SHARKMAN PICKS GREAT WEEK TO BE GONE!

KLUTCH PICKS GREAT WEEK TO BE KLOSED!

Wishbone by himself at the start.......?

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!

BUT ONE MINION MADE IT!

WAIT,........ WHAT????

COLLEGE GAME DAY THIS SATURDAY!

LABOR DAY SOUTH ROUTE RIDE??!

Belo News
August 25, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke wet and wild over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was sound asleep in his shark bed, dreaming of winning sprints and drinking koffee with his beloved mighty Shark Minions Nation......

His sister in law and her husband were visiting the Shark Cove and Lava Girl made sure our hero was there to help entertain them.

Sharkman felt a bit better about missing the ride with the rain falling and thinking he would have had to cancel the ride if he were riding. As a matter of fact, it was one of those mornings that made the call easy and since he didn't get up until about 7:30 a.m. he figured the Nation was on it's own.

Come on, who would ride in that kind of rain? It was pouring and there was lightening, which is a key factor in the old Shark's considerations.

What a year for rain!

He was actually thinking, "why isn't it this easy to call when I'm faced with having to actually make the call?"

However, at 8:06 a.m. the Sharkman received an email from Wishbone, along with the above photo, stating: "Grateful the ride was not called off, Wishbone feels confident of his chances of finally taking a sprint this morning!  Is this a great country, or what?!?"

It is not known if Wishbone actually rode, or if he won any sprints, but the Commissioner of Cycling has awarded him the win on the day, which came with two free consultations with a psychiatrist - STAT!

Get this man some help!!!

The Klutch was closed Saturday, so the big questions are whether Wishbone won AND where he got his morning cup?

Oh, the humanity!

Wait, what? The Klutch was closed?

The Shark Minion Nation will be back in action this Saturday, though there is a threat of rain as Belo News goes to press........

This Saturday, September 1, 2018 (Wait, what? September? What happened to August?)

It is the start of College Football and every Minion knows what that means!

That's right, Bunkie! It's College Game Day!

Blow the dust off that College Kit and get ready to support your team!

Who will win this year? Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Purdue, K College, Wisconsin (we know it won't be Wisconsin!)?

Come out to ride and found out!

Launch Time - 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!

There is also a possibility of a Labor Day South Route Ride, so watch your email! A lot will depend on the weather and if Lava Girl has something planned for our intrepid hero, but the Nation can always hope!

SHARKMAN CRUSHES IRON HORSE JERSEY DAY!

Wishbone leading the mighty Minion Nation!

TANMAN EDGES SKITTLES FOR THE TAPE!

TOESETTER DEMONSTRATES THE USE OF A BIKE TOOL!

SHARKMAN OUT THIS WEEKEND? OH, THE HUMANITY!

Sharkman in his winning jersey with
Yeti Boy who took second!

KLUTCH CLOSED SATURDAY??? DOUBLE OH THE HUMANITY!

Belo News
August 18, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our Intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was particularly geeked because it was Iron Horse Jersey Day! Yes, not only was he an Iron Horse Race veteran but he actually beat the train! (for details go into the archives in May of 2010 and read the riveting account of the big race! - https://belonews.blogspot.com/2010/05/

Sharkman, Yeti Boy and Zyckkmmaann are all veterans, though Zicykman was too cheap to purchase a jersey so he usually wears a Colorado Jersey....close enough...giving Sharkman the nod in the jersey competition. Would Yeti boy remember to wear his?

As Yeti Boy approached the Shark Cove, his headlight made it a bit difficult to see his jersey. But as he got closer, Sharkman could see he was not wearing his Iron Horse jersey, but a Durango Colorado jersey. What?

Squeakly the "Other Style Guy" in his
jersey and windbreaker.

Apparently, Yeti Boy had his jersey in a bedroom that two woman pro golfers were using during the Firekeepers Symetra Golf Tournament and he didn't think it would be a good idea for an old man to go into their bedroom at 6:30 a.m. and try to find it.....smart move, Yeti!

Slam dunk for the Sharkman! He may not have won the ugliest jersey, but he had just nailed the Iron Horse Jersey competition!

