HERMSTER INADVERTENTLY FOOLS PELOTON!!!

The mighty Minion Nation!

WAIT, IS IT STILL SUMMER???

BREWMAN RETURNS TO TAKE BEER JERSEY KIT DAY!!!

BELLS EASILY WINS JERSEY COUNT!

Brewman wows in his Beer Jersey Kit!

MORE FORMER MINIONS RETURN!

CELEBRITY RIDER THIS WEEK FOR IRON HORSE JERSEY KIT DAY!!!

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!!

Belo News,
August 24, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke dark and cold over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero awoke suddenly and ran to the Shark Thermometer.

49 degrees in August?!? Wait, what the ........

The old Shark had seen the forecast, but was having a hard time digesting that the forecast was correct! "This is August, not October......," he thought to hizzelf as he donned his Oberon Beer Jersey along with his Tony Vest, which matched perfectly, and his Oberon socks thinking, it will be hard to look better than this old Shark.......

Reb, in his T shirt waiting for
the start.......

As the Shark garage door slowly opened, there was Yeti Boy ready to rock it, commenting "Did you see the temperature?"

The two rode to Helmer and as they crossed, saw the lights of Reb and Fire coming across I-94 with Reb in his usual T shirt jersey.

The ride over to the start was uneventful, though the four did see a rider heading up the hill as they descended into the sleeping burg of Galesburg. Fire thought it might be Hermster on his warm up lap, but he was past the turn off, and as he waved, Sharkman thought it was Mad Dog (maybe wishful thinking.....). Reb was pretty sure it was Skittles, but Sharkman wondered what he would be doing heading in that direction. It was later confirmed it was, in fact, Skittles and he latched on to the ride later, as it was heading out to the first sprint.

At the start, Brewman was getting out of his car and Sharkman questioned him, stating he thought he would be gone two weeks. Brewman responded by saying that he had returned from his Alaskan Cruise at midnight the previous evening and wanted to ride! What a stud muffin! He was also in a fantastic "Phillips Brewing" jersey that easily took honors on the day!

Wishbone looking serious in
his Bell's kit!

As the riders started piling in, Squeaky made his return to the peloton looking like he was ready to head to the North Pole. Dressed in a large stocking cap, polar gloves and huge wind jacket (and we do mean huge) he was ready to ride again. When asked where he had been all season he responded by stating he had been busy with sailing and other "stuff."

Welcome back Squeak!

Stroker was also returning to the peloton after his swim season and was sporting some leg warmers that were questioned as to whether he had forgotten to take his pajama's off before putting on his shorts. He was relegated to the back of the peloton, as no car could miss those leggings that were neon yellow and screamed, "back off the peloton!"

Gazelle Girl arrived with the sun on her shoulder and with Cricket and Maid Marian on her wheel. A very weak, wearing Beer Jersey's.

Sixteen Minions lined up for the photo and to the sound of pedals clicking in and a roar from the tofosi, the mighty Shark Minion Nation train pulled out of the station and towards the City Center.

Our hero thought he had it won
with his matching Oberon
socks and Tony vest....

As the peloton began the start, Boatman and Greyhound pulled up, followed by J-Dog, who hadn't been seen in some time! Welcome back, J-Dog! More riders joined on, including Skittles, as the Nation headed north.

Falcon took an early lead and so Skittles came up to pull and Sharkman gratefully grabbed his wheel as Skittles pulled our intrepid hero forward to close the gap to Falcon.

Skittles pealed off and Falcon pulled Sharkman, making him work way harder than he wanted to in the early cool morning, to take the first, honorary sprint at a blistering 23.1 mph. Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman took a count at the G Ave. crossing and was pretty sure it was 23 riders. Though it was hard to tell who else had joined on, there were a lot of riders and Sharkman was pleased to note that they all seemed to be better about riding safe and to the right.

The ride was beautiful on this brisk summer morning as the sun came up over the col de Twin Lakes, past the Yorkville Church and into the fastest part of the ride known as the Kountry Klub section.

