HUGE TURNOUT AS WEATHER WARMS!

The Nation was out in force on Saturday!

TWENTY SIX BIKES, TWENTY FIVE RIDERS?!?

MORE VIRGIN MINIONS!!!

ANGRY MOTORIST, MINIONS RESPOND!!!

SEEING DOTS?!?

HOOSIER BOY BUYS! OH, THE HUMANITY!

"What was I thinking???"

"CHALK TALK ABOUT SAFETY!!!

MINIONS AT THE DONUT RACE!!!

GALESBURG DAYS THIS SATURDAY!

SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY THIS SATURDAY!!!

Belo News
June 8, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - First up, safety "Chalk Talk!"

With the dramatic increase in riders on Saturday, the Sharkman would like to say a few works about safety and courtesy on the KK-TdG.

The Sharkman Hizzelf!

With the dramatic jump in riders this past week, it was somewhat apparent that the Minion Nation had forgotten some of their safety rules, so I would like to go over, just a couple to insure everyone is riding safe.

1. If "Car Back!" is called out, move to the right and get into, no more than 2 abreast as quickly as possible. On several occasions the call went out to move right and riders were extremely slow to do so. By law, riders can ride two abreast, no more. Our friends around Gull Lake are usually pretty patient with us as we can block the road, so it is incumbent upon each of us to make sure we are moving over as quickly as possible. PLEASE MOVE TO THE RIGHT WHEN YOU HEAR "CAR BACK!"

2.  When the Nation pulls up to a stop sign, please, immediately get as far to the right as possible. The Nation should not block the intersection and if we are to the right we can wave cars around. Please stay well to the right at the stop signs.

3.  I do want to thank the Nation for the patience shown when the angry woman shouted at the Nation when we stopped at G Ave. on the way north. As she told us that we needed to get off the road, no one yelled back or responded in a negative way, which is how the Nation should respond. Nothing is gained by dignifying this type of reaction, with any type of response. 

Nuff said!

We now return to our regularly scheduled story......

As dawn broke sunny, but a bit cool over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman was ready to rock it! He had fixed the flat tire on his front Ksyrium wheel and was feeling fast! He also was trying to decide what to wear as he was concerned it was a bit nippy for the ride over, but would warm as the morning wore on.

Virgin Minion "Hermster!"

"Arm warmers" he thought as he also added an base layer to his fine cycle wear!

As the Shark Garage Door lifted, there was Yeti Boy, in short sleeves, complaining he may have under dressed.

As the two riders made there way along Watkins, they picked up Fire, but no Reb. Fire informed the two that Reb was running in the Cereal City 5K and wouldn't be taking part in the real sporting event of the morning......

Other than an inordinate amount of road kill being noticed, particularly a rather large deer in the middle of the road into Galesburg, the jaunt was indistinguishable.

The three noticed Wishbones bike resting against the Klutch as they waved at the early morning group and headed on to the start.

At the Start, Sharkman immediately notice new riders.

First up was Virgin Minion "Hermster!" Sharkman loves it when a Virgin Minion comes with his own name! Second up was another Virgin who had a nick name, "Shooie!" When asked how to spell his name he replied, "any way you want to!!" Welcome to the mighty Shark Minion Nation, Hermster and Shooie!

Virgin Minion "Shooie!"

Riders started piling in like crazy and Sharkman was glad that he had the 15 rider rule. When there are more than 15 riders Belo News is not required to name each rider and Minions will need to distinguish themselves in some way to be mentioned in this publication.

And distinguishing themselves in "some way" was what Easty and Katie did as they came flying in, not only on a tandem, but in matching kit! Is this a great country or what!?!

Either would have been a treat for the Nation, but the kit they were wearing had the Minions "seeing dots!!!

Gazelle Girl snuck in once again, with the sun shining on her shoulder, as Sharkman called for the Nation to line up for the start photo.

After a reminder to stay two abreast through town so Toesetter wouldn't be assaulted in the local Hardware Store, the Nation left the station to the sound of pedals clicking in!

It was a beautiful morning to be in the Nation and all Sharkman could think of was Easty and Katie on the tandem and the lyrics from "City of New Orleans."

Easty and Katie in matching kit,
on their tandem!

The Nation was seeing dots!!!

"Riding with the mighty Minion Nation,
Champs le Galesburg, early morning sun,
25 bikes and 26 Minion Riders,
Sharkman smiling, he was ready for some fun!

Good morning America, how are you! 

I said, don't you know me, I'm your native son! 
I'm the train they call the mighty Minion Nation, 
we'll be gone 500 miles when the day is done!"

