MORE RAIN?!? OH, THE HUMANITY!

Start/Selfie Champion Ironman does the honors with the threat of rain!

MINIONS DON'T START IN THE RAIN, BUT WILL RIDE IN THE RAIN!

GAZELLE GIRL "SPANKS" NATION!!!

WISHBONE WINS BEER JERSEY DAY AND BUYS!!!

SKITTLES RETURNS TO TAKE THE TAPE!

MORE 30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY INFORMATION!

KELLOGG/TONY THE TIGER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News
June 16, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - Sharkman couldn't believe it!!!

As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, awoke to the sound of rain on the roof!

Wait, ....what? Not again! "Can this be happening?" he thought as he jumped from his Shark Bed and ran to the Shark radar!

To make matters worse, the shark radar indicated one of those patterns that is far from definitive as to whether to cancel the ride or not. The radar was showing breaks in the rain, but there was more rain behind it.

The Koffee was fantastic!

Oh, the humanity! More rain!?!

At 6:15 a.m. the first text came from Nikeboy....."My weather app says rain for at least 2 hours.  I’ll keep an eye on the radar, but I’m probably out."

Sharkman responded with...."OK. If it continues, I may just drive over to the start. I can't believe our Saturday morning luck this year......"

Sharkman shot off an email to Gazelle Girl to see if she was up yet and she reported she was and that it was a steady rain over the Triple Nasty Ranchero. Sharkman replied that he was going to drive to the start to make the call and got his Shark Vibemobile loaded with his steed and cycling gear.

On the way into Galesburg, he did notice a rider in a neon yellow jersey with the appropriate flashing light and thought Mad Dog, but the rider turned to go towards Qman Hill or McDonalds and he could not recognize him. He would learn later that it was Skittles, who wanted to stop at McDonalds for something quick to eat. Ah, youth.......

As the old Shark made his way to the start he could see Galesburg setting up for Galesburg Days and was wondering when the parade would start.

Still no rain.

When the Sharkman arrived at the start, he received a text from Gazelle Girl that she would meet the Nation at the Klutch. The rain had stopped for the past half hour and there was hope!

Wishbone was so excited to see someone, he blurted out "I"m so happy we're riding, I wanted it known that I'm buying today!" Yeah, that and the fact it looked like it would be just Sharkman, Wishbone and Bull Dog, who had also pulled in and was unloading his steed.

Soon Ironman arrived and was designated to take the start/selfie photos since he is so good at it, and, well, was named Champion of the selfie!

It was "Beer Jersey" day and Sharkman was sporting his Oberon Jersey, while Ironman had on his Beer City Bicycle Jersey and Wishbone had on a new Gonzo's Beer Jersey! Since he had already volunteered to buy the koffee, Sharkman named him Beer Jersey Day winner!

Is this a great country or what?!?

After the start/selfie photo (please note what a nice job Ironman did on that shot!) the riders were off.

As they got to the Klutch, there was no Gazelle Girl, so Sharkman took the short cut, while the rest of the riders went the normal route so as not to miss the "Sweetheart of the Peloton" coming down from the Triply Nasty Ranchero.

The riders came back together at the normal location and headed north and immediately spotted Gazelle Girl riding up, sans beer jersey, to shouts of "Gazelle Girl!"

Ironman and Sharkman got into such a deep discussion, the old Shark almost forgot to take his honorary sprint, but woke up enough, and in time to bring the speed up to 24.3 mph as he crossed the line, taking the first sprint of the day. Sharkman does not like to dishonor the sprint by not actually sprinting!

As the Nation made their first crossing of G Ave. of the morning, Skittles jumped on from the rear, smelling of McDonalds egg McMuffins......MMMmmmm.....that made Sharkman hungry!

The old Shark was so excited to be back with his beloved Nation, and noticing no one was really paying attention, he took the second sprint of the day as well, with a weak response from Ironman who didn't seem to really care.

After the col de Twin Lakes, Wishbone jumped early and Skittles went after him. Interestingly, Wishbone edged out Skittles on a bike that Skittles had built for him while at Team Active in Battle Creek. Skittles mention later it was an honor to lose the sprint to Wishbone!