After Kellogg Korner, Cricket, Falcon, Skittles, Doper and others opened a gap in the field as they past the Kountry Klub and Nation spread out. However, after the turn after the Kountry Klub, the group sat up and the Nation grouped up for the assault on the Rt. 43 sprint.

Squeaky was back and dressed
for a gale force winter!

In an effort to retain his title on this sprint from the previous week, Hermster made his now patented move to the front, but he wasn't fooling the riders. Several jumped on, including Falcon who stayed on Hermsters wheel. Though it was uncertain if Falcon backed off or not, Hermster was able to defend his sprint title for another week!

It was a victory for America!

The peloton stopped at Rt. 43 as Skittles took a "comfort break" and Sharkman shouted out, "smoke'em if you got'em!"

Once Skittles was done, the Nation moved on to the col de Norte and with no stragglers and the brisk pace, the Shark Minions moved quickly to the Holy Rollers were the Food Stop was well contested. Unfortunately, Belo News was so far back the winners were not noted (of even seen.....).

After the Low Road, where Sharkman stole the sprint from Squeaky with a dick move, the Nation got to the Digital Divide and made a quick crossing as Sharkman tried, yet again, to get a pace line started.

As he moved to the left, Reb came through nicely and there actually seemed to be a few riders behind him. Sharkman moved back quickly, hoping to set a precedent, but to no avail. Within approximately 6 riders people were talking and socializing and not keeping the line going!

I Owe Beer in his Smuttynose
Kit! Always a winner

Some of the faster riders, somewhat frustrated with the slowing pace, went to the front and began to pull the Nation into a pace line that had the quickest riders at the front.

After final curve, several Minions moved up to take the Sweetheart of the Peloton to the front and to capture her coveted GGG Spot Sprint yet again! A shout of "It is a Victory for America" went up from the Nation as Gazelle Girl reigned for yet another week!

As the Nation crossed over G Ave. they got split by a passing car and after the turn onto the finish stretch, they waited for all to join on.

That is when it happened...........

Hermster made his move really early this week and went out front fast, throwing himself on his sword. Cricket, having been gone a while, was unaware of whether Hermster was able to hold the sprint and immediately responded to the attack and the two opened up a very large gap on the peloton.

Falcon came forward and shouting, "Come on, let's go gett'em!!!" but no one responded to his plea.

At the press conference later, Skittles commented that he did not realize it was the final sprint. Wait, ....what?!? He's won it like a gazillion times......

When Hermster began to fade, Cricket had an unstoppable path to the tape, with the cagey Hermster on his wheel till the final ascent.

The Sweetheart of the Peloton arrives with the sun on her shoulder
and her entourage in tow!

With Cricket scrambling up the hill, Hermster fading and Falcon still alone and trying to close the gap, the Nation, including Skittles, seemed to wake up to make a move. But the effort was too late, as Cricket coasted to an easy win, Skittles managed to catch Hermster, but Hermster was able to hold on for the third spot on the podium.

Gazelle Girl showing off her Beer Jersey!
Yes, BEU jersey's count!

The crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as their hero's road to the Press Conference at the Klutch. Riders began to throw down money to pay it forward, one of which was Reb, but it could not be determined who else contributed. It was learned that Yeti Boy was the previous weeks throw down leader!

The Klutch did not have the "reserved" sign out and a koffee drinker was at the only large table left, so the Minions began to sit down. He quickly got the message and was kind enough to move to another table even though the Nation invited him to stay.

Smart man........

It was learned it was Greyhounds birthday the day before and Bissell Boys the day after! Happy Birthday to both Minions!

The talk went on and the group seemed to stay late.

But all good things do need to end, so Sharkman, Yeti Boy, Fire and Reb headed out to ride back to the Creek.

It was a great morning to be a Shark Minion!

You won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG!

Wildman sporting his Schlafly Beer kit!

Celebrity Rider and President of the Mountain States Chapter of the mighty Shark Minion Nation, the Durango Kid, will be joining the home Nation and in recognition of that, it has been designated at Iron Horse Jersey Day!

Oh, the humanity!