As the Nation headed north, more riders jumped on. Wildman and Sasquatch went to the front and pulled our hero until Ranger Rick flew by and took Sharkman to his honorary sprint, which he took at 24.1 mph! He was feeling the love on this beautiful morning!

Eric the Red, making his season debut!

The pace seemed quick with the excitement in the peloton and as the Nation moved towards the sprint before the col de Twin Lakes, the "Tandem Team," in a flash of dots, went by the nation like a semi truck out of control and easily took the sprint! From that point on, each of the riders fought to get on the wheel and in the wake of the mighty "Tandem Team" as they sucked riders along!

Sharkman described the experience as "surreal" as he dropped in and out of the dot driven wake from time to time. He hadn't seen a tandem since the famous "Z Train" several years back. Long term Minions may remember the couple from New Zealand who use to ride with the Nation and actually take sprints! Oh, the humanity!

The ride continued past the Yorkville Church, Kellogg Korner (which was pretty clean, has the Skipper been out?), the Kountry Klub section and into the Rt. 43 sprint. Sharkman led out and as the stop ahead came into view, Zyckmann made his move with Skittles on his wheel. In a close battle,  Zyckmann edged out the win.

At the top of the col de Norte, Sharkman made sure all were on and began to talk with Bissell Boy about the great crowd and what a great day it was and before he knew it the peloton was gone!

I. O. U. Beer was back after a
long hiatus!

Sharkman fought to try to get back on and grabbed every wheel he could that went by, but settled on Dr. Dave as he was riding so smoothly right through the Holy Rollers and on to the feed stop!

Thank you Dr. Dave!

It was during this section that Stroker reported that he could not shift. Oh, the humanity!

At the Feed Stop, Sharkman asked Team Mechanic Skittles, if he could take a look at it. The diagnosis was not good. The shift cable on the rear derailleur had snapped. Skittles jury rigged the derailleur so that Stroker had at least, 2 gears for the hard, slow, return to the Klutch.

The Nation again, took the low road, and then lined up for the traditional pace line after the Digital Divide with Skittles at the front.

As the Minion train passed through the bend near the GGG Spot Sprint, there was Toesetter, bringing his beloved "Sweetheart of the Peloton" to the front. Beard braided and flying in the wind, leading his lady out, it was a thing of beauty as the Nation cheered them on!

Wishbone wondering, "Where did
all these Minions come from?"

It was a victory for America, as the Nation roared their approval!

Sharkman gave a brief, "be careful" as the Nation headed south to the final sprint.

Sharkman was worried that without Hossman or Tow Truck,  who would stretch out this large group of riders.

Sharkman and Rocketman went to the front to get the train moving but it wasn't long before Skittles moved forward and drove the Nation hard. Skittles took up the speed and spread out the Nation as they ascended the final hill and it was all out after that. Skittles had thrown himself on his sword for the safety of the Nation and it was another well fought final with LK taking the final sprint!

Average Speed - 18.97 mph. Fastest ride of the year.

The Nation was stopped on the Champs le Galesburg by another cycling group heading into town. The paparazzi and the tofosi were a bit confused and no one knew who these riders were, but a few of the Minions were upset that someone was on "Shark" turf and named them the "Jets...." Get it? Sharks, Jets, .......?

You can see the "angry ladies" car approaching.

As the Minions piled into the Klutch,  Hoosier Boy was set to buy.  And he bought for everyone! EVERYONE!!! Is this a great country or what?!? What was he thinking? It was thought he was thinking not many would stop, but man, was he wrong! The Minions just kept coming in!

Rumor has it he is getting a second mortgage to pay off the debt and has sought counseling.

Thanks Hoosier Boy, you shouldn't have to buy koffee for the rest of the year!

The Klutch was rocking! In addition to the reserved table, another table was procured for the over flow as Hoosier Boy broke out into his biggest sweat of the day! Oh, the humanity!

Snowman making his season debut!
When did he jump on?

The paparazzi was clamouring for autographs and photos as the riders quaffed down copious amounts of Bottomless Kups of Koffee! Is this a great country or what!?!

The refills were a bit slow in coming, as Andrew and the team were running around trying to keep up with the mob that just kept coming!

But, all good things must end and Yeti Boy, Fire and Sharkman headed up that dang Eaton hill and back to the Shark Cove.

It was a great morning to be a Minion!

You won't want to miss this week edition, though Sharkman may! It is Lava Girls Birthday and the itinerary for the day is still in question.

But the ride goes on!

