CAN IT REALLY BE THE END OF THE SEASON?!?

The Nation gathers!

IN LEUI OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY DRAWS CROWD!

WHAT? NO BANJOVI?

MINIONS RULE AT ICEMAN!

Belo News

November 17, 2015

Walnut Creek, CA. - Better late than never, eh?

After the “In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party” the Editors of Belo News had every intention of getting out an edition to share photos and the fun of the inaugural ILOI Ride/Party, but life had more in-store for the team than they had realized so as they say, “better late than never!”

Polar Bear & Baby Bear!

Sharkman is now out in California babysitting his Sharklet's and waiting for the entire clan to come together for thanksgiving! So, Belo News apologizes for the delay, but here you go!

The first ever In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party was a huge success despite the fact it was such a large group that Banjovi could not perform at Players, yet it was indeed, a fitting end to a fantastic Minion season!

Our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was a bit concerned when the reservations for the shindig began to come in slowly, but built to a crescendo as the final hours counted down with several Minions calling and some calling directly to Players to let them know they would be in attendance!

"Scout the Wonder Dog" & Ranger Rick!

As the old Shark pulled into the parking lot at the west end of Whitaker Lake, he noticed that CycoCross and Ranger Rick were already getting their steeds ready. Ranger Rick brought another friend with him, who for the time being will be knowns as “Eddy.” He also had brought along “Scout the wonder dog!” who entertained the riders pre-event with feats of catching a dog Frisbee. Is this a great country or what!?!

Greyhound on his huge Fat Bike!
Oh, the humanity!

Shortly after, Polar Bear and Baby Bear arrived, along with the Greyhound on his Fat Bike, which really looked huge next to our heroes 29er! Stryker Guy pulled in after, as well as, Easty (running a bit late), and Kid Doster. Also arriving a bit late (as she is prone to do so she can make a grand entrance) was none other than the Sweetheart of the Peloton, Gazelle Girl. Gazelle Girl had been a “doubtful” starter as she had recently suffered a severe index finger injury! Yet she seemed ready to ride.

Stryker Guy, Greyhound & Easty waiting for the
Granny group to catch back on!

After a few start photos, some additional tricks from Scout, the Wonder Dog, and final instructions from the Old Shark, the Nation decided to ride the Blue to the Red Trail and then back. Sharkman took the lead as the Nation formed up for the ride.

As the riders headed out they could feel “spits” of an icy rain from time to time, however the temps and sun felt warm on their backs.

Gazelle Girl, Baby Bear, Polar Bear & Easty
chilling on the Shark Vibemobile with
a cool beverage!

As the riders pulled up to the Cabins to check the count, Gazelle Girl announced that the jarring on her finger was too much and she was concerned about opening up the wound again. So she headed back to the parking lot on the roads while the rest of the Nation headed out to the Red Trail.

Some of the Minions decided to by pass Granny's while others headed in, however the entire Nation came back together just before the Amusement Park. Some of the riders decided to go out on the Green, while Sharkman was

Stryker Guy, Momma Bear, Baby Bear &
Polar Bear getting ready to chow down!

concerned about timing and led the rest back on the Red to the Blue for the return.

When they arrived at the Pavilion at Whiteford Lake, they found Hoosier Boys car parked and worried he might be lost on the trails. However, he arrived shortly and in time for the post ride beer that Gazelle Girl and Sharkman had brought along.

As the Green Trail riders returned, the mass headed out to Players for the party. Sharkman was a bit surprised at how busy Player was but they had two tables waiting for the hungry Nation to arrive.

As Sharkman always says, "any bar that has ketchup
on the table, is a class joint!"

