Wednesday, July 8, 2015

HOLIDAY DOUBLEHEADER EXTRAVAGANZA!
Dr. Dave, Sharkman & Hutch in
their Oberon kit!

SHARKMAN NIPPED BY THE PIRATE IN DAY ONE!

WAIT.....SHARKMAN & THE PIRATE?

MAD DOG COMES BACK TO TAKE THE NIGHTCAP!

BLOODY 'ELL 'UNDRED DATE ANNOUNCED!

CASCO'S ULTIMATE MUD CHALENGE – AUGUST 1, 2015



Belo News
July 3, 2015

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke bright but cool over the Shark Cove, we find our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, excited about getting back to his beloved Minion Nation. It had been almost three weeks since he had last ridden with the Nation and he was anxious to return. The old Shark was also wondering if Mad Dog would be off the Disable List and if he would show to ride over to the start.
Nikeboy "Styling" for Beer Jersey Day!

The Sharkman donned his Oberon Jersey for Beer Jersey Day and started to head out of the Shark Cove when he ran across Reb riding in. As soon as the two headed out, a bright, orange orb on a bike started moving up behind them and they knew from the psychedelic colors it had to be Nikeboy.

Sure enough, it was none other than the legendary man of style, Nikeboy, decked out in an orange jersey with matching orange shoes. Does this man have class or what?!? Or, at least you can see him in the dark!

The three lamented the fact that Mad Dog was not along for the ride, though they learned later that he had to actually work, which is aa very foreign concept to Sharkman these days......

They also discussed that it was hard to determine who might show up to ride on a a holiday weekend and since it was actually Friday, their thoughts were that it might be a low turn out and Sharkman was already complaining he wouldn't be able to make any money from the sites he would be pointing out if that were so.
Wildman got "Chauffeured" in by the
Lovely Gwen and got razzed!

However, much to their surprise, there were riders a plenty waiting at the start, and waiting in their beer jersey's!

Dr. Dave had already had a flat tire and had just repaired it and was ready to go! While Sharkman was taking photos, Gazelle Girl rode in again, unnoticed.

Once again, Oberon won the most jersey's, but Stryker Guy was sporting a new European Brew that was quite interesting.

All in all, 20 Minions lined up to start the Southern Route, also known as the “Tour of Central Kalamazoo County!”

It was a holiday extravaganza as the Nation passed the Klutch with Sharkman in his glory at the head of his beloved Minion Nation.

However, they didn't get far when a shout of “mechanical” was heard from the back of the peleton. By the time the mighty train got stopped, it was learned that Airman had broken a spoke and was already calling home for a ride. With Reb jumping off to head home, the Nation was down to 18 riders as they climbed Qman hill with Sharkman in the lead.
Stryker Guy was "selling" his new Euro Beer Jersey!

As a matter of fact, Sharkman stayed at the front even when he slowed. It took him a while to realize he had forgotten the first sprint and the peleton was laying back to keep up the tradition of his getting the first sprint.

So Sharkman took the first sprint, but the ride ended up being a much more mellow version of the regular KK-TdG until the finish sprint.

Sharkman led the group through Hawk Alley, the famous waterfall section, past the corporate headquarters of “Tillers,” Cooks Cemetery and on to the Railroad house. Sharkman had forgotten that due to the condition of the road he use to ride ever Saturday, they should have turned at the Railroad house but didn't. However, the ride was going so well, no one complained and the Nation continued on past Indian Run Golf Course, Pickerel Lake, The Old Scotts Mill and then, to the “Epicenter of the Big One of 2015!” Yes, Bunkie, you heard that right!

Still "selling it!" O.K., you win best Beer Jersey!
The Nation rode through Scotts, where the epicenter of the big 2015 Earthquake took place! Sharkman was only charging $1 for this part of the tour, far less than his usual $.50, no change cost!

Is this a great country or what?!?

Invoices will go out later this week for the tour, so watch your mailbox!

As the Nation got back to 38th Street, Sharkman pointed out that it was the road that took them to the finish, but that everyone had to wait at the MN Stop sign for the final sprint.

After cautioning the Nation about the fast, downhill finish, the race was on!

Sharkman later reported a max speed of 36.8 mph in this section of the ride.

The Nation came down the hill like a runaway train!

Greyhound shot out front as several riders jumped on in pursuit.

The Nation was clumped together as they rode over I-94 and past the Galesburg Speedway. It was then that Wildman made his move!

Sharkman, knowing Wildman was a strong finisher, immediately jumped on his wheel, marking his time and riding him like a rented mule.

Just as the leaders got to the final turn to the finish, Sharkman made a move, coming around Wildman who later said he had no idea the crafty Shark was on his wheel.

Sharkman took the speed up but to his surprise, the Pirate had been on his wheel (riding him like a rented mule) and was able to edge out our hero at the finish by less than a half a wheel, with the Greyhound close behind!

It was a victory for the old guys as Sharkman led the parade into town and to the Klutch!

The Klutch was not only open, but it was “Free Koffee Friday!” Is this a great country or what!?! Sharkman had a big grin on his face as he shouted, “Set'em up, Andrew!”

Andrew also assured the nation that though he would be gone for the 4th, his parents would have the Klutch open for the Nation on the 4th!