Nikeboy joined on and the riders leisurely rode over to the start were the Minions were amassing and Sharkman was explaining what an Iron Horse Jersey is.

No Zikchmaan, so Sharkman was exceedingly happy that he had SMASHED the competition!

All hail the Iron Horse Jersey winner, the Sharkman!

Squeaky was back, wearing a very stylish cycling jersey (but not an Iron Horse Jersey) under a windbreaker.....wait, windbreaker? Yep, the other Style Guy was "styling" even if it was 65 degrees and getting warmer! He immediately removed the jacket, then his shoes and socks, and did some stretching exercises! Squeaky, now retired, was back!

We are not quite sure what Squeaky
was doing, but that's our Squeaky!

After start photos, a few safety instructions, and learning that again, there was no interest in an A Group, Sharkman began to pull the mighty Minion Train out of the station and to that famous Burg, Galesburg!

At the start, Sharkman had counted around 15 riders and usually the get listed, however a number of Minions jumped on during the ride and the count got as high as 22. Again, it is becoming more difficult to keep track of the Nation and consideration to changing the credo is underway. Instead of "we leave no Minion behind!" it may become "we will do our best to leave no Minion behind!"

As the Nation headed north, Sharkman was working the crowd as he normally does, but then went back to the front when he heard "mechanical" shouted out from the back of the peloton. Our hero decided to stop atop the next hill and when the all clear he made a break for his honorary sprint and took it without a lead out at a brisk 23.4 mph! And THAT is why he is the Nation's hero!

The ride was extremely brisk and as the Nation barreled through the Yorkville Church, past Kellogg Korner and into the Kountry Klub section, the pace continued to rise as the chatter disappeared and the legs began to burn!

Sharkman taking his "selfie!"

Sharkman shouted out "smoke'em if you gott'em" at the Rt. 43 Stop and someone asked what would happen if someone actually lit up. Sharkman responded, "I'd take a photo!"

The pace continued up the col de Norte, through the Holy Rollers and on to the feed stop.

At the feed stop (formerly Frona's) the Nation unanimously voted to do the new pavement!

So, new pavement it was!

At the Digital Divide, Sharkman went out to start the pace line and after getting it started, pealed off. However, the pace line immediately began to fall apart, then came back together again. Sharkman looked down at his computer and at one time the Nation was at 28 mph! Oh, the humanity!

The mighty Minion Nation was crushing it as they moved along to Gazelle Girls coveted, GGG Spot Sprint!

Gazelle Girl rides in with yet, another "other guy!"
This time it was Boatman.......

Gazelle Girl, again busted out of the peloton and with the entire Nation on her wheel, cheering for yet another victory for America, watched the Sweetheart of the Peloton take the tape ahead of a Minion claiming to have led her out! Oh, the humanity! How does Gazelle Girl do it??!!

Sharkman was again, nervous about the finish. There were some big dogs ready for the showdown and no Hossman or Tow Truck to spread out the Nation.

TanMan and Skittles immediately went to the front and Sharkman got on their wheels like a greedy chipmunk on a walnut hoping the big guys wouldn't take it away!

The two riders carried on a discussion as Sharkman could barely breath as they took the pace up.

After a short time, Ironman came around and the group started to splinter as Sharkman had hoped.

Easty and Katie!

Sharkman was holding on with all he had when the riders started passing him on the final climb before the finish. He got a bit of a second wind at the summit and started to hammer back to get a better view of the final sprint as TanMan edged out Skittles for the win.

Average speed was at a season high 20.1 mph!

It was not determined who got the final spot on the podium, but Sharkman gave it to Easty, well, because he once again bought the koffee! Thanks Easty! Is this a great country or what?!?

The paparazzi and the tofosi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as their hero's zipped up their jersey's for the sponsors and waved to the crowds who were holding bouquets of flowers, bottles of wine and baskets of cheese and fruit!

The Klutch was rocking and the lovely Katie joined Easty and the Nation in the post ride celebration.

Wishbone was showing off his Silca Tool Kit and Toesetter got the impression it was something else and was trying to figure out how to light it. A drug investigation has been launch and all tool kits will be inspected prior to each Saturday's ride going forward!

The Klutch was rocking!

