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| Brewman in his MSU kit and Gazelle Girl at the start. |
FOUR WAY TIE ON COLLEGE GAME DAY!
GAZELLE GIRL BUYS KOFFEE?
WAIT, .....WHAT?!?
SHARK MINION NIGHT AT GAZELLE SPORTS COMING UP FAST BUNKIE!
MINIONS INVITED TO BREAD LOVERS PARTY!
FT. CUSTER TRAILS NOW "BI-DIRECTIONAL!
RETIREE'S LUNCH ANNOUNCED!
SKITTLES KICKS BUTT, MAKES NATION PROUD!
NIKEBOY CHECKS IN FROM ITALY! OH, THE HUMANITY!
Belo News
September 9, 2017
Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke cold and bright over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was again, scrambling for what to wear. Yes, it was going to be another cold ride over to the start. As a matter of fact, the Shark Thermometer read 43.5 as our hero pulled on his leg warmers, wind jacket, gloves, etc. etc etc......
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| Yeti Boy, not looking to happy with the cold weather! |
Yeti Boy pulled up and the two riders took off sans Mad Dog (where are you Mad Dog? The Nation awaits!) and Nikeboy, who is touring Italy for like the 100th time. It is believed he was Italian in a previous life. And not Reb. Ah, the Fall season when football starts and parents with kids have sports.
The ride to the start was uneventful, but a bit darkish indicating to Sharkman it might be time to move the start time back.
As the two riders got to the bridge, it had been closed once again, but the riders could not determine why and simply rode past the "Road Closed" signs.
As they approached the start, there were cars parked in the larger lot, but it seemed to be for a youth football game. There were no riders waiting!
Sharkman believes this was the first time that he could remember that there were no riders waiting at the start? What could it mean?
As the two were looking at the electronic sign near the stop light on the corner, Gazelle Girl snuck in behind them and got a very delayed, "Gazelle Girl!"
Shortly after, Brewman arrived, wearing his MSU kit. Kevin, aka O.K.C. (other Kevin Camp but working on a possible different MNTBD)), in his Custer Cyclery kit. Not a college, but could be the winner on the day.
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| Greyhound looking fast in his NMU Wildcat's kit! |
Sharkman was sporting his Badger kit, but it could not be seen under his jacket.
Then Greyhound arrived in his Northern Michigan kit. So far, a three way tie on College Game Day, but Sharkman would be happy to tie, knowing he would be the lone Badger in the group.
A few photographs were snapped and the crew pulled out of the station with five riders......
Shortly after launch, Hutch arrived sporting his Western Michigan kit under his jacket. So the standings at this point were Badgers, Spartans, Bronco's and Wildcats! A four way tie!
As the Nation entered the first stretch up 36th Street, Kid Doster jumped on and shortly later, Boatman, bringing the ride total to nine riders. Was there an event on this day or did the cold keep riders away?
Gazelle Girl "sorta" led our intrepid hero to the first sprint as they seemed to talk the entire way until the last hill when Sharkman darted out to a torrid speed of at least 18.5 mph to take the sprint, with O.K.C. coming up fast on his left.
Due to the size of the peloton and/or the cold, the peloton seemed to stick together and talk. Brewman took the next sprint and Sharkman was so far behind on the col de Twin Lakes, was unsure of who took the climb.
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| O.K.C. enjoying a Botttomless! |
The Nation motored through the col de No Name, Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner, and Kountry Klub section with their usual speed and came together after the turn after the Kountry Klub, finishing en mass at the Rt. 43 sprint.
The Nation continued to pick up speed as it rode single file on Rt. 43, up the col de Norte, where they stopped only momentarily, and on through the Holy Rollers to the Feed Stop.
Kid Doster and O.K.C. did a lot of pulling at the front and if there was a Custer Cyclery College, these guys would have won on the day!
