RAIN DOESN'T DAMPEN SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY!

NEUTRAL ZONE FOR THE FINISH YOU SAY?

KLUTCH OPEN FOR NATION!

BEER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News

August 29, 2015

Shark Cove, Mi. - When the first text came to the Cove, Sharkman should have suspected something was amiss!

Normally our intrepid hero is quick to check the radar and weather conditions before even getting dressed, but he had checked the Weather Bug the night before and it had reported that there would be no rain until around noon! Sharkman thought, “Noon? I will be back in plenty of time!” and went on about getting ready to ride.

He did think it strange that there was no activity at the Rainman's house as he knew he was around. As the Nation knows, Rainman doesn't ride in the rain or even if there is the slightest chance of rain in the 7 day forecast. Yet, it wasn't registering with our hero.

Kid Gallagher makes his
season debut! On the
last August ride!

Just as Sharkman was ready to launch, he took one last look at hi phone and notice a text from Wildman that had come in at 6:37 a.m. that he had missed. It simply said, “Are you riding over this morning?” to which Sharkman responded, “Yes!”

Mmmmm....interesting. Maybe Wildman was planning to ride out and meet his hero as he has done in the past.

Mad Dog arrived and said it was too dark to ride earlier, so the two riders took off and as they left the Cove, Mad Dog mentioned, “we are going to get wet....”

Wait, what? Sharkman hadn't even checked the radar. Mad Dog said he had and it was looking like the Nation was going to get very wet.

Sharkman started wondering, “where has my head been?” Didn't bring a rain jacket, wasn't wearing his older shoes, etc.

Squeaky returns after a 4 week hiatus!

Oh, well, maybe the rain would 'skid over” the Nation, he thought.

Reb rode up and the three riders headed out on the dry roads to the start.

All three were pleased to see that the Klutch was open and the Early Morning crew were on hand to wave at the three as they rode by.

The Nation was gathering at the start and all talking about the impending rain. Wait, what?

Sharkman checked the radar and it was looking like green slime rolling towards the Field of Dreams he knows as the KK-TdG.

But it wasn't raining yet!

Gazelle Girl arrives to cheers and in time
for the Minion Jersey photo!

B-Rod and Brewman were already there and Iceman had just pulled in, with his road bike on the back of his pick up and his mountain bike in the bed. Sharkman loved his optimism (or had he just not checked the radar like Sharkman?).

Iceman was immediately followed by Kia Pet and Chains, the Bounty Hunter who had ridden over from the Soccer Zone.

Squeaky also made his return to the Nation and was pleased his brother finally made Belo News.

Skittles was also back in the mix after a short hiatus of racing with a Tu Tu at Cannonsburg. Skittles was quoted as saying, “you can't win in a Tu Tu if you don't race in a Tu Tu.” You'll have to ask him about it......

The Nation gathering before the rains.....

Much to the old Shark's surprise, Kid Gallagher made his season debut on his new Trek, accompanied by Oxito. The first thing the Kid said was, “we're going to get wet!” Welcome back, Kid!

The Kid also stated his neighbor, the legendary Zyckmann, was driving down due to the threat of rain, however, the Nation never saw him....

Just as the Nation was lining up for a photo, the Sweetheart of the Peloton rode in donned in her Shark Minion Jersey to shouts of “Gazelle Girl!”

To the sound of clicking pedals, the Nation saddled up and headed out.

The Nation at the first G crossing,
just as the rain began.....

As they passed the Klutch and waved to the Early Morning Crew, the first drops of rain could be felt.

As the Nation headed north, Sharkman was disappointed that Toast wasn't around to take the first sprint.

Skittles, B-Rod, Mad Dog and Gazelle Girl were all up front to pull the Sharkman before Skittles and B-Rod closed the deal and Sharkman took the sprint at full speed, having the memory of Toast surprising him at the line fresh in his Shark memory.

Sharkman took a count of 17 riders as the Nation crossed G ave. and felt the rain starting to build.

As the Nation started up the col de Twin Lakes, a steady drizzle began to fall, but it did not deter the Nation. Though wet, the air was warm and other than the rooster tails being thrown up in riders faces, it was actually somewhat pleasant to feel the summer rain fall gently on the dorsal!

The Nation picked up speed as they traversed Kellogg Korner, the Kountry Klub and on to the Rt. 43 sprint where the Nation came apart for a short time but back together at the Stop Sign.

By now the rain was really coming down and one of the Minions commented that the Nation looked like a bunch of dogs riding in cars on the highway. As the tires threw up their rooster tails, the Nation had their necks craned like a dog out the window to avoid the water coming off the draft wheel ahead of them.

The Nation motored through the col de Norte and on through the Holy Rollers where ironically, Sharkman started to feel the sunscreen he had put on, burning into his eyes.

B-Rod wasn't sharing his cherry pie
with the wet Nation as they drank
their koffee....

By the time he got to Frona's he had to pull over and wash his eyes out with his water bottle. However, much to his dismay, any solution he tried was only temporary and he could be heard whining about it to any Minion who would listen to him!

