OPENING DAY HUGE SUCCESS!

The "Fantastic Four" at the start!

WELL, SORT OF.......

SHARKMAN BUYS! OH, THE HUMANITY!

B-ROD SHOWS SOME SKIN!

MINIONS ROCK BARRY ROUBAIX!

BISSELL BOY LANDS A BIG ONE!

Belo News
April 25, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke of the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, rolled over and hit the snooze on his shark alarm clock......

The old Shark didn't need to be ready to launch until 8:30 a.m. and could hit the shark snooze and sleep in a bit.

Gazelle Girl and Mad Dog
"catching up" on winter activities!

But he was also excited for Opening Day, particularly in light of having to postpone the Opening for two weeks! A Minion record!

Choosing kit for the day, from the Sharkman's wide haberdashery of clothing in his Shark Locker room, was complicated by the fact the ride would be cool at the start, but warmer at the end.

After changing his mind several times, he settled on his wardrobe for the morning and got ready for Mad Dogs arrival.

It was great to see Mad Dog and the ride to the start was leisurely, not wanting to arrive too soon and cool down too much. Turned out that the old Shark, being a veteran of cold mornings/warm finishes, had selected just the right kit on the day and also fulfilled the the Sharkman credo that, "if you can't be good, look good!"

The two riders discussed what they had been doing all winter, then talked about the fact it seemed like everyone was up at Barry-Roubaix and they wondered if there would be anyone at the start.

As they approached the Klutch, they spotted the "Sweetheart of the Peloton" approaching the light as the both shouted out "Gazelle Girl!"

Sharkman stating, "Hey, where the hell is
everyone!!!!!"

As the three approached the start, there was only on vehicle in the parking lot and it was none other than B-Rod, getting his steed ready and adjusting his "hose."

After the speeches by noted dignitaries, including the Governor and the Mayor of Galesburg, the four riders were led out by their intrepid hero and a ceremonial fire truck. The Sharkman, who was slowed by the large "key to the city" he wore around his neck, was ready to ride.

As the Nation passed the Klutch for the first time in the 2018 season, the four riders didn't seem to draw the normal crowd they do in mid season......

However, the ride was a fantastic, mellow cruise through the "Field of Dreams" known as the Koffee Klutch Tour de Gull! It was good to be back in the Nation!

B-Rod, who claimed he had not been on the bike, led our hero out to the first sprint, then settled in for the ride. Sharkman, not wanting to dishonor the first sprint of the year, took it up to 21 mph as he took the tape.

Mad Dog did a great deal of pulling as the Nation worked their way around the lake.

B-Rod seemed to have problems
keeping his "hose" up! He showed
a lot of skin on Saturday!
Damn leg warmers!

Of course, Gazelle Girl took the GGG Spot Sprint with no problem and the Nation picked up the speed for the finish line.

However, as all know, Belo News does not report on the finish during Spring Training!

A reminder to all those who are concerned about speed and A and B groups.

Yes, there will be an A and B Group again this year. (see article below). However, if there are not enough riders for an A Group, those riders can stay in the B Group (which is led by Sharkman). However, the speeds will be, B Group speeds. Additionally, remember that the early season is a great time to come back to the Nation as everyone is trying to get back into shape. The average speed for the ride Saturday was only 17 mph. So come on out and enjoy the start to the season as everyone gets into shape!

The crowds on the Champs le Galesburg were down, most likely due to Barry-Roubaix.

However, the Klutch was jumping! As Sharkman dismounted to set his Litespeed against the Klutch, B-Rod was heard muttering, "Damn, I forgot my money again.....!"

Sharkman decided to simply buy for all (so he bought koffee for four and feels he is done his buying for the season!)! Is this a great country or what?!?

But B-Rod came ready to ride!

Discussion centered on Barry-Roubaix and next weeks ride!

The four, having a pretty good time, stayed late at the Klutch before Mad Dog and Sharkman headed out for the Cove after emptying their koffee in the restroom. 

A great way to start the season!

Though some may be at this Saturday's Yankee Springs Time Trials, and we wish them luck, the Nation will continue week two of the 30th year of Sharkman Rides!

