OPENING DAY IS FINALLY HERE!

THIS SATURDAY!

BE THERE!

Belo News

March 7, 2012

Galesburg, Mi. – The day every Minion has been waiting for is upon us!

Yes, it is finally here!

Saturday is Opening Day!

For the past 6 years, the Mighty Minion Nation has started the season on a dry, though sometimes cold, second Saturday in March and right now the forecast is looking like it won’t let our hero, or the Nation down this year!

The forecast is for dry weather in the 40’s so it should be a great day to start the 2012 Minion Road Season! The days of riding in the basement are over (at least for the most part)!

Minions will want to make sure they arrive early so that they can take part in the traditional Opening Day photo opportunity!

There will also be time for the parade, followed by the photo opportunity for the paparazzi, opening speeches and it has been rumored that the Mayor of Galesburg might be on hand to give the key to the City to the Sharkman, as well as to fire off the opening cannon!

Luanne, the Minion Nation’s favorite Barista, has been put on notice to be ready for the Post Ride News Conference as well as the throng of riders, paparazzi, and tofosi who will descend on the Klutch after the ride.

Oh, the humanity!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Launch Time: 9:30 A.M. – SHARP!

SPRING SEASON!

Belo News
March 7, 2012

Shark Cove, Mi. - Over the winter, a number of new Minions have joined the Nation’s distribution list and Opening Day may be their very first ride. So Belo News wants to go over what being a Minion is all about and the “culture” of this iconic Saturday morning ride.

1. The very definition of a Minion is a rider who has family, job and other obligations that do not allow them to hammer on their bike all the time. This ride is more about getting a good work out, testing your skills in group riding and having a good time with good riders. Though we like to sprint for Stop Ahead Signs, we wait for all riders to catch back on at the Stop signs. One of the Minion Motto’s is that “We leave no Minion behind!” In the Minion Nation, it is all about the group! Because the Minions do wait at each stop sign, it is important to let riders know if you are dropping off the ride.

2. Opening Day is a bit more “relaxed” than regular rides, so it is a good time to come out and test your legs. Though there should be some fun sprints and of course the final assault to the finish, this first ride will hopefully be social and an opportunity to “shake winter out” of those dorsal fins and catch up with one another.

3. Having said that, we want all riders to have a good time, and hammer heads need not apply. There are plenty of area rides if you want to hammer. This ride is more about the experience and the enjoyment of riding fast in a pace line in a large group of riders. So if you want to hammer the entire ride, this may not be the ride for you. But feel free to knock yourself out sprinting to the Stop Aheads!

4. As the season goes on and the speed picks up, we do occasionally have a “B” group and we are always looking for people to lead that group.

5. Because this is a group ride it is important to obey all traffic laws as well as appropriate group riding etiquette. The number one concern is safety and riding in a pace line requires good communication with other riders, as well as concentration. Don’t worry, veteran Minions will let you know if you are not following proper etiquette. However, if you are unsure about something, ask. Each rider is responsible for their own safety and as it says in the blog:

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

6. If you cannot stay with the group, you should let someone know you are dropping off so that the Minions are not waiting at the next Stop Sign for you. Depending on the number of riders, it can be difficult to determine if riders have dropped off or are left behind, but if you have a mechanical or are dropping off, let a rider ahead of you know.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the start line on Saturday morning!