WHAT
A DIFFERENCE 20 DEGREES MAKES!
LUCKY
ONES RIDE BARRY-ROUBAIX!
ANOTHER
MINION PUT ON THE DISABLED LIST!
DON'T
FORGET TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR DE TAYLOR!
Belo
News
April
22, 2017
Shark
Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke bright and very cool over the Shark Cove,
our intrepid Hero, the Sharkman was wondering it was something he had
said......
The
night before he received, yet another absence excuse from Mad Dog.
 |
| Sharkman Photobombing the Nation. And not very well! |
Two
weeks in a row? What is going on?
However,
he did know that he had some Minions to escort him to the start, but
would head back.
Thought
the temperature on the Shark Cove thermometer showed 40 degrees when
the Shark got out of bed at 6 a.m., it was 38 when it was time to
launch, making it difficult to pick out the kit for the day. Warm at
the start usually meant too warm for the return trip back to the
Cove.
Yeti
Boy, planning to do the Yankee Springs Time Trail on Sunday morning,
only wanted to ride over and back, but was still, about 10 minutes
early to the Cove. As Sharkman was killing time to make sure he
didn't launch before Nikeboy had a chance to ride on the scene, was
pleased to see his show up at 7:30 a.m. - SHARP!
The
three riders picked up Reb on the road, and then there were four!
Nikeboy
and Sharkman took the lead as it was obvious that Reb and Yeti Boy
did not want to leave their legs on the training road!
Actually,
as Sharkman headed straight to the bathroom when he got to the start
and when he came back out front, the three riders (Nikeboy had to
head to a wedding up north) were already gone and heading back to
Battle Creek.
 |
| Greyhound made his season debut by buying the koffee! YES! |
Sharkman
found that 20-25 degrees difference in temperature makes a big
difference in attendance, as one would guess.
Sharkman
took a count of 14 (17 if you count Yeti Boy, Reb and Nikeboy) at the
start, with 10-4, Sasquatch, and Greyhound were making their season
debuts. Bounty Hunter, Padre (formerly John on his second Minion
ride) and Kia Pet from Team Taylor were back, and Gazelle Girl and
Toesetter were in the mix. Other riders included Wishbone, who is
riding strong, Dragonfly, Wildman, High Yield and Toast.
After
Toast warned everyone of a soccer tournament at the high school and
to be mindful of traffic at the finish and it was determined there
was no A group today, Sharkman lead the Nation out, looking back to
make sure no one else had joined on.
As
the Nation passed the Klutch, one of the Barista could be seen at
the window counting the riders. After last week's numbers they wanted
to be ready!
Sharkman
worked the crowd as the Nation headed north out of town. Moving back
and forth like he was running for office, he was feeling good!
 |
| Sasquash was back in the Nation! |
Wildman
pulled our hero out early, at the hill after HL, but emotions got the
better of Sharkman and he steamed out front to take his honorary
first sprint!
Since
the Nation is still in Spring Season, and sprints aren't reported,
fewer Minions jumped in for wins, but there were still sprints!
The
Nation headed through the col de Twin Lakes, Yorkville Church,
Kellogg Korner, the Kountry Club and on to Rt. 43 and pretty much
stayed together and as riders are starting to get their legs back,
there weren't any stragglers!
The
Nation headed south after the ascent of the col de Norte, as Sharkman
handed out sage advice to a couple of Minions, on retirement.
Sharkman shared that it is the one job he turned out to be born for!
Who knew! The old Shark went on to say his only complaint was that
time was going way too fast, unlike his bike speeds!
The
Nation had to cross the Digital Divide in two waves due to major
traffic and as everyone was lamenting the fact that there was no
light at his busy intersection.
Interestingly,
the Nation formed up a dual pace line on the way to putting Gazelle
Girl into position for her GGG Spot Sprint. With no shifts at the
front, and a mild south wind in their faces, the Nation moved
smoothly in this section leading up to the last sprint before the
finish.
 |
| The joint was rocking and even Chia Pet and Padre stuck around to be social! |
Gazelle
Girl worked her way to the front, despite pressure from Toesetter and
Kia Pet, and put them and the peloton easily. It was a victory for
America!
As
the Nation headed down to the final sprint, a small group went to the
front and stayed out there right up to the final ascent. The traffic
at the finish turned out to not be a problem as the Nation started
pouring past the final tape! It was a great ride with an average
speed of 17.6 mph.
