RAIN?
WHAT RAIN?
 |
| Wet Minions at the start Saturday! |
IRONMAN/OTHER
GUY TAKES THE TAPE!
WHERE
IS POLAR BEAR?
GAZELLE
GIRL WINS “NAME THAT MINION CONTEST!”
CRASHES
IN THE PELOTON?
SKITTLES
TAKES 1st AT TK LAWLESS XC RACE!
COLLEGE
JERSEY GAME DAY THIS SATURDAY!
Belo
News
September
19, 2015
Shark
Cove, Mi. - As our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, slept soundly under
his Shark Bedspread, as the lightening and thunder rolled over the
Shark Cove, dropping tons of rain. As the old Shark awoke, he
noticed that the ran had stopped and he immediately rain to the
window to look at the street.
It
appeared that not only had the rain stopped, but the street was
beginning to dry from the strong winds!
“Hurray!”
he thought as he padded out to the Shark Radar and started the Shark
Bunn Koffee Maker.
 |
| Mad Dog and Gazelle Girl trying to be nice as they discuss their respective attendance records.... |
As
the green glow of the radar lit up our hero's smiling face, he saw a
lot of color on the screen but most of it was east of the Cove. There
seemed to be small cloud just west of his Field of Dreams, but he was
sure it would dissipate or be just a minor issue. After all, Sharks
like the water! He began to get dressed, but remembering the rain a
couple of weeks earlier, brought his rain jacket up from the Shark
Cove Bike Shop in the basement.
Just
as he was getting ready to launch, it began to sprinkle once
again.....
Sharkman
immediately went to the radar and noticed that the “small cloud”
was now the falling rain over the Shark Cove, but it looked like it
would be short-lived. He also noticed an email from Gazelle Girl
asking about launch. She was concerned about losing her perfect
attendance record to Mad Dog, her only competitor, and wanted to make
sure the Minions were launching.
“Leaving
now!” Sharkman replied.
 |
| Ironman, Dot-Dot-Dash and Wishbone at the start..... |
Mad
Dog pulled in and they both lamented the rain, but felt it wouldn't
last long. They both knew better than to even look at Rainman's
house, as it was obvious he would not be in the mix on this day.
They
also looked for Reb on Watkins Road, but he too, was too smart to
ride in the rain.
As
the two neared Galesburg, the rain stopped and both riders actually
saw some blue sky's dawning in the west, just below the dark rain
clouds. They were sure the rain had passed.
When
they got to the start, it the parking lot was abandoned and both
wondered if this would be THE Saturday that no one showed. However,
they both knew that Gazelle Girl would be there, not wanting to break
her season attendance streak.
Yeti
Boy drove in, but realized he had left his shoes back at the
homestead. Realizing he could not ride in his stylish Kroc's, he
decided to head home and then ride back and meet the Nation at the
Klutch later for koffee.
Moments
later, Gazelle Girl came riding in to one shout (from Sharkman) of
“Gazelle Girl” accompanied by The Other Guy, as well as
Dot-Dot-Dash and the newly named Wishbone!
Yes,
Gazelle Girl, who seems to have a knack for naming Minions, came up
with the name Wishbone for Paul Gobble. The Nation needed a Wishbone
in the Nation and it just seemed to fit. Gazelle Girl wins the
coveted kup of koffee as soon as the $50 check arrives, as she said
it was in the mail!
To
Sharkman's surprise, Wildman pulled in as well. He had sent an email
the previous evening stating the weather didn't look good and our
hero usually interprets that to mean “if the weather is bad, I
won't be there!”
However,
the rain had stopped and the Nation was feeling good that it was done
for the day as the sound of pedals clicking in could be heard around
Galesburg and the train of Minions pulled out of the station!
As
they approached the Klutch, Andrew came out to take the count and the
Early Saturday Morning group waved on their heroes!
As
the Nation headed out, Hutch jumped on, bringing the count up to
eight, nine if you count Yeti Boy, on the day. Not stellar but
pretty darn good considering the weather and time of year!
Wildman
and Hutch went to the front and brought Sharkman to the his honorary
first sprint, splitting like the Red Sea as Sharkman pulled forward
to take the sprint.
As
the riders formed up to cross G Ave, they noticed a few rain drops
and the sky began to get dark once again, even though they could also
see clear sky's to the west along G Ave.
Though
the Nation had not started in the rain, it certainly looked like they
would be riding in the rain.
Gazelle
Girl was feeling frisky and took her first of two sprint wins on the
day, by catching the Nation off guard and bursting ahead to take the
sprint before the assault on the col de Twin Lakes.
As
the Nation climbed the col de Twin Lakes, the rain became steady, but
fortunately it was not yet cold and the rain was not uncomfortable.
The
Kountry Klub section was very civil and the Nation spent more time
avoiding the rooster tails being thrown up in their faces, than
trying to sprint too hard ahead.
It
was single file the Route 43 section, up the col de Norte and on to
the Holy Rollers and the
feed
stop at Frona's.
