OPENING DAY IS FINALLY HERE!

THIS SATURDAY!

BE THERE!

Belo News

March 7, 2012

Galesburg, Mi. – The day every Minion has been waiting for is upon us!

Yes, it is finally here!

Saturday is Opening Day!

For the past 6 years, the Mighty Minion Nation has started the season on a dry, though sometimes cold, second Saturday in March and right now the forecast is looking like it won’t let our hero, or the Nation down this year!

The forecast is for dry weather in the 40’s so it should be a great day to start the 2012 Minion Road Season! The days of riding in the basement are over (at least for the most part)!

Minions will want to make sure they arrive early so that they can take part in the traditional Opening Day photo opportunity!

There will also be time for the parade, followed by the photo opportunity for the paparazzi, opening speeches and it has been rumored that the Mayor of Galesburg might be on hand to give the key to the City to the Sharkman, as well as to fire off the opening cannon!

Luanne, the Minion Nation’s favorite Barista, has been put on notice to be ready for the Post Ride News Conference as well as the throng of riders, paparazzi, and tofosi who will descend on the Klutch after the ride.

Oh, the humanity!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Launch Time: 9:30 A.M. – SHARP!

SPRING SEASON!

Belo News
March 7, 2012

Shark Cove, Mi. - Over the winter, a number of new Minions have joined the Nation’s distribution list and Opening Day may be their very first ride. So Belo News wants to go over what being a Minion is all about and the “culture” of this iconic Saturday morning ride.

1. The very definition of a Minion is a rider who has family, job and other obligations that do not allow them to hammer on their bike all the time. This ride is more about getting a good work out, testing your skills in group riding and having a good time with good riders. Though we like to sprint for Stop Ahead Signs, we wait for all riders to catch back on at the Stop signs. One of the Minion Motto’s is that “We leave no Minion behind!” In the Minion Nation, it is all about the group! Because the Minions do wait at each stop sign, it is important to let riders know if you are dropping off the ride.

2. Opening Day is a bit more “relaxed” than regular rides, so it is a good time to come out and test your legs. Though there should be some fun sprints and of course the final assault to the finish, this first ride will hopefully be social and an opportunity to “shake winter out” of those dorsal fins and catch up with one another.

3. Having said that, we want all riders to have a good time, and hammer heads need not apply. There are plenty of area rides if you want to hammer. This ride is more about the experience and the enjoyment of riding fast in a pace line in a large group of riders. So if you want to hammer the entire ride, this may not be the ride for you. But feel free to knock yourself out sprinting to the Stop Aheads!

4. As the season goes on and the speed picks up, we do occasionally have a “B” group and we are always looking for people to lead that group.

5. Because this is a group ride it is important to obey all traffic laws as well as appropriate group riding etiquette. The number one concern is safety and riding in a pace line requires good communication with other riders, as well as concentration. Don’t worry, veteran Minions will let you know if you are not following proper etiquette. However, if you are unsure about something, ask. Each rider is responsible for their own safety and as it says in the blog:

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

6. If you cannot stay with the group, you should let someone know you are dropping off so that the Minions are not waiting at the next Stop Sign for you. Depending on the number of riders, it can be difficult to determine if riders have dropped off or are left behind, but if you have a mechanical or are dropping off, let a rider ahead of you know.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the start line on Saturday morning!

END OF WINTER PARTY THIS FRIDAY!

SPECIAL GUEST CHRIS CARMICHAEL!

ZICKMAN ON A YELLOW BIKE?

NO ICE, NO POLE 2 POLE! SORRY BUNKIE.....

Belo News

February 18, 2012

Battle Creek, Mi. – As we have been saying for the past few weeks, an annual tradition in the world of cycling is the Team Active End of Winter Party at their store in Battle Creek. This annual event has become famous both as a great show of new gear and a celebration that cycling season is right around the corner. However, the other thing the party is famous for are the Celebrity Guests!

You won’t want to miss this year’s edition, as anyone who is anyone in local cycling will be in attendance.

In addition to our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, the special celebrity guest this year is none other than Chris Carmichael!

Carmichael owns and runs Carmichael Training Systems, an on line training program available to all athletes.

