RIDE RAINED OUT!

RIDE CANCELLED!

BUT KOFFEE IS ON AT 10 A.M. - SHARP!

BE THERE!

Belo News
September 28, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - Dawn isn't breaking very bright over the Shark Cove this morning, as our intrepid hero pours over weather charts, as the Weather Channel buzzes in the background.......

Though it does look like the rain will stop for a while, it looks like it will start right back up again around launch time. Therefore, the ride is cancelled, but come on down to the Koffee Klutch around 10 a.m. to celebrate Sharkman's Birthday and to discuss weather to keep the road season open for another week or two while he is gone.

The koffee is on Sharkman!



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

SURPRISE CELEBRITY RIDER WINS THE TAPE!!!

Virgin Minions, Celebrity Rider, no Gazelle Girl!
What a morning!!!

WOMAN RIDERS EVERYWHERE, BUT NO GAZELLE GIRL???

Dreamboat returns and wins!!!

OH, THE HUMANITY!!!

GAZELLE GIRL ABSENT AND STILL MAKES THE BLOG???

OH, DOUBLE THE HUMANITY!

SHARKMAN TURNS 70??? 
SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!




LAST KK-TdG OF THE SEASON?!! MAYBE.......

OH, TRIPLE THE HUMANITY!!!

Belo News
September  21, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - Dawn had not yet broken over the Shark Cove as our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, shook the sleep from his Tahitian blue, ice cold, shark eyes. He was returning to the Nation after a week off and was pretty excited to don his Shark Minion 30th Year Anniversary Jersey AND matching bib shorts.

As he passed the Shark mirror, he took a moment to admire how regal he looked in his Shark Minion attire, knowing he was living the Shark Minion credo that declares, "if you can't be good, look good!" and on this day, the Sharkman was looking good!

Virgin Minion Liz!
Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation!

The wily Shark was becoming a bit concerned as launch time approached and it was still dark outside the Coves window. He had considered moving the start time back, but with the warm weather, thought he would wait one more week, but was now having some second thoughts.......

As the Shark Clock chimed 7 a.m., there was more than enough light to safely ride, and as he began to get his steed ready, two bike headlights were shining up the cul de sac at the center of the world of cycling known as the Shark Cove.

It was Yeti Boy and he had a virgin Minion in tow by the name of Liz, whom he had met at the Health Food Store. Though not having a Shark Minion name, Health Food Girl was in the mix. Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation, Liz (possibly Health Food Girl)!

The three riders headed out on Watkins wondering if Reb would have his act together on this fine morning, and if Fire would make sure he was on time. As they approached Helmer Road, their lights could be seen blinking up the road and immediately they knew that Fire had apparently gotten Reb back on time. The guy just needs some adult supervision......

Virgin Minion Kim!
Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation!

The ride over was uneventful and as the riders descended into Galesburg, they saw Hermster doing his warm up lap and realized they were either early or he was running late, but none the less, they were enjoying the fact it was in the high 60's with no wind in mid September and the morning could not have been more beautiful!

The early morning koffee group gave a wave as Sharkman and his entourage passed and rode on to the start.

Yeti Boy was pleased to see that the school had put in a porto john and Sharkman just had to avail himself. No one seemed to know why the porto john had appeared, but the Nation is appreciative! (Though there was some suspicion someone was reviewing the tapes in back.....)

Riders started to arrive, including Brewman, this seasons "Ironman" of the peleton and Squeaky, who was sans winter gloves! When he arrived he immediately began his yoga regiment, while blowing on his cold hands.....

Then it happened.....

That legend of the peloton, that west coast wonder, that cyclist of cyclists, Dreamboat was back in the mix! It was great to have the former full time Minion back in the Nation as he answered questions about the west coast and living in San Diego and whether he had found a group to ride with. In his inevitable form, he commented that he was not going to find another group like the Minion Nation! Well said, young Dreamboat, well said!!!

Wildman in his Anniversary Kit!

Soon other Minions arrived, including another virgin Minion by the name of Kim (Minion Name to be determined). Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation, Kim! It was later suggested at koffee that she maybe is a child psychologist, to which the entire Nation acknowledged that she should fit right in with the Nation, as most of them have never actually grown up and could use some major counseling!