After
the Digital Divide, Gazelle Girl did a great job of teaching the
Nation to do a pace line, rotating in the opposite direction to the
one they usually insist on. This may very well be a “first” for
the mighty Minion Nation!
As
the Nation climbed the small hill at the start of this section, right
after the Flat Tire Bermuda Triangle, some turkey's crossed the road
and Wishbone came to the front to respond to their call. Must be
something about that Gobble name and being able to talk turkey......
As
the fast moving train continued south, the new pavement in this
section created even more crud to be channeled up tires and into the
face of the riders. Gazelle Girl came forward in the group and to
cheers from the Nation, took her second sprint of the day, her
coveted GGG Spot Sprint! But it was not without kontroversy, as
Ironman attempted to block her path to victory!
Wait,
….what?
The
Sweetheart of the Peloton was not to be denied and simply rifled past
him to take the sprint!
It
was a victory for America!
Sharkman
jumped out front as the Nation headed south to the finish, but he was
feeling sluggish and knew he couldn't hold the lead long. True to
form, Mad Dog came forward and immediately took the speed up with
Wildman and Ironman on his wheel. Hutch had dropped off at his
house, so the threat of his sprint had been neutralized by his desire
to get home and dry off!
As
the nation crested the final hill, they were together, but began to
spread out immediately.
As
they bore down on the finish, Ironman went out ahead, with Wildman
and Mad Dog glued to his wheel!
Ironman
took the tape as the three finished in that order!
 |
| Andrew pours more koffee with Yeti Boy buying! |
The
crowds on the Champs le Galesburg went wild as their hero's rode down
the avenue, soaking wet, but pleased that they had triumphed over
nature and ridden on this day. Just as they approached the Klutch,
the sun came out as if to crown the victors as they dismounted their
mighty steeds and headed into their koffee shop where Andrew awaited
with their beverage of choice!
Yeti
Boy rode in and immediately jumped off his bike like a Pony Express
Rider and got to the front of the line and bought koffee for
everyone! Is this a great country or what! Even Mad Dog and his foo
foo koffee!
Oh,
the humanity! It can't get any better! Thanks Yeti Boy!
Talk
centered around the upcoming Open Mic Night at the Klutch when
Sharkman, Wildman and Great Dane would be debuting their band,
Banjovi! Yes, after a whole three weeks of practice, Great Dane
thinks they are ready, so Open Mic is this Thursday at the Klutch
from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The time for the band, named Banjovi until they
get a letter from someone to discontinue using that name, had not
been determined by press time, but Andrew stated they would have
“priority” in when they want to play. Since Sharkman needs to be
back at the home by 9:00 p.m for bed check, it will be closer to 7
p.m. than 9:30 p.m.
After
koffee, Mad Dog, Yeti Boy, Gazelle Girl and Sharkman stopped at the
new Classic Car location in Galesburg to look at the cars. The four
riders were in awe of the classic cars and how many there are and how
great a shape they are in. If any of the Nation likes old, classic
cars, you owe it to yourself to check this place out! It is open and
free to the public on Saturdays! We also understand, all of them are
for sale!
The
strong tailwind assisted Mad Dog, Yeti Boy and Sharkman on the way
home however just about 3 miles from the Shark Cove, Yeti Boy had his
third flat tire of the week! Though the sun was shining and the air
was warm, Yeti nor Sharkman felt like changing the flat and Sharkman
went home to get the car and get Yeti home. Let's hope that is
Yeti's last flat of the season!
You
won't want to miss this weeks edition!
The
weather us supposed to be excellent and since we did not have a great
response to College Jersey Game Day, we'll do it again!
That's
right, Bunkie! Get your College Kit out and show your pride!
Saturday,
September 26, 2015
Launch
Time – 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!
Be
There!
IN OTHER
NEWS!
Belo
News
September
16, 2015
Shark
Cove, Mi. - With the season winding down, there are only a few more
weeks left to ride and the weather could not be more perfect right
now!
Crash at the Monday
Mountain Bike Ride – It
was a smaller turn out this week as only Reb, Polar Bear, Yeti Boy
and Sharkman showed up for the start. The small, but enthusiastic
riders headed out on the Green Trail but it was not long before Yeti
Boy caught a tree with his shoulder as his bike slide out from under
him on a turn. Though he finished the Green, he was one hurting puppy
and he and Sharkman headed out early while Reb and Polar Bear headed
back out to do the Red Trail.
At
press time, our Yeti Boy is in a sling and the Nation wishes him a
speedy recovery! He has to get well, as he is doing Iceman in 6 weeks
and needs to train!
This
ride launches at 2 p.m each Monday from the Ft. Custer Trail Head.
If you are retired or can get away from work, come on out and enjoy
this fall weather with a ride through the best mountain biking
terrain around!
Crash at the Tuesday
Night Chain Gang – With
only one week left in the Tuesday Night Chain Gang season, only 4
riders made
the start on another perfect weather night. Earlier in
the day, Sharkman got a text from Tow Truck asking if the ride was on
and stated “if I can get out of work in time, I'll see you on River
Road!”
 |
| Rainman's jersey wasn't the only thing that took a beating! |
Rainman,
Stingray and Sharkman launched on time and headed out and caught Tow
Truck coming from the other direction on River Road. All comment that
it was good to have Tow Truck back in the mix, especially with his
ability to make those long pulls at the front!
