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
concerned about timing and led the rest back on
the Red to the Blue for the return.
 |
| Stryker Guy, Momma Bear, Baby Bear & Polar Bear getting ready to chow down! |
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
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!
 |
| Gazelle Girl, Gwen, Wildman, to the left and Sasquatch, Great Dane and Janice on the right! |
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 4th in his (32-33) age group!
 |
| Fourth Place goes to our own Skittles! |
Whoa,
wait....? What?
You
heard that right, Bunkie! 4th 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.
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