It was a rare Minion ride that did not include the "Sweetheart of the Peloton," known as Gazelle Girl, but she was up north touring the U.P. with her perennial "other guy," Toesetter. It was also a rare morning when there were three ladies in the peloton, that didn't include Gazelle Girl!

Oh, the humanity!

Other riders on the day (the count was 13 at the start and one rider jumped on later) were Vlad the Impaler and Skittles, who kept the Nation waiting as he primped himself for the start photo!

After some introductions, safety tips and the start photo, and to the sound of pedals clicking in as the sun continued to rise in the east, the mighty Shark Minion train pulled out of the station and began their assault on that "field of dreams" known affectionately as the KK-TdG!

As the Nation rode by the Klutch, the early morning crew were still on hand to wave to their hero's in the peloton as J-Dog jumped on, making it 14 riders on the day.

Yeti Boy in his Anniversary Kit!

J-Dog and Skittles did the work at the front, keeping the pace up as Sharkman tried to work his way up and down the peloton to press the flesh and make sure the virgin Minions and the Celebrity Rider were feeling welcome and a part of the Nation.

Sharkman got back up the front and latched on to Skittles and held on until J-Dog went by, taking the speed up and making the veteran Shark work WAY too hard, taking the first, honorary sprint at a season high of 25.1 mph.

Squeaky moved up to take the next sprint, uncontested, in the run up to the col de Twin Lakes. Though a part of the "uncontested" seems to be that the Stop Ahead sign is STILL missing!

The riders broke apart as they scrambled up the hardest climb on the ride, but came back together at the Stop Ahead where Sharkman confirmed the count.

The ride crossed Rt. 89, then past the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner, the Kountry Klub and on to the turn and this section was even faster than normal, with Dreamboat, J-Dog, Skittles, Sharkman and Kim all taking turns at the front and pushing the pace. The pace was so quick, it took the steam out of Hermsters usual Rt. 43 Sprint attack and the group came in right behind Dreamboat as he edged out Skittles and the Nation for the win.

Where'd that come from?

Up the col de Norte and through the Holy Rollers, the mighty Shark Minion Nation was running at full throttle as the peloton rode fast and tight, even in the actual "rollers!"

At the Feed Stop, Sharkman declared that the pace line would be counter clockwise after the Digital Divide and gave a brief instruction on the principle of a pace line.

Squeaky doing his yoga routine.....
sans winter gloves....

The Nation then headed out on the low road to the Inlet as no one seems to want to ride the old road.

After the Digital Divide, J-Dog took the pace line out and stated he would take it to the top of the short hill after the Bermuda Triangle for flat tires (long time readers will remember that area). After J-Dog peeled off, Sharkman took over and did the obligatory few seconds at the front and faded to the left. The next rider came through fine, but when Sharkman dropped back to around the 6th bike there was a huge gap! He looked up and saw, once again, riders not slowing down in the outside lane, talking to those in the pace line. This smaller line, shifted through and when Sharkman fell to the back again, noticed that riders were not slowing fast enough, causing the pace line to speed and slow creating a major "yo-yo" effect.

Sharkman tried shouting out for the outside line to slow and move back, but more gaps opened and once again, the pace line failed.....

Though the Nation has never excelled at this simple cycling function, they used to at least be able to form one that had a slight resemblance to what is known as a pace line. When a pace line is formed, it is phenomenal to ride in. It is also great for virgin and newer Minions to learn how to ride in a group.

The Nation has gotten speeds up to 25-26+ mph when they've created a good pace line. The Nation will get this right!!!

Brewman in his Shark kit!

As the mighty train of riders bore down on the GGG Spot Sprint and with Gazelle Girl out of the picture, J-Dog decided to try to lead out Kim, so that another woman could take the coveted sprint.

However, at the last moment, Skittles pulled off a "dick move" and stole the sprint away, claiming he was upholding Gazelle Girl "honor" and he dedicated the victory to the "Sweetheart of the Peloton." Not sure how virgin Minion Kim felt about that, but again, Gazelle Girl wins without even being there! Another victory for America or a Dick Move?

A light turn out at the Klutch. Sharkman made it
lighter by cutting Wildman out of the shot!
Sorry Wildman......

Belo News reports, you decide!

Is this a great country or what?!?

