MUDMAN?!

The Mudman! Oh, the humanity!

CARNAGE IN THE MINION NATION!

HELMET, WHAT HELMET?

TEAM TAYLOR PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News

November 8, 2014

Traverse City, Mi. - It had rained most of the week and the prediction for start time for the 2014 edition of the Iceman Cometh was not looking good.

Zychmaan and Sharkman had spent the afternoon checking into their Condo and scouting out possible pubs for Saturday night, post ride, Minion beer drinking where the big MSU/OSU game could be watched on big screen TV's. After all, this is America and big screen TV is what it is all about! As they reviewed the spots and texted with Brewman who was also checking out places, it was decided that most of the downtown pubs would be too small, too crowded or didn't have enough TV's. A quick Google found a Buffalo Wild Wings on the south side that would be perfect!

Danielle Young & Sharkman at Registration.

Registration was buzzing as Sharkman, Zychmaan and Stryker Guy retrieved their race numbers and toured the endless booths of bike gear. Sharkman signed a few autographs, had a chat with Frankie Andreu, and bumped into one of his daughters old friends and had a photo op.

After getting registered, the three proceeded to Team Headquarters for Reb and Yeti Boy. Yeti Boy was kind enough to invite the three for his home cooked, pre-race, spaghetti dinner, complete with some of his home made bread. The dinner was outstanding, as well as the banter about Minion names and how Zychmaan did not like his

Yeti Boy and his free hat. Sometimes
you shouldn't wear a hat even if
it is free!

name and wanted to be referred to as “Fabio” from now on. Sharkman informed him that thought the name was humorous, he had already had “Zychmaan” embroidered on his jersey collar and his hair was too short. Other Minions in attendance were Cool Dad and Hambone, as well as Johnny Vegas. The riders filled themselves on spaghetti and wine and were ready to ride! Yeti Boy was sporting his new hat that he got for free at Registration!

Yeti Boys Spaghetti Dinner!

Sharkman had promised to blast an email out to the Nation about where to meet on Saturday night, but when he got back to his condo, for whatever reason, he could not do an email to the entire Nation from his iPad and instead, sent the email to a limited number of riders he knew were in attendance but was sure he had missed a few (after all, he had a couple of glasses of wine with the spaghetti). In the email, Sharkman asked them to “pass the word” that they would be meeting at BW2 on Saturday night.

The photos don't do justice to the mess!

As dawn broke over Traverse City, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was checking the portable “shark radar” that indicated rain and a temp of 37 degrees. Not great riding weather. Meanwhile, Zychmaan had realized that he had forgotten his helmet but luckily, he had found one on a parked bike in the basement garage of the condo. Needing a helmet and basically desperate, he left a note on the bike, stating that he had “borrowed” the helmet and would return it later. Crisis averted, well, other than the helmet had Snoopy's on it......

As Styker Guy, with his fat tire bike, Zychmaan and Sharkman headed out, the rain started to stream off the windshield in rivers and the temp was not moving in the right direction.

Zychmaan was first to launch, followed by Sharkman and Stryker Guy.

Hoosier Boy back at the campsite.

Sharkman was in wave 17 at 9:48 a.m. along with Yeti Boy, Gazelle Girl and her tandem Partner, Richard.

As the clock clicked down to 9:48, the rain continued to fall.

Sharkman and wave 17 were off in the rain!

Before the riders even got out of town, they had to traverse a huge puddle of water that crossed the entire road, which was a portent of things to come.

To say this ride was muddy would be a major understatement. The logging roads were loaded with water and sand and when the riders got to the 12 mile marker, the mud began in earnest!

Riders were experiencing major chain suck and bikes were all over the trail with riders trying to clear the mud from their drive trains. Sharkman was slipping and sliding and at times it seemed like his GPS was frozen and no distance was being recorded. Oh, the humanity!

The carnage was unbelievable where Minions broke chains, derailleurs, and assorted gear as they rode on.

Cheese's derailleur, gone!

Brewman and Rainman both broke their chains, with Brewman having to drop out at Williamsburg and Rainman being close to the finish had to run his bike in!

Cheese broke his derailleur and cable, others had chain suck so bad they had to drop out.

Yet others had fantastic rides considering the conditions. Yeti Boy finished 8^th in his age group but was only seconds out of 6^th place while Sharkman finished 12 in the same age group of old guys. Guys in the 2:30 range included Nickhead, Iceman (12 in his age group) and Polar Bear. Hutch was in around 2:44!