It was another fantastic Michigan August morning and the Nation was enjoying every minute of it!

You won't want to miss this weeks edition!

This Saturday, August 25, 2018!

Launch Time - 8:00 a.m. - SHARP!

Sharkman has out of town guest so will not be able to ride, but the ride goes on!

Additionally, the Klutch will be closed and riders will need to determine if they will go across the street or out to McDonalds.

Also, it has been reported that there is new (Tuesday) chip & seal on 35th in the col de Twin Lakes section. By Saturday it should be OK, but if it is determined not to be good at the start, it is suggested riders go up 37th Street to the Yorkville Church to avoid that stretch of road. Be careful out there Minions!

Toesetter showing Wishbone how to
use his "tool kit" properly.
Oh, the humanity!

BEAUTIFUL AUGUST MORNINGS!

The mighty Shark Minion Nation ready to rock!

TOO MANY SHARK MINIONS TO COUNT?!

NO A GROUP? WHAT THE.......?

FOUR WOMEN MINIONS YOU SAY???

IRON HORSE JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!

MINION IN PARIS?!?

Belo News
August 11, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke bright and beautiful over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, bound from bed in the dark and fired up the Shark Coffee Maker and got ready to rock!

Donning his retro jersey and looking quite dapper we might add, the diminutive shark headed to the shark garage to get his steed ready for flight!

Virgin Minion Brandy (MNTBD)!
Welcome to the Nation!

The morning was looking beautiful and the temperature was a very comfortable 61 degrees as he got ready to launch. He knew that Yeti Boy was still out of town but looked up the road for Mad Dog or Nikeboy to no avail.

The old shark new that Reb would be jumping on from a text exchange the previous evening, but was surprised to see two bikers approaching him on Watkins Road as dawn was just beginning to stretch it's light across the fields.

As the two approached, Reb introduced his neighbor and now, virgin Minion, Brandy (Minion name to be determined)! Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation Brandy!

Brandy had just returned recently from the RAGBRAI ride across Iowa and seemed to be in good enough shape to push the pace over to Galesburg!

The fields were full of mist as the sun continued to rise and the views of rural Michigan were spectacular!

This was the type of morning bikers dream of!

Rainman, "at least it's not raining!"

Open roads, warm sun, no wind and good friends! It was shaping up to be a spectacular day!

When the three riders approached the Klutch, they saw Wishbone having his first koffee of the day, while Easty was observed getting his bike our of his parked car behind the Klutch.

The riders were already pulling into the parking lot, both by car and by bike as the three arrived.

TanMan was making his season debut and commented that he hadn't been able to get out of work all summer. Meanwhile Rainman appeared by car, apologizing to Sharkman about not being able to get out of bed in time to make the ride over but glad there was no rain in the forecast.

There were enough for a possible A Group, but when Sharkman asked if anyone would lead it no one volunteered. Sharkman offered that he would point out the A Group cut off and they could make the decision then.

After a few photos, an introduction of virgin Minion Brandy, and some safety comments, the Nation was ready to pull out of the station. Sharkman counted 24 Minions at the start, but at least 6 Minions would join on during the ride and with riders jumping on and off it was difficult to get an accurate count but a good guesstimate would put the total at 30 riders.

Gazelle Girl rides in to cheers!

As the Nation rode by the Klutch the early morning koffee group seemed impressed with the count. Ironman rode up and quickly asked, "....is there an A Group?" to which Sharkman responded that he didn't know. Ironman worked the peloton, trying to get an A Group together, but no one seemed to want to play. "Please, let's have an A Group!" Ironman lamented to anyone who would listen........

At the A Group cut off, Sharkman called out the route and Ironman went for it, but no one followed. He quickly returned to the fold for the day. It seemed no one wanted to play and would rather stick to the main peloton of fun loving Miniondom.

Ranger Rick was in great form and lead our intrepid hero out to the first sprint, which he took at 22.6 mph with TanMan on his wing.

The start of the ride seemed to be very mellow with a lot of Minions catching up with one another and enjoying the flat out fantastic morning!

Did we mention how beautiful the morning was???