As the Nation headed south, to the final victory, the peloton was bunched up and Sharkman began to worry, as there were some "big dogs" in the pack, itching to make their moves, but not wanting to be at the front first.

Hermster made a move, but now everyone was covering it, including Skittles, and what seemed like a nice, double pace line, formed up with some of those big dogs near the front, pushing the pace hard.

As they began the final ascent to the finish, the peloton began to splinter and Sharkman for one, jumped from wheel to wheel looking for any opportunity to jump on and get close.

Dreamboat and J-Dog opened a gap and Skittles then had to try to make a move from the back to try to cover it.

Nike Boy arrives to press the flesh!

The race was on!

As the mighty Shark Minions shot down the hill, riders went back and forth, keeping clean lines, as Skittles moved up, but could not quite catch on to Dreamboat, who took the win with Skittles on his wheel and J-Dog taking the last spot on the podium!

It was a victory for America!!!

The tofosi and paparazzi went wild as their hero's rode down the Champs le Galesburg to the press conference at the Koffee Klutch! People with baskets of cheese and wine flooded the streets as the riders zipped up their jersey's for the sponsors.

Sharkman threw down the first $20, instructing the barista to take it to $15 and keep a $5 tip, but it was all they needed as only 6 Minions stopped for their Bottomless.

Wait......what???

The Klutch was rocking when to everyones surprise.... in walked that legend of the peloton and occasional (very occasional) Minion, Nikeboy stopped in to press the flesh. He had tried to find the Nation at the Sparty Korner but the pace was so quick on the morning (19.55 mph) that he was too late and had to ride into the Klutch solo!

After large quantities of koffee were consumed, Sharkman, Yeti Boy and Nikeboy headed out for the Shark Cove after another fantastic Saturday morning!!!

It was a great day to be Sharkman and to have a Minion Nation!!!

Nike Boy showing why he is
the "Style Guy!"

You won't want to miss this weeks ride, which may be the last road ride of the year!

"Wait,....what?" you say!

The Nation has historically ridden into the first, and sometimes, second week into October before moving to the mountain bike. But this year, Sharkman is heading out to California for the first two weeks of October to celebrate his 70th birthday with his Sharklets.

That's right Bunkie, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, will be 70 on October 4.

Who can forget when the old Shark turned 60? Who can forget when the Nation celebrated, "Sharkman goes on Medicare" when he turned 65?

Well, here is your opportunity to celebrate hizzelf turning 70!!! Oh, the humanity!!! Man, where did those years go???

Since he will be gone, a determination on extending the road year will be discussed this Saturday or you can let Sharkman know by email.

In the interim and in celebration of our hero's 70th, this Saturday has been declared as Shark Minion Jersey Day!

Skittles enjoying his post ride
lunch!

We know, the Nation wore them two weeks ago and knowing the Nation, may not as yet have made the turn on their bike laundry by this Saturday. But pull it together, Bunkie, and get that jersey washed so you can wear it for the Sharkman's Birthday Ride!!! Hell, wear it dirty, just don't ride near the Sharkman if you do!!!

Due to the the early morning darkness, the ride will be delayed a half an hour to 8:30 a.m.!

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Sharkman's Birthday Ride - Shark Minion Jersey Day!!!

Launch Time - 8:30 a.m.!

There might be cake!!!

Be there!!!



THE MISSING REPORT ARRIVES!!!

..........LATE!!

Belo News
September 14, 2019

Wildman is in focus, but the start line is a bit fuzzy!
Looks like Sharkman took it.....

Shark Cove, Mi. - As the world of cycling is aware, Belo News did not post an edition last week. Apparently, ace reporter, Wildman simply forgot he was on deck to write it.

After the email went out explaining that nothing had been received, Wildman immediately sent an apology text with this very in depth report of the ride!

"Seven riders showed up. Four jumped on. A ride happened. Monster pulls by J-Dog and Falcon. 

Koffee was consumed."

Wow! Where else can you get that type of in depth, riveting reporting?!?

At Belo News, that's where!!! 

The Klutch rocked even without their intrepid hero,
the Sharkman. 

Oh, the humanity!!!

Plus two photos! One out of focus and one with the light behind it!!! Fortunately, Belo News can edit....

Thanks Wildman (we think......)!










BARRY-ROUBAIX RIDE IN OCTOBER!