It was an epic ride with riders fighting the elements as well as their machines.

Stryker Guy, who had only 9 miles on his Fat Bike was able to ride up every hill with the exception of Anita Hill and was very pleased with his new bikes performance as well as his own!

Sharkman was just happy he finished. Though his bike, at times, sounded like it was about to fall apart and he had the occasional chain suck, he was able to make it to the finish without falling and in one piece.

Despite his broken bike, Minions reported that Cheese celebrated with a party at his

Cool Dad makes the cover of the Paper!

campsite with the Team Taylor riders!

The link to finishing times is below so you can check out the times yourself:

http://www.iceman.com/events/1965956-2014-iceman/event_scoring_results

To add insult to injury, as Sharkman crossed the finishing line to a cheering fandom, it began to sleet!

Team Taylor at the campsite!

At the finish, the changing tent was a welcome site and even the mud floor was just a minor nuisance as the Minions changed out of their wet, muddy clothes. The longest line was for the WD-40 free bike clean up. It was hard to find other Minions and it seemed that everyone just wanted to leave and get cleaned up.

This was an epic ride that will not be soon forgotten. Sharkman spent most of Sunday afternoon cleaning both the bike and his clothing. He reports that he is still not sure he got all the sand and grit out of either......

Iceman shared the following, which will give our readers more perspective on just how difficult this ride was this year.

Fun pics of fall in TC and of the race with a short article on one of the largest Mountain Biking sites out there.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/harbinger-of-winter-the-iceman-cometh-2014.html

Different types of bikes for the Iceman mud in this link.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-bikes-of-the-iceman-challenge-2014.html

It was an interesting end to the 2014 season, and though there may be some riding left, Sharkman will be off until after the hunting season as he took his bike in for a complete tune up after this ride!

Do you like beer Bunkie? Come on, what Minion doesn't, eh?

Well here is your chance to tip a few with the Team Taylor Minions AND help them raise fund for Make a Wish!  Sharkman will be making an appearance (come on, there's beer!)!

Taylor’s Holiday Wish

Benefitting Make-A-Wish^® Michigan

Latitude 42 Brewing Company

7842 Portage Rd

Portage, MI 49002

November 15^th

11am-Midnight

Raffle 3:00pm

Come join us in celebrating Taylor Grainger’s giving spirit while benefiting Make-A-Wish Michigan. There will be a Keg tapping of a special holiday brew. And a Raffle with some great prizes from local Team Taylor supporters at 3:00pm! Proceeds for the entire day will go directly to making wishes come true in Michigan. Bring the family, bring a friend, and celebrate Taylor’s Holiday Wish!!

Raffle Prizes from our valued Team Taylor sponsors include: (total value of prizes is well over $1,500!!!)

• Autographed guitar form Styx lead drummer, Todd Sucherman
• WMU Football tickets for 11/28 game – Consumers Credit Union
• Kwings hockey tickets - Consumers Credit Union
• Auto detail package – Maple Hill Auto group
• Golf gift bags – Wells Fargo Advisors
• Sunglasses gift card – RX Optical
• Services gift card booklet – Seelye Ford
• Gift card for Services – Agility Physical Therapy and Sports Performance
• Big Burrito gift card
• Massage gift card – Custom Chiropractic
• Cycling gift bag – Pedal Bicycles
• Meat and Cheese gift package – Carlson Farms
• Visa Gift Cards – Northpointe Bank

Please come join us for lunch, dinner, raffle or all three. Enjoy the food, the beer, the company and camaraderie of making wishes come true.

Spread the word, and watch your Facebook page…please share with your friends!! It’s for the kids and families…Rob and Brian

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

Anything more beautiful than Ft. Custer
in the fall? We think not, Bunkie!

MINIONS ROCK FT. CUSTER!

LEAVE NO MINION BEHIND? SOMETIMES.....AGAIN?

ICEMAN UPDATE!

Belo News

November 1, 2014

Galesburg, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Koffee Klutch, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman was enjoying a kup of bottomless with his wingman, Yeti Boy. Actually, dawn wouldn't be breaking for at least another half hour as the two sidled up to the table to enjoy their kups of joe.

The Nation and one guy behind Brewman we don't know!
Was the entire Nation photo bombed?

