MOUNTAIN MADNESS?
B GROUP SAVES SUZY THE BEAGLE!
TONY THE TIGER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!
Belo News
June 11, 2011
Galesburg, Mi. – We here at Belo News want to congratulate the First Lady of Cycling and the love of Sharkman’s life, the famous Lava Girl, on a very special Birthday! Our intrepid hero surprised Lava Girl by flying one of his daughters home from the coast to celebrate this landmark event, keeping our hero pretty busy over the past few days. Sharkman’s other daughter is 8 months pregnant with the latest Sharklet and was unable to come back for the festivities. However, as you can see from the photo, Mother Shark and Sharklet Colleen had a great time!
THE MIGHTY MINION NATION SAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAVA GIRL!
Now on to last Saturday’s ride, which was lower on numbers, but very high on the “ridability scale!” The weather may have scared some Minions away as it was overcast at the start, but the temps were perfect and the rain held off.
Nikeboy once again escorted our hero to the start line and also led the B Group, which had quite a bit of drama associated with it, but more about that later.
B GROUP SAVES SUZY THE BEAGLE!
TONY THE TIGER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!
Belo News
June 11, 2011
Galesburg, Mi. – We here at Belo News want to congratulate the First Lady of Cycling and the love of Sharkman’s life, the famous Lava Girl, on a very special Birthday! Our intrepid hero surprised Lava Girl by flying one of his daughters home from the coast to celebrate this landmark event, keeping our hero pretty busy over the past few days. Sharkman’s other daughter is 8 months pregnant with the latest Sharklet and was unable to come back for the festivities. However, as you can see from the photo, Mother Shark and Sharklet Colleen had a great time!
THE MIGHTY MINION NATION SAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAVA GIRL!
Now on to last Saturday’s ride, which was lower on numbers, but very high on the “ridability scale!” The weather may have scared some Minions away as it was overcast at the start, but the temps were perfect and the rain held off.
Nikeboy once again escorted our hero to the start line and also led the B Group, which had quite a bit of drama associated with it, but more about that later.
In addition to the dynamic duo, All Black, Wilier Boy, Dr. Dave, Stryker Guy, Cheddar Head, and the Pirate were in attendance. Making his season debut was none other than Flash Gordon (welcome back Flash) and a new rider sponsored by Stryker Guy himself. The new rider, named Josh, herein known as Torque (we’ll get to that later) is a former Cat 1 racer and was under the constant eye of his mentor, Stryker Guy.
Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation, Torque!
Stryker Guy was looking very dapper in his brand new Stryker Kit, obviously in response to his huge win of the G Spot sprint two weeks previous. Apparently the sponsor wanted more publicity, placing a heavy load on Stryker Guy to again, go for the G Spot!
With Skipper AWOL, the Pirate shouted out, “O.K. ladies, lets go!” as the Nation took off to the sound of clicking pedals and the whir of Ksyrium and Bontrager wheels.
The crowd at the Klutch was extremely demonstrative as the group passed and waiting for the Nation on the other side of the railroad tracks was the long absent Wildman! The peloton went, well...wild as they saw one of the legends of the peloton, saddled up and ready to go. From the get go, Wildman made it clear he had not been on the bike in a while and would be riding in the B Group with Nikeboy. He was also leaving for yet another business trip to China and would not be available for autographs post ride.
Ready to greet Gazelle Girl the Nation looked north to see if the expected rider was anywhere in sight, but alas she was either out for the week or had decided to sleep. However, just before the opening sprint, the defending champ from the previous week, Kid Doster joined on to the nation.
As the train bore down on the first sprint, both Stryker Guy and Torque took turns leading the Sharkman to get their names in Belo News. Torque, picking up the bug to get into the blog early in his Minion career pulled the Shark out ahead of Stryker Guy to get the sprint. The count at the north bound G Ave. crossing was 12 riders.
It became increasingly apparent that our new Cat 1 rider could win at will and had a torque in his sprint that was reminiscent of the Wolf King in his younger years, when he was much, much thinner, was actually a good rider, and was also actually riding a bike on occasion.