Belo News

September 25, 2019

Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - Gazelle Girl has a Barry-Roubaix Ride scheduled for a weekday in October that you won't want to miss. Here are the details from Gazelle Girl herzzelf!!

Weekday Barry Roubaix Ride with Nut Job!

Lansing resident with the British accent, Nut Job, is proposing a Barry Roubaix ride launching from The Walldorff parking lot on Wednesday, Oct 23 at 2 pm. 

Rain date: Oct 30. 

Let's enjoy some fall colors on the gravel roads of Barry County with refreshments after wards!

HOOSIER BOY AND THE MIGHTY MONK ROCK DANCES WITH DIRT!!!

Hoosier Boy and Mighty Monk with the
Dirt Dogs!

Belo News

September 21, 2019

Chelsea, Mi. - The Shark Minion Nations own Hoosier Boy and Mighty Monk rocked the Dances with Dirt competition this past Saturday at the Pickney Wildlife area this past week, finishing 13th across the line but moving up to 4th after the handicap, which is the best finish ever for the Dirt Dogs!

Sharkman was actually on the team the first five Dances with Dirt along with Dirt Dog Wes (far right) in the photo. As many of you know this is a 65 mile relay race through woods, mud, barbed wire, laced with hills, sand and muck. 

Congratulations to our Shark Minions and their Dirt Dog Teammates! You did the mighty Shark Minion Nation proud!!!

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

BIG TEN RULES COLLEGE GAME DAY!!!

The Big Ten rules!!!

RULE OF 15!!!

SHARKMAN ON THE PODIUM, AGAIN!??!

Eleven mighty Shark Minions at the start!!!

STYKER GUY AND EASTY KILLING IT OUT WEST!!!

SHARKMAN MISSING IN ACTION THIS WEEK?!?

OH, THE HUMANITY!!!

Belo News
September 8, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke late and dark over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, had already thrown his legs over the edge of his shark bed and hit the floor running. He padded his way to the galley and started the coffee. He found himself in "perkatory."

This, of course, is the state that coffee addicts find themselves in when they wait for that first cup.......

Wishbone and Hermster ride in after a warm up
lap, like they rode it separately......

It was College Game Day and the old shark was excited to pull on his Badger Kit, with matching socks.  There was a bit of disappointment as he pulled on a vest and arm warmers AGAIN, and had to cover up the kit he so loves. But man, it has been a cold spring so far and he loves it!

Sharkman picked out a nice read dew rag for his very white head (he is, after all, a Great White) and padded his way back up the stairs from his Shark Bike Room in the basement to finish his coffee.

About 15 minutes before launch time, it was looking pretty dark outside, so Sharkman checked the radar and found it all clear. Amazingly, as the launch time approached, it started to lighten up considerably.

Maybe one more week at the this launch time?

Our hero knew it would be a small entourage this week, so he met Yeti Boy on the way out of the Cove and the two talked about how cool the starts had been this summer. There were a lot of puddles on the streets, and some very wet sections on the way over, indicating that there had been a lot of rain the night before.

Squeaky "styl'in" in his winter gear!

As they started their descent into the burg known as Galesburg, they saw Hermster doing his warm up lap with Wishbone on his wheel for the first time. Normally, Wishbone, that lover of koffee, was at the Klutch getting an early jolt of that brew the Nation all loves......but not today!

The parking lot at the start was completely empty, as Yeti headed to the restroom behind the school and Sharkman rode in solo. Shortly after, Hermster and Wishbone rode in from their warm up lap looking like they had ridden it separately.......

Riders began to trickle in as the sun made a weak attempt to come out from behind the thin layer of clouds.

Rocketman arrived and after getting his steed ready, rode up next to Hermster in his neon green kit, making it look like he and Hermster communicated on what kit to wear on the day. However, neither was in College Game Day kit.

Squeaky arrived, again looking like he was heading out on a polar expedition and immediately began his "pre-ride yoga" kata.....

Soon, The Sweetheart of the Peloton rode in with this weeks "Other Guy" being Toesetter, with the almost sun on her shoulder.

"Sqeaky Yoga!"
But with all those cloths, can he get up???

A virgin Minion rode in and Sharkman introduced himself. He said his name was Rob, and Sharkman asked if he had a nick name, to which he responded "Sharkman." Funny.......

