TEAM
TAYLOR SWEEPS RED, WHITE & BLUE
SATURDAY!
 |
| Sharkman sporting his Chris Carmichael Olypic Jacket! |
THE
STYLE GUY IS “STYLING AGAIN!”
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY STRYKER GUY!
TAKING
ORDERS FOR MINION JERSEY'S! YES, YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT!
CALHOUN COUNTY TRAIL GRAND OPENING JUNE 6, 2015
TOUR
de TAYLOR RIDE JUNE 13, 2015! REGISTER NOW!
BEER
JERSEY SATURDAY THIS WEEK!
Belo
News
May
22, 2015
Shark
Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke cool over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero
was pleased to see that there was no rain in the forecast, but was a
bit concerned about the 44 degree temp!
 |
| Team Taylor arrives early! |
Sharkman
has a cut off of 45 degrees on what he wears, but at a temp of 44 he
found himself conflicted as to what to put on.
As
he got his steed ready in the garage, it just felt cold, so he
decided to break out his Chris Carmichael Olympic Jacket! Oh, the
humanity!
That's
right, Bunkie, Sharkman was able to meet Chris Carmichael several
years ago while he was cleaning out his office and offered our
intrepid hero his Olympic Bike Team wind jacket and tights, which
Sharkman only uses on very special occasions, like Red, White &
Blue Saturday!
Additionally,
Sharkman had finally put on his Mavic wheels for the season and was
ready to rock!
As
our hero launched from the Cove, Mad Dog rode up and asked about
Rainman.
Sharkman informed him that this was Tardette's big
marathon weekend and that he was with her up in Traverse City for the
big race (more on this story in “In Other News”).
 |
| Tie Die liked it so much last week he was back for more, and with his koffee! |
As
the two riders crested the hill near the Human Society Office, they
notice a huge shadow moving in the road ahead of them, which could
only mean that it had to be none other than Nikeboy coming up from
behind!
Sharkman
also realized that he was glad he had worn the jacket, as it was
cold! “When will summer arrive?” our hero thought to
himself......
As
the riders worked their way to the start, Sharkman comment that he
never knows what to expect on a holiday weekend. Sharkman seemed to
believe it would be either feast or famine on numbers for the morning
and as they approached the parking lot, it wasn't looking too full.
 |
| Chico making, what we think was his season debut! |
However,
the three were just a bit early and the riders started pouring in!
Team
Taylor rode up with another virgin Minion by the name of John Denny who came with his own Minion name, LL Cool JD! Love when they come with their own names!
Welcome
to the mighty Minion Nation LL Cool JD!
The
Gull Lake crew then rode with with Bissell Boy, Skipper, Boatman,
Stryker Guy and none other than Chico, making what is believed to be
his season debut! Welcome back Chico!
Another
virgin Minion was Ken Masumoto, aka “Dragonfly!” Welcome to the
mighty Minion Nation, Dragonfly!
Cheddarhead
made his season debut, sporting his new Cervelo! He had broken his
elbow in the off season in a wrestling match with a ladder that with
Cheddarhead losing the battle and having a tone of metal installed in
his elbow. He would later share X-ray photos of his new “arm
candy” at the Klutch. Needless to say, he will be setting off
alarms at the airport going forward!
 |
| By popular demand, finally a photo of Boatman! |
Squeaky
came rolling in and he was “stylin”! In addition to two
different gloves; one an Arctic Expedition Glove of some sort and the
other a garden glove, he was also wearing a pink nappy sack to carry
the extra clothes he was wearing. No one was sure if he was riding
with us our heading out to Antartica but he was back to being the
Style Guy! Several names were offered up for his nappy sack like
“man-bag” and “murse” but Squeak got the last laugh when he
was able to store all that extra gear later in the day!
Gazelle
Girl then came riding in to shouts of “Gazelle Girl and Two Other
Guys!” Yes, the “Sweetheart of the Peloton” had arrived with
her entourage of Toesetter and Ironman.
Arriving
just it time for the start and decked out in his finest Red, White &
Blue Kit was none other than CycoCross, ready to ride shouting “All
hail the mighty Sharkman!”
 |
| Hoosier Boy, who is never without a koffee! |
Final
count as the train left the station was 28 riders, many decked out in
their finest Red, White & Blue kit!
The
Skipper led the group through downtown Galesburg and as the Nation
passed the Klutch Andrew came out for the count.
As
the Nation began heading up 36th Street, Kid Doster joined
on and then they were 29!
Mad
Dog and B-Rod were both leading out the Sharkman, then it was just
B-Rod. They opened a gap, as the Nation was chatting it up pretty
big time on this sunny but cool morning.
Sharkman
did the count and verified the 29 riders on the morning.
As
the Nation came to the base of the Col de Twin Lakes climb,
“mechanical!” was heard and it was learned that Greyhound had
flatted. As the riders waiting along the side of the road, they
heard a second tire blow and someone shouted, “Clean up in aisle
4!”
