WHEN
IS A BIKE RIDE NOT A BIKE RIDE?
 |
| Stingray, Airman and Virgin Minion Craig, (name to be determined)! |
NEW
RIDER IN THE NATION?
BEU
ON TAP FOR JULY 30 WITH ALTERNATE ROUTE!
SHARKMAN
BACK ON THE BIKE?
WISHBONE
AT THE PARADE!
“B”
GROUP TO BEGIN?!!
WHERE
IN THE WORLD IS STRYKER GUY/COVER GIRL?
BANJOVI
IN CONCERT!
Belo
News
July
7, 2016
Shark
Cove, Mi. - Man, what a weekend! Bike rides, parades, new riders,
Wishbone on the mend and Sharkman back on the bike! Is this a great
country or what!?!
As
a matter of fact, it was so busy, our staff here at Belo News was not
able to meet this Editions deadline, but they worked 24/7 to get it
out one day later! Oh, the humanity!
 |
| Reb & Nikeboy waiting for Gazelle Girl and some other guy's arrival! |
So what happened this weekend, our readers ask?
Saturday
was Red, White & Blue Kit Day and the Nation turned up in mass!
Sharkman rode over to the Klutch on his motorcycle and meet the
newest member of the peloton, Craig Taylor! Earlier in the week,
Craig contacted Sharkman to inquire about the ride. Yooper, long time
Minion, very infrequent rider, had recommended the ride to Craig, who
was just transferred to Battle Creek by Kellogg from California. After
a couple of emails explaining the ride, Sharkman was all set to meet
the young, potential Minion at the Klutch as the Nation pulled up for
koffee on Saturday. Approximately 20 riders took part in the day's
activities.
When
the Nation walked in, it was easy to identify the new rider! Built
more like a middle linebacker than a cyclist, Craig seemed to fit
right in with the Nation. Apparently, on the ride, nick names were
discussed and one was California Kid after just moving here from the
Golden State. However, Craig recommended Ghirardelli (after the
“Proud makers of gourmet chocolates!) for obvious reasons. This
Minion is going to fit right in with the Nation!
So
Belo News believes it is time for another “Name that Minion”
contest! The Nation hasn't had one of these since the naming of
“Specimen!”
 |
| Virgin Minion Craig! Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation! |
So,
please vote on one of two names, California Kid or Ghirardelli.
Please place the name you like best in a self addressed envelope with
the entry fee check of $50.00 made out to Sharkman C/O Belo News/
Shark Cove, Mi. and win a free kup of Koffee! Is this a great country
or what (void where prohibited by law and no third party, out of
state, post dated checks this time!).
After
a great morning meeting the California Kid/Ghirardelli, Sharkman
headed home in anticipation of his first ride since his surgery. It
had been exactly two months so he was itching to ride! Lava Girl
insisted on going with him to insure that our intrepid hero didn't
“over do it” as he is prone to do, and the two rode a very easy
11+ miles! Though our hero described his butt as sore when he was
done, it was not from the surgery but from his lack of saddle time.
On
Monday morning, on the 4th
of July, the Nation gathered from the “South Route Tour of
southwest Kalamazoo County.” Though there was no one to point out
the many sites and exhibits on the ride, and the Nation struggled
with the route and took the longer version, the ride was again
described as “mellow” with again, about 20 riders in attendance.
 |
| Red, White & Blue Kit Day, huge success! |
Since
the Nation had taken the longer route, they did not have time to stop
at the Klutch for Koffee and headed straight to the Richland Parade
start. Actually, our intrepid hero and Lava Girl passed the riders
heading into the col de Twin Lakes and waved as they passed the
Nation on the road. However, they were so intent on the ride, no one
noticed. Sharkman commented that it was great to see all the Shark
Minion Jersey's heading to the parade!
After
pulling in and unloading their bikes, Sharkman immediately bumped
into Bissell Boy who road up and stated “I couldn't miss the
Sharkman's debut ride!” Thanks Bissell Boy!
As
they rode to the parade start, they started to see the sea of Shark
Minion Jersey's! In addition to Bissell Boy, there was Skipper,
Zyckmann, Dr. Dave, Wildman, Brewman, Bluto, Great Dane, Ranger Rick,
Stingray, Hoosier Boy with Mrs. Hoosier Boy, and even California
Kid/Ghirardelli! And of course, the “Sweetheart of the Peloton,”
the incomparable Gazelle Girl!
 |
| Which way do we go? Where are the tourist sites? Where is Sharkman? |
Squeaky
rode in with streamers in his spokes and wearing his usual, stylish
kit, including a stocking cap on this cool, but comfortable 4th
of July morning! (Hope we didn't miss anyone and thanks for coming
out for this very special event!)
To
every one's delight, Wishbone was on hand with his family and posed
for photos! He was actually in the parade! Is this a great country or
what!?!
Now,
as the headline asked, “When is a bike ride not a bike ride?”
It
is when the bike ride is part of a parade! As you can guess, a parade
moves slowly. So slowly, that within minutes of the start, the Nation
realized that it was easier to walk their bikes than ride.
 |
| Yeah, where is Sharkman? |
It
was so cool to see the many Shark Minion Jersey's in addition to a
sea of Chain Gang and KBC jersey's. It was a great testament to
Wishbone and the Nation of bikers who will not let this tragic
incident stop them from pursuing the sport they love!