Shortly after, Hoosier Boy and then Brewman arrived to take part in the pre-ride festivities.

Reb had texted, unsure that Sharkman and Yeti Boy would actually be riding with the temps hovering at 27-28 degrees. When it was confirmed that they were indeed, on their way to the Klutch, he decided to join them for the koffee but not the ride. Puppy.......

The regular Barrista Extraordinaire, Andrew was attending a Comic Book Convention in Detroit but his Mom and Dad were doing a great job taking care of the crowds pushing into the Klutch to get a look at the “crazy riders” who were going to ride in the 27 degree cold.

As the clock struck 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!, Sharkman announced the riders would be saddling up just as the sun started to break over the Champs le Galesburg. As a matter of fact, the sun was breaking so low, the four riders could not see cars coming from the east as they headed out to the back door to the Fort!

It was a "Tad" cold for Sharkman
as he left the Klutch! (check SM's watch. It
was actually an 8:32 Launch! Not SHARP!)

As the sun began it's low southern arc over the Michigan sky, it cast a beautiful hue over the Fort as the riders rode to the Trail Head. Is there a more beautiful place than Michigan in the fall? We think not Bunkie!

Sharkman had speculated that there might not be many riders at the trail head with the temps in the upper 20's but for the first time ever, he was mistaken! Not only was the Nation waiting to ride, but there was an assortment of other riders, hikers, runners and a slew of Dog Sled's complete with barking dogs for every breed! Is Fort Custer not one of the greatest State Parks in the world Bunkie? We think not!

In addition, the Park Ranger was on duty checking vehicles and Bissell Boy, driving a company car, had to purchase a sticker! Also, two guys from Indiana had come up to ride and had to pay a $31 day pass fee! Oh, the humanity! Another great reason to live in Michigan!

Brent Sleazak was back and Sharkman asked him if he had been able to ride all these years without getting a Minion name, to which he responded that he had not been named! He stated that he has an American Indian background and his Mother called him “Notafraid” to which Bissell Boy and Styker Guy who speak fluent American Indian stated that was American Indian for “stupid!”

In addition to the Minions mentioned, Polar Bear and Tow Truck were in attendance, plus a guy in the photo just over the shoulder of Brewman who Belo News could not identify.

A major discussion ensued about which trail to ride when Bissell Boy took over and led the Nation out!

The crew stayed pretty close together and there were other riders following the Nation like the two from Indiana and it again got a bit confusing as to where everyone was.

As the Nation rode through the Trenches and crossed into the Rock Garden, Stryker Guy and Sharkman moved aside to let a couple riders through. Sharkman went ahead and thought Styker Guy was on his wheel. As the Nation broke off to the Blue after the Camel Humps, Sharkman thought Stryker Guy was still there but it was another rider. Styker Guy was not to be seen again!

Sharkman loses another Minion!

Sharkman has learned that it might be a bit difficult to keep track of the Nation when riding in the woods and his credo of leaving no Minion behind may not apply to rides at the Fort! Alas, with the different levels of riders, choices of courses and other riders on the trails, it may not be possible to keep track of his beloved Nation though he will continue to try!

Stryker Guys new Fat Tire
Bike!

Stryker Guy later reported in that he stayed on the Red and then had a major mechanical that caused him to go back to the Trail Head and on to Custer Cyclery, where he not only got his bike fixed, but also bought a Fat Tire Bike! Oh, the humanity! Stryker Guy was quoted later as stating, “I was risking no longer being “the Custer Cyclery Customer of the Year” and needed to make a purchase!

The Nation ended up doing the Blue, then the Red and Yellow before calling it a day. They passed a number of dog sled teams, hikers and other riders on a beautiful fall day!

Sharkman, Yeti Boy and Brewman headed back to the Klutch (this week Hoosier Boy headed back early) to finish with around 25 miles and a good foundation for Iceman!

On to the Iceman!

ICEMAN UPDATE!

Belo News

November 5, 2014

Shark Cove, Mi. - It seems like just yesterday that so many Minions were lined up at Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo to register for the Iceman Cometh Challenge, doesn't it Bunkie? It was March 1 and it was freezing cold and there was excitement in the air as a waiting Nation thought of the season ahead. And what a season it has been!

But here we are. Just a couple of days until the “Big Ride.” Or as Gazelle Girl says, “the beer party interrupted by a bike ride!”