When asked how he found out about the Nation he commented that his daughter had noticed an "errant" group of cyclists riding around the lake on Saturday morning and mentioned he may want to ride with them. Funny again.....so Gazelle Girl named him "Smart Ass." Later that day, he sent a note to Sharkman to get on the distribution and signed it "Smart Arse" and thus a name was declared.

Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation, Smart Arse! You will fit right in with this group!

The total number of College Game Day kit was only 2, with only Sharkman in his Wisconsin kit and Greyhound in his Michigan Kit. This was less than 20% of the Nation!? What the......? What happened? No MSU, no Western Michigan, no Kalamazoo College or Purdue?

Wait.....what?!?

Toesetter & Gazelle Girl arrive!

Sharkman counted 11 Minions (well, 10 and 1 virgin Minion) making the start photo extremely important, as he did not believe 5 more riders would be jumping on so he would need to remember names. However, he once again, was wrong.

After introducing Smart Arse to the group and with the sun still trying to break through the clouds, Sharkman clicked in and he began to pull the train out of the station and into the metro center of Galesburg, where the Nation had to wait out the light while the Koffee Klutch early crew waved and took a count for Andrew.

Riders already began to jump on at the turn, one being J-Dog right at the Klutch and Falcon as the Nation headed north.

J-Dog and Falcon again, made Sharkman work WAY too hard for the sprint, taking him up over 24 mph to his "victory for America.

Sharkman had trouble getting the count at the first G Ave. Crossing, as PJ also jumped on. Now they were "approximately" 14.......

The Sweetheart of the Peloton!

The pace picked up in the run up to the col de Twin Lakes as the sun began breaking out of the sky and lighting up the two lakes nicely as the Nation glided by, complaining of the hardest hill on the KK-TdG course.

The Nation gathered at the Rt. 89 crossing to wait for the light, then headed into, what has become, the fastest section of the ride.

Past the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner, and the Kountry Klub sections, the Nation again jockeyed for position as the speed picked up and splintered the smaller than usual  peloton.

After the traditional "sit up" after the Kountry Club turn, the Nation bore down and waited for Hermsters early move, which was reeled in quickly this week, and Falcon took a major pull to open a gap.

So major that the Sharkman came up and stated, "I'll block for you! After that pull it is all yours!" To which he responded, "You take it!"

Though surprised, the old shark never misses a chance to take a sprint figuring that at age 70 there are only a few left in those tiny shark legs, so he charged ahead uncontested to capture the sprint.

At the top of col de Norte, that legend of the Peloton, Bissell Boy, jumped on decked out in MSU kit! Is this a great country or what!?! The Nation was now at 15 riders!!!

Did someone say, "Wear green neon kit?"

The speed again picked up, as everyone seemed to want the Food Stop Sprint and the Nation blew apart in the Holy Rollers as the Minions looked like flies climbing a wall as they all tried to get to the front!

J-Dog came out of no where to grab the coveted prize as the Nation formed up again to take the low road to the Inlet, while discussing whether to go clockwise or counter clockwise on the pace line in the run up to the GGG Spot Sprint. Bob the Builder also joined on giving the Nation 16 riders on the day and securing the rule of 15 that Sharkman did not need to remember names!

YES!

After a quick crossing at the Digital Divide, the pace line attempted to form up, yet again. Though not a thing of beauty, a "sort of" pace line formed and the riders got the speeds up to over 20 mph for periods of time as riders tried to adjust.

Gazelle Girl again, formed up her lead out team and they took her to yet another victory for America as she took her GGG Spot Sprint.

Virgin Minion, Smart Arse!
Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation!

At the Stop Sign, after the sprint, Sharkman noticed J-Dog pulling off his arm warmers and thought to himself, "he's smelling blood in the water" for the next sprint.

Sharkman was unsure if he knew about Hermsters usual early move or not, but he looked like he was ready to rock it as the Nation crossed over G and headed south to the finish.

Hermster made his move early and Falcon covered the break immediately, with Greyhound and Yeti Boy on his wheel, followed by the usual cast of thousands. The two riders pulled the Nation at a fast clip all the way to the final ascent to the finish.