The weather is looking good for Saturday.....at least dry, though just a tad nippy.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Launch Time - 9:00 A.M. - SHARP!

Be there!

Gazelle Girl was happy to
be back in the Nation!

Mad Dog, drinking his espresso!
Class act!

B-Rod, always hard to tell if he is happy......

Zyckmann & Stryker Guy at the start!

MINIONS ROCK BARRY-ROUBAIX!

Belo News
April 25, 2018
 Hasting, Mi. - The Minions rocked Barry-Roubaix! A school of Shark Minions took part in the annual gravelfest through Yankee Springs and brought the course to its knees!

Though, as Belo News went to press, they did not know who all rode, they know that Yeti Boy had an "epic" ride, turning in one hell of a performance on his new Giant gravel bike.

Dr Dave, Starsky & Hutch, with 
Brewman and Easty are just out of view.

Along with Yeti Boy, Zyckmann, Stryker Guy, Rainman, Easty, Dr. Dave, Ironman, Hutch, Starsky, and Brewman to name a few. All turning in great rides, making the Nation proud!

Great jobs, Minions! Look forward to seeing all of you at the KK-TdG this weekend!









SPRING TRAINING

Belo News
April 25, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - Just a reminder that it is Spring Training in the mighty Minion Nation. What this means is that as the Nation works out the winter kinks, the speed will stay mellow and in keeping with this, sprint winners will not be named in Belo News until May 15.

This is a great time to come out and ride as the Nation slowly ramps up speed as the summer goes on.

As previously mentioned, there will be an A and a B Group again this year if there are enough for an A Group.

So come on out and join the fun!

We look forward to another safe and fun season in 2018!



POSSIBLE 30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY!

Belo News
April 25, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As previously mentioned, this is the 30th year that our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, as had a Saturday morning ride. In the March 7, 2018 edition of Belo News, the history of Sharkman and the mighty Minion Nation was told.

It was also announced that a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Jersey, with every Minions name on it was being considered.

Though the design team of Gazelle Girl, Zyckmann and Sharkman were able to think of 70 names, there are over 130 Minions on the distribution. Belo News would like to thank all those Minions who actually read that edition and responded by sending Sharkman their real name, as well as their Minion name.

But most of those were Minions we had the name of.


So, if you want to insure that your Minion name is on the commemorative jersey, please make sure you send Sharkman and email with your real AND your Minion name!

This could be a great jersey and we hope to have the art work soon! So get your name (real and Minion) into the Sharkman ASAP!

See you all Saturday!

BISSELL BOY LANDS A BIG ONE!

Belo News
April 25, 2018

Whoa, baby! Bissell Boy reels'em in!

Pere Marquette, Mi. - One rider was having fun while the Nation was postponing the season! While the nation sat and watched the rain, Bissell Boy was out braving the elements and bringing it home!

That legend of the Peloton, who is now, also a legend fisherman, Bissell Boy, was reeling'em in up on the Pere Marquette!  Though he tried to play down the weight of this steelhead beauty, as one can see from the photo, this is one hell of a trout!

Though the famed rider claimed it only to be around "12 or 13 pounds," the Sharkman has declared it a 20 pounder!

Congratulations Bissell Boy, you did the Nation proud!

Now, ......when is the "Fish Fry!"

RAINED OUT!

RIDE CANCELED!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

Belo News
April 14, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - Another Opening Day canceled! The Nation will try again next Saturday!

OPENING DAY "COLDED" OUT!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

Minions get their own thermos!

BUT ONE RIDER SHOWED UP ANYWAY!

OK, TO THE FAT BIKES!

WILL THE NATION RIDE THIS SATURDAY?


Belo News
April 11, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was sound asleep in his Shark Bed, dreaming about taking the first sprint. Then he woke up remembering that Opening Day for the 30th edition of the Shark Minion Ride had been "colded" out! Oh, the humanity!

This, of course, wasn't the first cancellation of an Opening Day, but it was the first that was cancelled due to "cold!"

The team at Belo News, who had been pouring over weather charts for days, had nailed it almost perfectly. The prediction was for a 17 degree wind chill at launch time and it ended up being 18.

Sharkman had been getting emails all week asking, "Are we really going to ride?" and "How cold does it have to be to get canceled?"