More riders joined on as the Nation headed north, one of whom was the legend of the peloton, Zyyickmannn! He was back early from his Colorado hiking trip and shared with the Nation that the hike got cut short due to one of his buddy hikers taking a serious fall, breaking his ankle, his leg and actually, his face and they had to walk him out, 4 miles, to get medical assistance! A big "Get Well" to Zychkmmaann's buddy!

Also joining the Nation on the route north was Cricket and his lady friend who has not been given a Minion name yet, though she is no longer a virgin Minion she does need a name!

TanMan making his season debut!
In August?

As Sharkman thought about it, he "thinks" (which is always suspect) that this might tie or even break the Minion record for ladies riding with the Nation at the same time!!! High Yield made it 4 woman riders on the day! Hooray for the mighty Shark Minion Nation!

As the Nation crossed Rt. 89, getting a green light, the pace immediately picked up. As the fast moving train went past the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner and the Kountry Klub, the speeds were turned up to the max and Sharkman was holding on like he does to his beer mug during last call at closing time!

The Nation climbed the col de Norte intact and rode on to the feed zone, which is now closed on Saturdays (Ya, go figure?).

The road heading to the Inlet had been newly paved and the Nation wanted to ride the new road! So they headed straight south from Frona's and it was one sweet ride! Not sure if the Nation will continue to take that route, but it was a pretty sweet to ride on, but much more traffic to deal with.

After the Digital Divide, Sasquatch, Cricket and Sharkman formed up a pace line and picked up even more speed. As Minions took turns at the front, the Nation bared down on the GGG Spot Sprint, and Sharkman began to wonder where the "Sweetheart of the Peloton" was! Just as he began to think he should drop back to check it out, Gazelle Girl began to make her move!

Proving the man has class, Stryker Guy
out of the Styker Jersey and into
a Kalamazoo College Jersey!

She blasted out of the pace line, without the assistance of a lead out, like she was being shot out of a cannon! Oh, the humanity!

She put the hammer down and seemed to just glide past the mighty Minion Nation as though they were on a Sunday afternoon sight seeing tour!

Gazelle Girl, to the cheers of the Nation, took her coveted GGG Spot Sprint unaided by a lead out rider! Is this a great country or what?!?

Though there was a bit of a threat from one particular rider, a brief conversation between the two, a handful of feet from the G Spot, enabled Gazelle Girl to single-handedly reach her G Spot climax.

It was a victory for America!

At the GGG Spot Sprint finish, Sharkman was already obsessing about the ride finish.

With approximately 30 riders, some of them pretty fast sprinters, he always worry's about crashes as the riders attempt to position themselves for optimal finish spots. Without a Hossman or Tow Truck to rabbit out a lead, it could be dangerous.

Knowing he is not fast enough, Sharkman still headed out to try to stretch the Nation before the final sprint. He was quickly taken over by Rocketman and Wildman who took the speed up significantly as our hero hang on.

Toesetter went with the single
braided beard. Said he didn't
 have time to do two braids!

Shortly after, Ironman, a perennial podium resident of the Nation, threw himself on his sword and went to the front, taking up the speed and spreading the peloton out!

Thank you Ironman! Nice job! Class act indeed and he get's "The Class Act" award on the morning!

As the Nation moved to the final ascent, they were spread out pretty well thanks to Ironman, but started coming together for the assault on the finish as they descended the final hill.

Rainman, Cricket, TanMan, and a cast of thousands moved to the finish line like a well oiled machine!

Rainman edged out Cricket for the win and it was not determined who took the third spot on the podium.

Average speed on the day was 19.7 mph, which when you consider the slow start, was pretty darn swift!

The paparazzi and tofosi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as they watched their hero's zip up their jerseys for the sponsors and wave to the adoring crowds.

The Nation at the "Feed Zone!"

At the Klutch, half of the riders came in for the Press Conference and took up two tables.

Ironman stepped up and bought the first two koffee's (another reason he is a class act), then Hoosier Boy kept that tradition going, buying two more before B-Rod and we are not sure, but possibly Ironman picked up the rest! A bit confusing, but hey, it was free koffee! Thanks to all those that contributed to the mornings Joe!

The Nation wanted to ride the new pavement!

Sharkman basking in his Minion glow!