As an example, the pace picked up as usual with a strong pull from Sharkman, Stryker Guy, Kid Doster and Torque through the Country Club section of the course. At the turn to the road to Rt. 43, Pirate pulled through and took over at the front and put in a humongous pull. Biding his time, the Sharkman waited until just before the Stop Ahead was in view and took off, feeling that he had the sprint nailed. Just at the finish, Torque closed a huge gap with a stroke or two of the pedal and nipped our hero at the tape.
Stryker Guy was looking very dapper in his brand new Stryker Kit, obviously in response to his huge win of the G Spot sprint two weeks previous. Apparently the sponsor wanted more publicity, placing a heavy load on Stryker Guy to again, go for the G Spot!
With Skipper AWOL, the Pirate shouted out, “O.K. ladies, lets go!” as the Nation took off to the sound of clicking pedals and the whir of Ksyrium and Bontrager wheels.
The crowd at the Klutch was extremely demonstrative as the group passed and waiting for the Nation on the other side of the railroad tracks was the long absent Wildman! The peloton went, well...wild as they saw one of the legends of the peloton, saddled up and ready to go. From the get go, Wildman made it clear he had not been on the bike in a while and would be riding in the B Group with Nikeboy. He was also leaving for yet another business trip to China and would not be available for autographs post ride.
Ready to greet Gazelle Girl the Nation looked north to see if the expected rider was anywhere in sight, but alas she was either out for the week or had decided to sleep. However, just before the opening sprint, the defending champ from the previous week, Kid Doster joined on to the nation.
As the train bore down on the first sprint, both Stryker Guy and Torque took turns leading the Sharkman to get their names in Belo News. Torque, picking up the bug to get into the blog early in his Minion career pulled the Shark out ahead of Stryker Guy to get the sprint. The count at the north bound G Ave. crossing was 12 riders.
It became increasingly apparent that our new Cat 1 rider could win at will and had a torque in his sprint that was reminiscent of the Wolf King in his younger years, when he was much, much thinner, was actually a good rider, and was also actually riding a bike on occasion.
As an example, the pace picked up as usual with a strong pull from Sharkman, Stryker Guy, Kid Doster and Torque through the Country Club section of the course. At the turn to the road to Rt. 43, Pirate pulled through and took over at the front and put in a humongous pull. Biding his time, the Sharkman waited until just before the Stop Ahead was in view and took off, feeling that he had the sprint nailed. Just at the finish, Torque closed a huge gap with a stroke or two of the pedal and nipped our hero at the tape.
Well played, Torque, well played.
The pace was fast and steady as the Minions rode through the Bible Conference Hills and past Frona’s. As they started the short climb after Frona’s, Skipper, who had slept in, met the nation on the climb. After being chastised for sleeping in and catching the ride late, he made amends by leading out the Sharkman to take the inlet sprint. (He also managed to get his name in the Blog!)
After the Digital Divide, the Sharkman shouted out that a pace line would form up with short, 30 second pulls and keeping the pace at a respectable 20-21 mph. After the old shark led the group off, the Pirate took up the pace with Torque riding in the on deck circle. When Torque took over, he immediately brought up the pace to 26 mph and Skipper, now in the on deck circle was told to let him go. As the peloton reeled him back in the Pirate explained pace line etiquette to the Cat 1 racer who apologized for his exuberance! As the train bore down on the G Spot Sprint, everyone was looking for a repeat win, in Stryker Kit, by none other than Stryker Guy himself, however, he was not able to duplicate his previous efforts sans Stryker kit, while Flash Gordon took his first sprint of the year leaving everyone to wonder if Stryker will want the kit back!
Knowing that there was some balance in the sprinting speed of the finishing pack, Sharkman jumped out to an early lead at the head of the pace line to spread out the crowd. Pirate, Kid Doster, Stryker Guy, Torque and the Minions stayed together, shifting the lead back and forth amongst the horde of riders boring down on the finish like a runaway train.
