CELEBRITY OR REGULAR SHARK MINIONS???
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| These are the mornings you're missing, Bunkie!!! |
THE NATION DOESN'T LET SHARKMAN RIDE ALONE!!!
Mighty Shark Minion Nation ready to roll!
SHARK MINIONS ROCK BARRY ROUBAIX - BIG TIME!!!
BREWMAN BRINGS MOUNT HALEAKALA TO ITS KNEES!!!
INTERNATIONAL/STATE JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!!!
Belo News
October 2, 2021
Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero was slow getting up, wondering with all the Shark Minions riding Barry-Roubiax, would there be anyone to ride with the diminutive shark?
However, he had received emails and texts from Rainman, Dreamboat, Gazelle Girl and Toesetter that they would, indeed, be riding which made him feel better! Though he wasn't sure if Dreamboat was a celebrity rider or a regular Shark Minion. After all, Dreamboat does live in California, but he has made it to more Shark Minions rides this year than some regular Shark Minions. Is this a great country or what?!?
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| Returning Shark Minion now known as "The Swede!" |
Needless to say, Sharkman was excited to have them all back, but wondered about his ride over. After all, it had been some time since he had ridden solo to the start......oh, the humanity!
It was a bit dark as he launched, wondering if at least Fire would be at the regular rendevouz spot.
As the Shark approached the intersection of Helmer and Watkins, no Fire.....oh, double the humanity. Our intrepid hero had no entourage on the day........
As he got out to Renton Road he looked back and saw the sun coming up and it was drop dead gorgeous! He had to stop and get that photo!
Interestingly, and with no Fire, our hero still managed a 17.4 mph average on the way over and speculated if it was because there was no Reb whining from the back, "What's the rush?"
As he came down the hill and through town he saw Greyhound sitting in Wishbones regular spot at the Klutch getting an early fueling of Bottomless before heading out.
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| Virgin Minion Jeff! Shark Minion Name to be determined! |
As our hero approached the start there were two riders that he did not recognized and quickly welcomed them and introduced himself. One of them, Mike, had ridden the previous week and had also ridden before, but it had been a while. When asked if he had been given a Shark Minion name he stated he had not. Sharkman saw his Sweden Jersey and said, "We don't have a 'Swede' in the group, so you are now "The Swede!" Welcome back to the mighty Shark Minion Nation, Swede!
The Swede had brought the second rider, a virgin Minion whose name is Jeff. Sharkman thought he looked familiar but couldn't figure out who he reminded him of. More on that later and his "naming!" Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation Jeff (SMNTBD)!
Immediately after, Hermster pulled in, along with Rainman and Dreamboat. Wildman rode up and then CycoCross, who happened to know the Swede! It was like old home week for the two riders who used to do the Friday night club ride on the same KK-TdG course!
Boxer was back, and then the "Sweetheart of the Peloton," Gazelle Girl came riding in with her entourage, including her main squeeze, the legendary Toesetter! Shouts of Gazelle Girl rang out and could be heard all along the Kalamazoo River Valley!
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| Hermster was back in the mix! |
Included in her entourage was Greyhound, who jumped on at the Klutch.
As the start picture was being clicked, Rocketman pulled in and just made the start! For the first time this season!!!
Sharkman gave a warning about chestnuts being all over the road as the sound of pedals clicking in and the whir of tires rang out and through the greater metropolis known as Galesburg, past the Klutch, over the railroad tracks and on up 36th Street.
Sharkman was pressing the flesh and riding with virgin Shark Minion Jeff, still wondering who he looked like, and getting to know the rider better. Sharkman determined him to be good Shark Minion material as he then excused himself and started working his way forward. He was immediately surrounded by Rocketman, Gazelle Girl and Wildman who took him forward just before Rocketman led him out to his honorary first sprint!
The Shark Minion Nation stopped for a wardrobe adjustment, as riders began pealing off layers, and Sharkman snapped a photo.