Hermster pealed off on the hill, while Falcon fought at the front, as others who had enjoyed his pull to this point, began to pass him.  Falcon did make a second wind come back and Sharkman jumped on his wheel (and anyone's wheel he could grab, particularly Greyhounds......it is like being behind the Star Ship Enterprise!) as the horde of riders came down on the final stretch.

As the done hill finish stretched before the Nation, J-Dog went out with Boatman on his wheel, along with Minions looking to move up on the days ranking.

As J-Dog took a big lead, Sharkman saw a chance to catch Boatman, who was backing off, and kicked it up enough to catch him just before the finish and secure the second podium spot, with Boatman on his wheel, taking the last podium spot.

Bob the Builder joined for the last
part of the ride and Koffee!

It was a victory for America!

The tofosi and paparazzi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as their hero's headed to the Press Conference at the Klutch, where Greyhound ran in to through down his plastic, securing koffee for everyone! Is this a great country or what!?!

Floyd was also at the Klutch and joined in on the festivities!

The frivolity went on for some time at the Klutch and the koffee flowed so much it caused Sharkman and Yeti Boy to get home a bit late, but both decided it was well worth it.

It was a great day to be in the Shark Minion Nation!

You won't want to miss this week's edition, though unfortunately, Sharkman will miss it, as he has In-Laws coming in for the weekend.

Since the old Shark doesn't want to be forgotten, he has declared it Shark Minion Jersey Day and hopes to see a lot of photos!

Thanks for the koffee, Greyhound!

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Shark Minion Jersey Day!

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

Be there!









STYKER GUY AND EASTY KILLING IT OUT WEST!!!

Stryker Guy is living large!!!

Belo News
September 10, 2019

Somewhere, Mt. - If you haven't been following that legend of the peloton, Stryker Guy, along with his side kick, Easty, you're missing one hell of a yarn, Bunkie!

We included the link to Styker Guys blog when SG headed out for his Boarder to Boarder Odyssey (Canada to Mexico on the Continental Divide) when he started but we've had additional requests, as his write ups have caused quite a "buzz" in the cycling world.

You can read all about the adventure (they are about half way now) at the link below.

Drop our hero's a line in the comment section! They are rocking it and making the Nation proud!!!

https://slowoldnstupid.wordpress.com/

Safe travels, Stryker Guy and Easty!!!

Somewhere in Montana!

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

IRON HORSE JERSEY DAY HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Iron Horse veterans Yeti Boy, Sharkman and the Durango Kid!

DURANGO KID ROCKS THE PELOTON!!!

HERMSTER DIDN'T FOOL ANYONE THIS WEEK!!!

WAS IT AUGUST ON SATURDAY OR DECEMBER???!

SUPER TROOPER TAKES THE TAPE!

Minions ready to rock the KK-TdG!

COLLEGE GAME DAY THIS WEEKEND!

KOFFEE CHANGES?!?!?

Belo News
August 31, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was already out of his Shark bed, as the sun is now "breaking" over the Cove much later. The old Shark likes to get up early enough to have a cup of Shark coffee before launch and this cold morning was no exception!

After all, he had been partying the previous evening, rocking Yeti Boy's (aka The Breadman) bake day at the Yeti Estate with Wildman.

Sharkman and Wildman did an impromptu performance for the Bread Lovers and had a blast, then went out for some Mexican food and of course, Mexican beer.

Sharkman thinks he was Mexican in a previous life as he loves the food, the beer the entire aspect of "Manana" and has an urge to be in a Mariachi Band!

Wildman and Sharkman rocking Bread Day!

It was like "Old Home" week for these guys!

As Sharkman checked the weather, it was 49 degrees and another cold morning laid ahead of him. Again, arm warmers and a vest was in order for the ride. But he is a shark and very cold blooded, so he had a smile on his fish face as he pulled his gear on......

It was also Iron Horse Jersey Day and Sharkman was pretty excited to be riding with the President of the Western States Chapter of the mighty Minion Nation and this mornings celebrity rider, that legend of the peloton, the Durango Kid!

As the Shark Garage door slowly lifted, it looked like there was an emergency vehicle circling the cul de sac but Sharkman quickly identified Super Trooper circling with lights flashing like he had just pulled over suspected bank robber.

The two made their way out of the Cove and found Yeti Boy and celebrity rider, Durango Kid heading their way.

Brewman was sporting, yet another
Beer Jersey!!!