The Klutch was rocking with topics ranging from Zyikkmaanns epic hike and medical evacuation insurance, to how many riders have Dual Eyewear sunglasses (or should we say "need" them) and how much they like them!

This is a great country!

Sharkman had to make the trip back the Shark Cove solo, but it was a spectacular day and the ole Shark spent most of the ride giving thanks for another fantastic day in the saddle with his beloved Minion Nation!

You won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG! There are only so many weeks left in the season!

Cricket ahead at the finish before being
brought back by Rainman!

Rainman takes the tape!

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Iron Horse Jersey Day! 

That's right! If you've raced the Iron Horse Train from Durango to Silverton, Colorado, get that jersey out and get ready to ride!

What? You don't have one?

The Klutch was rocking!

Ride anyway with those that have ridden this phenomenal race against the Iron Horse Train!

Launch time - 8:00 a.m. - SHARP!

Be there!











MINION IN PARIS!

Belo News
August 15, 2018

Stryker Guy causing a fashion stir in
Paris, France!

Paris, France - Late breaking news!

Stryker Guy was seen by the Paparazzi and some tofosi, sporting his Shark Minion attire in, where else, Paris, France this week where style is everything!

Apparently he caused quite a stir when everyone wanted to know where he got the beautiful Shark Minion kit!

At least that is what he thinks they were saying in French. Or was it, "move out of the photo, Yankee!"

Whatever, Stryker Guy reported in to Belo News:

"Thought you’d like to see that The Minions are everywhere!"

Take care,

SG

Thanks Stryker Guy for spreading the message!

CELEBRITY RIDER BUYS COFFEE AND MAKES PODIUM!!!

Ugly Jersey Day ready to rock!

SHARKMAN MAKES PODIUM (WELL, SORT OF)!!!

UGLIEST JERSEY GOES TO GAZELLE GIRL!!!

Polar Bear, our celebrity rider
on the day! Welcome home
Polar Bear!

AND THE STORY OF THE UGLIEST JERSEY!!!

SHARKMAN AND THE "SITES" OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

KID DOSTER, WILDMAN ROCK RIBFEST!

Belo News
August 3, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, bright and warm, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, concentrated as he lay in bed, to see if he could hear any rain on the Shark roof.  No, .....rain had not been predicted, and the forecast was clear, but the old Shark was so use to rain on Saturday mornings he just wasn't sure.....

Obligatory Sharkman Selfie!

Sharkman was also excited on the morning, as that legend of the Peloton, Polar Bear, had emailed him earlier in the week to report that he was "driving back to Michigan and should be there in time to join you guys on Saturday morning. I’m already excited about the best downhill finish in cycling!!!"

Of course, Sharkman was amazed someone was actually reading Belo News when Polar Bear mentioned "the best downhill finish in cycling!!!" but also happy to have Polar Bear back in the peloton!

The old shark was also pretty excited that it was "Ugly Jersey Day" and that is a jersey day the Nation has never had. Sharkman got the idea for Ugly Jersey Day when an old jersey came up in his rotation (Sharkman has quite a haberdashery of jerseys....but we digress) and he could not remember buying it, getting it as swag or as a gift from anyone, and could not believe how ugly it was. Could he have bought it himself? Not bloody likely!

Sharkman began calling it his "Disco" jersey due to the color and the fact that every time he wore it he would  say, "disco in the trash as soon as I get home!"

Sharkman thought he had a lock on
the Ugly Jersey Competition!
"So repulsive, yet I can't look away!"

But, being the, for lack of a better word, "frugal" shark that he is, he just has trouble throwing out usable gear......just look at some of his shorts!

Sharkman, as winner of the Ugly Jersey Award would be buying himself a kup of koffee, but that was OK with him. After all, he doesn't win much of anything anymore and to him, this jersey was a slam dunk! He did think of wearing a Stryker jersey that was given him that was pretty ugly, but didn't want to offend Stryker Guy who not only gave it to him, but who ended up wearing that jersey himself!.....But more on that later.......

Nikeboy arrived on time looking quite dashing in a nice blue jersey and matching kit. Nikeboy had already informed Sharkman that he did not own ANY ugly kit and would not be vying for the win. The idea of having any ugly cycling kit was anathema to the legendary Style Guy.