Sharkman has been training hard and is still only hoping to be able to finish, particularly with the weather forecast, which he has to stop looking at! This morning the report for Saturday in Traverse City was for a 92% chance of rain, but as we go to press it is down to a 50% chance of “mixed” precipitation. Oh, the humanity! What will Rainman do?

Sharkman is hoping to see a bunch of the Nation at the Registration and Show at the resort on Friday and the big day could be fantastic at the finish (if he makes it) with a number of options. Hoosier Boy has forwarded the following information on his campsite!

Hoosier Boy and Co-Hosts, Larry and Jana Turpin, will be at Camp Site: 46A or 47 (Timber Ridge said this is the tentative location but may move once they check in. Hoosier Boy is in the 9:40 a.m. wave and after he finishes, showers and puts on dry clothes, will head to the campsite where there will be brats, burgers and of course, beer!

Note the campsite is on the south end of the park. The entrance and lodge are on the north end of the park. 

Is this a great country or what!?!

But that's not all! Belo News has learned that Iceman and the Team Taylor guys, as well as Cheese, will be camped somewhere in the campsite as well and we can only assume there will be a “party going on there!” as well! 

Oh, the humanity.

Meanwhile, Sharkman and Zychmaan will be “scouting out” possible bar locations for Saturday night and Sharkman will send out an email blast on Friday night with a location if he can find one. The main criteria will be beer and big screen TV for the MSU/OSU Game!

So stay tuned for an email on Friday night with more details for the Saturday night festivities!

Good luck riders and make the Nation proud (or at least finish!)!

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

MINIONS ROCK FT. CUSTER!

Fort Custer!

LEAVE NO MINION BEHIND? SOMETIMES.....

STRYKER GUY OUT WEST AGAIN!?!

ICEMAN UPDATE!

Belo News

October 25, 2014

The mighty Minion Nation ready to launch at 9:00 a.m.
SHARP!

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman was already gone! As fall has moved forward, dawn has slowly moved back, and the Yeti Boy had already come over to pick our hero up to head to the Klutch for his post ride kup of bottomless in the dark!

As the two drove into the parking lot at the Klutch, they found Hoosier Boy getting out of his Saturn and ready for his kup as well.

The early morning group was in session and one of them, Mary, a retired Kellogg employee knew our hero as well as Hoosier Boy and a discussion quickly ensued on Kellogg as Sharkman bought for the three riders.

Hoosier Boy talking "shop" at the Klutch.

Shortly after, Brewman came in followed by Gazelle Girl and “the other guy,” Ironman. They both rode in on their “sports cars of mountain biking” cross bikes.

Moments later, Reb rode in and reported that he had thought that Yeti Boy and Sharkman were “riding” over and had ridden in from Battle Creek and had been looking for them! What a stud! (The animal ended up with over 35 miles on the day!).

After a few photos and autographs for fans, the group headed out for the Fort as dawn was breaking over the Galesburg metropolis. As the riders left the Klutch, Rosy joined on for the ride to make it seven Minions riding from the Klutch. The riders went down the Champs le Galesburg and then headed to the “back door” to Fort Custer.

The early crowd at the Klutch.

It was a balmy, but overcast morning as the group headed past farm fields, hunters, the shelter at Whitford Lake and through the camp grounds and on to the Trail Head.

As they got close to the Trail Head, Ironman ordered the group to follow the Yellow in as Sharkman and Brewman headed out to the main road. Be that as it may, the group came back together at the trail head where a mass of Minions were waiting to ride!

Ready for launch from the Klutch.

Stingray, Zychmaan, Cheese, Rosy, Tow Truck, Brent (Belo News is not sure if this Minion has been given a name!) Cool Dad and Virgin Minion “Broken Glass,” were all waiting to ride! Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation Broken Glass (It was reported that new rider, Broken Glass works for Battle Creek Glass).

After a group photo, with Ironman showing off his classic Motobecane Cross Bike, the Nation headed out to do the Red Loop.

With so many riders, the group split almost at once, with some riders taking a more leisurely pace while others were hammering, which is the way rides at the Fort tend to be!

At the Granny cut off, some riders took the bypass while others headed into the challenge that is, well, “Grannies!”

Ironman with his Motobecane while
Gazelle Girl photo bombs the shot!

