OPENING DAY THIS SATURDAY!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!?

Belo News

March 14, 2013

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

It is finally here!

As many veterans of the Mighty Minion Nation are aware, for 8 consecutive Opening Days the weather has cooperated.  Actually, as sited in the 2012 Belo News, the National Weather Service launched an inquiry but the investigative initiative proved negative.  Just dumb luck?  We think not! We ARE the Mighty Minion Nation and no matter the weather, WE RIDE! (Well, most of the time.....)

There have been years when it has been a bit cold, and years when more sane riders may not have ridden, but the Nation has seen some pretty historic Opening Days and no one has ever accused a Minion of being sane!

The Nation is just hoping for yet another, great day of riding!  Minions might also remember that for the second week of the season last year, we had 75 degree temperatures and record breaking crowds!

Though we are not expecting rain, it could be a bit cool with a high for Saturday of 37 degrees and winds out of the north at 11 mph, but THAT IS great Opening Day weather, eh?

If the weather is bad, the Nation will still celebrate Opening Day, but we will adjourn to the Klutch.  However, it is expected that the Nation will ride!

At least it is better than riding the trainer in the basement, eh, Bunkie?

Minions will want to arrive a bit early to take part in the Opening Ceremony's where it is hoped that Beyonce doesn't lip sync and where the Mayor of Galesburg will actually be giving a Key to the City to our own Sharkman.

2012 Opening Day Photo!

And, of course, the traditional Opening Day Photo opportunity!  Come on, who doesn't want to be in the Opening Day photo!

Or the parade!  OH, the humanity!

This Saturday, March 16, 2013

Launch Time 9:30 A.M. - SHARP!

Don't be late!

SPRING SEASON!

Belo News

March 14, 2013

(Editors Note - Repeated by popular demand from last years Belo News! 

If you have been holding back on riding, Spring is the time to come on out while the nation is finding their summer legs!)

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!

Yeti Boy & Da Judge ride Mexico!

YETI BOY DOES MEXICO…..AGAIN!

Belo News

March 10, 2013

San Miguel, Mexico - As the Mighty Minion Nation works it's way to the start of this years season, our own Yeti Boy is on location in Mexico to report his adventures for Belo News.  As many Minions may remember, he shared his exploits last year where he experienced numerous flat tires and mechanical issues.  This year, he is armed with a better bike and has found a group to ride with as their "Celebrity Rider."

Yeti Boys first ride was aborted early due to cold temperatures and a lack of appropriate cold weather riding gear!

His second ride was with another Battle Creek native and possible Minion (?), Da Judge! 

Stay tuned for more stories of Ole Mexico from our man on the scene, Yeti Boy!

Speaking of reporting, we here at Belo News are always looking for news, so please send in any information you might have and any photos!  We here at Belo News want to make sure we report on ALL the news!