However, at the Inlet Sprint, the old Shark was right behind the two and didn't think either was going to go for the sprint. So Sharkman made a move from the back and only O.K.C. responded. However, he seemed to let up just before the stop ahead and Sharkman pulled it out. O.K.C. later reported that he didn't know where the sprint finish was, however, Sharkman felt he was being the good Minion he seems to be and let the ole Shark take it.
The pace line formed up after the Digital Divide and though quick, seemed a bit "herky jerky" as the speed did not remain constant. The riders coming off the line didn't seem to want to slow down and the riders taking over were taking the speed up rather than keeping it steady. REMINDER (learning moment): for first time pace liners, the idea is to maintain a steady speed when you take over the front, not speed up. Also, when you hear the "clear" call simply move to the left and let up to drop back. Additionally, when you are the last rider on the inside, it is proper etiquette to let the rider coming back know you are the last rider."
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| Boatman in his Bissell University kit. |
The pace line did deliver Gazelle Girl to her GGG Spot Sprint finish. She did go a bit earlier than she might have anticipated, however, O.K.C. quickly went to the front to pull her ahead of the pack as she then came around to take the finish! Another victory for America!
As the Hutch and Kid Doster had dropped off after the GGG Spot Sprint and the number of riders dropped to seven, assuring Sharkman a top ten finish!
As he was commenting on this, the Nation crossed G Ave. and began the assault on the finish.
Sharkman and Greyhound went to the front to try to pick up the pace and Sharkman enjoyed the jet stream that is the Greyhound wake. As a matter of fact, as the Greyhound decided move to the left to allow people through, Sharkman shouted, "where you going?"
Yeti Boy was making a move to the right as the Nation started to move up.
As the Nation approached the final ascent to the downhill finish, Greyhound came back to the front (YES, though Sharkman) and put in a hell of a pull at the front.
About half way down the hill, Sharkman decided to make a move figuring the Nation would quickly follow, but no....wait, what? The Sharkman seemed to time his move perfectly (or at least in his mind he did) and no one came after him! Sharkman looked in his mirror and no one was on the chase!
Sharkman took the tape with Greyhound capturing the second step on the podium! Thanks Greyhound! It was a victory for America!
The crowds on the Champs le Galesburg went wild watching their hero, the Sharkman, zip up his Badger jersey, grinning from ear to ear!
Gazelle Girl was so happy for her hero that she threw down all the cash in her cutesy DOPE pouch - all $10 - and shouted, "Koffee for everyone!"
Yeti Boy wasn't sure $10 would be enough and threw more money in! Hell, everyone was feeling so good that when Andrew tried to bring change, it was turned down! You gotta love that mighty Minion Nation crowd! Oh, the humanity!
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| The Klutch was rocking! |
The group, though small, hung out at the Klutch for three rounds of Bottomless before heading back out to a much warmer morning.
So, what will happen this week?!?
Come on out and find out! There are only a few weeks left and Saturday is looking pretty nice!
New Launch Time - New Launch Time - New Launch Time!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
New Launch Time - 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!
Be there!
SHARK MINION NIGHT AT GAZELLE SPORTS!
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!?
Belo News
September 6, 2017
Kalamazoo, Mi. - Have you put your RSVP in yet? What are you waiting for Bunkie!
Do you like Gazelle Sports? Do you like getting a deal? Well this is for you, Bunkie!
Gazelle Sports is planning a Shark Minion Night on Thursday, September 28 from 5-8 at Gazelle Sports on Burdick in Kalamazoo. There will be food and drink (beer, hard cider, wine, pop and some appetizers). Minions will receive a discount on anything they purchase that evening. Our own Nikeboy has been working with Gazelle Sports on the event and he will be inviting others.
There is a rumor that the Nation will migrate from Gazelle Sports some time around 7:30-8:00 p.m. down to Central City Tap House for a nightcap!
Right now the guest list is looking like the royals of Miniondom so don't wait, get your reservation in NOW! Sharkman and Lava Girl, Mr. and Mrs. Yeti Boy, Gazelle Girl, and more! Don't wait!