However,
Greyhound was quick to get the second flat fixed and the Nation was
back on the road to the summit of the Col de Twin Lakes!
 |
| Style Guy Squeaky with two different gloves! |
The
speed picked up through the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner and past
the Kountry Klub as Chico took up the speed with Wildman, Mad Dog,
Sharkman, Gazelle Girl and the rest of the Nation hot on his wheel.
The
Nation stayed close together as they descended on the Rt. 43 sprint
and up to the Stop Sign.
The
Rt. 43 section is now a “caution” section and the Nation rode
single file up the road and everyone played nice.
The
Nation was gathered at the summit of the Col de Norte and they
quickly headed through the Holy Rollers. After a brief stop for
Easty to sign autographs at Frona's, they headed out quickly where
Gazelle Girl led out Sharkman to the Inlet sprint.
 |
| Style Guys Man-Bag, Murse, Nappy Sack, whatever! This man can Style! |
Again,
the pace picked up after the Digital Divide and with the large group,
it was difficult to sustain a long, single pace line. Small groups
aligned to try to get Gazelle Girl in position again, but she stated
she had a headache and didn't feel like working on the GGG Spot
Sprint this week.
After
the GGG crossing, the riders lined up and Sharkman again rode along
side, towards the front, shouting out to his beloved Minions to be
careful, hold lines, and play nice.
Sharkman
led the Nation out but was soon over taken by Wildman, Gazelle Girl
and Toesetter. First Wildman, then Gazelle Girl put in humongous
pulls at the front before Sharkman came to the led for a short time
again.
At
the base of the final climb, the Nation started coming together and
Wildman, Mad Dog, B-Rod, Toesetter, followed by the Team Taylor
Minions came forward.
As
the fast moving train descended on the final sprint, the peloton was
bunched and holding their lines.
 |
| Sharkman had his Mavic's on so it must be Memorial Day! |
The
Team Taylor Minions took control with Nickhead, Iceman and Chains,
the Bounty Hunter swept the podium.
The
crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as our hero's rode to the
Klutch, where Andrew was waiting to serve up the koffee.
Stryker
Guy was at the front of the line and threw out $30 for everyones
koffee! He said it was his birthday (and a big one) and he was
buying. Stryker Guy revealed he got the $30 from his Mom for his
Birthday and if he needed more, he would have to dip into his
Confirmation money to cover the cost. Fortunately, not everyone
stopped, so he even got some change, which he graciously turned over
to Andrew.
 |
| Birthday Boy Stryker Guy holding court. |
Sharkman
led the Nation in a resounding chorus of “Happy Birthday” and to
be quite honest, the Nation sounded pretty damn good!
It
was a festive Nation that drank, sang and bragged about their cycling
prowess and all was well in the kingdom!
Sharkman
and Wildman saddled up for the ride home and Wildman, needing more
miles in preparation for WAM, rode along. Wildman actually rode all
the way to the Cove and back home giving him 64 miles on the day! Is
this a great country or what!?!
You
won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG when it
is....wait.....wait......
Beer
Jersey Day!
Yes,
the first Beer Jersey Day of the young season! Break out your
favorite Beer Jersey and come on out to ride!
Launch
Time – 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!
 |
| The Promise with his Red, White & Blue head cover! |
Be
there!
 |
| New Minion Dragonfly! Welcome to the Minion Nation! |
 |
| The Nation gathers as Squeaky stretchs out his Man-bag...... |
 |
| Virgin Minion LL Cool JD. |
 |
| Cheddarhead and his new Cervelo make their season debut! |
 |
| Gazelle Giril arrives with her entrourage of Other Men! |
 |
| CycoCross in is finest Red, White & Blue! |
 |
| The Birthday Boy was buying! |
 |
| Gazelle Girl, Wildman and Easty hold court. |
 |
| Hoosier Boy with his kup? |
 |
| Cheddarhead after showing off his X-Ray's! |
DON'T
WAIT! ORDER YOUR SHARK MINION JERSEY NOW!
Belo
News
May
27, 2015
Shark
Cove, Mi. - Back by popular demand, orders can now be made for the
famous Shark Minion Jersey! Is this a great country or what?!?
That's
right, for a limited time, you can order additional jersey's. A
sizing chart and order form with pricing have been made a part of the
Shark Minion Update so fill them out as quickly as possible and get
them to Gazelle Girl at joan.o@comcast.net
before May 31, 2015! These jersey's are only ordered once a year, so
get yours now!
No
orders after May 31, 2015!
GRAND OPENING OF THE CALHOUN COUNTY TRAIL!
Belo News
May 27, 2015Battle Creek, Mi. - The new Calhoun Country Trailways Alliance is planning a Grand Opening for the new trail extension on the east side of Battle Creek, heading towards Marshal, Michigan and linking the Battle Creek Linear Park with the Trail across the county.
This will be a great event that includes a ride and fun run along the trail, Bounce House for the kids, Disc Golf Demo, Kid's games and more! The Nation's own Hoosier Boy is a part of the Alliance and Sharkman and Lava Girl plan on being their for the ride and would like as many of the Nation to be there to help support this great biking effort!