As the riders got to the Helmer road traffic light, there was no sign of Reb, who had committed to ride, so AGAIN, they waited after the crossing, for his flashing headlight to signal his arrival.

As Yeti Boy, Durango Kid and Sharkman regaled Super Trooper and Reb with "stories" of the glory of riding the Iron Horse, the group made their way to the start.

As they descended down to the Kalamazoo River, Super Trooper commented that his Garmin super dooper computer was now reporting a temperature of 46 degrees!

Wait.....what?!? It's supposed to be August!!!?

The group sped by the Klutch, waving to the early morning koffee group and on to the start, where Sharkman was unsure of what type of crowd would be there. On Holiday weekends it seems to be "feast of famine" for rider count.

Shoey was unloading his steed in the parking lot and it looked like it might be a light turn out, but it was early.....

Super Trooper was ready and proved
it in the final sprint!

I Owe Beer was on hand with an "almost" Iron Horse Jersey, sporting a kit with a mountain goat climbing on a mountain bike! Close, but not close enough!

Brewman was back in yet, another Beer Jersey!

Riders began to pull in with an assortment of cold weather gear, but none could out do Squeaky when it comes to cold weather gear.

Once again, dressed like "Nanuk of the North," the Squeakmiester was decked out in winter gloves, scarf and knit cap. Some Minions were afraid that if he fell on his back, he wouldn't be able to right himself!

Oh, the humanity!

The ride over had the sun on the Minions shoulders!
(Photo by Super Trooper)

The press was on hand to get shots of celebrity rider, Durango Kid, along with Yeti Boy and Sharkman in their Iron Horse kit. The only thing missing was that other Iron Horse veteran, Fabio!!!

Oh, the humanity!!!

The "Sweetheart of the Peloton" rode in with the sunshine on her shoulder to shouts of "Gazelle Girl" and then Wildman, who also got a few shout outs! The Minions were in a very jovial, holiday mood despite the cool temps!

Reb was sporting a new T he
got from Zyckmann! "Risky Reb!"

Is this a great country or what?!?

There were 14 Minions ready to get the train moving and Sharkman was only hoping for one more!

After introducing celebrity rider and president of the Western States Chapter of the mighty Minion Nation, giving yet another riveting account of riding the Iron Horse...yadda, yadda, yadda......the Nation was ready to rock!

Sharkman was relieved when Falcon joined on, as only one more was needed so he didn't have to remember names!

Falcon and Super Trooper led out our intrepid hero, making him work much harder than he wanted to, taking the honorary sprint at 23.7 mph.

Sharkman confirmed the count of 15 at the first G Ave. crossing and the Nation began to pick up the speed.

Falcon seemed to desperately want the next sprint and coming from the back of the peloton, shouting, "rider left, rider left" and passing, he quickly moved to the front to take the sprint.

I Owe Beer trying to capitalize on
the Iron Horse with this
mountain goat jersey!

Sharkman jumped ahead to build some momentum going into the col de Twin Lakes, but to no avail as most of the Nation passed him mid hill. He did get enough gas to work his way up the pecking order at the finish of the next sprint.

Through the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner and the Kountry Klub, the fast moving train was cranking on all cylinders! The peloton  scattered into small groups as different riders went to the front to pull and others moved up and down the peloton. This section has historically been one of the faster ones, primarily because it is some distance to the final sprint, but this morning it was on fire!

At the turn after the Kountry Klub, and the traditional "sitting up," the Nation regrouped, then really picked up the pace and waited for Hermster to make his move.

This week, the nation seemed ready and when Hermster moved to the front, he had a cast of thousands on his wheel and there was no way he was going to retain the crown he had won two weeks in a row.

Super Trooper edged out Falcon, to which Falcon said, "who is that guy?!"

At the Rt. 43 stop, Super Trooper took a comfort break and Yeti Boy took the opportunity to adjust his wardrobe and took off his gloves to do so.

Unfortunately, he did not get his gloves back on quick enough when the train pulled out of the station and lost contact with the peloton! As veteran's are aware, lose a wheel and lose the day!!!

At the top of the col de Norte, Sharkman was unable to get to the left to check for those still climbing the hill due to a car passing, but someone yelled out, "All on, keep moving!" and the peloton continued to move ahead.