The Nation and spouses/significant others began piling in! Wildman and Mrs. Wildman (Gwen), Great Dane and friend Janice, Gazelle Girl and Toesetter, Polar Bear, Baby Bear and Momma Bear (Sammie) Styker Guy and Mrs. Stryker Guy (Marsha), Easty and KT, Hoosier Boy and Mrs. Hoosier Boy (Nancy) and even Sasquatch made and appearance. Ranger Rick also arrived, sans Scout the Wonder Dog who was patiently waiting in the car.

The food was good, the beer was even better, but nothing could match the fun of the Nation breaking bread together! The only thing that could have made it better would have

Gazelle Girl, Gwen, Wildman, to the left and
Sasquatch, Great Dane and Janice on the right!

been the appearance of Banjovi! However, and much to everyone's regret, Players felt the place was too busy, people were watching the Michigan game AND people were actually waiting in line to get in to eat! Maybe next year!

It has been a great season and our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, wants to thank the entire Nation for another great summer and fall of riding!

Easty, Hoosier Boy, Nancy, KT on the left &
Baby Bear, Momma Bear, Stryker Guy and Marsha
on the right!

But the Nation isn't done!

After Deer Season ends, watch for possible Fort Custer rides and/or skiing opportunities! Stay tuned to Belo News!

Minions and Scout, the Wonder Dog riding
out of the Freeway!

MINIONS RULE AT ICEMAN!

Reb & Yeti Boy huddle to keep
warm, post Iceman! 

Belo News

November 17, 2015

Traverse City, Mi. - It was another great year for the Nation at the Iceman in Traverse City. The weather conditions were very different from last years “mudfest” and the times were an example of just how great conditions were. Yeti Boy and Reb reported in early that they had taken an hour off the previous years time and the Nations own Skittles finished 4^th in his (32-33) age group!

Fourth Place goes to our own Skittles!

Whoa, wait....? What?

You heard that right, Bunkie! 4^th in one of the most competitive age groups?

Oh, yeah, the mighty Minion Nation rocks! And a big thanks to Belo News Staff Photographer Tara Plant, we have the photos to prove it! Thanks Tara!

Skittles kicking into high gear near the finish!

Congratulations to the entire Nation who competed and did the Nation proud!

Skittles ready for action!

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

WHERE IN THE HECK IS HOOSIER BOY!?!

Yeti Boy and Hoosier Boy enjoying
their Bottomless Kups at the Klutch!

IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

GOOD LUCK TO THE MINIONS AT ICEMAN!

Belo News

October 31, 2015

Ft. Custer, Mi. - As our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, forced his old body out of his shark bed on a dark morning, he was thinking how good it was going to be to be back with his beloved Nation! As he got his steed ready and checked the radar, he was also hoping he could beat the rain!

Yeti Boy picked him up at 7:30 a.m. and the two headed over to the Klutch in Yeti Boys trusty Chevy pick up truck. They took the back roads as Yeti lamented, “I hate to get this old truck going too fast, you never know what might happen!”

Andrews Mom and Dad were on duty as Andrew was over in Detroit, but the koffee was, as always, great. Sharkman bought Yeti Boy a Bottomless and as they sat down the Early Morning Group welcomed them to the Klutch and were surprised that anyone was a riding this late.

Shortly after, Hoosier Boy, then Brewman joined in the merriment!

Sharkman and Brewman just
before launch!

As 8:25 a.m. rolled around, the group headed out to bet their bikes and Hoosier Boy mentioned he had a leaky tire and would ride to the trail head, where hopefully someone would have a pump, and then after a refill, he would head back to the Klutch. Sharkman commented that he wasn't sure it was a good idea to ride on a “leaky tire” but was sure someone would have a pump at the trail head.

The four headed out to the “back door” to the Fort on a dark, but comfortable morning, hoping the rain would hold off till noon as the forecast predicted.

When the group got to the trail head, Tow Truck was there to great them, but though the parking lot seemed fairly full, there were no other Minions AND there was no tire pump for Hoosier Boy! Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman volunteered to lead and suggested they take the Red trail to the Blue and go by the “back door” of the Fort so that Hoosier Boy could head back on his low tire to which everyone agreed.