However,
as the four riders traversed through Augusta, Rainman was at the
front when they turned on to G ave and all hell broke loose!
 |
| Rainman's derailleur made it to the finish before falling off! |
Rainman
caught a pedal, causing the bike to skid and the front wheel to turn
perpendicular to the bike as Rainman started to go down! Instead of
the wheel being “taco-ed,” it flew off the bike and across the
road!
Rainman
skidded on his back behind the flying wheel and the bike and
fortunately no cars were coming and none of the other riders ran
over, or were taken out by the crash!
Rainman
was up quickly, retrieving his frame and wheel and getting to the
side of the road to get out of the way of traffic. One driver, in a
black truck asked if he could help, then actually came back to ask
again. A second truck stopped to ask if the riders need help and
confirmed that there are good people out there who care.
Meanwhile,
Rainman was pulling it together and checking the damage. His nice
Rafa Jersey were completely destroyed and he had some road rash, but
appeared to have avoided major injury. His handlebars were at a 90
degree angle from his fork, but undamaged. After realizing Rainman
was not badly hurt, Stingray asked, “Your still going to pull us
the G Ave. hill, right?”
After
fixing the handle bars, the 4 were off again, up the G ave. and back
on course. Rainman even commented that other than the road rash, he
was still feeling like riding hard!
After
a massive pull in the run up to returning to Battle Creek, he broke
off to go home and the last three riders returned with a very
respectable average speed of 21.04 mph.
However,
as Rainman returned to the parking lot, his derailleur fell off? The
hanger had broken completely and it was amazing that he made it back
before breaking!
On
Wednesday morning, Rainman reported being fine other than a very sore
ankle. His bike, however, is not so fine as he will need a new
derailleur hanger, and a frame check to insure there is no other
damage to the bikes integrity. The Nation wishes Rainman a speedy
recovery and best of luck with the bike diagnostics!
WHERE ARE YOU POLAR BEAR?
Belo
News
 |
| Has anyone seen this rider? Tell him to get his Polar Bear Butt back in the Naiton! |
September
23, 2015
Shark
Cove, Mi. - A number of Minions have asked where Polar Bear has been.
Sharkman reported that he was sure he would show up this past
Saturday, as he had seen him at the Monday mountain bike ride and he
had stated he was pretty sure he would be there on Saturday.
When
Sharkman saw the weather, he was positive the intrepid Brit would be
in the mix.
After
all, Brits are born for wet, stormy weather. As artists work in
different mediums like oils, or water colors, Brits are born to work in the wet and wild and weave phenomenal prowess on the bike when the
rain/sleet/snow fall.
After
all, Polar Bear got his name by wearing shorts at temps at 32 degrees
or less and even wears a polar bear jersey! This is a man who weaves an
artistry of biking, particularly when the weather is wet, cold or,
well,....... British! It is said that when he awakes on the morning
of a ride and it is raining/snowing/sleeting, he gets a smile on his face!
But
wait......
Has
living in the States caused him to become........ “Americanized!”
Oh,
the humanity!
Where
are you Polar Bear? All is forgiven, please come home! The Nation
awaits your return, rain or shine!
SKITTLES
TAKES 1st AT TK LAWLESS XC RACE!
 |
| Skittles on the podium! |
Belo
News
September
20, 2015
 |
| The prize! |
Jones,
Mi. - In yet another convincing win, the Nations own Skittles took
1st place in the Expert 0-39 class at the TK Lawless XC
Race this past Sunday!
It
was a victory for America!
Great
job Skittles, you did the Nation proud!
GAZELLE GIRL IS ON HER HANDS AND KNEES
Gazelle Girl serves on the marketing committee for a very cool organization called Community Homeworks. Their mission is to help low income homeowners in Kalamazoo County maintain their homes. They offer furnace repair and replacement assistance, help with weatherization, lawn mower maintenance/repair classes, roof replacement/repair assistance and much, much more. Sometimes these homeowners have to chose between buying food or buying heat. The more we can help them lower their utility bills, the better.
FURNACE FEST is a fund raising event held each year by Community Homeworks. It takes place Friday, October 9, 5-9 pm at Boatyard Brewing Co. And our one and only Cycocross will be on the stage with his band Joe Wang and The Test Pilots. The event is free and I encourage ALL of you to join us!
HERE IS THE ASK (ergo why Gazelle Girl is on her hands and knees [it's not what you were thinkin']).... we are looking for items for the silent and live auctions that are the meat of the fundraising on this evening. The sky's the limit on what we'll take - so if you or your company have something you can donate, we would be greatly appreciative. Simply contact Gazelle Girl in the next two weeks at joan.o@comcast.net.
THANK YOU!!!
Oh, and a shout out to Pedal bicycle shop. A new Furnace Fest sponsor this year!
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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