Yeti Boy dishing out koffee and
cookies!

With all that in mind, and having come back from short sleeve riding in Santa Fe, Sharkman regretfully pulled the plug on the ride.

However, on the previous evening, Sharkman had dinner with Yeti Boy and he and Zyckmann had decided to do a fat tire ride and invited the Sharkman as well as Reb with a launch time of 10:00 a.m. It is always a bit warmer in the woods!

Though there was a dog sled race, conditions were perfect for the fat bikes. The trails at the Fort were frozen and the fat tires were not rutting up the trails, though they did soften a bit towards the end of the ride, causing the group to head over the the Klutch for a kup of Bottomless!

During the ride, Sharkman received a text. It was from Mad Dog, along with a couple photos:

"Must have missed the memo!" it said, along with this photo.....

Then, "At least it will be a fun ride home!" again, along with this photo.....

When Sharkman got to the Klutch, the Barista was heading out and mentioned that "one of you Minions was here looking for you!" Of course, the old Shark new it was Mad Dog.

Yeti Boy was in a generous mood and not only bought koffee, but also a couple of cookies to share! Is this a great country or what!

When Zyckmann when up for more koffee, Andrew brought an entire thermos for the small Minion group.

As they sat and drank their bottomless and ate cookies, Reb noticed a rider heading towards the Klutch and stated, "here comes a riders but he looks too good to be a minion." Wait.....what does that mean?

As the rider past the Klutch, the Sharkman and his Minions realized that it was none other than Mad Dog, looking cold but looking good in his layers of clothing! Mad Dog later texted Sharkman stating, "Glad you got out, smart to stay out of the wind.  Couldn't stop to say hi, if I got off the bike and got warm I wouldn't have been able to get going again.  Hopefully next week."

Yes, hopefully next week! It is next week!

However, the forecast for launch time on Saturday is for 70% chance of rain.....but it will at least be in the 40's! Well, 43 degrees that will feel like 37......

It will actually be warmer at 9 a.m. than 10 a.m. so the ride will be planned for 9:00!

So, for the time being, the ride will go on, but watch for an update on Saturday morning before 8 a.m. If not sooner.

If there is no update, the decision might happen at the start.

Remember, the Minions will ride in the rain, but not start in the rain.......or at least most of the time!

This Saturday, Opening Day!

Launch Time 9:00 a.m. - SHARP!

Be there!

MIGHTY SHARK MINION NATION “SOFT” OPENING!

REAL OPENING DAY, SATURDAY APRIL 7, 2018!

THIRTY YEARS OF SATURDAY MORNING RIDES!

SAY WHAT???

COMMEMORATIVE 30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY IN THE WORKS!

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT!?!

Belo News

March 7, 2018

Santa Fe, NM. - As the mighty Shark Minion Nation gets set to start the 30^th Season of Saturday morning rides, we find our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, in Santa Fe attempting to get his sorry dorsal into shape so that he too, can enjoy his 30^th season of Saturday Morning biking!

Yeti Boy relaxing over a Bottomless!

Just before leaving for his annual Spring Training out west, the Sharkman, Yeti Boy and Reb took to the roads in the unusually warm February temperatures to head over to the Klutch for some Bottomless Koffee.

The Nation was pretty popular with the Early Morning Koffee Group, who reminded them that it was February! However, it was a beautiful morning (of course any morning you can ride is a beautiful morning!) and they enjoyed the camaraderie!

Though they did not break any speed records it was just great to be on the bike!

Shortly after Sharkman returned to the Cove, and after he had cleaned up, there was a knock at the door and when Sharkman answered the call, he found Mad Dog in all his motorcycling finery! (see photo!) The day was so beautiful, Mad Dog was out on his new BMW motorcycle! And as you can see from the photos, Mad Dog cut quite a figure next to the sleek machine that was quite a beauty!

Mad Dog also wanted to ride and the old Shark and he decided to ride on the following day, which they did in a “severe wind advisory” with little trouble. Life was good again! 

Mad Dog was back in the mix!

Reb toasting the ride!