As the Nation lined up after the Digital Divide, a semi well constructed pace line developed with the Nation still craning their necks to avoid the even larger plumes of water coming up from the smooth pavement in this section.

For THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW (Editors Note: last week the Editors mistakenly credited Mad Dog with doing the lead out for Gazelle Girl, when it was in fact, Ironman. It should be noted that Mad Dog did not point this our, nor even bring it up until Sharkman did on the ride over. We humbly apologize to Ironman for this oversight....) Ironman came forward with Gazelle Girl on his wheel and motored to the front where she, for the SECOND WEEK IN A ROW (actually, it might be the third and/or fourth) sealed the deal and beat out Ironman at the line.

Sharkman declared a “Neutral Zone” for the finish for the first time Minion history. With all the rain, and the slick roads, the old Shark was even more worried about crashing and the Nation seemed fine with the decision.

None the less, Sharkman went to the front to try to lead out the group, but it was short lived as Kia Pet threw himself on his sword and broke loose from the peloton.

The Nation wasn't biting and either they thought they would be able to catch him or that he wouldn't hold it. But as he stayed out there a counter attack finally formed with Mad Dog, Skittles, Chains among others, formed up to chase him down.

At the top of the final climb it seemed as though the Nation was back together with a few riders out front like the Team Taylor guys, Mad Dog, Ironman and Skittles.

Since it was a neutral zone finish, Belo News will not name the winner, but the crew seemed to say that it should go to Skittles because he maintained a steady pace and held his line as others were trying to gain the front.

Great job Skittles!

The riders began their ride down the most storied avenue in cycling, the Champs le Galesburg, by zipping up their Minion Jerseys and waving to the throngs of one or two tofosi who had come out in the rain to cheer them on.

The Nation was pleased to find the Klutch open and Andrew ready with hot koffee for the wet Nation.

Only 7 hardy riders stayed for the Press Conference and Koffee, preferring to not stop and get cold before their rides home. Gazelle Girl offered to get her truck and take Mad Dog, Reb and Sharkman back but they respectfully declined and headed back in the rain. And rain it did!

Brewmans nifty solution to
get home in the rain!

Brewman reported that he had a flat tire on the way home and had to change the tube. When he attached the tube, it filled with air but when he unscrewed it the valve core would come out and he'd lose the air. He stated he did it three time and after it didn't work he said screw it! In a move of complete genius, he detached the hose from the pump and tied it to a spoke with a few blades of grass! It got him home! As Brewman stated, “All this fun in the rain!” This is they guy the Nation would call if their Kegger wasn't flowing! What a genius!

Sharkman will be gone over the Labor Day Weekend but the Nation will ride!

America works hard, and to recognize that hard work, they have a special Labor Day Holiday! And what do Americans do when they have a three day holiday! And what to do they do on those three days? Drink Beer!

So in recognition of Labor Day, this Saturday is, you guessed it!

Beer Jersey Day!

Break out your favorite Beer Jersey and come out and ride!

Launch Time – 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!

Be there!

IN OTHER NEWS!

Nikeboy riding in Washington!

Belo News

August 24, 2015

Nikeboy looking good in Washington!

San Juan Islands, WA. - Nikeboy reported in last week that he and Nikegirl were enjoying the San Juan Islands in Washington State, doing a Trek Tour! The “Other Style Guy” reported he was enjoying his “secret training camp” and that the riding was “amazing!” Climbing about 2500-4000 feet per day in 30 to 40 miles with great weather! What a life!

Enjoy, Nikeboy!

Catfish and Dreamboat out west!

Belo News

Catfish and Dreamboat at the
top of Mt. Whitney!

August 28, 2015

Mt. Whitney, CA. - Located on the east side of California's beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mt. Whitney is one of those great places along the famous John Muir Trail and none other than Dreamboat and Catfish reported in this week that they were into day 8 of hiking out there and provided this photo of them on at the summit!

Enjoy Catfish and Dreamboat!

Ox on the Disabled List!

Belo News

August 29, 2015

Gull Lake, Mi. - It was learned this week that legendary Minion rider, Ox, has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He is presently undergoing chemo treatment in preparation for an operation to remove his bladder later this year. He will then have a new bladder reconstructed from some of his small intestines. He reports it might be a bumpy ride, but his plans on being back in the Nation next season!

The Minion Nation wants Ox to know that he is in their thoughts and prayers and that the Nation will hold a spot in the peloton for this great rider!

See you next summer, Ox, if not sooner!

Reb, Gazelle Girl, Great Dane, Sharkman and Yeti Boy
rocking at the Old Dog Tavern!

Minions Rock Old Dog!

Belo News
August 31, 2015

Kalamazoo, Mi. - Minions were rocking at the Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo for the GLAMA monthly jam on Monday night! 

Sharkman and the Great Dane played several songs along with the Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association crew at Old Dog, while Yeti Boy and Yeti Girl, Gazelle Girl and Reb watched and sang along!  The Minion Nation not only rocks on the roads, but they rock at the Old Dog tavern on the last Monday night of each month!

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