Everyone knows that Carmichael has been the personal coach for seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong as well as George Hincapie, ice-hockey player Saku Koivu and swimmer Ed Moses. Wikipedia reports that athletes under his tutelage have reportedly won a combined total of 33 medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan American Games. In 1997, he joined the Union cycliste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body for cycling headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland as the Olympic Solidarity Coaching Instructor. He is a regular contributor to both Bicycling and Velo Magazines.

But that's not all!

Carmichael is also a former competitive cyclist and member of the U.S. National Cycling Team (1978–1984) and competed in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and was a member of the first U.S. cycling team to compete in the Tour de France, the famous 7-Eleven Cycling Team in 1986.
As a matter of fact, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman had the opportunity to meet Carmichael at his CTS Headquarters in Colorado Springs some years ago and he was so kind, he gave the Sharkman his Olympic Team wind jacket which the Sharkman has proudly hung in the Shark Cove!

The festivities kick off at 5 PM and will run until 9 PM. As usual Team Active will have some great deals on all things cycling and will also have food, beer, and wine on hand. The EOW party is a great way to celebrate the upcoming riding season and an awesome opportunity to reconnect with all your riding buddies.

We are hoping to see a good turn out by the Mighty Minion Nation so……

Be There, Bunkie!

ZICKMAN ON A YELLOW BIKE?

OH, THE HUMANITY!

Belo New
February 18, 2012

Ft. Custer, Mi. – Seven mighty Minions showed up for an impromptu romp in the woods this past Saturday, as the weather continues to cooperate for outdoor riding, even though it has not cooperated for the Pole 2 Pole Race. Zickman reports that Gull Lake has no ice on it, making the race impossible without a wet suit. So no Pole 2 Pole race and as all Cub Fans like to say, “wait until next year!”

But nothing stops the Zickster from getting out and having some fun with the Minions. No, not even the embarrassment of riding his wife’s mountain bike. That’s right, the legendary Zickman, veteran of the Iceman and other endurance racing, showed up on Saturday sporting the bright yellow bike, with green tires, you see in the photo above! Sporting a “gel seat cover” Zickman was unrepentant in his wish to ride this bike. Explaining it was his wife’s bike and he wanted to “test ride it” he maintained that was all there was to the story.

However, in yet another in-depth investigative report, the Belo News has learned the real reason the Zickman decided to come out on his wife’s yellow steed.

It appears that this mighty Minion, this legend of the peloton, the Zickman has taken his beloved 29er apart and has not yet figured out how to put it all back together. Oh, yes, it is now clean. However, it just isn’t a bike at the moment.

As our young Minion rider, Wrongway stated, Zickman will now need to do the “walk of shame.” The “walk of shame” happens when a rider needs to take their bike, in a bushel basket, to the bike shop to be re-assembled. Oh, the humanity of it all!

None the less, riding that yellow mountain bike with a gel seat didn’t stop our Zickman from kicking some butt!

Zickman led the Minions with Bissell Boy, Brewman, Yeti Boy, Stingray, Brewman, Wrongway and our intrepid hero, the Sharkman in tow. It was also later learned that even Hossman showed up, but came late and ended up riding the Green Trail solo.

The riders did a lap on the Blue Trail before attacking the Red, where they ripped through the Amusement Park, where Yeti Boy sustained a flat to his rear tire. In what has been described as a tire changing seminar, (or was he trying to regain some respect in the peloton), Zickman took control and changed the tube in record breaking time using only one tire iron! In a fantastic display of mechanical workmanship, Zickman had the tire changed and inflated in record breaking time! Is this a great country or what!

The Minions finished up and prepared for a photo opportunity at the Trail Head. Zickman asked the Belo News reporter, after he was asked to put the yellow bike in the photo, if there was a plan to make fun of him. Zickman now realizes that Belo News need not make fun of him, he has done that himself!

Here at Belo News, like they say at Fox News, “we report it, you decide!”

See everyone at the End of Winter Party!

Be there!

MINIONS ROCK AT FT. CUSTER!

SHARKMAN DOES THE ROAD!

Belo News
February 4, 2011

Ft. Custer, Mi. – A few of the Mighty Minion Nation decided to take advantage of the weather this past weekend and headed out to the Fort for some sunshine and single track. Wait, did you say sunshine?