Class act........

Ironman and Skittles did a lot of the pulling as the Nation crossed Rt. 89 and headed into the Kountry Klub section after the Yorkville Church.

Though there still was no rain, the wet road was providing quite a bit of dampness to the ride and at times the "rooster tails" made Minions think it was raining.

Gazelle Girls riding companion,
Road Toad! Oh, the humanity!

It was at the Rt. 43 Stop Ahead that Gazelle Girl introduced everyone to her new riding partner,  Virgin Minion Lurleen (Minion name Road Toad - see photo). She even came complete with a small platform to ride on.

Road Toad seemed to be either a petrified toad or a toad smashed flat as a pancake by a passing, heavy vehicle). And to think, Gazelle Girl is all ours!

Oh, the humanity!

The Nation stayed together through the col de Norte and into the Holy rollers where there was some new pavement that made the climbs a bit nicer to navigate!

At the Food Stop, the Dandelion was again closed on a Saturday morning, which made no sense to the Nation, yet the Nation hammered on through the Inlet and on to the Digital Divide.

At the crossing, Sharkman noticed the average speed at only 17.4 mph. Now that included the average to where he started the game clock as the Nation starts when they get to 36th Street.

Sharkman started the pace line and after the Bermuda Triangle of Flat Tires and the short climb, he turned the honors over to Skittles, who was leading out gazelle Girl, and never gave up the front until he launched Gazelle Girl into her coveted GGG Spot Spring!

Gazelle Girl and Road Toad
spanks the Nation!

Skittles provide a hug launch pad for Gazelle Girl to rocket to her finish, giving the Nation quite a spanking in the process.

It was a victory for America!

At the GGG Spot crossing, Sharkman noticed the average speed had gone up to 17.8 mph! That was a pretty quick section!

As the nation lined up for the finish, Ironman, who had worked hard all day, threw himself on his sword and pushed to the front of the train. Sharkman, behind Skittles, didn't think he could hang on as they climbed the short, small hill at the start, but managed to get it into gear.

After a huge pull to the top of the finishing hill, he moved aside as Skittles and Sharkman went by.

However this was momentary as Ironman came back around Sharkman as Sharkman grabbed on for dear life.  Meanwhile, Skittles was opening up a gap but Sharkman felt he could not try to steal the podium from Ironman after the monumental pull!

Ironman and his Beer City Jersey!

This didn't stop Wishbone, however, and he made a move and Sharkman thought, "What the hell, me too!" and went after him. Ironman, being the great domistique that is, never gave it a second thought as Skittles took first, Wishbone second and Sharkman grabbed the last spot on the podium!

Sharkman noticed that from the Digital Divide to the finish, the average speed went up .9 mph (from 17.4 to 18.3 mph) and the average speed for the ride was a respectable 18.7 mph considering the wet roads and rooster tails!

As the riders crossed the main highway, they waited for all to catch on for the ride down the Champs le Galesburg.

The streets had tens of peoples lining the road in anticipation of their hero's ride to the Koffee Klutch!
OK, maybe it was in anticipation of the parade, as they all seemed to be looking the other way from the riders. But it was inspirational none the less!

Wishbone had them line up the Bottomless at the Klutch and the Nation drank deeply of their joy of riding. It never rained. The koffee tasted partricularly good as the sun came out over the Koffee Klutch. It was going to be a great day!

You won't want to miss next week's edition as Sharkman is back, yet again!

Wishbone in his Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Jersey!
Named winner of Beer Jersey Day!

It will be Kellogg/Tony the Tiger Jersey Day, so blow the dust off that Tony, Honey Smacks, Corn Flake or whatever Kellogg Jersey and come on out and ride!

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Kellogg Jersey Day!

Launch Time - 8:00 A.M. - SHARP!

Be there!







MORE 30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY INFORMATION!

Belo News
June 21, 2018



Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - Gazelle Girl reports that she has requested the company making the 30th Anniversary Shark Minion Jersey's to send sizing samples that can be tried on at the Koffee Klutch this Saturday! So you will want to be at the Klutch to get your sizing correct before ordering you jersey.