With less than a month from Opening Day, the day that every Shark Minion awaits, Sharkman thought he would mention that this is the 30^th year that he has had a Saturday morning, organized ride and include a brief history of the ride.

So, here we go......

How it all began........

In the beginning, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, enjoyed two “bike life's” Though his Dad got him started early, when at the age of 5 they walked to the local Schwinn Shop on the north side of Chicago and purchased his first Schwinn bike, that period in his life, was like any kid and a bike. Sharkman's Dad approached buying bikes like he did cars, and made the entire process fun for the young Shark. And though he rode bikes until he was 16 and began driving a car, the Sharkman did not really consider that period one of his “bike life's”

While in college, the movie “Breaking Away” (later, his oldest daughter would be on the Little 5 winning team at Indiana University) came out and once again, he was enthralled with the bike. Being a broke college student, he saved his coin (as we all know, he is famously cheap) and purchased a very low end Sears Winner 10 Speed (as they were known in those days). Thus began his “first bike life” in which he got Lava Girl riding and a couple of other couples friends and they rode tour's, centuries, commuted to school, actually did a couple of bike vacations, etc. Our hero went through a couple of bikes, none very spectacular, over the next 10 years or so, before he began running.

Cheers!

With kids, and a young career, it was much more easy to find time to run than to ride.

Flash forward to 1987 and after running over 20 marathons, our intrepid hero decided to enter the Hickory Corners Biathlon. Sharkman dug out his old Azuki 10 speed (see what we mean about "cheap?") and got it ready to ride.

This unusual event was a 6+ mile run, followed by a 22+ bike ride. When our intrepid hero asked why those distances, he was told by Doug Stevenson (former owner of Alfred E. Bike and eventual good friend of our hero) that it was because that was where the course ended! The old Shark thought this was pretty funny at the time.

The big day came and Sharkman can still remember that he was nervous about the bike part of the race having not done any real biking in some time and never having raced in anyway.

The Hickory Corners race in those days, began out at the cemetery east of town and the run came first. Sharkman (not known as Sharkman at the time) sprinted out to the front in the run and was very surprised that he stayed there for the entire 6+ miles and finished in the top 15 or so!

Let's hope Mad Dog hasn't gone over
to the "Dark Side...."

Naturally, he couldn't believe he was doing so well and was feeling pretty smug when he got on the bike for the second and final part of the race.

However, within just a mile or two, bikers (real bikers) began to pass him like he was standing still!

Sharkman fought as hard as he could, but was completely demoralized as riders passed him, particularly on the hills, and his legs began to feel like mush.

Sharkman finished somewhere in the middle of the pack (that might be a bit optimistic) and instead of being discouraged, got motivated to improve his riding!

He had forgotten how much he loved the bike and immediately began researching what bike to purchase.

Not wanting to give up running (and that would be a while) and being famously cheap (did we mention his cheapness?), Sharkman did not want to spend a lot on a bike. He began research and Bicycling Magazine had just named the Trek 1000 a “Best Buy.”

Sharkman went over to the closest Trek Dealer at the time and it was none other than Alfred E. Bike, owned by Doug Stevenson. The bike was around $500, which seemed like an enormous amount to the young Sharkman, but he was convinced it would instantly make him a faster rider!

Pretty sweet ride, eh?!?

While at Alfred E. Bike, purchasing the bike, Bob Tubay, who our hero knew from working at Kellogg, was there and Bob, later to become Bullet Bob, invited him to ride the very next Saturday, to which our hero jumped at the chance!

When Saturday morning rolled around, Bullet Bob arrived at Sharkman's old Cove and the two headed out on the very road that he now takes to get to the Klutch each Saturday morning.

At the first hill, up to 44th Street, Bullet Bob took off up the ascent like a fly on the wall and Sharkman began to wonder if he had just wasted $500 on a bike that felt like it was slowly killing his legs!

But again, the old Shark felt challenged and after the 25-30 mile ride, that nearly killed him, rather than put the bike away for good, decided he wanted to continue to ride and get better.

That began in 1988 and Bullet Bob became his longest riding partner and longest serving Shark Minion, but not the only Minion.

