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| The Skipper returns! |
STYLE MAN FIGHTS BACK!
SKIPPER RETURNS TO LEAD OUT THE NATION!
RED, WHITE AND BLUE JERSEY WEEKEND!
NEW START TIME! NEW START TIME! NEW START TIME!
Belo News
May 17, 2014
Galesburg, Mi – As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, one could almost hear the muttering from a block away. “May 17 and still 39 degrees?” Oh, the humanity!
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| The Pirate returns bundled up and ready! |
Our hero was concerned that he may be warm at the start, but hot later as the day got warmer. What to wear, what to wear, what to wear???
It was only he and Mad Dog on the way over to the start and no entourage to greet him into Galesburg, though Iceman had mentioned that Team Taylor would be taking part on this cool morning.
The primary discussion on the way to the start was HOW DAMN COLD IT STILL WAS IN MAY!
Despite the cold, and the fact that the Yankee Springs Time trials were the next day, approximately 17 riders were in attendance for the ride! The teram, “approximately” being used because riders tend to jump on and off the ride sometimes making an accurate count difficult.
Making their season debut's were the Pirate, Tow Truck AND the Skipper!
Sharkman accused the Tow Truck of feeling guilty for not being there to stretch out the peloton for the finish and Belo News whining about it.......
Welcome back to the mighty Minion Nation gentlemen!
The Pirate was wearing a BAD jersey and kit that had something to do with a Belgium Beer named Duchennes or something to that affect, but looked more like “Bikers Against Douches!” (see photo)
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| "Bikers Against Douches!" |
The Pirate had also brought with him a couple of Minion Virgins who will need names. Matt and Dave were joining in for their first rides and it turned out that Matt had grown up knowing Stryker Guy's daughter!
Wait, how hold are these guys? You don't want to know.......
Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation Matt and Dave. Better start working on those nicknames before Sharkman does!
After a couple of weeks of taking a “styling backseat” to Cheese, Squeaky arrived in yet another, display of sartorial splendor! (More on that in the “Style Section” of this fine, classy publication). He did stop off on his way at a Garage Sale to look for additional cycling apparel.
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| Tow Truck making his season debut! |
With the Skipper in attendance, all was right with the world as he lined up the Nation for the start!
After a shout out from the Skipper, the sound of pedals clicking in and a cheer from the adoring fans, the Minion Train pulled out of the station at 9:00 a.m. - SHARP!
The Klutch looked a little empty as the Nation drifted by and began to head north where they did not see the “Sweetheart of the Peloton,” Gazelle Girl approach! Skipper continued to lead the Nation, as well as our hero, the Sharkman, along with the two virgin Minions, Matt and Steve. However, Sharkman finally quit worrying about Gazelle Girl and attacked, taking the sprint going away.
As they approached the first G crossing, they found Gazelle Girl and Ironman waiting to ride. Apparently they got out a bit early and headed north ahead of the Nation.
For the most part, the ride was very mellow and there did not seem to be the usual early attacks through the col de Twin Lakes, the Kountry Klub section and the dreaded col de Norte, where the Nation gathered up for the trip down the east side of the lake.
Just as the Nation made the turn to head through the Holy Rollers, “Mechanical” was heard
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| Virgin Minions Dave and Matt. |
Zickman, perhaps feeling a bit guilty for stealing the Inlet Sprint from Sharkman the previous week, went by our hero and said, “latch on!” Sharkman gave it all he could as his lead out man, Zickman pulled aside and gave our hero the sprint!
Nice work Zickman!
Bissell Boy and Skipper dropped off just before the Digital Divide and the Nation formed up a very nice pace line going south. Sharkman noted an average speed of only 17.1 in this section and even with the genial feel in the peloton, as well as the flat, that speed seemed a bit pedestrian.
Stryker Guy, who will be celebrating a birthday this week (Happy Birthday Styker Guy) likes to win a sprint on his Birthday and this day would be no different as he attacked Gazelle Girls cherished GGG Spot and took the sprint. Average Speed at this time was up to 17.4 mph.
As the Nation headed south for the grand finaly, no one seemed to want to head to the front, which, as our readers know, worries the Sharkman. Squeaky, Zickman, Kia Pet, Tow Truck, Sharkman, Mad Dog and others were all riding near or at the front and as the fast moving train crested the final hill, there was that slowing down that Sharkman hates, that indicates the sprinters were all trying to get into position for the push to the finish.
As the crush moved towards the finish line, Chains, moving up on the outside, and Tow Truck, making a move to the outside from the pack, bounce off each other and the horrifying sound of metal hitting metal could be heard. Sharkman stated at the Press Conference that he actually saw something fly off of one of the bikes!
To their credit, both riders were able to stay upright and moving forward, as the back half of the peloton stayed back for fear of a crash, while Iceman, Ironman and Zickman fought it out to finish one, two, three.
With a collective sigh of relief that no one got hurt, the Nation rode down the Champs le Galesburg before their adoring fans and the paparazzi.
Andy was waiting with hot coffee and Sharkman actually bought his own. He had learned from Zickman that he had given him credit the week before when it was actually Wildman who bought (sorry Wildman, but at least now you get your name in the blog without actually riding!). While he was being reminded of his forgetting who bought, Ironman claimed that Sharkman had also given him credit for a couple of Rainman sprint wins.