This is a jersey and Shark Minion will covet so stay tuned for more information on ordering as we go through this process and a big thanks to Gazelle Girl for all her work on the design AND her dealing with the vendor and responding Shark Minions, which isn't always an easy task!

Be there Saturday, even if you don't ride!

WILL THE RAIN EVER END!??!

Smaller mighty Minion Nation for the rainy
Tour de Taylor!

"EPIC RIDE" AT TOUR DE TAYLOR!

JERSEY ORDER INFORMATION IS HERE!

IN CELEBRATION OF SHARKMAN'S RETURN.......

BEER JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!!!

Belo News
June 9, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - Dawn had not yet broken when our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, turned off the Shark alarm that woke him at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Fully expecting the patter of rain on the roof from the predicted rain and expecting to role over and go back to bed, the old Shark instead jumped from bed and looked out the Shark Cove bedroom window.

No rain? Wait, .....what?

Before the start, before the rains......

He then padded his way to the Shark Radar and studied it as the soft green glow reflected off of his Shark Koffee Kup.

Oh, there was rain all around, but it looked like there was a break in those green, blue and red clouds for a while (wishful thinking?).

Skittles had messaged our hero the previous night to ask about launch, considering the dire predictions and Sharkman had responded that unless it was pouring, he would feel the need to be there to support his Team Taylor Minions and led the mighty Nation. After all, he is THE SHARKMAN!

As Sharkman was looking at the radar he got a text from Skittles that simply said, "Going?"

Sharkman responded that he "sorta had to," ...well, because he was THE SHARKMAN!

He went on to tell Skittles he would make the call on riding when he got to the start and was heading out.

Fortunately for Sharkman, his wing man, Yeti Boy, is always up for an adventure and was waiting for him in his driveway as Sharkman pulled in to pick him up. After all, Yeti Boy will follow Sharkman anywhere, mostly out of morbid curiosity!

They drove to the Mattawan High School fully expecting the sky to open at any minute, but other than an occasional drop or two, the rain did not arrive.

The parking lot was pretty open as they arrived and walked over to the start to check in and find out if the ride was on. Nickhead was there and assured them they had at least 4 hours before the heavy rain.

Dragonfly and Wishbone before the rains.....

Shark Minions in attendance that Belo News is aware of, in addition to Sharkman and Yeti Boy, were Cheese (riding in his Team Taylor kit and with Team Taylor) Wishbone and Dragonfly.

Sharkman and Yeti Boy went back to the car to get ready and when they returned for the photo, Cheese, Wishbone and Dragonfly had already launched wanting to beat the rain.

At 7:25 a.m. Sharkman didn't see any other Minions in the parking lot and he and Yeti Boy wanted to beat the rain, so after a photo with the Team Taylor Race Officials, they launched early figuring they would ride as long as they could but turn around if the predicted rain came.

The two riders rode most of the first 10 miles of hills alone. But at 10 miles some Team Taylor riders went by and were kind enough to let them join on the fast moving train, helping them to get to the first rest station in Lawton in good time, passing Wishbone and Dragonfly as they flew by.

It was here they had to make the decision to go on or head back.

The two riders decided not to stop at Lawton and thought they would keep going at least until the ran started.

Five miles later, the rain began as a drizzle and Sharkman suggested turning around and heading back.

The Lawton Rest Station under siege!

It turned out to be a wise decision as the two rider moved back east and the rain began to come down in earnest.

When they got back to the Lawton rest station, they parked their bikes against a picnic table (see photo) and ran for the shelter as the rain began to come down in buckets! Oh, the humanity! This was turning into an "Epic Ride!"

Any ride that is a struggle becomes and "Epic Ride" and this one was shaping up to be just that!!!

Sharkman was worried as skinny Yeti Boy began to get cold. This Minion has no fat on him, unlike Sharkman who carries quite a bit of fat to keep him warm! Though Sharkman would gladly share any fat he has with his wing man, that is one thing our hero can't do!

Another veteran ride said that he knew a short cut back to the start that would take half the time and avoid the hills. However, it didn't seem like he was in any hurry to get started and Yeti Boy needed to get moving!