Saturday, August 31, 2019 (wait, can it be the last day of August! Oh, double the humanity!!!)

Iron Horse Jersey Kit Day!

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

Bissell Boy sporting Oberon!
Oberon had 5 jerseys on the day!

Be there!

Stroker in his Day-Glow-Neon leg warmers!
Is this a great country or what?!?

Apologies for cutting off Brewman, again! Oh, the humanity!
But you can see part of that amazing beer jersey!

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

FOGGY, FOGGY, DEW???

The mighty Shark Minion Nation ready to rock!
Sans the "Sweetheart of the peloton

 ZYCCKKMAANE TAKES THE TAPE WITH LATE SURGE!!!

WILL THE MINIONS EVER GET A PACE LINE FIGURED OUT?!?

HERMSTER TAKES HIS SPRINT!!!

HOOSIER BOY ON FIRE!

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY!!!

BEER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!!!

Belo News
August 17, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman was excited that he would be back on his beloved "Field of Dreams," known as the KK-TdG!

After a fantastic foray into debauchery known as the Bloody 'Ell 'Undred, he was looking forward to being back on his home course.

Reb, in his cycling "gear...."

The old shark was a bit concerned about the fog he faced as the Shark Garage Door Opened and his wing man, Yeti Boy was waiting, sunglasses fogged over and lights flashing.

The air was thick and damp as the two riders took off with their, lights flashing in the fog like beacons on Lake Michigan signaling ships to safety.

The two did not see any lights riding towards them and wondered if they were there and couldn't see them, or if Reb and Fire were running late.....

No Reb or Fire......

The pair crossed Helmer and waited, as the sound of Canada Geese honking in the sky was heard, but the geese were only occasionally visible in the fog as they flew overhead. The two wondered it the geese were instrument rated......?

After pondering this question for a few moments, Reb's headlight was seen flashing over I-94, and with Fire in tow, the two tried to blame their tardiness on the fog.

Yeah, right.....

The fog seemed to get even more dense as the foursome made their way to the start and they determined there had been a lot of rain the previous evening with all the puddles they tried to ride around in vain.

Zyckmann and Yeti Boy riding
back from the "restroom."
It is all on tape now......

On the way down the hill into Galesburg they saw Hermster heading towards them doing his warm up lap, as the four made their way to the start, where riders were getting their steads ready for action.

"I Owe Beer" was back after a short hiatus and a young rider named Ryan drove in. As he got his bike ready Sharkman asked him if he had ridden before with the Shark Minions, to which he responded, "a long time ago....." Sharkman inquired further as to, "a long time ago, like last season?" to which the young, former Minion responded, ".....more like years......"

Ryan stated he had gotten "fat and out of shape" to which Sharkman commented that the Nation were all the best riders in that category! The Shark Minion Nation is made up of the best riders who actually have, or had jobs, families and other duties that caused them to not be able to ride often and thus, were just down right phenomenal for riders who rode so seldom! The best in their class, actually!


Welcome back Ryan, Minion name to be determined!

Vlad the Impaler was also in the mix for his first ride with the Shark Minion Nation! Though a perennial BEU rider, this was his first KK-TdG!

Welcome to our Field of Dreams, Vlad!

As the riders were lining up, Zyckmann commented, "Wait, no Brewman?"

The veteran Minion was correct.

Brewman was missing the start for the first time this season and his record stopped at the BEU. For those keeping score, the actual record is held by none other than the "Sweetheart of the Peloton," Gazelle Girl herzzelf!

The Nation bows their heads as Brewman's streak ends.....
Wait, is that Gazelle Girl getting the last laugh?
But wait again, was she there?!?

Belo News went back into the archives here at the News Room and it was learned that ,just last season, Gazelle Girl made every ride until September 15 and she only missed one ride all of last year and therefore retains the crown.

Gazelle Girl still holds the "Ironman" record for attendance!

She beat Brewman by FOUR rides!

Oh, the humanity!

Congratulations to Gazelle Girl AND to Brewman on their efforts!

Well done!

Wildman looking sharp in
his Bissell Kit!