That’s correct, Bunkie! The weekend was unbelievable and the Minions jumped all over it at the Fort, where the trails are in excellent condition and the temps were hovering the lower 40’s. Heck, it was almost shorts weather! How can that be on February 4!

Our intrepid hero was just a tad later than normal in getting to the trail head and as he drove in he saw that Danimal was already warming up on an even bigger Surley than his old Pugsley. Danimal, the trend setter that he is, was riding a new “Moonlander” Surley (http://surlybikes.com/bikes/moonlander) that had even larger tires than his old Pugsley! Oh, the humanity. This thing could even roll over Wolf King after a Doritos induced coma on the side of road (or couch)!

In addition to Danimal, others in attendance were Brewman, Wrongway, Stingray, Chumbly, MC Hammer and another unknown rider who went by the name of Daniel. The Nation was ready to ride!After scenic loop on the Blue, the Mighty Minion Nation decided to hammer it out on the Red when Stringray, about 2/3rds of the way through, experienced a flat rear tire. After getting another tube loaded, he shocked the tire with a shot of CO2 and the tire went flat again. He decided to “walk out” for the third time this season. Stingray has been on a string of “walking out” of the Fort. He has had a chain break and blew out a side wall in previous weeks and expressed his frustration as he was loading his steed into his pick up truck at the Trail Head.

Over all, a great ride and a great way to spend a February Saturday morning!

Actually, it was such a great weekend, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, got his cyclocross bike out on Sunday and did a 20 miler! He actually complained that he had over dressed for the ride as the temps hit 50 degrees! This can’t be February!

Is there anything better than that first road ride of the season? Especially when it comes on February 3? Is this a great country or what?

REMEMBER, ONLY 7 WEEKS TO OPENING DAY!

END OF WINTER PARTY WITH SPECIAL GUEST, CHRIS CARMICHAEL ON FEBRUARY 24 AT TEAM ACTIVE IN BATTLE CREEK!

POLE 2 POLE RACE – WEATHER PERMITTING, AND IT AIN’T PERMITTING YET!

ONLY 8 WEEKS UNTIL OPENING DAY!

END OF WINTER PARTY FEBRUARY 24 WITH CHRIS CARMICHAEL!

SPEAKING OF WINTER, WHERE IS IT?

POLE 2 POLE RACE IN JEOPARDY!

A NEW MINION “RAINDROP” IN THE PELOTON?


Belo News
February 1, 2011

Battle Creek, Mi. – We know you have all been waiting for it, so here it is!

Yes, boys and girls, it is time for the Mid-Winter Belo News Update!

And what a lousy mid-winter it has been, eh Bunkie?

Oh, sure, some people like the fact that it has been warmish, with little to no snow, however, since January 7, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, has not been on the bike outside!

Oh, the humanity! So, what’s wrong with it being warm?

Just enough snow (and slush) to keep our hero off the trails and roads and not enough snow to cross country ski!

Cruel irony, eh?

What does this all mean, you ask?

Well, Belo News will tell you what it means!

It means logging miles and miles on the torture device we have all come to know as, the dreaded indoor trainer!

It also causes one to wonder when the payback will come. Heavy snow and rain for Opening Day? A long, cold and wet Spring? Hey, we’re from Michigan, we know payback is hell! But the Mighty Minion Nation will survive!

If you are riding outside, always remember Rule # 9 from “The Rules” at Velomainati!

Rule #9 – If you are riding outside in bad weather, it means you are a badass! Period!

For more rules see; http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#9

So even if the weather get’s bad, the badass Mighty Minion Nation will ride!

Maybe…

Actually, the Sharkman does have a “state of the art” trainer in the cove basement but he just hates riding indoors when he can be outdoors! He does, however, like kicking Lance Armstrong’s butt in the basement and he does want the mighty Minion Nation to know he has never, ever lost a sprint against Armstrong or any of the European Pro’s in his basement. Yep, completely undefeated down there and a complete “Master of his domain!”

So, with only 8 weeks until Opening Day, we here at Belo News are hoping that everyone is getting their training in.