As soon as the lightening moved on, Sharkman and Yeti Boy hit the road to head back, leaving the local knowledge behind.

Though it rained on and off for those last 15 miles, the two were comfortable once they got their body temps back up from pedaling. The two tried to draft, but the "rooster tails" coming off the tires kept that activity to a minimum.

Yeti Boy trying to get warm
with a kup of koffee......

As the two rode into the parking lot, the rain had stopped and they decided to ride past the car and go to the finish area to see what was happening.

This turned out to be a major mistake, for as they returned to the car the sky opened up again and they got even more wet trying to change into dry clothes! Oh, the humanity!

Get that car heater going!

As they say, it turned into an "Epic Ride" and the two were happy to get 41 miles in on the day, despite getting soaked.

They learned that Wishbone and Dragonfly had turned back as soon as they got to the Lawton rest station.

Sharkman and Yeti Boy also saw the "veteran rider" who knew the short cut and despite leaving after the intrepid pair, beat them to the finish easily, proving how impatient Sharkman can be! The veteran was in one of the tents enjoying a kup of koffee. Oh, the humanity!

Did we mention it was an "Epic Ride?!?"

Big thanks to Team Taylor for putting together another great year and hopefully the weather will cooperate more next year!

Back to the Koffee Klutch - Tour de Gull this week!

Minions won't want to miss this week's edition of the KK-TdG as Sharkman makes his return!

And what do you do to celebrate?? You drink beer!

Dragonfly and Wishbone in a wet finish!

And what better way to celebrate Sharkman's return after 3 weeks then......

Beer Jersey Day!

That's right, Bunkie!

This Saturday has been named "Beer Jersey Day." Blow the dust off that beer jersey and ride!

A winner will be announced for the most unique beer jersey and will have an opportunity to buy Sharkman a Bottomless Kup of Koffee!!!

Is this a great country or what?!?

Saturday, June 16, 2018 - "Beer Jersey Day!"

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



JERSEY ORDER INFORMATION IS HERE!

Belo News
June 13, 2018

Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - We're ready to start taking orders for the 30th Anniversary Shark Minion Jersey!

Here it is! Every Minion needs one of these babies!
Thanks for the great design work Gazelle Girl!

BUT FIRST... the sizing specs have changed just a bit for the Giordana jerseys. Plus there is no longer a Pro Fit and a Euro Fit option for men. Just one fit, boys. So, we are being sent a size run of sample jerseys for trying on. This will be possible at Koffee on June 23 OR you may visit Gazelle Girl's Triple Nasty Rancho once she takes receipt of the jerseys. A note will go out to the group when the jerseys are available. Hopefully, having a few of you try on the jerseys will help the rest of the gang determine their size as we can report our findings re: size variance once a few folks have tried on a jersey.

This time around you will order and pay for your jersey via the Giordana custom website run by Gita Sporting Goods. Delivery will work as it has in the past - completed jerseys will be available for pick up at Koffee or at the Triple Nasty Ranchero.

More info next week on ordering info, cost, etc....

STILL NEED TO GET YOUR NAME ON THE JERSEY? E.mail Sharkman at sharkman444@gmail.com RIGHT NOW with your Minion name and real name!!!

17 RIDERS DO SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY!

A great turn out for Shark Minion Jersey Day!

B-ROD BUYS! WAIT, WHAT?!?

SHARKMAN RETURNS FOR TOUR DE TAYLOR!

Sharkman during the Ride for a Purpose World Hunger Ride!

IRONMAN WINS START SELFIE CONTEST!

30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY ART WORK IN!

GET YOUR NAMES IN NOW!

CHAIN GANG MEMORIAL RIDE TOMORROW NIGHT!


Belo News
June 2, 2018

Ludington, Mi. - As dawn broke, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was sound asleep on the floor of Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ludington Michigan. He was sleeping soundly as he had done 62 miles against 10-20 mph headwinds as he and other rode from Muskegon to Ludington on the Pedal for a Purpose 2018 Ride the day before and he had 75 miles to go on Saturday.