The Sweetheart of the Peloton
arrives with the "sun on her
shoulder!"

Later, in the Holy Roller section, Sharkman noticed Yeti Boy had not made his usual move and was wondering why he was sitting in somewhere behind him?

Meanwhile, Yeti Boy was off the back and fighting to get back on!

Oh, the humanity!!!

As the Nation navigated the Holy Rollers, Dr. Dave jumped on making the 16 riders Sharkman hoped for!

Is this a great country or what!?!

At the food stop, the Nation gathered up and Yeti Boy was able to catch back on.

Apologies to Yeti Boy!

Not to be undone, Wildman arrives!

At the Digital Divide, yet another attempt to form a pace line was initially unsuccessful, but later, a few of the Nation were able to put an informal pace line together. Sharkman thinks a part of the problem is that the riders that move over, don't seem to want to slow down and go back to the end of the line, causing the pace line to have to speed up to get ahead, opening up gaps in the line.

REMEMBER, WHEN YOU MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN TO GO BACK TO THE END OF THE LINE!

The disorganization in the pace line created a slowing and at one point, a Minion hit his brakes in the pace line causing several riders to have to swerve and brake themselves. This is yet another safety concern. Riders need to use braking very, very, sparingly, if at all, in the pace line.

The slower pace may have kept the Nation from achieving a new season high for the average speed as everyone did think it was faster, but ended up being less than the season high of 19.25mph.

As the Nation made the bend to the GGG Spot Sprint, Gazelle Girls entourage came forward to take her to her coveted GGG Spot Sprint finish! It was yet another victory for America!!!

Is that Squeaky or Nanuk of the North?!?

As the Nation made the crossing to the finish, and listened to Sharkman whining about "holding lines, not grouping up, being safe," Hermster moved ahead quickly, this week, followed by some of the big sprinters of the Nation.

The pace picked up quickly and all were jumping on the fast moving train heading to a hoped for winnersville!

As the Nation approached the final ascent to the finish, Hermster pulled off and the Nation went around him as he tried to get up the hill!

Minions were all positioning themselves and Sharkman was concerned about riders moving quickly to pass and causing crashes, but the Nation rode clean as they descended on the finish like crazed and hungry wolves on a fresh kill!

Super Trooper moved out to take a fast moving CycoCross and Rocketman to the finish, with Sharkman (Sharkman only mentions the 4th place finisher when it is him) and Yeti Boy (gotta mention a guy who had to fight to get back on, finishing 5th!)!

It was a victory for America!

The paparazzi and tofosi went wild on the Champs le Galesburg as their hero's rode to the Press Conference at the Koffee Klutch.

The festivities began when the spouses of the Iron Horse veterans were in the Klutch and had ordered breakfast sandwiches!

No, not for the Nation......for THEM!

Wildman and I Owe Beer threw down for koffee and the Nation was in their happy place!!!

The Klutch was rocking!

Is this a great country or what?!?

The Klutch rocked as tofosi tried to get autographs, the press interviews, the ladies enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches and the barista shared photos of her new baby!

Oh, yes, this is a great country!!!

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

In recognition of College Footballs start, it will be College Game Day!

That's right, get out that College Kit and ride!

Which College will take it this year! Michigan? Michigan State? Western Michigan?

Come to ride and find out!

Saturday, September (wait, it's September?) 7, 2019

College Game Day!

Lava Girl & Yeti Girl enjoying the Klutch
breakfast sandwich! Oh, the humanity!

Launch Time - 8:00 a.m!

Be there!!!

The Lovely Toni, Celebrity Rider Durango Kids
bride, wasn't going to be left out on
that breakfast sandwich!

KOFFEE CHANGES?!?!?

Belo News
September 4, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - We have a lot of very generous folks in the Nation, and we love it when a Minion picks up the koffee tab! 

But we've realized that when a generous Minion "pays if forward" by tossing down some cash to cover the first few koffees, the server doesn't receive a tip on that order -- unless the payer specifically tells the server to put some portion of the money in the tip jar. 

So, we'd like to remind our generous Minions that when they pay it forward, they should suggest to the server that a reasonable portion of the money go into the tip jar.

And don't forget, you can always drop a buck in the tip jar when someone else buys. The team at the Klutch has been very good to the mighty Minion Nation and we should always show our gratitude!