Speaking of Gazelle Girl, with a minute on the clock, she was not yet in attendance! Where was the Sweetheart of the Peloton?

Two photos were taken, one at the announcement of Brewman not making the call, with heads hung low.....and one for the official start, sans Gazelle Girl!

As the Nation headed out towards the urban center known as Galesburg, a shout of "Gazelle Girl" went out from the peloton as they saw the Ironman of the Nation, Gazelle Girl approaching. She claimed that she was brushing her dog and lost track of time, but since Toesetter was out of town the consensus seemed to be that she slept in!

There were 17 riders on the train, however Kid Doster, coming off an injury, would join on later in the ride.

Falcon led our hero, the Sharkman, out to the first sprint as the fog seemed get more dense on the first leg of the ride.

As the Nation worked their way up the col de Twin Lakes, the sun started to burn off the fog and it was quite amazing how fast it seemed to dissipate.

It was turning out to be a beautiful morning as the fast moving train headed through Yorkville, Kellogg Korner and past the Kountry Klub sections.

After the turn and a brief "sit up," the train got moving again and this week, Hermster waited to make his move instead of leaping out too soon. As he put the hammer down, it was theorized that many of the riders thought Hermster would fade early again and only a couple riders like Doper, Falcon and Zykkccmann responded to the attack.

But this week, Hermster was able to hold on and take his first sprint! Congratulations and well played, Hermster!

Fabio, the winner on the day!

After a head count at the Rt. 43 finish, Sasquatch and Doper led the Nation up the col de Norte and with no one lagging, moved right past the top of the climb, where Falcon took over and managed a humongous pull all the way to the Holy Rollers with Sharkman holding on to his wheel like it was the last Oberon in the case!

Nice job, Falcon!

As the Sharkman led his Shark Minions into the Holy Rollers, the train moved forward to contest the Food Stop Sprint! Yeti Boy was at the front and opened up a gap, but Hoosier Boy was on fire and after closing the gap, rode Yeti's wheel until he made a last second move around Yeti to take the sprint.

The Nation again took the low road, and it looks like it may be the permanent route now, to the Inlet and on to the Digital Divide where Sharkman announced a pace line, counter clockwise, after they crossed over.

However, and again, the Nation struggled to put a solid pace line together!!!

Wait, .....what?

How does this happen???

Welcome, Vlad the Impaler!!!

Just a few comments from Belo News on pace lines.....

1. Follow the leader....(OK, hopefully we are not moving too fast here....)

2. When the lead rider moves right OR left, depending on the announced direction, take the lead but keep the pace. Do not "sprint" out of the pace line,  just keep the same pace.

3. Riders that peel off slow down and work their way back to the end of the pace line, where they back on.

4. Riders only stay at the front until it is clear to move aside. If a rider wants to stay on longer, that is fine as well, but you do not NEED to stay at the front for long periods of time.

5. Riders who have moved off the line can, as a matter of etiquette, announce "clear" when the lead rider is clear to move over.

6. Riders can also declare that they are "last rider" so the slower line knows when to join back on.

Got it, Bunkies?

Now, back to the "riveting reading!"

Despite the terrible pace line, Sasquatch and Zyckemaane brought Gazelle Girl to the front as they bore down on the GGG Spot Sprint, where Falcon made some noise but got blown off the wheel of the speedy Gazelle Girl, and was thus, not personna non grata again, and she took her sprint easily!

It was a victor for America!

Welcome Ryan, Minion Name to
be determined!

As the Nation made the G Ave. crossing, Sharkman again shouted out for riders to be careful, watch their lines, and stay within the yellow lines.

Wildman immediately went to the front until Hermster made his move and again, fell on his sword to take the Nation out. Thanks Hermster!

The pace picked up as the runaway train reached the foot of the last climb. Hermster peeled off and riders, hungry for the tape, moved forward like wolves on a kill!

Even Bob the Builder joined on from no where!?!

There was a brief bunching of riders at the top of the hill as Sasquatch and Doper moved forward, along with a cast of thousands!

Zyckmann came to the front so fast, there was no grabbing his wheel, but others responded immediately to try to cover the attack!