This ride was to raise money and awareness of ELCA World Hunger Ministries.

Hoosier Boy "attempting a selfie start photo!"
Oh, the humanity!

This ride is on track to raise over $7,000.00 again this year for World Hunger!

Meanwhile, our intrepid hero's Shark Minion Nation was back on the KK-TdG field of dreams!

Seventeen riders toed the line for the start and not much has been learned about the ensuing romp around Gull Lake other than peace was maintained, Wildman led Gazelle Girl out to the GGG Spot Sprint and B-Rod bought!

Wait, ....what? Yes, B-Rod bought!

Is this a great country or what?!?

It was learned that legendary rider, the Skipper, was back in the mix and it is hoped he will be back again!

Belo News learned that Hoosier Boy took the start photo (good job) and a pretty bad selfie start photo. (see photos)

The week before, Ironman had taken a selfie of the start and it did not make press time for Belo News, but we think Ironman should be giving lessons on how to take a selfie start photo! So Ironman has been awarded the selfie start photo championship and is now deemed to be the official selfie start photo person! A true honor indeed!

Is this a great country or what!?!

The Sharkman has returned to the Shark Cove and is getting ready for this week's Tour de Taylor (see next story)!

Ironman seems to be a natural at "The Selfie Start Photo!"

As Shark Minions are aware, the KK_TdG is suspended each year so the Shark Minion Nation can ride the Tour de Taylor in support of Team Taylor and Make a Wish. The Nation has had great turn outs in past few years and it is hoped we have another good turn out this Saturday!

The KK-TdG will return on Saturday, June 16, 2018!

Be there!





SHARKMAN RETURNS FOR TOUR DE TAYLOR!

TOUR DE TAYLOR THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News
June 9, 2018

Belo News

Mattawan, Mi. - It is time for this years Tour de Taylor!

It is this Saturday and it is believed there is still time to sign up for this annual ramble for Make a Wish and Team Taylor! (See link below.)

Remember, it is all about the kids!

Sharkman is signed up and is hoping to have the Nation well represented for this annual event.

Sharkman and the Nation will ride the 68 mile course. And remember, it is 68 miles! With hills at the end!

The forecast is looking a bit, for lack of a better term, wet, so each rider will be on their own.

An email will NOT be sent out to cancel if it is raining. 

The Shark Minion Nation will be launching at 7:30 a.m.! This does not mean "arrive at 7:30 a.m." but to be ready to launch at 7:30 a.m.!

If you are riding, send Sharkman an email so that he is aware you will be there.

If it rains, each rider is on their own. However, if it is just showers, Sharkman will probably ride but perhaps cut the ride short. 68 miles of hills and rain would be more than our hero would want to bite off!

So come on out for a great day of riding, eating (free lunch at Latitude 42 - is this a great country or what?!?) and a lot of fun!

More information and sign up at the attached site:

http://www.walktallforkid







30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY ART WORK IS IN!

Belo News
May 30, 2018

Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - GET YOUR NAME ON THE MIGHTY MINION NATION 30 ANNIVERSARY JERSEY! Deadline this Saturday, June 9, 2018! If haven't heard from you, you will miss out on this fantastic jersey!

We've collected a few names thanks to your input. Shown here is a jersey MOCK UP (it may change a bit, and has since just last week! who knew?) with the names of those Minions who responded to the call for nicknames shown.

ALSO shown are the names of anyone who purchased a Shark Minion or Bloody 'ell 'undred jersey.

Get your Minion and real name into Sharkman ASAP
if you want to be a part of the legend!

We figured those folks were a natural. We can make more room, so get those names in! 

E.mail Sharkman with your nickname and your real name by this Saturday, June 9, 2018!!

JERSEY ORDER INFO COMING SOON...

THE CHAIN GANG MEMORIAL RIDE TOMORROW NIGHT!

