!

Belo News will report a start time in next weeks edition, dependent on the weather!

Be there!

POLAR BEAR LOOKING FOR A TANDEM!

Belo News

March, 25, 2015

North Pole, Mi. - Our own Polar Bear has asked Belo News to post the following as he is seriously in search of a tandem for he and Momma Bear.  Should you have a tandem or know of one for sale, please contact Belo News or Polar Bear. Lets find this Minion a tandem!

Hey Sharkman,

I hope you're having fun with the new family.

I was wondering if you could do me a favor next time you send out any message. Momma Bear has decided she'd like to ride a tandem with me so we are in the market for a used road tandem size small for both capt and stoker. I was wondering if you could include our request to see if any minions have a suitable ride or maybe know of someone that does.

The online used market is very dry at the moment.

Hope you can help,

Thanks,

PB

ALFRED E. BIKE SPRING SALE THIS WEEKEND!

Belo News

March 25, 2015

Kalamazoo, Mi. - Don't forget the Alfred E. Bike Spring Sale this weekend!

Our Big Spring Sale begins on Friday!

Are you ready to put winter behind you, get your bike out of the garage, and ride outdoors? We sure are.

Kick off the season with Alfred E. Bike's Big Spring Sale! Everything in the store will be on sale:

Tubes    - 3 for $7.99!

Socks     - $5.99 or $6.99

50% off - Jerseys, compression, jackets

40% off - Shorts, tights, warmers

30% off - Helmets

Other in-stock accessories 20-25% off!

Kayaks and bikes on sale too!

Sale Hours:

Friday    March 27th    10am - 6pm

Saturday  March 28th    9am  - 5pm

       *** CLOSED SUNDAY ***

Monday    March 30th    10am - 6pm

Tuesday   March 31st    10am - 6pm

Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.

NEW SHARKLET IN THE NATION!

Our hero with little Nina Duggan Moulton!

WHERE WAS SHARKMAN FOR THE EOW PARTY?

HUGE, GALA TEAM TAYLOR EVENT THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015!

OPENING DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015!

Belo News

March 11, 2015

Santa Fe, NM. - Belo News is pleased to announce the arrival of a new Sharklet to the mighty Minion Nation!

Lava Girl enjoying Nina in
the backyard in Santa Fe!

Nina Duggan Moulton was born to Sam and Nicole Moulton on Tuesday, February 24, 2015!

However, not without considerable drama but it all turned out very well!

Sharkman and Lava Girl had planned to leave for Santa Fe on February 28 (the day after the End of Winter Party) and arrive on March 1 to move into the condo they had rented for the month so they could be there for the arrival of their newest sharklet. Little Nina was due on March 17 (quite appropriate for our Irish Sharkman) but it was not to be. Nina, impatient much like her Grandpa Shark, decided to arrive on Tuesday, February 24, approximately 3 weeks early!

The Shark Cove went into Def Con 10 as Lava Girl was going to be there no matter what!

So Lava Girl flew out that day (some may remember that this was the day after the huge snow storm that ravaged the south and getting a flight out of town was next to impossible) and arrived in Santa Fe at 1:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. on her body clock)!

Nina with her sister Lily and brother Beckett!

As our intrepid hero was driving her to the airport for the trip, Nicole called to say that Nina had arrived and was doing fine! Turns out there were no rooms at the hospital, so little Nina, 5.5 pounds, was born in a side room in a make shift delivery room! 

What a trooper!

Mother, daughter AND Grandma Shark are all doing very well!

Meanwhile, our intrepid hero left to drive to Santa Fe on Friday the day of the EOW Party and had to miss the gala event.

However, there were a number of the Nation in attendance at the party and they actually texted our hero after he had checked into a hotel in Elk City, Oklahoma for the night! Sharkman had to drive through a major snow storm to get to Santa Fe and found 8 inches of the white stuff all are familar with, waiting for him when he arrived to met his Nina. However, it all melted within 2 days and he has been riding in the 50s and 60s ever since! Is this a great country or what.

Sharkman riding La Tiarra with the Great Moultini!

Sharkman has also been able to get out and photograph early in the morning (yes, we know that is unlike our hero to get up before dawn) but has also spent a lot of time taking care of the older sharklets and have a great time! So fitting in activities has been a challenge, but our hero loves a challenge!

So that is why our intrepid hero missed the EOW Party, and what he has been up to the past week and a half!

Sharkman photographing at Diablo Canyon

The Nation at the EOW Party! Hey, what are they all drinking?

Where are you Sharkman? Is that coffee?

Yeti Boy and Rainman mugging for the
paparazzi!

HUGE, GALA TEAM TAYLOR EVENT THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015

Belo News

March 11, 2015

Portage, Mi. - In late breaking news, Minion Kia Pet sent the attached information concerning a big Team Taylor Party this Friday at Latitude 42 in Portage, Michigan!

Read all about it here!

Did someone say 4:01 on Friday. This is a charity so near and dear to my heart that I had to share a special beer tapping this Friday at Latitude 42 Brewing Company. Come on out and meet the Team Taylor Team and learn more about the Tour de Team Taylor ride in June, Race for Wishes and the Make-A-Wish Michigan WAM 300 mile ride in July! Share this with friends and hope to see you all at Latitude 42! Thank you. Kevin Cleary

Team Taylor

Has Spring actually sprung?? This week’s weather sure looks like it! So, with this great weather we have other fantastic news. We launch our first beer from our amazing partner Latitude 42 on Portage road!! Latitude 42 was recently awarded the Michigan Brewery of the Year by New York International Beer Competition!! Wow!!

Taylor’s Wish! a nice fresh, crisp golden ale infused with blood orange.

Friday, March, 13 4:01pm. Tapping. This is going to be better than a 5:01, so yes, it’s 4:01. Grab an early dinner too!

What a great way to celebrate spring and to create donations for Make A Wish. A portion of the proceeds from every pint of Taylor’s Wish will be donated to Make-A-Wish in Team Taylor’s name. If you can’t make it on Friday, don’t worry. Taylor’s Wish will be on tap at Latitude 42 for the next several weeks, so stop in when you can for a pint and/or for an amazing meal.

Support our sponsors who do such wonderful acts of kindness.

Join us for, Good People Doing Good Things.

It’s for the kids and families…

OPENING DAY – SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015!

Belo News

Diablo Canyon, New Mexico!

March 11, 2015

Santa Fe, NM – From our intrepid hero's spring training and diaper changing camp, just a reminder that we are less than a month away from Opening Day!

Saturday April 4, 2015 will be the start of the mighty Minion Nation Season and no Minion worth his salt will want to miss this day, though it is realized it is Easter Weekend and Spring Break time, but the old Shark will be their to open the season!

Watch further editions of Belo News for start time, dependent on the weather!

Be there!

Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.