The group formed up again at the Trail Head and Yeti Boy led out the Nation on the new Yellow Loop. Some riders needed to jump off at the Camp Ground to head back, while other tried to hang on to Yeti as he blew away the field.

Once everyone got back to the Trail Head, Sharkman announced he was taking the Red to the Blue to the “back door” to the Fort to return to the Klutch. Some riders came along planning to do the entire Blue while some said they'd drop off at different points. Wish so many riders it became difficult to know who was on and who was not.

As Sharkman, Yeti Boy, Brewman and Rosy were exiting at the Forts “back door,” Brewman mentioned, “where is Hoosier Boy?” “Hoosier Boy?” “Who's Hoosier Boy?”.....

Cool Dad!

Sharkman was in shock! They'd lost Hoosier Boy!

The group immediately started to speculate that he had dropped off when Gazelle Girl and Ironman headed back and actually began to believe it. After all, the “We leave no Minions behind!” right?

When the group got back to the Klutch, there was Hoosier Boy's Saturn! Oh, the humanity! Sharkman had left a Minion behind!

Sharkman immediately got on his cell phone and tried to call Hoosier Boy but there was no answer and he left a message. Just as he was thinking he might have to get back on the bike, in rolled Hoosier Boy. Hoosier Boy stated that another rider had crashed and he had stopped to assist and didn't catch back on. Sharkman apologized, trying to explain it was hard to keep track of all the riders, especially when riders were jumping off at different points. Sharkman hates to leave a Minion behind!

Virgin Minion "Broken Glass!"

Hoosier Boy then went into the Klutch with Rosy and Brewman for another kup of bottomless as Yeti Boy and Sharkman headed back to the cove. Total miles from the Klutch and back 23+! Is this a great country or what?!?

You won't want to miss this weeks edition when the Nation goes through the same drill!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

The last “official” ride of the season!

For those who want a longer ride in preparation for the Iceman, they can join the old Shark at the Klutch for a kup of bottomless before the launch at 8:30 a.m. from there and ride to the Trail Head through the Forts, “Back Door.”

For those who want to sleep in and forgo the koffee (silly Minions) they can meet at the Trail Head at Ft. Custer for a 9:00 a.m. launch – SHARP!

Rosy was back in the mix!

Two launch sites:

1. The Koffee Klutch at 8:30 a.m. and ride to the Trail Head.

2. Ft. Custer Trail Head at 9:00 a.m.

All riders meet at the Trail Head for the 9:00 a.m. launch – SHARP!

Stingray was back, with Zychmaan &
Brewman photo bombing the pic!

ICEMAN UPDATE!

Belo News

October 29, 2014

Shark Cove, Mi. - Many Minions are sitting at home at this very moment trying to figure out how to learn their “wave time” for the Iceman. While they are trying to learn about the “Ice Society” and figure all of this out, Belo News has a couple of early “heads up” for all the Minions heading up north for the big race.

Hoosier Boy is having an “after party” in the camp ground at the finish for the Iceman. As we go to press, he is working on details but rumors of burgers and beer are in the mix. Belo News hopes to have more details in next weeks edition.

Also, Sharkman and Zychmaan will attempt to scout out a local drinking establishment for Saturday night somewhere in Traverse City. The main criteria will be beer, pub food and big screen TV so if you are aware of a good location that isn't wall to wall people let our intrepid hero know about it. Sharkman will put out a blast email on the Friday night before the race with details.

More information in next weeks edition of Belo News.

STRYKER GUY OUT WEST AGAIN!?!

Belo News

Stryker Guy in Colorado
"looking good!"

October 29, 2014

Somewhere, Co. - Belo News could not confirm exactly where the legend of the peloton, Stryker Guy is in Colorado, but he is sporting his Minion Jersey as seen in this attached photograph. As he was quoted as saying, “not heaven, but close! The Shark Jerseys are popular in Colorado!”

The man is living proof of that Minion credo, “if you can't be good, look good!” and he is looking good in his Shark Minion Jersey! Go Stryker Guy!

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

MINIONS ROCK AT BARRY-ROUBAIX OKTOBERFEST!

WHAT HILLS?

Beautiful Day in the neighborhood
(courtesy of Stingray)

WHY RANGER RICK IS CALLED RANGER RICK!

MINIONS ROCK AT PEAK 2 PEAK!

HOW MUCH LYCRA CAN A MAN NEED FOR A MTB RACE?!?