In the early days, the rides got to be known as “Tour de Bill's” and riders like Bullet Bob, Carl the Cannibal, Rodger Dodger, Mark the Hammer, Sailman, Locomotive and Qman were contacted by first, phone, then email, to determine the ride start, usually at Sharkman's house. Different riders hosted each ride that first year and the ride would conclude with breakfast at someone's house. But after the first season, the rides migrated to launching at the Sharkman's house for the next number of years.

How Sharkman became Sharkman.........

In 1989, Sharkman returned to the Hickory Corners Biathlon and was ready to rock!

The start/finish was moved to the west side of town, were they had a County Park that better facilitated the event. He had his new Trek, he'd been riding, he was ready!

Though Sharkman cannot remember how he did, he does remember how on that day he became known as “The Sharkman of Hickory Corners.”

The Hickory Corners Biathlon was a really cool race. They gave away really nice sweatshirts, (Sharkman still has and wears them) and instead of getting a trophy for winning, they raffled off gifts from the two sponsors, Gazelle Sports and Alfred E. Bike.

After the ride, our hero put on a San Jose Shark Tee shirt that a Board Member at Kellogg and co-owner of the NHL Team, had given him. Because it was cold, he put his Hickory Corners sweatshirt on, over the T shirt to stay warm.

As the announcer stood on a picnic table, reading off lottery winners, he pulled a T shirt out of the prize box, that had a neon shark on the back with “Kalamazoo” under the shark. He quickly announced that whoever won the T shirt would forever be known as “The Sharkman of Hickory Corners!'

The crowd began chanting, as the announcer pulled the name from the box, “Sharkman, Sharkman, Sharkman......!”

“Bill Duggan from Battle Creek!”

As the now, Sharkman, began to walk to the picnic table, the crowd continued to chant even louder, “Sharkman, Sharkman, Sharkman......!'

When our hero stood up on the picnic table, to accept the coveted T shirt, he pulled up his sweatshirt and revealed he already had a Shark T shirt on and the crowd went wild!

“Sharkman, Sharkman, Sharkman........!” And thus the legend began (at least in our hero's mind.......).

Friends began giving him things with sharks on it, like socks, T's, etc. His daughters began calling him Shark Dad and his Saturday morning guys began to call him Sharkman after he bought his first (of many) Shark Jersey! His daughters even found a bike helmet with a dorsal fin on it!

How the Minion name came to be................

A few years later, with the Sharkman's Saturday ride group calling him Sharkman for some time, he went to a Friday Night Kalamazoo Bike Club ride in Galesburg. As he was getting his bike ready, CycoCross pulled in and got out of his car and immediately began regaling our hero....”All hail the mighty Sharkman! We are all his Minions!” and thus began the name Minions for those who rode with our hero.

How the ride moved to the Klutch.........

The Saturday rides continued and riders moved away, or stopped riding, but there was always a group that Sharkman had riding on Saturday mornings. One of his longest running Minions was Qman, who lived in Galesburg and would drive to Sharkman's house to start the ride. In those day's the ride usually covered what is now known as “the Southern Route.”

Qman and Sharkman discussed that there was a new Cafe opening up in Galesburg and as bikers, they loved coffee and saw photos in Velo News where riders, training in Spain, would stop for coffee. They decided that once the new cafe opened, they would move the start of the ride to Galesburg so they could enjoy a coffee after the ride and add the miles to get to the cafe to their weekly mileage.

When Luanne opened the Koffee Klutch (we think, around 2007) the Minion's were her first Saturday morning customers. Because the ride had moved closer to Kalamazoo, some of Qman's buddies from church joined the ride. Guys like Sooner, Peugeot Guy, Arrow, Hawkeye and soon the ride began to grow as other riders found the group like Wolf King, Boffo the Clown, Dirt Dog, Cycocross with many, many more to follow. Legendary names like Gazelle Girl, Zyckmann (or whatever his name is this week) Bissell Boy, Stryker Guy, Yeti Boy, Skipper,.....the names go on and on!

The ride really began to take off in 2008, when Belo News began. Prior to Belo News, communications went out by email. However, Belo News circulation slowly began to rise and presently there are 134 Minions on the distribution. Many of those riders have moved away, but have stayed on the distribution to read about the exploits of the mighty Shark Minion Nation.