But we digress. Belo News has a lot of news for the Mighty Minion Nation, so let’s get started……!

END OF WINTER PARTY FEBRUARY 24, 2012!

SPECIAL GUEST CHRIS CARMICHAEL!

FREE WEEKLY SPIN CLASSES!

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Battle Creek, Mi. – An annual tradition in the world of cycling is the Team Active End of Winter Party at their store in Battle Creek. This annual event has become famous both as a great show of new gear and a celebration that cycling season is right around the corner. But the other thing the party is famous for are the Celebrity Guests!

Reporting from our own fellow Minion, Dutch, so here is the scoop:

First: Friday, February 24th is the date for the 19th annual Team Active End of Winter Party. We are especially psyched this year because our special guest will be none other than Chris Carmichael. We are looking forward to our biggest EOW party ever. The event kicks off at 5 PM and will run until 9 PM. As usual we will have some great deals on all things cycling and will also have food, beer, and wine on hand. The EOW party is a great way to celebrate the upcoming riding season and an awesome opportunity to reconnect with all your riding buddies.

Second: Team Active is holding free weekly spinning sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings here at the shop at 6 PM and also on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM. Participants need to bring their own rollers or trainer, appropriate riding attire, a water bottle and a towel. The weekly sessions will continue through the end of February. Riding with friends is a great way to make indoor riding more tolerable. And let us not forget that the spring riding season is just around the corner; time to charge up those legs and slim the waistline.

Thanks Dutch!

SPEAKING ABOUT PARTIES, WHAT ABOUT THE POLE 2 POLE RACE?

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Gull Lake, Mi. – The second annual “Pole 2 Pole” race that is put on by our own Zickman is in jeopardy this year, as the Lake has not yet frozen. O.K., we are the “Shark Minions” but nobody wants to swim or put on a wet suit this time of year, right? So unless it get’s pretty darn cold, the Pole to Pole Race will be cancelled. Look for another Belo News edition later in February to announce if the Race will go on.

As Zickman mentioned in a recent email, we wouldn’t want to see any drownings as they tend to be real downers no matter how much beer there is…..

NEW “RAINDROP” EXPECTED IN JULY!

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Shark Cove, Mi. – Over the holiday’s, it was revealed that the “second couple” of the Mighty Minion Nation, Rainman and Tardette (the first couple is, of course, Sharkman and Lava Girl) have a little “Raindrop” in their future!

Yes, the Mighty Minion Nation seems pretty fertile these days, as yet another cycling legend (who looks a lot like Andy Shleck) and the famous cycling couple have announced they are expecting a baby sharklet this coming July! There goes Rainman’s training schedule!

Tardette is doing well and all in the Shark Cove are extremely excited at the prospect of yet another sharklet addition to the Nation!

Congratulations to Rainman and Tardette from the Minion Nation!

RAINMAN ON A NEW RIDE?!

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Fort Custer, Mi. – It was not only a special Christmas at the Shark Cove with the announcement of the new “Raindrop” in the neighborhood but also the announcement that Tardette had purchased a new Trek Superfly 29er for the Rainman for Christmas! Whoa, a new carbon fiber 29er for Christmas? You bet! Rainman is seen here standing next to his new steed as he took on Ft. Custer over the Holidays! In her acceptance speech for “Wife of the Year” award, Tardette was quoted as saying, “Is this great country or what?”

BARRY-ROUBAIX, WHO IS IN?

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Battle Creek, Mi. – Don’t forget that Barry-Roubaix is coming up on March 24, 2012. Wrongway wrote in to Belo News that he is signed up for the 62 miler under the team name “Meat Factory!” Whoa Wrongway! Make the Mighty Minion Nation proud and remember to report your results back to Belo News!


RACING INSIDE A STORE? CRAZY!

Belo News
January 9, 2012

Grand Rapids, Mi. – So, what has our other intrepid hero, Brewman been up to? Well check it out at these sites below! This guy, famous for riding mountain, cross, road and swilling beer is just everywhere! Where else can you get in-depth reporting like this? Check these sites out!

First race of 2012. What a fun event. In and out of an old Meijer store.

http://www.jhkunnenphoto.com/p587476310/e7587dc3

Check out their facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutCyclocross

IS BIKING GOOD FOR YOU?