Belo News

October 18, 2014

Shark Cove, Mi. - Two big events in Miniondom took place over the past weekend. Both the Second Annual Barry-Roubaix/Waldorf Training Ride AND the Peak 2 Peak race up north.

And the Nation rocked at both of them!

Stingray, Brewman & Gazelle Girl

As dawn broke wet over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero began to put the four bagger rack on Lava Girls Lavamobile. After loading his faithful steed on the back of the car, our hero headed over to the Yeti Boy spread to pick him up. They then set out for the Meijers parking lot where they were to meet Gazelle Girl before heading up to Barry-Roubaix.

When the two pulled into the parking lot, they did not see Gazelle Girl and while sitting and waiting, Sharkman got a text message from Tow Truck. “Where are you meeting this morning, Kmart?”

Yeti Boy & Reb

Sharkman immediately replied that the Minions were, indeed, meeting at Kmart! Yes, Tow Truck was in the mix!

Moments later, Gazelle Girl came riding up on her cross bike known as “The Sports Car of Mountain Bikes” and Yeti Boy and Sharkman wondered if she had ridden from the Triple Nasty Ranchero?!?

After all, she is Gazelle Girl! However, she stated she had parked at the Meijers Gas Station and had just now notice the two sitting and waiting and simply rode over to the car.

And they were off to the start!

Tow Truck and his "borrowed"
cross bike!

As they arrived at the Kmart in Hastings they saw Stingray and Brewman getting their bikes ready. After Yeti Boy, Gazelle Girl and Sharkman made a stop in the Kmart bathrooms to eliminate coffee, more Minions began to arrive. First Hoosier Boy, then Tow Truck, Reb and finally, Ranger Rick!

It was one of those mornings when it was difficult to figure out what to wear, however, everyone but Tow Truck was in tights. That's right Bunkie, Tow Truck was in shorts and looking ready to ride! What a stud!

Tow Truck was riding a very sporty looking orange Specialized Cross Bike that he had borrowed as he had broken the rear derailleur on his cross bike. Tow Truck has been having a number of mechanical problems with bikes this summer but did report he now has his road bike back from the shop! Just in time for winter!

Ranger Rick getting ready

Ranger Rick was also on a cross bike so with 6 mountain bikes and 3 cross bikes, the 9 Minions headed out to the course.

First up, Three Sisters!

These three first hills are what Barry-Roubaix is all about! Each hill gets progressively higher and as you ride over the first and see the second sandy hill, only then do you begin to understand what is ahead. When you see the third hill, some begin to cry.......these are hills!

As Yeti Boy said, “riding Barry-Roubaix is like Ground Hog Day, every time you look, there is yet another sandy hill to climb!” But climb they did!

The Nation pretty much stayed together as they ascended and descended the sandy hills, again and again and again and......you get the drift......

There always seems to be some discussion on the correct Barry-Roubaix course, but not when Ranger Rick is on board. It appears that he is not only an expert on the actual course, but he was also the Master Ranger on other options and hills for the ride. What.....what? Other hills?

Hoosier Boy in his Indiana kit!

That's right Bunkie! Ranger Rick turns out to be an actual Ranger when it comes to this course and he entertained the Minions all morning offering options to get the miles they wanted (30) and the hills (too many to mention).

Sharkman had actually gotten reservations at the Waldorf and did not want to be late for the beer!

The weather held and the colors on the back roads were fantastic. The Minions seemed to be in a talkative mood and the chatter in the peloton was high considering they all suffered on the climbs with getting enough air in their lungs and threw sand and mud up in each others faces on the way down. Is this a great country or what!?! Where else can you do stuff like this?

Tow Truck did a great job of “herding” the Nation as he went to the back and front regularly to make sure everyone was on.

The pace was clocked at 14.2 mph with over 2000 ft. of climb! The Nation was on fire as they changed clothes in the Kmart parking lot, with Sharkman showing his kilt moves and then headed over to the Waldorf for lunch.

Though town seemed a little busier with Oktoberfest, the nation had no problem getting into the Waldorf where the beer was flowing as the Minions ordered their beverage of choice as well as lunch.

Much of the talk was about the appropriate phone apps for biking and how well Ranger Rick knew the Barry-Roubaix course! Sharkman was enjoying the ambiance of the Waldorf so much he had a second beer. Oh, the humanity!