After the group came out of the Trenches and before heading into the Rock Garden, Sharkman pointed out the trail for Hoosier Boy if he wanted to take the shortest way back, but he stated he would follow the group to the pavilion and break off there.

Sharkman went ahead and after the Camel Backs, headed up the Blue Trail, stopping at the road to make sure everyone was on.

First Yeti Boy, then Brewman and Tow Truck followed but no Hoosier Boy.....

After a couple of minutes, Sharkman said he would go back to the Red to make sure Hoosier Boy hadn't missed the turn.

But no Hoosier Boy.....

Sharkman was sure Hoosier Boy had missed the turn so he went back and got the group to go in search of Hoosier Boy.

The group ripped through the Red with an occasional shout, “Hoosier Boy!” but to no avail.

After the Freeway Section they stopped before entering the Amusement Park to discuss options. It was decided that Hoosier Boy must have taken the short way back to the “back door” and went home....

However, shortly after entering the Amusement Park and as the trail circled back toward the road on the Green Trail, there was Hoosier Boy, going the wrong way! Oh, double the humanity!

Hoosier Boy had indeed, missed the Blue turn and had gone onto the Red Trail and after a while realized he must have missed the turn and had come off the trail to try to get back but had headed down the wrong trail!

The good news was he still had air in the leaky tire! Is this a great country or what?!?

The group took the Green Trail in reverse to the Camp Ground, cut over to the Blue Trail and dropped off Hoosier Boy at the Pavilion near the “back door” to the Fort and he headed home!

But the Nation was not done with tire issues!

As the group headed back on the Blue and cut over to the Red, they stopped before going into Granny's to gather and had lost Brewman. Sharkman went back to look and found that Brewman had also had a flat, but had zapped the tubeless tire with CO2 and was hoping to make it back!

The group then completed the Red Trail and Tow Truck headed back with the group through the Trenches, Rock Garden and Camel Humps before breaking back to head home.

As Brewman, Yeti Boy and Sharkman hustled to make sure they got back before Brewman went flat again, they began to feel rain drops! They all agreed it was fun to race the rain!

As they pulled up to the Klutch, there were still a few rain drops, but nothing serious!

Final mileage on the day was 27.35 miles at 11.76 mph average! Not bad with all the search and rescue stops!

It was a victory for America!

But the Nation is not finished! See next story!

IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

Please note start area, under the
pavilion west of
Whitford Lake!

Belo News

November 4, 2015

Augusta, Mi. - It is finally here! The day every non Iceman Minion has been waiting for! The In Leui of Iceman Ride/Party!

Last year, a number of Minions became disenchanted with the annual right of autumn, the Iceman, when it turned into the “Mudman,” and had seemed to become more “corporate” with parking and logistic issues that made the race less of a year-end party and more of a huge, money making event. So the Nation has decided to respond for those who are not doing the Iceman this year with a year-end event called the “In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party!”

This Saturday, November 7, the same day as Iceman, the Nation will gather at Fort Custer at 2:00 p.m. for a ride on the trails, and then travel to Players Grill in Augusta, where spouses or significant others can join in, for beer and dinner at around 4:00 p.m.

Instead of the usual trail head, riders will meet at the pavilion at the west end of Whitford/Lawler Lake where we will have a roof if the weather turns on the Nation. Riders may wish to BYO beverage for post-ride activity before heading over to Players.

It is important that riders attending, as well as their guests, RSVP so that Players can be advised and insure they have enough wait staff.

In edition, there is a distinct possibility that Banjovi might be in attendance and do a few numbers for the Nation!

Is this a great country or what?!?

So, mark your calendars and get your RSVPs now! Even if you are not a mountain bike rider, you can join the Nation for dinner and beer at Players at 4:00 p.m!

Hopefully, this will be the first of many In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Parties to come!

Be there!

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