Come on out and enjoy the fun!
TOUR de TAYLOR RIDE JUNE 13, 2015!
Belo
News
May
20, 2015
Mattawan,
Mi. - As reported last week, the Tour de Taylor is coming up quickly
and you only have a couple of days to get your entry in if you want
the Cool Team Taylor Tech T-Shirt, so don't wait to register!
Once
again this year, the Minion KK-TdG Ride will be suspended so the
Nation can ride with Team Taylor. Team Taylor is a huge part of the
Nation and we would like to encourage the Nation to be a part of this
ride! Last year the Nation fielded a pretty good size group and rode
the 100K ride as a team. So get your registration in as soon as
possible!
The
Nation will meet between 7-7:30 a.m. at the start and launch at 7:30
a.m. - SHARP!
Register
at: http://www.tourdetaylor.org/
It
is for the kids and families!
Be
there!
MINIONS
AT THE IRON HORSE!
ZYCHMANN,
BROTHER TOM AND THE DURANGO KID FIGHT THE ELEMENTS!
 |
| Tom, Zychmann & the Durango Kid! |
Belo
News
May
23, 2015
Durango,
CO. - As many a Minion is aware, the legendary Zychmann had been
training to ride the Iron Horse from Durango to Silverton, Colorado
with his brother Tom, along with the Chairman of the Western States
Minion Nation, the Durango Kid. This race, over two mountain passes
can be difficult in the best of circumstances, but this year was saw
some of the worst weather in recent memory. Temps in the 30's and
winds gusting to 25 mph made this and “Epic” ride. Belo News has
gone behind the scenes to get the real story from none other, that
both Zychmann, also known as Fabio and the Durango Kid himself!
First,
Zychmann's gripping story.....
Hi
Sharkie, it's Tuesday nite in Denver so here is my blogable version
of what happened:
The Iron Horse Race sounded so fun as Sharkman told his stories in the blog of his family and friends racing and beating the Durango to Silverton train, what exhilaration and pride to beat that train in less than 3 1/2 hrs! Well Sharkman, your record is safe as my brother Tom and I suffered like rented mules as we hauled our sorry asses up the passes.
 |
| Zychmann showing his well earned hardware! |
First
off there is like NO oxygen at 10,900 ft, and after a 5 mile climb up
a 7 % grade my muscles are cramping! My heart rate is in the red
zone! My pulse is pounding in my ears so loud it's like a wood pecker
on my helmet! Oh, and it's 35 degrees, and snowing and blowing at 25
mph. Now descending 7 miles at speeds up to 40mph with a wind chill
of 10 degrees on wet pavement, or is that black ice? This was indeed
Epic though very close to Biblical! Yes we survived thanks to rescue
sandwiches and cookies from St Toni and The Durango Kid, and I never
saw or heard the train, maybe it didn't even make the run, though it
may have arrived and left by the time I crossed the finish line!
Check this one off my list though I might do it again some July on a
Harley!
And from the Durango Kid:
Zyckmaan,
brother Tom and the Durango Kid made it to Silverton under
challenging weather conditions. It was an epic ride for me. Although
I thought I was prepared, it hurt. I need to change my doping program
to be more compliant with cold weather!
Great
job Minions! You did the Nation proud!
MONDAY
MOUNTAIN CANCELLED, TUESDAY NIGHT CHAING GANG RAINED OUT!
Belo
News
May
27, 2015
Augusta,
Mi. - The Monday Minions Mountain Bike was canceled this week due to
the Memorial Day Holiday, but will be back next Monday, weather
permitting.
This
ride takes place each Monday at 3:15 p.m. From the Trail Head at Ft.
Custer.
The
Tuesday Night Chain Gang ride was cancelled due to the weather, but
has been rescheduled for Thursday Night, at 5:30 p.m with the start
behind the K2 building in Battle Creek. This ride will return to
Tuesday Night next week.
IN
OTHER NEWS!
Belo
News
May
23, 2015
 |
| Tardette did the Nation proud! |
Traverse City, Mi. We are pleased to report that the Nations own Tardette competed in the Traverse City Marathon this past Saturday. In what she has described as her “first and only marathon” she did the Nation proud with a time of 4:24:01! Way to go Tardette! No that you have this running silliness out of your system it is time to come back to the Nation!
 |
| Who is that next to Stryker Guy? |
 |
| The Boss with Stryker Guy showing off their Coach Heath T's! |
Happy
Birthday to our own Stryker Guy!
Alpe D'Huez, France - Our own Mighty Monk and his son have been touring France by
 |
| Mighty Monk edged out by his son on Alpe D'Huez! |
 |
| The legendary Alpe D'Huez! |
Shark Cove, Mi. - And finally, Mad Dog found an ad for this incredible Shark Seat! Everyone will be wanting one, especially those riders who want to completely destroy thier prostrates! Sharkman is not endorsing this saddle, but thought it was pretty cool and it is for real!
 |
| The Shark Seat! Oh, the humanity! |
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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