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| Celebrity Rider? Shark Minion? You make the call, but we love having Dreamboat back so often this season!!! |
Wildman and Sharkman took the lead and feeling frisky, Sharkman went ahead to steal the second sprint as well, though no one really contested it.
As the Nation ascended the col de Twin Lakes, someone noticed Rocketman pull over and as the riders got to the sprint finish, Rocketman wasn't on. But no one heard "Mechanical!"
Being unsure and also being senstive to leaving Reb behind a couple of weeks earlier, Sharkman headed back and found Rocketman cresting the col de Twin Lakes climb (and glad he did not have to climb it again) as Rocketman explained that he had thrown his chain.
With all on, the Shark Minion trained pulled out and headed across Rt. 89, where Dreamboat and Rainman picked up the pull and led the riders past the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner, the Kountry Klub and on to Rt. 43, where Hermster put in an attack that was sucked back up by Rainman, Dreamboat, Wildman and Rocketman.
As the riders approached the Col de Norte, there was that legend of the peloton, that world famous mountain climber/hiker, the talk of the peloton, the one, the only, Zychkmanne, also known as Fabio!!!
Welcome home Fabio! You have been missed!!!
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| Always good to have Rainman back in the mix!! |
After Sharkman took the count at the summit of the col de Norte, he took off to start the push towards the Holy Rollers, where Hermster put in another attack, leaving Sharkman so far behind it is unkown who won that sprint.
After the fed stop, the Nation continued with a full stop at the Inlet, followed by a safe crossing at the Digital Divide.
Sharkman started the pace line after the crossing, quickly turning it over the young Rainman, who, along with Dreamboat and Rocketman, took the pace up. Actually, they were taking the pace up so well, Sharkman started to get concerned about where Gazelle Girl was and also knew he would not be able to pick up the pace to lead her out!
However, as riders began to look back for the "Sweetheart of the Peloton," Rainman dropped back, picked up Gazelle Girl and began the lead out!! Is this a great country or what!!!
The Nation was in awe as Rainman, with Gazelle Girl, smiling on his wheel, motored to the front to get her in the perfect position to capture her coveted and satifying GGG Spot Sprint! For the young rider, getting married in a few weeks, it was a delightful position to be in as he delivered her to the sprint climax to an explosion of cheers, leaving the everyone simply, breathless!
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| A svelte Wildman lining up at the start! |
It was a victory for America!!!
After the GGG Spot crossing, Sharkman jumped to the front, hoping to get a rabbit to come forward, but instead getting caught at the short climb at the start of the final sprint.
Hermster threw himself on his sword and rocketed to the front, as the peloton simply waited on his wheel to make their moves.
The pace line was energized and moving like a runaway train on their way to the finish. Rainman, Dreamboat, Swede, Rocketman, Zyckmann, and a cast of thousands moved to the front.
As the fast moving Shark Minions decended to the finish, like a pack of dogs on a meat wagon, Swede moved ahead to take the tape with Fabio taking the second spot, but not being at the start, wasn't eligible. So Rainman took the second spot on the podium with Rocketman locking up the third spot.
Finishing pace, 18.9 mph average. Considering that included Sharkman going back for Rocketman at the col de Twin Lakes, the speed was probably more like 19 mph! Is this a great country or what?!?
The Nation rocked the Champs le Galesburg as the paparazzi and tofosi went wild!!!
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| CycoCross "bumping wheels" with the Swede! |
Greyhound was the first to throw his credit card down and picked up the koffee!! Bottomless for everyone! Thanks Greyhound!!!
As they sat around the table at the Press Conference answering questions, it dawned on Sharkman who virgin Minion Jeff looked like. Sharkman thought he looked like the actor Benedict Cumberbatch!!! Sharkman immediately began trying to think of characters he has played, but Sherlock Holmes or Dr. Strange didn't seem to fit. Then Swede told him his name should be "Fixit." Belo News is not sure were that came from, though he is an engineer, and later, Gazelle Girl suggested he be named "Choo Choo" because he is, well, an engineer. Just not a train engineer......