The two riders met Reb on the road, who was wearing an old T shirt that could have made it in the Ugly T Shirt category, of which didn't exist, but was not even going to place in the Ugly Jersey Contest. Sharkman's confidence continued to grow!

With Polar Bear in the Nation, a slam dunk win in the Ugly Jersey Division AND the South Route with the "greatest downhill finish in cycling" looming ahead, it was going to be a "wonderful day in the neighborhood!" for our hero.

Oh, the humanity!

Stryker Guy in the jersey Sharkman
didn't wear!

As the riders approached the start, there was Polar Bear, complete with his Polar Bear jersey, ready to ride. It was fantastic to see the veteran rider back in the nation as he shook hands and hugged the Nation as they arrived.

Sharkman took a look at Brewman, Easty, Rocketman, and others and kept thinking, "I've got this ugly jersey thing locked up!"

He then turned around and was taken aback to see Stryker Guy riding in with the Skeleton Stryker Jersey in blue, orange and (what?) yellow. Sharkman was starting to feel his grip on the Ugly Jersey Trophy slipping away as people asked Stryker Guy, "where did you get that jersey?" to which he responded, "it was not one of Stykers better designs...."

Padre was sporting a pretty wild jersey and said Mrs. Padre was not happy that he chose a jersey she had picked out for him. However, most of the riders thought it was a pretty cool jersey and Sharkman again began to feel more confident.

The back was even worse!
Who knew???

As Polar Bear and Stryker Guy were shaking hands and talking about the Stryker jersey, Gazelle Girl rode in with Toesetter,  .......wearing,........ THE jersey!

The brown, cotton Jersey was not only ugly and had a draft coefficient that on a scale of 0-10 would be a 20, it had a major story behind it! Wait, what....? Apparently, it was a one of a kind jersey!

Meanwhile, Sharkman was walking around asking people what they thought of his jersey, but all he heard about was the cotton "Bell's Angel" jersey that Gazelle Girl was wearing......

Oh, the humanity! Gazelle Girl was declared the "slam dunk" winner. You can read the full story of the jersey in the next story.......Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman welcomed Polar Bear back to the Nation, reminded all to ride two abreast through town, and took a couple of start photos before the sweet sound of pedals clicking in and the whir of tires could be heard throughout the gentle village of Galesburg as the Nation pulled out of the station.

Stryker Guy looked mystified when
asked, "where'd you get that jersey?"

There were 16 riders at the start and Wishbone would catch on as the Nation headed up Qman Hill as Reb peeled off to head back to work.

The Nation was a bit frisky as they moved up Qman Hill and Sharkman was still mulling his loss on the Ugly Jersey Day and had to work hard to hold on.

But as they got to Hawk Ally, and the fresh pavement, he was feeling better and started to shout out orders on which way to turn. Sharkman loves to shout out orders and it put him right back in a great mood on a beautiful morning. Jersey schmersy.......he thought as he pondered all the money he would be making with the sites to come!

The Nation kept up the pace as they went past the waterfall, the Ox Farm, Cook Cemetery and the once famous Rail Road House that no longer has the Rail Road decorations, yet Sharkman charged for the site anyway.....

"$.50, no change!" Was heard throughout the ride as the Nation hustled along the roads.

On to the Fairy Tree House and the bad railroad crossing.

As the mighty Minion Nation continued south they even got dowsed by a farmers irrigation sprinkler that felt somewhat refreshing as the temp continued to climb, as did the speeds.

Padre's jersey was actually pretty cool!
Nice try Padre!

Sharkman decided to forgo Scots Mill, as the road that way had not been in good shape the last time, but to his dismay the road straight into Scots have been chip and sealed and the riders had to be more careful, though it didn't seem to slow the fast moving train down a lot.

As the Nation rode through Scots, Sharkman offered three sites for $1.00 (no change!). Scooters, the Coffee Shop and the famous Scots U.S. Post Office! Is this a great country or what.

Finally the Nation arrived at 37th Street and picked up the pace, back on the fresh new pavement, with excitement growing at the prospect of the greatest downhill finish in cycling being just ahead.

The Nation formed up at the MN crossing as Sharkman cautioned everyone to hold their lines and be careful on the down hill finish.

