ENOUGH WITH THE RAIN ALREADY!!!

WHO WANT'S TO PITCH IN ON AN ARK?

MINION ROCK COAST TO COAST GRAVEL GRINDER!

SPECIAL REPORT!!!

RED, WHITE & BLUE WEEKEND COMING UP!!!

Belo News

June 26, 2021

Shark Cove, Mi. - What, again?!?

This time, our intrepid hero was up early, pouring over weather charts, consulting with his weather expert (that would be Reb) and trying to make the call. It started with a text from Reb, "Heavy is the head that wears the crown - what are you thinking?"

In the green hue of the Shark Radar screen, our intrepid hero was wondering........the cells were popping up all over but it looked like it might clear around launch time. However, it did not look like the roads would ever dry and more rain looked to be in the future during the ride and on the return to the Shark Cove.

Reb texted back that no matter what the decision, the ride would be wet. Sharkman's greater concern was any lightning, which did not seem to be in the immediate forecast, but could come quickly in the right rain cell. 

As the clock ticked, Sharkman decided there was no way to avoid the rain, and decided to make the call to cancel. 

Oh, the humanity.......not again!

He drudged down to his computer and sent out the notice, as well as posted at Belo News.

One Minion got back to him stating, "my bike weeps...." to which Sharkman responded, "I know your pain."

But it turned out to be a good call, as there were several periods of some pretty torrential rain.

We believe that this is a first for the mighty Shark Minion Nation, as to our knowledge, the Nation has never been rained out two Saturdays in a row!

The Nation has been living the dream and can only hope it returns this Saturday!!!

And there is always another Saturday, right?!?!

The Nation will forego "Vintage Jersey Day" and in fact, Belo News is concerned it is a jinxed Jersey Day?.......

But since it will be the 4th of July weekend, it will of course, be "Red, White & Blue Kit Day!"

Is this a great country or what?!?

So break out that Red, White & Blue Kit and let's ride!!!

Saturday, July 3, 2021 - Red, White & Blue Kit Day!!!

Launch Time - 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!

BE THERE!

MINION ROCK COAST TO COAST GRAVEL GRINDER!

Special to Belo News

June 27, 2021

Our hero's, Stryker Guy &
Bissell Boy with their 
Swag!!!

Ludington, MI 

Stryker Guy, Contributing Editor

After the year of Covid cancelled bike rides, the Coast to Coast, Gravel Grinder was back with a vengeance.  

In the past the 210 mile Coast to Coast (Bay City to Ludington) and the 100 mile “Loop” ride were held on the same day. This year the long ride launched on Saturday.  

About 100 riders with obvious severe mental problems, left Saturday morning in a driving rain storm, which lasted most of the day.  Many did not finish. SG and Bissell Boy (along with his son in law Joe, Minion name to be determined) drove to Ludington on Saturday witnessing the rain and horrible conditions and wondering if they should return home or head to the bar.  Fortunately the rain stopped Saturday night and the conditions were close to ideal on Sunday. 

SG and BB were excited to learn that there were only 16 riders in the +60 category meaning they had at least a 50% chance of finishing in the top 15! (Note: we finished tied for 7th).  It was a great day on a beautiful course complete with plenty of gravel (imagine that!), gorgeous wooded roads, single track (yep!) and an incredible lack of climbing (only about 2440 ft). 

 

Action shots our "legends of the peloton!"

Stryker Guy and his lead out man, Bissell Boy!

To cap the day, each finisher received a commemorative beer mug, HOWEVER, there was no beer to be found anywhere, which forced the author to lodge a strongly worded complaint to the race director.  

A great day to ride with my fellow minion and friend BB. 

Editors Note: You did the mighty Shark Minion Nation proud! Thanks for the report and hope to hear  all about it this Saturday!!!

AND DON'T FORGET THE RETIREE'S LUNCH RIDE ON JULY 15!

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