When
the cyclist passed the viewing stand, the announcer announced the
Chain Gang, the KBC AND the Shark Minions and Sharkman! The crowd
gave a standing ovation as the bikers passed and to be honest, it was
a very humbling moment in the Nation's history!
As
the parade ended and the Nation headed back to the square for their
BBQ lunch, they arrived just in time to see the end of the parade AND
Wishbone and his family passing the viewing stand and again, a
standing ovation as he passed waving the Kalamazoo Strong poster! It
was a pretty touching moment.......
 |
| Koffee at the Klutch! |
Read
about Wishbone's incredible recovery at this link:
http://fox17online.com/2016/07/06/bicyclist-injured-in-kalamazoo-crash-tells-story-of-recovery/
 |
| Lava Girl, Gazelle Girl, Sharkman, Wildman, Wishbone and his daughters before the parade! It was great to see Wishbone up and moving! |
As the Nation enjoyed a fantastic BBQ lunch, Sharkman enjoyed, yet another wonderful moment with his beloved Minion Nation.....this is indeed, a great country and a great Nation of cyclists and he give thanks for having all of his Minions in his life!
 |
| "Nurse Lava Girl and Sharkman on his first ride! |
So,
back to some normalcy in the Nation!
This
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Launch
Time – 8:00 a.m. - SHARP!
Be
there!
“B”
GROUP TO BEGIN?!!
Belo
News
July
7, 2016
Shark
Cove, Mi. - For years, Sharkman has talked about starting a “B”
Group for riders trying to ride themselves back into shape, for
riders who would like a slower pace, and for riders coming back from
and injury or time off the bike.
Since
he now falls under a couple of those categories, a “B” Group will
now become a reality.
On
Saturday, July 16, 2016 Sharkman hopes to return to the Peloton and
personally lead (well, from the back) the newly formed “B” Group!
Several riders have already asked about the “B” Group so this is
your chance to join in and it is hoped that the group will continue
for those who want a little, less intense pace but yet still get a
good workout.
 |
| Chain Gang, KBC and Shark Minions at the start of the Parade. |
This
group will start 20 minutes ahead of the “A” Group and it is
hoped that that the “A” Group will catch up with the “B”
Group just before the finish so that everyone can take part in the
final sprint. Riders in the “B” Group will also be able to “jump
on” with the “A” Group as it passes if it passes before the
finish. The time will be adjusted in upcoming weeks to “fine tune”
the finish so that everyone ends up at the Klutch for the social
aspect of the ride, at the same time. More on this next week, but the
game plan is for the following:
B Group Launch Time – 8:00 a.m.
A
Group Launch Time – 8:20 a.m.
More
details in next weeks edition of Belo News!
 |
| It was a "sea" of Minion Jersey's! |
 |
| The parade route was lined with people |
 |
| Wildman & Stingray waiting to start the parade! |
 |
| Had nothing to do with the bikers, but pretty funny! |
 |
| Lava Girl and Sharkman at the start. |
 |
| Squeaky was "Styl'in!" |
 |
| Gazelle Girl and Lava Girl waiting for the start. |
 |
| Whoa, being off the bike has been rough on the Sharkman's waistline! Oh, the humanity! |
 |
| Bikers got a standing ovation as they were announced! |
 |
| Post ride BBQ was EXCELLENT! |
BEU ON TAP FOR JULY 30 WITH ALTERNATE ROUTE!
Belo
News
July
9, 2016
Triple
Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - Gazelle Girl and Zyckmann have announced this
years edition of the Bloody 'Ell 'Undered (BEU) will be on Saturday,
July 30. New to this years edition and in deference to our intrepid
hero, the Sharkman, there will also be an alternate, shorter route
for the B Group riders. The first part of the ride, instead of being
40 miles, will be 20 miles, which will also avoid some of the hills.
The B Group will do 40 miles total, while the A group will do the 62
mile (Metric Century) with hills!
It
is important that if you plan to ride, you RSVP Gazelle Girl ASAP!
See
the invitation for more details!
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS STRYKER GUY/COVER GIRL?
 |
| Stryker Guy crossing North Dakota! |
Belo
News
July
9, 2016
Bismarck,
ND. - If you've been following the legend of the Peloton, the
intrepid Stryker Guy, you know he has been crossing the NOT flat
North Dakota Plains! Oh, the humanity! You can follow his exploits,
(or insanity) at his blog! Don't miss a single episode of his totally
awesome adventure!
This
is a great country!
BANJOVI
IN CONCERT!
Belo
News
Battle
Creek, Mi. - And don't forget! Banjovi LIVE and in CONCERT! You've
heard about them, you've wanted to see them, well now is your chance!
Yes, Banjovi in concert at the Riverside Golf & Banquet Center in
Battle Creek on Friday night, July 15, 2016!
If
you love Ukulele infused Blue Grass music, and who doesn't, you'll
want to be there on this special night! BBQ, Beer and Ukulele Infused
Blue Grass on the Patio at Riverside!
Come on down!
Riders
joining the Minion rides acknowledge the inherent risk involved with
bicycle riding and by joining any Minion ride hold harmless any rider
involved.