The ride followed the same route as the Friday night Kalamazoo Bike Club ride and took on the name, the Koffee Klutch Tour de Gull, but the difference has been the “leave no Minion behind” rule. The riders can sprint for bragging rights at all the Stop Ahead signs, however, the Nation tries very hard not to leave any Minion behind by waiting at the stop sign for all to catch on. Though there have been times when the Nation has lost a Minion, it has worked hard to make sure the ride is fun for all. If a rider wants a stronger workout, they can sprint for all the Stop Ahead signs, then ride back to meet the group.

Two years ago, a “B” Group began for those recovering from injury (as Sharkman came back from surgery), or trying to get back into shape after a lay off. The Nation is still working on both the “A” and “B” group concept to insure it works well, but now that ride attendance often goes over 40 riders on a Saturday, it is even more important to break down the groups for safety reasons.

And that is the story of the mighty Shark Minion Nation and our intrepid hero, the Sharkman!

Sharkman feels truly blessed by having his mighty Minion Nation in his life and for 30 fantastic years of cycling fun and friendships!

30th ANNIVERSARY SHARK MINION JERSEY ANNOUNCED!

Belo News

March 7, 2018

Santa Fe, NM. - In recognition of this being the 30^th year, our Vice President of Minion Moral, Gazelle Girl, along with Director of Laughs, Zyckkmann, are working on the possibility of a 30^th Anniversary commemorative Shark Minion Jersey. Plans are that this jersey would have ALL the Minions Names on it if they can be fit into one jersey.

To insure that you have your name on the jersey, please send Sharkman an email with your real and your Shark Minion name. (The old Shark has a hard time remembering each Minions real name.)

When Sharkman, Gazelle Girl and Zyckman tried to remember all the names, they were able to come up with around 80 without even looking at the distribution. But if you want your name on the jersey, you need to email Sharkman (sharkman444@gmail.com) ASAP. 

If there is a good response, jersey's will be made and orders will be taken.

So don't delay! Get your name and Minion name to Sharkman ASAP!

OPENING DAY, APRIL 7, 2018!

Belo News

March 7, 2018

Galesburg, MI. - And don't forget to mark your calendars! Opening Day is Saturday, April 7, 2018. The time will be determined the week before, depending on weather. So watch your email with start time!

You won't want to miss the first day of the 30^th season of the mighty Shark Minion Nations!

Be there!

ZYCHMANN'S "POLE TO POLE" IS BACK!

OH, THE HUMANITY!?!

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT!?!

Belo News
January 24, 2018

Zychmann Estate, Mi. - You read that right Bunkie! The famous "Pole to Pole" is back!

Been bored so far this winter, Bunkie? Too cold but hate the thaw, too much snow, not enough snow, too much fog and rain, not enough sun?

Well quit you belly aching and come on out and embrace the Michigan winter, ya sissy!

The invitation above says it all! Come on out and run, ski, ride, skate, snow shoe, whatever, across Gull Lake!

There will be an alternate event and watch for an email next week, if the weather turns too warm.

Snacks and a fire provided, but BYOB!

Festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. - SHARP!

Be there!

RIDE CANCELLED BUT PARTY GOES ON!

LOCH NESS MAKES HIS DEBUT!!!

The mighty Shark Minion Nation ready to party!

ZYCKMANN THE LEGEND, MAKES THE PARTY AFTER ROCKING ICEMAN!

REB BUYS!?!

WHAT A GREAT YEAR!

Belo News
November 4, 2017

Augusta, Mi. - After years of fantastic weather, Mother Nature seemed to catch up with the Nation the past 4 weeks. Since the mighty Shark Minion Nation has been riding out of the Koffee Klutch (2004), there have been very few rain outs.

The motto, "we will ride in the rain, but not start in the rain" has held up pretty well and though there have been some rainy starts, there have not been many rain outs until this very wet end to the season!

The proud Momma and Poppa
with Loch Ness! Who slept
through the entire thing....

As the Nation knows, two road rides were rained out, and this past Saturday, the "ride" part of the 3rd Annual In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party was a complete washout. It didn't just rain, it poured!

But that didn't stop the Nation from a good party!