The Pirate, feeling a bit guilty about steeling the finish from our hero, offered to ride home with the Shark as Nikeboy had cut off early to get home.

It was a great start to the holiday and though Sharkman would be gone for the 4th, the Nation would be riding and the Pirate would be writing!


MAD DOG COMES BACK TO TAKE THE NIGHTCAP!

So many Minions, Pirate couldn't 
Belo News
July 4, 2015
The Pirate

Galesburg, Mi. - The day started out bright, sunny and cool when Mad Dog pulled past the old Shark Cove only to be greeted by quietness because Sharky has flown the coop. Never fear for Mad Dog was up for the task all by himself.

At the starting line there were 20 dedicated riders ready to give flight wearing all of their Red, White and Blue. It look like Zychmann came to ride, for he took the first to sprints going away. However the group defaulted him on the first sprint because it belongs to our beloved SHARKMAN!

The pace was fast and the group was ready to dual. Unfortunately our rules of engagement must be dealt with, our beloved Sweetheart was being led out by Zychmann to the famous GGG-spot sprint only to find a newbie by the name of Great Dane sweep by to steal that precious moment that GG was about to experience.
The other half of the Nation!

OH the humanity of it!!!

The final sprint was fast and furious and when the smoke retreated from the burning wheels, there was only one winner and that was Mad Dog, the Mad Hun finished second.

Pirate

Editors Note – Nice job Pirate! Thanks for reporting in!



You won't want to miss this weeks edition, sans Sharkman who is still out in California with his Sharklets!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Launch Time - 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!




BLOODY 'ELL 'UNDRED DATE ANNOUNCED!

Belo News
July 8, 2015

Zychmann Estate, Mi. - The date that the entire Minion Nation has been waiting for has been announced! Yes, you heard that right, Bunkie!

It is time, once again, for the Bloody 'Ell 'Undred or better known as the BEU! This annual event will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2015 with a start time of 9:00 a.m. This is a casual ride and not a race!

It is important to RSVP for this event!

Be there!








CASCO'S ULTIMATE MUD CHALENGE – AUGUST 1, 2015

Belo News,
July 8, 2015

South Haven, Mi. - Though Belo News does not usually report on none cycling events, a friend of the Editor is helping to organize a Mud Run that is also a fund raiser for their church. Additionally, Belo News knows there are some crazy Minions who enjoy these type of events. Even our own intrepid hero, the Sharkman, used to do these types of events until his feet gave out.

But if you are looking for some fun in the mud, this might be the race for you!

So here is more about this event!

On Saturday, August 1, 2015, will be the first "Casco's Ultimate Mud Challenge, in what is hoped to be an annual event. It will be a 5K off-road Obstacle Course Run (OCR) hosted by Casco United Methodist Church (CUMC) at Lake Arvesta Farms LLC. helping us to fulfill our mission statement, 'Building up the Kingdom of God N.O.W., through Nurture Outreach and Witness.'

The theme for this event "Jump In to Help Out" will help us achieve our goal "To Support Ministries that Support Others". Proceeds generated will help to fund a variety of ministries which focus on the support of others locally, nationally and internationally.

For more information and to register --- go to www.CascoMudder.com

This event will have four main race parts:

The "Mud Free" Run will kick off the day at 8:00am sharp.

The Main Event: The main event for the day will be a 5K or 5 Kilometer Off Road OCR (Obstacle Course Run) through a series of obstacles, mud and water challenges. This race should be a fun and challenging race, testing both participants speed, agility and stamina.

The Team Race: The main event will also include a Team Race with its own "Best Dressed Competition" award in addition to the timed award. So get your family, friends, co-workers, classmates, sports team, or church group together and form a Casco's Ultimate Mud Challenge Team. Casco's Ultimate Mud Challenge Teams must consist of 4 or more racers, with no maximum. A minimum of 4 must register together to create the team, but additional members may be added later. Check out the Rules and Conditions page for complete details.

The 'Mud-Free' 5K: There will be a 'Mud-Free' 5K race to start the day for runners who like 5Ks, but don't want to get muddy. As the property does not have any paved roads, it will still be some what off road but with a path that avoids most of the off-road challenges and all the water and mud hazards.

The Kids' Run: The final event of the day will be a 1K Youth Fun Run for Cids (Kids)12 years of age and younger. This run will be through some of the muddiest parts of the course and all finishers will get a participation award.

The Race Course: The Casco's Ultimate Mud Challenge will feature 15 – 20 physical challenges over a 5 Kilometers (3.1 Mile) course. The path will lead participants over large mud hills and down through ravine and streams. Challenges will test your upper body strength, make you splash in the mud and test your stamina.

Registration for competitive 5K runners is $45 until July 10, 2015 then goes up to $55 until July 31, 2015. The day of registration August 1, 2015 will be $60. Teams of 4 or more registering at the same time will receive a $5 discount each off current cost. The Youth 12 and under 1K untimed event will be $20 from now till July 31, 2015. The day of kid run will be $25. Only those registered before July 10, 2015 are guaranteed a shirt the day of the race.

Join the event as a participant or a team participant or a volunteer!


For more information, go to www.CascoMudder.com


 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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