Anyone who is anyone in the cycling world will be there! Be part of the "in" crowd! Well, as much as being a Minion can be "in" anyway!
Previously, RSVP's were supposed to go only to Nikeboy who had to set a date of 9/1 due to his travel.
However, Gazelle Girl has volunteered to take reservations up until 9/25! Is this a great country or what?!?
But don't wait!
Oh, the humanity! This is a great country!
Get your reservations in to Gazelle Girl ASAP at joan.o@comcast.net
So get those RSVP's in to Gazelle Girl ASAP, Bunkie!
SHARK MINIONS INVITED TO THE BREAD
LOVERS PARTY/FUND RAISER!
Belo News
September 23, 2017
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| Yeti Boy's famous brick fired oven! Oh, the humanity! |
Breadman Estate, Mi. - In some circles Yeti is known as The Bread Man. Over 7 years ago he built an outdoor wood fired oven and has been cranking out Aritsan Bread and Pizzas for friends and neighbors. Once a year he and Nancy host a giant party in his yard to celebrate the coming of Fat Tire season and a another year of successful baking. Bread, cheese, meat, pizza and beer, yes beer, make up the menu. This year an added attraction is BanJovi with the standard headliners. This event is a fund raiser for the Calhoun County Trail Alliance. Proceeds will go to fund maintenance on the trail. All Minions and family are invited. Bring nothing except an appetite and a check book!
63 West Minges, Battle Creek, MI, September 23 4 pm.
Parking is tight, so get as close as you can, get your checkbook and come on in for the party!
You must RSVP and don't wait! Email Yeti Boy ASAP at and let him know you're coming: schweitzerdl@gmail.com
FT. CUSTER TRAILS NOW "BI-DIRECTIONAL!
Belo News
September 13, 2017
Augusta, Mi. - Just in! Stingray reported the news all cyclist knew was coming! The Fort Custer trails are now Bi-Directional and they will be changing on a daily basis. There is signage that explains the changes and what day each trail is set for riders to go in which direction.
This could take some getting use to, eh Bunkie!
Thanks Stingray and Hutch for the heads up!
RETIREE'S LUNCH RIDE ANNOUNCED!
Belo News
September 26, 2017
Zyckmann Estate, Mi. - It is time for another lunch! You don't have to be retired to take part, Bunkie!
Here are all the details!
Be there!
SKITTLES KICKS BUTT, MAKES NATION PROUD!
Belo News
September 9, 2017
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| Skittles in action! |
Tom Wolfe Reporting
Alma, Mi. - The Cyclocross Season finally kicked off this past Saturday with our own Skittles participating in the Avalon Pontoons Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross (try to say that 10 time fast!).
Despite his Fourth Row Call-up, Skittles quickly moved up into the the top ten and eventually top five! Oh, the humanity!
Dicing his way through the many undulating small hills, a tricky 90° turn followed immediately by a 180° turn and many, many tight corners.
Ultimately the pride of the Minion Nation took his best result to date! 5th place in the Men's Expert Cat 3/4 Race! It was a victory for America!
Great job, Skittles! You did the Shark Nation proud!
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| Skittles on the podium! |
NIKEBOY CHECKS IN FROM ITALY!
OH, THE HUMANITY!
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| Nikeboy and his valet! We'd hate to be carrying Nikeboy's luggage around like that, eh? Hope he left a nice tip! |
Somewhere, Italy - For those in the Nation who are not friends with Nikeboy on Facebook or Instagram, we are please to report that he and Nike Girl are cruising their way through Italy as Belo News goes to press. Checking in today, the intrepid global legend reported that he was in Northern Italy and since Sunday, he has covered 124 miles with nearly 13,000 feet of climb! (Yes, Bunkie, you read that correctly!)
Nikeboy went on to state that "nothing is flat over here! Two more days of riding then home on Saturday!"
Thanks for the report Nikeboy and we await your return!
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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