Though few in numbers, the Nation that showed rocked Players in Augusta!

Gazelle Girl and Toesetter arrived first, followed by Sharkman and Lava Girl and the four acted as the reception committee as the Nation filed in.

First came the Hossman contingent with Mrs. Hossman and son, Tanner as part of his Hossman's entourage!

Everyone wanted to know why Tanner wasn't riding with the Nation but it was apparent he was much to tall to be riding on any of Hossman's hand me down bikes! It also looked like he might just be in better shape that Hossman and the old Hoss might be afraid to unleash him on the Nation?

Then, the celebrity Minion for the day arrived with his Mom and Dad (Sasquatch) in his grand debut to the Nation!

Yes, Loch Ness (aka Silas Stroup) arrived in all his glory. Though he only woke up for a moment or two to down some milk, the little guy seemed to be the life of the party none the less! Displaying the calm demeanor shared by his Dad, this kid rocked it for the entire Players bar!

Then, in a surprise appearance, Zyckmann walked in after rocking Iceman earlier in the day!

Wait, what?

Tanner enjoying his Dad buying he beer!

Yes, as an added bonus, and after a challenge from Gazelle Girl to show, Zyckmann walked in to a round of applause!

Zyckmann, who had driven up to Iceman earlier, rode the race, turning in an excellent time, and then drove back in time to take part in the party!

Is this guy a legend or what?!?

Yes, Zyckmann had accepted Gazelle Girls' challenge and done it all in one day!

That is why this man is a legend in the Shark Minion Nation!

Zyckmann arrives to his adoring fans!

Reb was also in attendance and was so moved by Loch Ness, Zyckmann's feats of daring, and of course, wanting to get his name in Belo News, he not only bought Zyckmann's beer, but Sharkman and Lava Girls dinner!

Oh, the humanity!

This is a great country!

The party continued into the wee hours of 6:30 p.m. though Zyckmann had to get home a bit earlier to shower and to convince Mrs. Zyckmann that he had come straight home from the Iceman!

It was a great ending to another fantastic year in the Nation!

On to 2018!

Reb sitting in awe of two cycling legends.

2018 will be the 30th Anniversary of our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, leading a Saturday Morning Ride.  Starting out as the "Tour de Bill," with Bullet Bob and Karl the Kannibal and then turning into the "Koffee Klutch Tour de Gull," this madness has been going on for 29 years and who the hell knows what will happen in the 30th year!

So stay tuned for occasional, unofficial mountain bike rides and/or skiing this winter and for the kick off for the 2018 30th Anniversary Season!

Toesetter taking it all in stride!

Have a great winter and thanks to the Nation for all the fun!

Loch Ness knocking off a nap!

THE NATION ROCKS FORT CUSTER!

Morning Koffee before the Nation attacks the Fort!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FALL MORNING!

IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

SPECIAL CELEBRITY ATTENDING!

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!?

Belo News
October 28, 2017

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke cool over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, had a hard time getting his dorsal out of his shark bed. YMCA and Monster Mash were echoing in his shark brain, thinking about his stint on the ukulele at Bowman's the previous evening.....well, that and the number of PBR's he had while belting out songs along with Wildman and the Great Dane, that is.

But he quickly realized it was not a normal Saturday morning! No, it was the morning the Nation moved from their beloved field of dreams affectionately known as the Koffee Klutch Tour de Gull, to mountain bikes and the Fort!

But wait, he thought.....there was a chance of rain, right?

Wrong! Radar clear, dry streets, GAME ON!

At the stroke of 7:23 a.m. - SHARP!, Yeti Boy pulled into the Shark Cove in his old faithful Chevy Truck and after loading up the Sharkman's 9er, they were off to the Klutch for koffee!

As Yeti Boy pumped up his tires, Sharkman went into the Klutch and ordered up two bottomless and talked with Mary and the Early Morning Group about how far they would be riding, how much longer the Nation would be riding, and other assorted cycling questions they had of their hero.

Yeti joined in and shortly after, Gazelle Girl, then Zyckmann were at the table, koffee in hand, discussing if they had dressed warmly enough. The temps were about 38 degrees, but wind was light and NO RAIN!