Belo News
June 7, 2018

Kalamazoo, Mi. - Join us on Thursday, June 7th at 5:30 for the Memorial Dedication to honor the victims and survivors of the June 7th, 2016 Bicycle Tragedy. The memorial will be across the street from Markin Glen Park at the address below:  

Maple Hill Bike Trail  
5221 N. Westnedge 
Kalamazoo, MI 49004 

The dedication will be followed by the 2nd Annual Finish the Ride at 6pm, starting and finishing at the Memorial site. Proceeds from this 28 mile ride will help maintain the memorial and support bicycle advocacy in the state of Michigan.  

Following the ride, a gathering will take place at the Fountains Banquet Center at 535 South Riverview, Parchment. Snacks will be donated by the Fountains and beverages will be available for purchase.


Please follow the link below to register for and/or donate to this years Memorial Ride.

COZY MEMORIAL WEEKEND RED, WHITE & BLUE RIDE!

ZYCKHMAANN BUYS!

30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY ART WORK IS IN!

TOUR DE TAYLOR IN A WEEK!

SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News
May 30, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - We here at Belo News are a bit under the gun on schedule. Just got in from following our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, in sunny California where he got to mountain bike with his Grandson William! Wait, ....what? The Sharkman is a grandfather?!?

Oh, the humanity!

Our hero is now leaving for a 5 day Ride For World Hunger up in the Muskegon area and will miss, yet another KK-TdG this weekend!

Oh, double the humanity!

But the ride will go on!

But first, Gazelle Girl did sent a brief update from last weeks ride, which follows, take it away, Gazelle Girl.....

RIDE REPORT:
Gazelle Girl
May 26, 2018

Seven mighty Minions made the right decision on a damp Saturday morning to converge for a bike ride around Gull Lake. 

Ironman (aka The Other Guy) did most of the heavy lifting with Wishbone, Dr. Dave, PJ, Zychmann, Toast and Gazelle Girl in tow. Not much to report since sprint result reports are still off limits. Plus (and Wishbone will back me up on this), your fearless correspondent was too busy talking to take note of any goings on worth mentioning. 

Koffee was kindly bought by Zychmann. 

Chatter at the Klutch touched on the usual array of topics from armadillos to zebras. It was a great morning to be alive!

So, you missed last weeks ride? Well, you get another chance this Saturday!

Thanks Gazelle Girl!

On to this weeks ride information!

Saturday, June 2, 2018 (Wait, it can't be June already???)

Shark Minion Jersey Day!

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

30TH ANNIVERSARY JERSEY ART WORK IS IN!

Belo News
May 30, 2018

Triple Nasty Ranchero, Mi. - GET YOUR NAME ON THE MIGHTY MINION NATION 30 ANNIVERSARY JERSEY!

We've collected a few names thanks to your input. Shown here is a jersey MOCK UP (it may change a bit, who knows?) with the names of those Minions who responded to the call for nicknames shown.

Man, who won't want one of these babies?!?
Is this a great country or what?!?

ALSO shown are the names of anyone who purchased a Shark Minion or Bloody 'ell 'undred jersey.

We figured those folks were a natural. We can make more room, so get those names in! E.mail Sharkman with your nickname and your real name!!
JERSEY ORDER INFO COMING SOON...


TOUR DE TAYLOR IN A WEEK!

Belo News

Tour de Taylor 2017!
June 9, 2018

Mattawan, Mi. - This years Tour de Taylor has sort of snuck up on us!

It is only a little over a week away! However, there is still time to sign up for this annual ramble for Make a Wish and Team Taylor!

Remember, it is all about the kids!

Sharkman is signed up and is hoping to have the Nation well represented for this annual event.

Sharkman and the Nation will ride the 68 mile course. And remember, it is 68 miles!

Last years Minions came ready to rock!

As veteran Minions may remember last year, many thought the course was 62 miles and though they had ridden it many times, they all had forgotten the distance and that the last few, hill laden miles, were are real challenge! Oh, the humanity!

So come on out for a great day of riding, eating (free lunch at Latitude 42 - is this a great country or what?!?) and a lot of fun!

More start information in Belo News the week before the ride, but as the Nation may remember, the Nation tries to get an early start on the day!

Don't wait! 

More information and sign up at the attached site:

http://www.walktallforkid

ANOTHER RAIN OUT?!?

TOUR DE TAYLOR COMING UP FAST!