However, Fabio took the lead and never let go as Doper and Sasquatch followed with Sharkman right behind them!

It was a victory for America!

The crowds went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as the riders made their way to the Klutch for the Press conference.

I Owe Beer was back in the mix
and threw down for koffee!

Riders began to throw money down to pay it forward. It was noted that I Owe Beer was one of them, but it could not be determined who was the other!

Thanks Minions!

The koffee and talk flowed as the Nation shared their stories of glory in the peloton!

It was again, a great morning to be in the mighty Shark Minion Nation!

This week, in recognition of back to school and summer coming to an end, it will be Beer Jersey Day!

That is right, get that beer kit out and ride, Bunkie!

Saturday, August 24, 2019 - Beer Jersey Day!

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

Be there!

The Nation at the first G crossing
as the fog began to lift....

The Klutch was rocking!

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY!!!

Belo News
August 21, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As the Shark Minion Nation is aware, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, is always concerned about safety on the ride.  Additionally, the Sharkman feels that we are "guests" around Gull Lake, where the residents seem to be pretty patient with the ride, no matter how large it gets. There have been weeks when the Nation is at 50 riders, but more normally the number is 20-25.

This is a very large number of riders most week and the Nation owes it to the residents to ride respectfully and within the law.

Gazelle Girl shared a document that was put out by Steve Johnson, who runs the Tuesday Night Chain Gang Ride, concerning ride safety and the document was attached to the Shark Minion Update.

Please remember that we should be no more than two abreast AND as far the the left as is practical.

Also, please do not cross the center line of the road. If you are boxed in, you are boxed in and will have to wait to make a move. Getting a sprint is not as important as the safety of your fellow Minions. Please read the document and ride safe!


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

-->

BLOODY 'ELL 'UNDRED ROCKS!

The mighty Shark Minion Nation!

HOW MANY BLOODY MARY'S CAN A MINION DRINK???

WHAT IS A “COBAIN TRAIN” AND WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH??

LET'S GO TO THE NUMBERS, SHALL WE???

NO DICK BANGING BUT WHAT ABOUT OTHER BODY PARTS???

BACK TO OUR FIELD OF DREAMS THIS SATURDAY!!!

Belo News

August 10, 2019

After a few Cobains.........

Zyckmann Estate, Mi. - As dawn broke cool and bright over the Zyckmann Estate, that legend of the peloton, that man of many names, that rider who needs no seat but does need a Camelbak full of beer, who is so comfortable in his manhood he can ride in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sandals, who thrills and entertains the mighty Shark Minion Nation with his many antics, the Nations own Zyckmann,....... was still sleeping!

Though it was Bloody 'Ell 'Undred Day and he would have the Nation descending on his Estate soon, he slept on, dreaming of bloody mary's and deviled eggs.

Meanwhile, as the same dawn broke over the Triple Nasty Rancho, the “Sweetheart of the Peloton,” the Vice President of Minion Morale and the conscious of the Minion Nation was thinking, “deviled eggs, check. Bloody Mary fix'ins, check, Toesetter up and ready to mix, check.” 

MMmmmm Yeti Boys Blueberry Crumble!

That's our Gazelle Girl!

IT WAS BEU SATURDAY! Is this a great county or what?!?

And these two had a big day planned for the Shark Minions!

Oh, the humanity!

The tribe started to gather at the Zyckmann Estate around the bar at 9:00 a.m. with Toesetter looking great in his “bar attire” serving up bloody mary's to the thirsty Minions. Meanwhile, Sharkman had picked up some fantastic Blueberry Crumble baked by the Breadman hizzelf, Yeti Boy who was unable to attend the festivities.

And, of course, Gazelle Girl had prepared her amazing deviled eggs!

All the major celebrities of the Shark Minion Nation began to arrive.

Plot Twist and Gazelle Girl!

Back for a second year was Vlad the Impaler and he even bought the last BEU Jersey that Zyckmann had been trying to sell for years!

Stryker Guy appeared out of nowhere to ride the early part of the tour before heading out to Canada to begin his Canada to Mexico ride along the Continental Divide with Easty. What were those two thinking???