Belo News
February 1, 2012

Shark Cove, Mi. – So, you’ve been wondering, “are all the miles I ride good for me?” Well, Bunkie, here is some proof that they are, as well as a great blog to check out. Sharkman’s daughter knows this bloggist from her days at Ski Magazine and passed it on to our hero. Enjoy!

If you don’t think this bike riding thing makes a huge difference as you get older, then check this out!

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2012/01/finding-inspiration-in-an-mri/

(Rumor has it that the photo of the 74 year old sedentary gentleman legs are really the legs of Wolf King after doing “virtual training” on the couch with a bag of Doritos.)

On this same blog, you are going to want to watch this video!

Love Scotland? Love mountain biking? Well why not do them both! Is this a great country or what!

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2010/07/worlds-best-bike-handlers-throw-down-in-scotland/


DON’T FORGET! OPENING DAY!

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012!

BE THERE!

Guess what Sharkman and Bissell Boy got for Christmas

That's right folks, the staff at Belo News received Go Pro cameras for Christmas from their kids.  Just when you thought Belo couldn't get any better!  Is this a great country or what?

Holiday Fun with Sharkman and Brewman

SHARKMAN DOES TOUR OF

SANTA FE!

HOW ABOUT A NEW YEARS DAY PARTY?

A NEW MINION IN THE PELOTON?!

INJURY UPDATES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE MIGHTY MINION NATION!


Belo News
December 22, 2011

Battle Creek, Mi. – At Outside Magazine, you get the Buyers Guide, at Sports Illustrated, you get the Swim Suit Edition, Bicycling has the New Bike Guide, so with the entire Minion Nation suffering from major Belo News “withdrawal,” the Editors have decided to put together this Early Winter/Christmas Edition of the Belo News! Oh the humanity!

And have we got news for you, Bunkie!

The Editors at Belo News have been following the exploits and foibles of our intrepid hero and one thing we know about the diminutive dynamo is that he is always on the go! After his conquest and reign at the Iceman Cometh, our hero booked a trip out to Santa Fe to do some more biking with his son in law, the Great Moultini, who scored him a couple of great test bikes (along with some great bike and winter swag!).

And ride they did!

Then it was out to San Francisco to visit with even more Sharklets and to have an early Christmas on the West Coast! Oh, the humanity!

And when he got back, what did our hero do, you ask?

He went out to Ft. Custer for a ride, that’s what he did!

But we digress, ........so let’s get started!

TOUR OF THE WEST!

Belo News
November 23, 2011

Santa Fe, N.M. – Our intrepid hero headed out to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving and an early Christmas celebration where his son in law, the Great Moultini, scored the Sharkman not one, but two test bikes to ride. The Great Moultini delivered on both a carbon fiber road bike, as well as a dual suspension, aluminum 29er! These bikes were AWESOME!

Less than a mile from the Moultini’s lair, there is 20 miles of single track dessert riding through dry river beds and foothills. Riding in and out of the river beds is like a BMX route that is filled with stomach dropping thrills and spills. The entire area slopes up towards the mountains and after climbing the foothills, the rider can be assured of an exhilarating descent down to the finish. Sharkman and Moultini got 4 mountain bike rides in during the visit.

The day that our hero arrived, the Great Moultini wanted to insure that he put his father in law in the “Pain Cave” before he could get acclimated to the 7,000 ft. of elevation so he took him out on a short, but hilly road ride on a bike so light our hero felt like he should be tethering it to his wrist so it wouldn’t float away. That is, until he got to the first climb and then could not get enough air in his lungs to pedal the carbon fiber bike (that now seemed to weigh as much as a Mack Truck) up the incline!

On the Friday after Thanksgiving (Black Friday), the Great Moultini and two other riders from the Magazine took our hero down to a mountain climb near Albuquerque that they would do on road bikes. It was raining pretty hard at the start and the Sharkman attempted to invoke the Shark Minion Credo that a Minion will ride IN the rain, but not START in the rain. However, the Great Moultini made it clear they all were riding this day.