Zyckmann was looking quite dapper in his G.I. Joe helmet and ear muffs, while Yeti Boy's shivering determined that he had not worn enough clothes!

At 8:31 a.m. - SHARP! the four riders, fueled up bottomless koffee and raring to go, set out for the Fort commenting on how unfortunate the two week of rain had been in delaying this fun ride.

The Fort was remarkably dry, considering the amount of rain that had fallen recently, and at 9:01 a.m. - SHARP!, the Nation arrived at the Trail Head and were met by Stingray who was wondering if anyone would show. He was the only Minion at the Trail Head and though Sharkman was happy to see him, he was disappointed there weren't more riders. However, it had been a strange end of the season with all the rain and the threat of rain on this day may have held the crowd down.

It was a reverse trail day and Sharkman had never done any of the trails in reverse before and was a bit concerned. Stingray had done the routes in reverse so Sharkman designated him as the leader and quickly volunteered to take up the rear to protect the Nation (or so he says.....).

The group decided to do the Red Trail and it was interesting to say the least.

Going backwards on the trails offered periods were Sharkman wasn't sure where he was! It also made for being in the wrong gear when coming around a bend to find a steep climb, or when the roots made choosing a line very difficult.

However, the Nation went through the Red and the front end of the Green (this section in reverse was determined by the group to be quite fun!) without mishap. For Sharkman, the jury is out on whether he likes the new alternate route riding......

The Nation parted ways with Stingray at the Trail Head and headed back through the Yellow, then the Blue trails to the farm road in the western part of the Fort and on to the Klutch.

Sharkman got a bit nostalgic as they four Minions rode down the Champs le Galesburg for the last time this season. The paparazzi and tofosi stood cheering their hero's on with tears in their eyes as the season comes to a close.

But what a season it was!

As the Nation approached the Klutch, the sky began to spit some rain, but nothing major as Zyckmann headed back into the Klutch to see if he could "milk" more koffee out of his Bottomless Kup purchase earlier in the morning and Yeti and Sharkman loaded up there bikes for the drive home.

It was a great ride and the old Shark was only sorry that it had been so long since he had been on  his mountain bike.

But it isn't over yet, Bunkie!


IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

SPECIAL CELEBRITY GUEST!

Belo News

Loch Ness! Is this kid cute
or what?!? Love that
jersey!

November 1, 2017

Augusta, Mi. - This is it, mighty Shark Minion Nation! The last "official" ride of the year. And even if you don't mountain bike, you can take part in the festivities!

It is time for the Annual "In Lieu of Iceman" Ride/Party at Fort Custer and then over to Players in Augusta for beer and dinner with significant others.

This will the the 3rd Annual ride/party that was started after the "MudMan" year at Iceman, when most, but not all, of the riders decided to not ride the Iceman event anymore.

So, if you are not riding Iceman, and even if you are not a mountain bike rider, but like Players in Augusta and seeing the Nation, this event is for you and your significant other!

Saturday, November 4, 2017

2:00 p.m. - SHARP! Be at the Fort Custer Trail Head to ride the trails in reverse!

4:00 p.m. - Not so SHARP! The riders, those who didn't ride the Fort and significant others meet at Players in Augusta (just west of Fort Custer) for dinner and drinks!

This year we have a Celebrity Guest!

Sasquatch and Mrs. Sasquatch will be in attendance and will be introducing Loch Ness to the Nation!

Oh, the humanity!!!

That's right, the newest and maybe smallest, Shark Minion, Loch Ness, will be in attendance for all to see and Belo News wants all to be warned, ........be ready for excessive cuteness!

NO, not Sharkman, Loch Ness!

He is already sporting a Shark Jersey, along with a bike bed blanket in the photo!

Is this a great country or what?!?

So come on out and enjoy a ride, dinner and Loch Ness as the Nation officially closes down the 2017 season!

And if you can't make it, thanks to everyone for another phenomenal year of cycling!

POST NOTE:

Readers may have noticed the term "official" being interspersed into Belo News. The Editors use the word "Official" because there may, and probably will have informal, last minute mountain bikes rides this winter after Deer Season. Depending on snow, there may also be a ski outing at some point.

So stay tuned!