Always dangerous for the old Shark as it rendered him completely useless for the rest of the day, though Lava Girl claims that it is no different than any other Saturday after a long ride. Oh, the humanity, again........

It might explain why he forgot to take photos at the Waldorf! Oh, triple the humanity!

BACK TO FORT CUSTER THIS WEEKEND!

Belo News

October 21, 2014

Shark Cove, Mi. - The Nation heads back to the Fort this Saturday to continue the season in preparation for Iceman. For those who want a longer ride, they can join the old Shark at the Klutch for a kup of bottomless before launch at 8:30 a.m. from there and ride to the Trail Head.

For those who want to sleep in and forgo the koffee (which might be hard for our intrepid hero to understand) they can meet at the Trail Head at Ft. Custer at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Two launch sites;

The Koffee Klutch at 8:30 A.M. - SHARP! The ride to the Trail Head.

The Fort Custer Trail Head at 9:00 A.M. - SHARP!

All riders will meet at the Trail Head at 9:00 A.M.

MINIONS ROCK AT PEAK 2 PEAK!

Belo News

October 18, 2014

Minions and more at P2P!

From Iceman:

Peak 2 Peak Land, Mi. - After a steady rain from 4:00 pm Friday to 4:00 am Saturday, with an 80% chance of rain on Saturday, the minion racers woke up expecting the worst.

But alas, no rain all day! Who does these forecasts anyways?!!... at 8:00am, weather.com was still showing an 80% chance of rain.

Nickhead! What....is that a beer in his hand?
What the h.....

Race time was 9:15 am and about 40 degrees. 10 mph wind as the Nation all toed the line.

The course was fantastic except for one section in the lower valley by the Betsie River. This was a total mud bog for about 100 feet. Racers were causing huge traffic jams whilst slowly climbing off their already muddy steads to decide, do I run through this pig pen or do I run around and into the woods. I did my best Cyclocross through it and carried my bike. But that put me running in a foot of mud and thus gave me cold feet later. Lap two in the same section was even thicker mash but now some didn't care and attempted to ride through it... and many went splashing face first and thus cold everything for the remaining 10 miles.

The climb up the back was slow and steady, and long, it was the only really tough part of the course. Then we ripped down the bob-sleddy front of the mountain criss crossing the face in what has to be the funnest stretch of MTB around and then into the wide open ski slopes for a screaming 30 mph descent into the the next lap and/or the screaming fans at the finish. This is one fun course.

Chains and Iceman

I encourage all Minions who MTB to get up there and race this course. And the fall colors were fantastic!!

Minions I saw and their division results, sport division:

Nickhead 1st place

Polar Bear 3rd place

Iceman 2nd place

Kia Pet13th

Zickman 6th

Chains 17th

DPS 13th

The Promise 16th

(Sorry if I missed anyone/ or didn't know you were a Minion.)

What a great event! Get there next year Minions! You will not be disappointed!

Iceman on the Podium!

Nickhead on the Podium!

HOW MANY LAYERS OF LYCRA DOES A MOUNTAIN BIKER NEED?!?

Polar Bear gets ready to ride!?!
Is that Lycra?

Belo News

October 18, 2014

Photos courtesy of Momma Bear:

Peak to Peak Land, Mi. - Polar Bear made Peak to Peak a “Family Bear Affair” this past weekend. Momma Bear provided these “never seen before” photographs of the legendary rider in action who took 3^rd place in his category. In addition, Baby Bear rode her first ever Expert race and placed second! Is this a great family or what!?!

With Momma Bear there to get the photograph's, it was a victory for the Polar Bear family as well as the mighty Minion Nation!

Polar Bear!

To all the Peak to Peak riders, you did the Nation proud!

Polar Bear in action!

Polar Bear on the Podium!

Baby Bear on the Podium!
On the left, looks just like
Momma Bear!

BARRY-ROUBAIX RIDE THIS SUNDAY!

Belo News

October 22, 2014

Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - If you are looking for another run at the Barry-Roubaix Course, you'll get your chance this Sunday Bunkie!  Gazelle Girl will be leading the way!

Here are the details!

Barry-Roubaix ride this SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. launch from in front of the Walldorff. Lunch after. (Figuring it is okay to park in the lot behind The Walldorff on a Sunday morn....)

Email or call Gazelle Girl by Saturday p.m. if you're planning to come so we don't leave without you!joan.o@comcast.net / 269.665.4555

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