CHAIN GANG MEMORIAL DEDICATION AND RIDE ANNOUNCED!

30TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY! GET YOUR NAME IN NOW!


Belo News
May 19, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - What the ??????

After years of very few ride cancellations, the Nation has more than made up for it this year.

At press time, we did not get word that anyone had ridden, though it was confirmed that A.) it was raining at launch time (as reported by Gazelle Girl) and B.) Mad Dog did NOT ride (though he said he would have, had his wife not had other plans for him.). Or did the psychological counseling help?

Belo News reports, you decide!

However, the ride will go on this weekend and it will be "Red, White and Blue" Jersey Day in recognition of Memorial Day! That's right, Bunkie! Dig out your red, white and blue, stars and stripes kind of jersey's to commemorate the Holiday Weekend!

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

BE THERE!

TOUR DE TAYLOR COMING UP FAST!

Belo News

Tour de Taylor 2017!
Let's do it again, Shark Nation!
Last years turn out was outstanding!

June 9, 2018

Mattawan, Mi. - This years Tour de Taylor has sort of snuck up on us!

It is only three weeks away! However, there is still time to sign up for this annual ramble for the Make a Wish!

Remember, it is all about the kids!

Sharkman is signed up and is hoping to have the Nation well represented for this annual event.

Sharkman and the Nation will ride the 68 mile course. And remember, it is 68 miles!

As veteran Minions may remember last year, many thought the course was 62 miles and though they had ridden it many times, they all had forgotten the distance and that the last few, hill laden miles, were are real challenge! Oh, the humanity!

So come on out for a great day of riding, eating (free lunch at Latitude 42 - is this a great country or what?!?) and a lot of fun!

More start information in Belo News the week before the ride, but as the Nation may remember, the Nation tries to get an early start on the day!

More information and sign up at the attached site:

http://www.walktallforkids.com/

See you all there!


CHAIN GANG MEMORIAL DEDICATION AND RIDE ANNOUNCED!

Belo News
June 6, 2018

Kalamazoo, Mi. - Legend of the peloton, Gadget Guy (who we haven't seen yet this year other than on TV) sent the following information to Belo News to announce this important ride.

The Chain Gang will be having a Memorial Dedication followed by a Memorial Ride on June 7, 2018, starting at 5:30 across the street from Markin Glen Park at 5221 N. Westnedge.

We will be fund raising again this year for the Memorial and registration can be found at:

http://www.thechaingang.club/memorial-rides.html

If you would spread the word I would greatly appreciate it.

Hopefully, the Shark Minion Nation will be well represented!


30TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY! GET YOUR NAME IN NOW!

Belo News
May 22, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - Many of the Nation have been asking about the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Jersey. Well, the final design is in and it is a KEEPER! Shark Minions will not want to miss getting one of these babies! Oh, the humanity! Thanks to Gazelle Girl and Zyckmann for the outstanding design work. We hope to have the design in next weeks edition of Belo News.

But to make sure you have your Minion name on the jersey, you need to send Sharkman and email immediately with your real name, as well as you Minion name. Don't wait and miss out. Get your name in ASAP and be part of the lore that makes the mighty Minion Nation so mighty!

ANOTHER SATURDAY WASHED OUT!

BUT ONE MINION WAS CRAZY ENOUGH TO RIDE!

MAD DOG SCHEDULED FOR PSYCHIATRIC COUNSELING.

SHARKMAN MISSING FOR THREE WEEKS?!?

SAY IT AIN'T SO! 

SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!!!

Belo News
May 16, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke wet and wild over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, bound from his shark bed, be fully expecting for it to be pouring rain. The forecast had been dismal for the ride and the old Shark was figuring he would see the rain and then send out a cancellation for the ride and go back to bed.

However, when the alarm went off at 5:45 p.m., waking him from the bliss of his shark sleep, dreaming about Banjovi rocking the house at Bowman's the previous evening, our hero couldn't hear any rain on the roof. Wait.....what?!?

He looked out his bedroom port hole and saw that the roads were wet, but he could not determine if it was raining. At least it wasn't raining hard. He wanted to ride so bad after missing the previous week, he had convinced himself he would ride even if the roads were wet.