Things got interesting when the paved road they were on turned to gravel and then dirt as they started to climb in search of the “alleged paved road” to the mountain. The now, not so Great Moultini and Alpha Leader told the crew that he was sure they would get to the paved road that goes up the mountain soon as he led the forced march in grit and sand and speeds of 4-5 mph were pounded out by the four riders.

As the rain turned to sleet and then snow, the wet group of riders decided they’d had enough fun and turned around to head back down the mountain to the Tahoe. Their once hot, sweaty bodies, began to cool dramatically as the only exertion on the way down the hill was the working of the brake levers as they maneuvered through the sand and muck at, ….well 4-5 mph.

With the sound of squealing brake pads ringing in their ears, the four wet riders descended the mountain like drunken sailors walking home after a night in port.

After a brief, but exciting encounter with a stray dog, and by the time they got back to the pavement and the car, they were so cold their fingers did not work to unbuckle their helmet straps and they had to unbuckle each others! The bikes were filled with sand and grit as they jumped into the car and got the heater going. Sharkman pulled out his iPhone, with his frozen hands, and opened the Starbucks app and learned there was a Starbucks just down the road. As the riders warmed their frozen mitts around the warm cups of coffee and discussions of their exploits, the cold miserable ride became a ride of epic proportions. With each sip of the warm, dark roast, the ride became more fun in their memories and they began talking about the next ride adventure.

Great thing about cycling, eh? “They’re all good rides! As they say, a bad day on the bike is better than a good day in the office….”

Sharkman and Lava Girl had a great time visiting all their sharklet’s out west!

NEW MINION IN THE PELOTON!
Or should we say “sharklet!”

Belo News
December 15, 2011

Kalamazoo, Mi. – The Editors at Belo News are pleased to announce a new addition to the Mighty Minion Nation!

Born to Luke (Sky Walker and son of the Tow Truck) and Paige Miller on December 15, 2011 at 6:20am EST. and weighing in at 9lbs 2oz. and 21.8 inches we are pleased to announce the introduction of the newest addition to Team Miller!

Eason Charles Miller!

(Nick Name to be determined)

This photo caught him dreaming about riding the Tow Truck’s wheel!

Congratulations to Luke and Paige (and the proud Tow Truck) and the entire Miller Clan! It will be a VERY merry Christmas at the Tow Truck home this year!

We understand Tow Truck is already shopping for bikes for the future Minion Racer!

INJURY UPDATE!

Belo News
December 19, 2011

Kalamazoo, Mi. – We are pleased to report the legendary Minion, Hawkeye, is doing well in his recovery and is through the major part of his treatment for melanoma. Hawkeye reports that he has lost a good bit of weight, around 30 pounds and is hoping to be lean and mean next summer when he gets back to the peloton! (Scary to think of a lighter, more powerful Hawkeye! Oh, the humanity!)

Hawkeye also reported that a CT scan and MRI taken back in October came back clean!

Hawkeye wants the Minion Nation to know he appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers and looks forward to getting back to the peloton next season!

The Minion Nation looks forward to seeing Hawkeye back in the hunt for that finishing sprint this spring!


NEW YEARS DAY FT. CUSTER EXTRAVAGANZA!

Belo News
January 1, 2012

Ft. Custer – M.C. Hammer, long time Minion and wife of the intrepid Minion Chumley, wants to invite the Mighty Minion Nation to her 15th Annual New Years Day ride/hike/ski/snow shoe extravaganza out at Ft. Custer!

What better way to knock the dog that bit you out of your fuzzy little Minion head from all that New Years Eve partying then to put on some ski’s, snow shoes, mountain bike shoes/boots or whatever and come on our to the Ft. for some fun and camaraderie?

Is this a great country or what?

So mark you calendars now!

Monday, January 1, 2012

Ft. Custer Recreation Area Trail Head

– Party Time – 10:00 A.M. until ???

What a way to start 2012!

AND NOW A WORD FROM THE SHARKMAN HISSELF!

Belo News
December 21, 2011

Shark Cove, MI. – To my Mighty Minion Nation, Lava Girl and I want to wish all of you a

VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Don’t forget, Opening Day is only 80 days away!

(Yep, 80....count'em yourself)

(Get the Koffee ready Luann!)