Those
of you wanting to come out to ride, this is the time of year to get
back into shape with the Nation. The speeds are picking up, so come
on out now!
The
crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg and our hero's headed to
the Klutch.
The
Nation was treated to Koffee from Greyhound and even Kia Pet and
Padre stopped in.
 |
| High Yield and Wildman signing a get well card for Stryker Guy! |
Thanks
Greyhound!
The
discussion was lively, as the paparazzi and tofosi mobbed the riders
for autographs.
For
those keeping score, the Sharkman did ride home solo FOR THE SECOND
WEEK IN A ROW! Where in the world is Mad Dog?!?
You
won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG!
Saturday,
April 29, 2017
 |
| Greyhound signing autographs for the paparazzi and tofosi! |
There
is a 60% chance of rain on Saturday, so watch at Belo News or an
email if it is raining.
Remember,
Minions ride in the rain, but do not start in the rain!
Launch
time – 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!
Be
there!
 |
| Gazelle Girl (file photo) |
LUCKY
ONES RIDE BARRY-ROUBAIX!
Belo
news
April
25, 2017
Hasting,
Mi. - The Lucky Ones (those designated as retired or having the
ability to take some time off from work) descended on their favorite
gravel road extravaganza this past Tuesday afternoon for some sand,
hills and sunshine!
Gazelle
Girl organized a very nice ride that included Tow Truck, Brewman,
Sharkman, Nut Job, who came down from Lansing where he is a professor
at MSU.
 |
| Nut Job (file photo) |
All
5 riders showed up on gravel/cross bikes and Sharkman was sporting a
new rear cassette installed by Danimal at Custer Cyclery and he was
very pleased with the results!
The
Minions launched around 2:45 p.m. and the weather could not have been
more perfect for the ride!
Tow
Truck had a dinner that he had to attend, so could not stick around,
but the remaining riders went to the Waldorf for some adult beverages
and dinner. The double Coban was selling well, but Sharkman stuck
with the Mocha Porter!
Unfortunately, no one thought to take photos! Oh, the humanity!
Big
thanks to Gazelle Girl for organizing a great ride and organizing
such great weather!
Viva
bikes!
ANOTHER
MINION PUT ON THE DISABLED LIST!
Belo
News
 |
| Rainman! (file photo) |
April
25, 2017
Shark
Cove, Mi. - It was learned this week that another legend of the
peloton, Rainman, had been put on the disabled list for the next 4-6
weeks! Oh, no, not another Minion!
Appears
that while mountain bike riding out in Santa Cruz, California, the
Rainman crashed and cut open his knee. The young rider described the
injury as a cut that went down to the knee cap and it required 11
stitches to close.
Unfortunately,
the wound may not have been properly cleaned at the med center that
he went to in California and he has aquired a very bad infection.
When he returned to Battle Creek and sought further medical attention
there was a concern that they would have to re-open the wound.
However, the antibodics kicked in, in the nick of time and he will
not need further surgery. However, the knee is still swollen and he
is being told it could be 4-6 weeks before he can ride again!
The
mighty Minion Nation wishes Rainman a quick recover and they will be
holding a spot in the peloton for him when he returns!
Unless
it is raining, of course!
TOUR
DE TAYLOR IS SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2017!
Belo
News
April
19, 2017
Mattawan,
Mi. - The date for the Tour de Taylor 2017 has been announced and
here is the information you will need to enter. This has been a great
annual event for the Nation and helps our Team Taylor Minions earn
even more dollars for their Make A Wish ride in July! So let's all
get entered to ride! Here are the details:
Hey
Tour de Taylor Riders!
Saturday,
June 10th.
As
always, we're working hard on creating an even better event this
year. With your feedback and support, we've been able improve on an
already great event. With your help, ALL
net
proceeds will be donated.
Below
are highlights and details.
- Free Lunch catered by Latitude 42
- Soft tee's with new design for 2017
- Beautiful routes with aid stations, including water, Gatorade, snacks and the best volunteers in the area
- Maple Hill Tent City
- Music
Details
Date:
Saturday June 10th, 2017
Location:
Mattawan
Middle School
56720
Murray St Mattawan, MI 49071
Soft
T-Shirts: Free
with registration.
You
must be registered by May 28th
to guarantee a Tour de Taylor 2017 Soft T-Shirt.
Please
refer to link for more event details and updated information.
|
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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