As he fired up the Shark Radar, and as his face glowed green over the screen, there seemed to be a lull in the rain. However, there was also a huge cloud of green, yellow and red coming over Lake Michigan, bearing down on the KK-TdG Field of Dreams! "Oh, the humanity!" he mumbled as he frantically tried to determine what to do.

Sharkman hates these types of mornings. When it is pouring, it is obvious. But when it looks like a chance of riding, he has to make the call a good hour and half before the start and hates to make the wrong call (though that has NEVER happened before!).

Sharkman then thought, "The Weather Channel!"

Turning on the Shark TV, he realized that there was, indeed, a storm bearing down on the Field of Dreams that looked like it had lightening involved.

Sharkman, being a great Shark that loves his beloved Minion Nation, does not want to see anyone hurt or killed by lightening or by a driver who can't see a rider in the pouring rain.

He immediately texted Mad Dog, Yeti Boy and Reb as they had all planned to ride over and would be arriving at 7 a.m. if he didn't let them know.

He then sent out the cancellation.

Radar at start time
over our Field of Dreams!

Yeti Boy was the first to respond, asking if there might be a chance of a ride later in the day.

Reb responded a bit later stating that "Lightening was a great motivator."

Sharkman commented to the two that he was waiting for a response from Mad Dog with photos of lightening strikes. Sure enough, Mad Dog responded a short time later stating that he didn't photograph lightening strikes while riding his bike. Wait, was Mad Dog riding?

Yep, Mad Dog was on the road!

Sharkman immediately arranged psychiatric counseling for the wayward rider.

The Sharkman had been up to long to go back to bed and poured himself another coffee.

Gazelle Girl emailed in with a report that it was pouring rain, with lightening at start time. So Sharkman took the attached screen save from the Weather Radar site.

Radar as Mad Dog headed
back to Battle Creek.

Around 8:30 a.m. Mad Dog sent a photo from the Klutch proving he rode and Yeti Boy and Sharkman offered to come get him. He said the rain was not only bad, but the lightening was "right there" the first time he heard it.

All Belo News can say is that it was storming Biblical Proportions of rain and lightening and the text group feared for Mad Dogs life!

He did comment that he might have made a mistake and would have to "turn in his junior weather man badge," and that the first time the lightening struck he said, and we quote, "I might have peed my shorts when the sky light up and the thunder boomed a millisecond after."

He went on to state "that his shorts were wet anyway, so he was riding home!"

Yep, Mad Dog needs help.......

Needless to say, the rain continued for most of the day and the old Shark felt vindicated that he made the right decision, but concerned that Mad Dog road anyway........

"Missed the Memo again. I need a secretary." Said
Mad Dog......

Unfortunately, this was a big loss for our hero, as he is out the next three weeks. He is way behind on his yearly total and is now obsessing about it.

This week he is attending a surprise Birthday Party in Holland on Saturday, then heads out west to visit the sharklets for the Memorial Day Weekend, then comes home to start a 5 day bike tour up near Muskegon for World Hunger! The man is in demand.

Mad Dog also sent this and reported,
"Earned it today."

BUT THE RIDE GOES ON!

Since it is looking like a phenomenal weather weekend, the Saturday has been declared as "Shark Minion Jersey Day!"

"What?!? Mad Dog rode?"

Thats right, Bunkie! Get out your Shark Minion Jersey and ride!

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Shark Minion Jersey Day!

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

Be there!

RIDE CANCELLED! OH THE HUMANITY!

Belo News
May 12, 2018

Shark Cove, Mi. - After pouring over the radar maps for the past couple of hours, the Commissioner of Cycling has landed on the side of being safe and is cancelling this mornings KK-TdG.

Here at Belo News, we hate these kinds of mornings when it can be tough to make the call.

As Shark Minions "we don't start in the rain, but we will ride in the rain" and your intrepid hero, the Sharkman, had every intention of riding if it was not too bad. But the radar indicating the rain continuing and becoming heavier later, it was just best to cancel.

Hope to see all next week!