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| The Style Guy is back! |
Sharkman reminded the questioning Minions of his advanced age and commented that as he slides into senile dementia, some people may not even know the difference in him.
If you want to be mentioned in Belo News, send the Editor and email Bunkie!!!
Sharkman then gave a lecture on the powers of Pop Tarts and shared that this season, his favorite was Peanut Butter!
Is this a great country or what?!?
The Nation stuck around at the Klutch for quite a while and Sharkman was happy to have Mad Dog available to pull his sorry dorsal home.
This weekend is Memorial Day!
So break out your Red, White and Blue kit to help commemorate this Holiday!
NEW LAUNCH TIME! NEW LAUNCH TIME! NEW LAUNCH TIME!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Launch time – 8:30 A.M. - SHARP!
Be there!
STYLE GUY FIGHTS BACK!
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| Take that Cheese! |
Belo News
May 17, 2014
Galesburg, Mi. - As regular readers of Belo News are aware, for years, Squeaky has been known as “The Style Guy.” After all, who introduced the Nation to the famous “Safety Parachute Jacket,” the green nylon sweat pants with slit up the leg, the jacket that had burn holes in the arm, the polar strength toque and gloves, the bike pump tucked into soccer shorts, the broken watch stuffed in a sock, loose handlebar tape, socks over shoes.....and on and on and on.....
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| Squeaky's pre-ride shopping spree! |
However, Squeak was not to be out done and arrived for the ride this week in his own green and yellow kit!
Not only that, but in these never before seen photos, one of our investigative reporters was able to photograph the Squeak Man actually purchasing some of his wardrobe at a local Garage Sale! Has this guy got class or what?!?
The Sqeak Man is back as the Nation's Style guy and if readers have any "Style Questions," bring them on!
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| Polar Bear on the podium! |
Belo News
May 18, 2014
Hastings, Mi. - Belo News is well aware that many of the Nation were up at the Yankee Springs Mountain Bike Time Trials on Sunday. However, only one sent any information in to Belo News! Come on Nation, if you want to be in this fine, classy publication, get on the program and send “stuff” in!
Actually, Polar Bear didn't send these photos in. Momma Bear did! Go Momma Bear!
Congratulations Polar Bear on a great Time Trial!
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| Polar Bear and Baby Bear! |
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| Polar Bear in action! |
Polar Bear has a great Press Agent! Thanks Momma Bear!
KK-TdG SUSPENDED ON JUNE 14 TO DO THE TEAM TAYLOR RIDE!
Belo News
May 21, 2014
Shark Cove, Mi. - As many Minions know, Team Taylor puts on a ride every June to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation and the WAM ride in July. The past two years the Nation has suspended the Saturday ride to ride for Team Taylor. This year, Sharkman will be back to lead the Nation in the 100K (62 mile) ride so mark your calendars AND register at the link below!
Here are some facts about the ride from Iceman hizzelf:
Sharkman,
Can
you put a shout out into next weeks Belo News for our Tour de Taylor?
(TdT).
Saturday
June 14, 2014
Factoids:
-
2012 TdT riders 250
-
2013TdT riders 350
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2014 TdT rider ??? lets grow this thing!!
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Free Tech T shirt if signed up by end of May.
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Free post ride cookout and soft drinks compliments of Asiago's Bakery
and Deli.
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3 great routes. 10, 32, 62 miles.
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Mechanics on site
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icey cold towels at finish
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snacks/drinks at all rest stops.
The
Nation might not know it, but there is a Wish Kid in their midst, all
grown up now (well sort of) and fast on a bicycle... seems to get
flats alot...
Have
the Minions ride over and back, make it a century day!!
And
the kicker... Team Taylor has donated just over $1
million !!!! since my
Taylor passed away 7 years ago at age 14. We donate to Make A Wish
of Michigan and to Walk Tall Foundation for Kids. We can't do this
without great friends and supporters like all of you!!
Learn and register here: www.tourdetaylor.org
Thanks
Sharkman.
It's
for the kids and families...
Rob aka Iceman
So
come on Nation! Let's show our support!
2014 TREK FUEL EX 8 FOR SALE!
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| Own the bike that Stingray made famous! Or made him famous, or... whatever, it's a cool ride! |
Belo News
May 21, 2014
Battle Creek, Mi. - Hey Nation! Stingray is selling his Trek Fuel! Here is the information! If you are interested, let Sharkman know and he will put you in touch with Stingray!
Hey
I have a Mt bike for sale, would you mind posting it in the blog?
2014
Trek Fuel EX 8
Frame
Size 19.5
Fox
Evolution suspension front/rear with CTD (Climb-Trail-Descend). 120mm
Travel
Bontrager
Duster wheels & XR4 tires
Shifters/Front
Derailleur--Shimano SLX
Rear
derailleur—Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus
Crank—swapped
the stock triple for a Shimano SLX 2x10
Cassette—Shimano
HG62 11-36 10 speed
Bought
new from Team Active August ’13. Approx 250 miles. Well cared for,
excellent condition.
Asking
$2000.
Riders
joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with
bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider
involved.
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