Later in the day, Belo News got an email from Jeff, asking to be put on the distribution, and signed it "Fixit."
What to do....
Time for another "Name the Shark Minion" contest. So let's name Jeff. Will it be Fixit, or Choo Choo?
Simply mail your choice, along with a check made out to Sharkman in the amount of $25.00 (no third party, post dated, out of state checks this time) to Sharkman/CO Belo News, Shark Cove, Michigan.
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| Boxer was back and ready to ride! |
After the tabulation, those who pick the winnig name will be put in a drawing with the winner getting to buy a kup of Bottomless for Sharkman Hizzelf! Is this a great country or what?!? Second place is buying two kups of koffee for our intrepid hero.......
Is this a great country or what!?? Especially if you're Sharkman hizzelf!
The Klutch rocked and riders stuck around longer, taking in the ambience as the season starts to wind down.
Normally the Shark Minion Nation would move to Fort Custer this time of year, but we still have some warm weather predicted so the Shark Minion Nation will stay on the roads for at least one more week if not longer!!!
And mark you calendars now for the "In Lieu of Iceman Ride" on the first Saturday in November (November 6)!
This Saturday has been named "International/State Jersey Day!"
Belo News is not sure if we've had this jersey day, but Swede's Sweden Jersey gave Sharkman the idea and he has an international jersey he wants to wear!
So, get out your International or State Jersey and ride, Bunkie!!!
This Saturday, October 9, 2021!
Launch Time - 8:30 a.m. - SHARP!!!
BE THERE!
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| The "Sweetheart of the Peloton" arrives with her entourage! |
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| Toesetter was back!!! |
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| The Vortex known as Greyhound! |
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| Give it up, Sharkman! |
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| Wardrobe adjustment time...... |
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| The joint was jumping! |
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| Chief Barista, Andrew, was wearing his Shark Minion kit! |
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| Turned out Gazelle Girl and Toesetter knew virgin Minion Jeff from a previous life! |
Belo News
October 2, 2021
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| Rule 24 Guy, Reb and Yeit Boy before the race! |
Hastings, Mi. - It was a big day for the mighty Shark Minion Nation as they took on that Gravel Road Race known as Barry-Roubaix!
Early reports started coming into Belo News quickly.
The legend known as Stryker Guy reported he had survied AND finished, as well as Bissell Boy, who had a very good time!
It was also learned that Reb turned in another outstanding performance, and actual PR as did his wingman, Yeti boy and Rule 24 Guy!
The star of the day was our own Skittles who competed in the 100 mile race (what was he thinking? .......We don't know!) and turned in an unbelievable 15. 05 mph average! Oh, the humanity!!!
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| Stryker Guy raced in his Shark Minion kit! You go, Stryker Guy! |
These Shark Minions did the Nation proud!!!
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| Stryker Guy and Bissell Boy after turning in a great day on the road! |
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| Bissell Boy lines up to ride! |
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| Skittles rocked the 100 miler (actually, 104.8!) |
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| Skittles stats! The man is a legend!!! |
BREWMAN BRINGS MOUNT HALEAKALA TO ITS KNEES!!!
Belo NewsBrewman ready for the descent!
October 3, 2021
Maui, Hawaii - Our own Brewman reported in from Hawaii (who even knew he was there?!?)
Early Sunday morning (Maui time) that legend known as Brewman took on Mount Haleakala in the National Park. Sending a note, just before his massive descent, Brewman simply comment in the way only humble Shark Minion can do, and we quote....." Brewman getting ready to rip down Mount Haleakala after watching the sun rise." Not even an exclamation point! This man knows how to make a points!!! And what a sunrise it was!!! Oh, the humanity!
Belo News has not heard from Brewman since, but has assumed he rocked the course! Thanks for reporting in Brewman and we look forward to getting all the details!!!!
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| What a sunrise!!! |
Riders joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider involved.
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