The Pirate put in a late surge and Torque jumped on his wheel. Sharkman, sensing that Torque would go past the Pirate at any moment, decided to try to hang on to his wheel to nail down the second spot on the podium. Just as predicted, Torque went around the Pirate and took the pace up as Sharkman hung on for dear life, dorsal flapping in the wind.
The pace was fast and steady as the Minions rode through the Bible Conference Hills and past Frona’s. As they started the short climb after Frona’s, Skipper, who had slept in, met the nation on the climb. After being chastised for sleeping in and catching the ride late, he made amends by leading out the Sharkman to take the inlet sprint. (He also managed to get his name in the Blog!)
After the Digital Divide, the Sharkman shouted out that a pace line would form up with short, 30 second pulls and keeping the pace at a respectable 20-21 mph. After the old shark led the group off, the Pirate took up the pace with Torque riding in the on deck circle. When Torque took over, he immediately brought up the pace to 26 mph and Skipper, now in the on deck circle was told to let him go. As the peloton reeled him back in the Pirate explained pace line etiquette to the Cat 1 racer who apologized for his exuberance! As the train bore down on the G Spot Sprint, everyone was looking for a repeat win, in Stryker Kit, by none other than Stryker Guy himself, however, he was not able to duplicate his previous efforts sans Stryker kit, while Flash Gordon took his first sprint of the year leaving everyone to wonder if Stryker will want the kit back!
Knowing that there was some balance in the sprinting speed of the finishing pack, Sharkman jumped out to an early lead at the head of the pace line to spread out the crowd. Pirate, Kid Doster, Stryker Guy, Torque and the Minions stayed together, shifting the lead back and forth amongst the horde of riders boring down on the finish like a runaway train.
The Pirate put in a late surge and Torque jumped on his wheel. Sharkman, sensing that Torque would go past the Pirate at any moment, decided to try to hang on to his wheel to nail down the second spot on the podium. Just as predicted, Torque went around the Pirate and took the pace up as Sharkman hung on for dear life, dorsal flapping in the wind.
Sharkman, not daring to look back, rode on and hit a top speed of 36.0 mph and his highest HR (180 bpm) in years!
Average speed, season high 19.7 mph.
Just before the finish tape, Sharkman came out of the slip stream to make a move, but reported later it was like hitting a “wall of wind.” Torque took the tape with Sharkman on his wheel and Kid Doster grabbed the last spot on the podium.
The crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as the peloton rode into the Klutch, where Luanne had the Koffee hot and ready to go. Pirate was the first to the counter to order up his frappe latte whip creamy conconction. The rest of the "ladies" had Bottomless Kups!
Shortly after the arrival at the Press Conference, Nikeboy and the B Group arrived, telling the story of how they saved Suzy the Beagle!
Apparently as the B Group crested the col de Norte, and headed south to the dirt road leading to the boat launch, Cheddar Head, Wildman and Nikeboy rode past an old, tired looking beagle who seemed to be lost. Nikeboy, being the soft hearted, dog loving, gentle giant that he is, took pity on the wayward old canine and stopped to see what he could do. Suzy immediately jumped in to his waiting grasp and as Nikeboy confessed, “that is the first time a female has ever jumped into his arms.”
Trying to make out the doggy’s tags without his reading glasses was no easy task, but Nikeboy was able to find the dog’s name, “Suzy” and a phone number for the owner. He called and the owner, thanking him profusely, stated they would be right there to pick up the dog. As Nikeboy waited, a car pulled up and stated to Nikeboy, “so, you found Suzy this time. Did you call her owner yet?”
Yes, Nikeboy called Suzy’s owner who arrived and took her from Nikeboy’s protection (and bear like hug).
Average speed, season high 19.7 mph.
Just before the finish tape, Sharkman came out of the slip stream to make a move, but reported later it was like hitting a “wall of wind.” Torque took the tape with Sharkman on his wheel and Kid Doster grabbed the last spot on the podium.
The crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as the peloton rode into the Klutch, where Luanne had the Koffee hot and ready to go. Pirate was the first to the counter to order up his frappe latte whip creamy conconction. The rest of the "ladies" had Bottomless Kups!