Even the Skipper and Bissell Boy made the trip to start the Nation out, proudly wearing their BEU kit!

Dr. Dave paddled his kayak across the lake to say hello, though he couldn't do the ride and even Kid Gallagher made another appearance, his second of the year, to ride the start.

Toesetter looking quite dapper
in his "bar attire!"

Others in attendance included this year's attendance champion, Brewman, as well as Wildman, CycoCross and BEU Virgins, Super Trooper and Skittles!

Special guest Caty, Fabio's daughter (aka "Plot Twist"), made a guest appearance in her very own BEU kit!!! 

Is this a great country or what?!?

After the deviled eggs, blueberry crumble and bloody mary's had been served and consumed, the Nation was ready to rock!

The start photo was an exercise in herding the Minions into a line and was only marginally as successful as their feeble attempts at pace lines.....

Thanks to Caty, Belo News was actually able to get a start photo with our intrepid hero, the Sharkman in it!!!

Skittles did his best to be provocative, striking a pose that extended throughout the day!

'Round about 10 a.m., the Nation took off heading north to start the longer part of the odyssey to the Walldorff in fine style, being accompanied by Skipper, Bissell Boy, Stryker Guy and Kid Gallagher.

The rides gracious hosts!

After their pace line on Rt. 43, and with the Skipper dropping off, Stryker Guy, Bissell Boy and Kid Gallagher hung on for a bit before dropping with Styker Guy as the Nation wished Styker Guy all the best on his quest in the west!

Shortly after the split, the Nation faced its first of two interesting challenges.

Shortly after Sharkman had asked Zyckmann if he had checked the route and to which ZM replied, “Sure, rode it last year.” the group was faced with a “Road Closed” sign.

Wait, …...what???

CycoCross & Stryker Guy!
Might be the best SG looks for a while!

As Minions, they rode past the sign, as they began to notice no cars...... and then they saw it. The road was flooded!

But, hey, Shark Minions should have no problem with water, right?

As a matter of fact. and for reasons unknown to the Nation (as are most of the things this Zyckmann does), Zyckmann ATTACKED the water, splashing the H2O all over his bike, shoes and butt! Oh, the humanity. He later commented that it made him feel like a kid!

The rest of the Shark Nation decided to ride it slowly with the exception of Skittles, who removed his shoes and socks and carried his steed over the bubbling brook that was the road.......

Once organized on the other side, the Nation once again gathered up and headed to Orangeville, where Vlad the Impaler and Wildman decided to take the cut off claiming a lack of training, though Wildman is a perennial top finisher, he was given the benefit of the doubt......however Sharkman wondered if he really wanted the get to the Walldorff and the beer....... sooner........

Brewman enjoying his bloody mary!

The Nation stopped to call in their pizza order to the Walldorff before heading into the hilliest part of the ride up to Hastings at Yankee Springs. This part of the ride was incredible as the Nation split apart into small groups, climbing and descending hills like ants on a cube of sugar!

Sharkman clocked a speed of 41 mph at one point on one of the descents and he wasn't the quickest!

Though the climbs could be tough, the Nation dropped like rocks on the long descents with smiles on their faces (maybe from thinking about the beer and pizza that was soon to be theirs!)! Actually, Sharkman likes to claim to be a fantastic descender and often brags it is his greatest gift on the bike!

Sharkman also noted a average speed of 18.2 mph as they rode into the hill section and though the speed dropped as low as 17.6 mph, it was back up to an 18.2 mph average after the hills and 18 mph when they arrived at the Walldorff where Vlad, Wildman and Caty were already into the beer and pizza!

As the thirsty, hungry Shark Minions gathered around the table, patrons watched in awe as the cyclists downed pitchers and pizza like a pride of lions on a fresh kill. The pitchers flowed, particularly the well liked double black IPA known as The Cobain.

Bissell Boy and the Skipper!

Zyckmann graciously paid for the beer and was somewhat taken aback by the fact that buying the pizza would have been less expensive! Hey, it is the mighty Shark Minion Nation here!!