Luke Skywalker jumped out early and Sharkman jumped on his wheel as they moved towards the down hill. Sharkman prides himself on his ability to sit on a wheel and his down hill prowess. He likes to move that Oberon belly to the front of the bike and let it all hang out!

He was going to ride the young Luke Skywalker as long as he could!

Gazelle Girl Rides in with the winning
Jersey! Oh, the humanity!

As the hill moved down to the finish, more of the Minions started to come around the two riders. Polar Bear made a move and Luke Skywalker immediately covered it. Toesetter and Gazelle Girl, as well as Easty, Brewman and Nikeboy and a cast of thousands began to move up.

Sharkman was grabbing any wheel he could to propel him into the turn and began to move back up to the front.

As the Nation made the turn, Sharkman went low and was able to get behind Easty who was making a move on Luke Skywalker and Polar Bear who were fighting it down to the wire!

Who would take it? Who?

It was too close to call and both Minions had too much class to say who won, so the Commissioner of Cycling gave them both the win! This put Easty in Second and gave Sharkman a podium finish! Is this a great country or what!?! Sharkman knows how to play the game!

Though a bit crowded on the podium, the Nation made it work!

Average speed on the ride was clocked at 19.3 mph! Oh, the humanity!

The paparazzi and the tofosi along the Champs le Galesburg went wild as the mighty Shark Minion Nation made its way back to the Klutch for the Press Conference and Polar Bear stepped up to buy the koffee! This is a great country and it was great to have the legend back among the Minions where he belongs!

Polar Bear greeting Gazelle Girl!

Sharkman, still a bit stung about his lose in the ugly jersey competition took even more photos of Gazelle Girls winning jersey and listened to the story below.

It was another fantastic day in the kingdom known as the mighty Shark Minion Nation! Is this a great country or what?!?

This week the Nation will be back on its field of dreams known as the Koffee Klutch Tour de Gull!

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Launch Time - 8:00 a.m. - SHARP!

Be there!

Easty back in the Nation
and looking good!

Brewman in, what else,
a Beer Jersey!

Reb in his "jersey" or whatever.....

The winning jersey outside the Klutch!
Look at that wind drag!

The back of the winning jersey.
Bell's Angels!

Polar Bear buys the koffee!
Thanks Polar Bear!

It was a great day to be a Minion!

THE STORY OF THE UGLIEST JERSEY!

Gazelle Girl herself, rockin' the Ugly
Jersey Winner AND a fanny pack!
It this a great country or what?!?

Belo News
August 7, 2018
Gazelle Girl

Triple Nasty Rancerho, Mi. - Back in 1996, before Bell's Brewery sponsored such signature events as the Iceman mountain bike race, Copper Harbor Trails Fest and the Bayview Mackinac sailboat race, there was a little group of five Bell's beer fans that were able to snag Bell's as the sponsor of their self-named "Bell's Angels" team for a 24-hour relay mountain bike race taking place in Canaan, West Virginia.

Breakaway Bicycles was also kind enough to sponsor the team. Jerseys were designed by a team member (himself, a talented brewer today), but - quite obviously - without fit or style in mind.

These are one-of-kind jerseys, folks, and with good reason!

Bell's and Breakaway also sponsored our telemark ski team in '95 and '96. And yet another ill-fitting garment was created. A lovely Kavu vest - in keeping with the canvas-look theme. Oh, the humanity!

Gazelle Girl with jersey designer and brewer
extraordinaire Steve "Bert" Bethel.

Bell's Angels!
Ride to Live. Live to Ride.

Three members of the Bell's/Breakaway
Bicycle Ski Team - The Pineheads!
Gazelle Girl, Bert and yes, gang, that's Toesetter!

Kid Doster and Wildman!
Makin' it happen!

KID DOSTER, WILDMAN ROCK RIBFEST!

Belo News
August 3, 2018

Kalamazoo, Mi. - Proving that Minions are everywhere, the paparazzi sent in this photo of two of the mighty Minion Nation rocking it at Ribfest this past weekend!

Kid Doster and Wildman were rumored to have broken some records in both beer drinking AND rib consumption!

This is a great country!