Shortly after the arrival at the Press Conference, Nikeboy and the B Group arrived, telling the story of how they saved Suzy the Beagle!
Apparently as the B Group crested the col de Norte, and headed south to the dirt road leading to the boat launch, Cheddar Head, Wildman and Nikeboy rode past an old, tired looking beagle who seemed to be lost. Nikeboy, being the soft hearted, dog loving, gentle giant that he is, took pity on the wayward old canine and stopped to see what he could do. Suzy immediately jumped in to his waiting grasp and as Nikeboy confessed, “that is the first time a female has ever jumped into his arms.”
Trying to make out the doggy’s tags without his reading glasses was no easy task, but Nikeboy was able to find the dog’s name, “Suzy” and a phone number for the owner. He called and the owner, thanking him profusely, stated they would be right there to pick up the dog. As Nikeboy waited, a car pulled up and stated to Nikeboy, “so, you found Suzy this time. Did you call her owner yet?”
Yes, Nikeboy called Suzy’s owner who arrived and took her from Nikeboy’s protection (and bear like hug).
Another victory for American and an example of the dedication of the Mighty Minion Nation to leave no Minion behind! Welcome to the Mighty Minion Nation, Suzy!
(Where else can you get these great human interest stories! Is this a great blog or what? We're still drying our eyes.....)
(Where else can you get these great human interest stories! Is this a great blog or what? We're still drying our eyes.....)
Can this get anymore exciting?
You won’t want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG! What will happen next?
The Commissioner of Cycling has declared this Saturday as Tony the Tiger Jersey Day!
You won’t want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG! What will happen next?
The Commissioner of Cycling has declared this Saturday as Tony the Tiger Jersey Day!
Put on your Tony Jersey and ride with the Nation!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Launch Time 8:00 A.M. – SHARP!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Launch Time 8:00 A.M. – SHARP!
MINIONS RULE AT MICHIGAN MOUNTAIN MAYHEM!
Belo News
June 11, 2011
Boyne City, Mi. – It was a wet, 130 mile ride with over 10,000 foot of climb, but three brave Minions fought through pouring rain to finish this test of Minionhood.
Conor, Rainman and Falcon were in attendance for a ride that was described as an unbelievable route that starts near the backside of Boyne Mountain, and runs south through the hilliest part of Michigan wrapping around Schuss Mountain before returning back to Boyne City. These “hills” may not be the Rockies where most of the climbs out west average 3-5% grades. These routes will test anyone with over 50, yes over 50 climbs that hit at least 10% and many that reach 15% - 20%, and even an optional Super Hill that hits 29%!
Our Minions decided they would test their metal in the leg burning 200K (130 mile) Double Metric.
These Minions did the Mighty Nation proud! Congratulations!
For more on this race, and possible entry for next year (entry is closed at 1000 participants) here is the link;
http://www.michiganmountainmayhem.com/
IN OTHER MINION NEWS!
Belo News
June 11, 2011
Glen Lake, MI. – In other Minion news, Brewman, who continues to punish his body with running, also spent a wet Saturday at a crazy triathalon of running, kayaking and biking in the Dunes!
Running in the dunes, pedaling around Glen Lake, and kayaking, our Brewman did the Mighty Nation proud, as well as Custer Cyclery. Well, it was reported that Brewman did the Mighty Minion Nation proud until the kayak section.
Apparently the kayak that Brewman rented sight unseen was more like a barge with a load of beer on it than a sleek racing scull.
Excuses, excuses!
Congratulations Brewman!
Congratulations Brewman!
TUESDAY NIGHT UPDATE!
Belo News
June 14, 2011
Battle Creek, Mi. - The Tuesday evening ride included Airman (recently back from back-surgery), Stingray, Pirate, and Rainman. Even the Skipper joined on for the fun, meeting up with the team on River Road. If you want a great Tuesday Night work out, come on out and join the nation with a 6:00 P.M. launch from Kellogg Headquaters! See you there!
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