Thanks Zyckmann! You rock!

As Gazelle Girl worked on the bill and the Nation settled up with her, Toesetter was out affixing a pair of day glow testicles to Gazelle Girl's bike. She had already proven that she had them on the ride up, so why not display them!

Apparently Zyckmann was given the "day glow testicles" and had Toesetter mount them on the Sweetheart of the Pelotons ride. Zyckmann thinks of everything!!!

After celebrity guest Caty (aka Plot Twist) took a photo both in the Walldorff and outside, the Nation was off and the “Cobain Train” immediately noticed the “Cobain Drain.....”

Sharkman described the feeling it created in his legs as "it was like riding in mud!”

Suffice it to say, the ride back to the Zyckmann Estate was not as, shall we say, “brisk” as the ride up.

This man knows how to serve up
a bloody mary!

Here is the ride by the numbers:

Ride to the Walldorff - 18.04 mph avg./climb 1575 ft./41.70 miles/ one water crossing......
Ride back from the Walldorff - 15.01 mph avg./climb 1093 ft./21.87 miles/ no water crossing/day glow testicles......

Total miles - 63.57
Three miles an hour slower on the way back to the Zyckmann Estate. That says it all!!!

Oh, the humanity!

As the Nation traversed the hilly countryside, they made their usual bathroom stop at the church where several photos were taken. Gazelle's Girl appendages allowed her join in!

There was one delay when Sharkman thought there were riders off the back and waited at the stop sign as the Nation rode on, but Super Trooper came back to get our hero as all the riders were in the peloton and all was well in the realm.

Poster Boy, Skittles!

The crowds at the Zyckmann Estate went wild as the riders arrived to women with baskets of wine and cheese, holding up babies to be kissed by their ride hero's.

Several of the Nation then changed into swimming attire and ran down to the lake! 

Toesetter actually brought his paddle board and did a few laps, while Super Trooper swam out into the lake with a swimmers buoy as Wildman and CycoCross cooled at the dock. 

Meanwhile, Sharkman sat down with a beer, allowing the Cobain Effect to eek out of his body as he sipped an All Day IPA and relaxed on the dock. 

Is this a great country or what!??

Huge thanks to Zyckmann, Gazelle Girl and celebrity guest, Caty, aka Plot Twist, for a fantastic day!

It was a great day to be a Shark Minion!

You won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG!

Wildman on his second helping
of Yeti Boys Blueberry Crumble!

Saturday, August 17, 2019

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

Be there!

Dr. Dave "paddled" to the start!

Vlad the Impaler was back, sporting
his new BEU jersey!

Even Kid Gallagher made the call!

Uh, oh, water crossing!

Shark Minions in the swim!

Here they come!

Super Trooper makes the crossing, while
Skittle takes off his shoes and socks!

A very interesting crossing!

The feed station was wild!

Gazelle Girl sporting her "new equipment!"
Oh, the humanity!

Poster Boy! We're sure this photo will
get legs!

Sharkman trying to get some love (and a buck)
from Skittles. It was a no go......

Speaking of poster boys!
Belo News needs a Center Fold!

Sharkman living the dream!

Love the Croc's Sharkman!,

Mrs. Zyckmann joins the festivities!
Is this a great country or what?!?

STYKER GUY WOWS WITH MINION JERSEY!

Love the jersey Styker Guy!
Banff looks beautiful!

Belo News

August 13, 2019

Banff, Canada - Styker Guy is already reporting in from the road and shared this photo with Belo News as was getting ready to ride his quest from the Canadian boarder to Mexico along the Continental Divide!

Stryker Guy, living the Minion credo that  "if you can't be good, look good!" was sporting his 30th Anniversary Shark Minion Jersey and commented that "every one wants one!"

Sharkman replied, "There are two kinds of bike riders. Those the are Shark Minions and those who WANT to be Shark Minions!" 

Is this a great country or what!??

Good luck to the legend the Nation knows as Stryker Guy and to is wingman, Easty who will be joining him somewhere in Montana! The Nation is with you!

Ride on!

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