Because it is Galesburg Days this Saturday, it will also be SHARK MINION JERSEY DAY!

That's right, Bunkie! Break out the Shark Kit and be ready to ride for the tofosi!

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

Be there!

Add caption

MINIONS AT THE DONUT RACE!!!

Belo News

They looked sort of happy before the rain.......

June 9, 2019
Written by Skittles

Martin, Mi. - Dawn broke damp and not so cold over Skittle Castle, The Dirty Donut Ride on his schedule for the day.  This event takes place at US131 Motorsports Park and is a multi-distance gravel event where time is deducted for each donut eaten. 

Our Hero met up with Echo, Dreamboat, Stryker Guy and Dave/Christina at the start.  AND WHO IS THIS?!  RAINMAN?!  Rainman Riding on a day with a strong chance of Rain?!  Who’d have thunk it? This was turning into a mini-Minion Ride. 

Numbers were attached to handlebars and the riders, vainly hoping the rain would hold off for the entire sixty-four miles they planned to ride, clipped in and took off.  Rainman, Dreamboat Dr. Dave and Dave/Christina decided on a fairly high pace, with Skittles and Echo deciding to take it a bit easier

A bunch of Minions ready to rock the Donut Race!

The day doused in rain, Dirty Donut Ride had become a Mud and Sticky Sand Fest, beautiful in its own way.  Our heroes were ensconced in the sights and sounds of falling rain, gravel crunching under tires, lush green grass, turtles and a pair of horses galloping along in their yards, unimpressed farm dogs hanging out in their drive-ways looking on at the lycra-clad riders, the surprisingly loud buzz of a high tension power line in the steady rain.

Closing on the finish with about four miles to go, Skittles decided to test his fitness, he hit the gas to see if he could catch Dave/Christina, which he did, he checked over his shoulder and was stunned to see Dreamboat on his wheel. "This is a race now" he thought to himself and maneuvered to force Dreamboat to lead him out on the next-to-final straight.  Skittles smartly sat on

Dreamboat was in the mix!

Yep, pretty happy before the rains came....

Dreamboat’s wheel getting his glasses plastering with mud since he did not want to lose the “good air” behind his opponent.  He took the lead following a left hand turn into the Drag Strip, glanced back to check Dreamboat’s position and couldn’t see him at all, he pulled off his glasses intending to put them in his helmet vents, but having no time for this, he put them in his mouth, glanced at Dreamboat’s position on the road and crossed the line.  The cycling world is surely poorer for not having an action shot of our hero in a dead sprint with his glasses in his mouth!  OH THE HUMANITY!

As the legend, Stryker Guy said,
"This is what you look like with mud and
gravel all over you and your bike!

Skittles took his age group, as did Stryker Guy!

Rainman remembering why he doesn't ride
in the rain! Oh, the humanity!

More Minions!

Dreamboat loved the race!

Congratulations to all those who finished the Donut Race! You did the Nation proud! And thanks for Skittles for the story and for Skittles and Rainman for the photos! Nice job!

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

WHO FINISHED ON THE PODIUM?

Minion are everywhere!
(Photo courtesy of Dr. Dave)

DOES ANYONE KNOW!!!

WHO BOUGHT KOFFEE?

NO ONE?!?

OH, THE HUMANITY!!!

35TH STREET RAMP CLOSED?!?

RIDERS LATE?!?

SHARKMAN'S ENTOURAGE BACK???

SURPRISE CELEBRITY RIDER IN THE MIX?

The mighty Minion Nation read to rock the KK-TdG!

WHAT IS GOING ON???

Belo News
June 5, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke bright and warm over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman bolted from bed as he realized he had not put his summer wheels on his steed! Oh, the humanity.

Celebrity Rider Dreamboat was
back in the mix!!!

After a cup of Shark coffee, he got the Ksyrium wheels out of storage and one of them was flat. "Probably from being stored for the winter months...." he thought to himself.....

Wrong! Flat tire. Too late to fix. Our hero would be riding with one regular wheel and one Ksyrium wheel.......dang.......

Yeti Boy was back and right on time for launch! After two weeks of solo rides, Sharkman was soooo happy to have his wing man back.

As the two made their way down Watkins, they saw two sets of headlights ahead and realized it was Reb and Fire, making her season debut! The entourage was back and Sharkman was feeling the love!!!

Is this a great country or what!?!

As the riders made their way to the start, Sharkman could not believe the number of cars passing them on the road down the hill from the Eaton plant and on the Champs le Galesburg. What the .......was there a convention in the quite burg of Galesburg that the Sharkman was not aware of?

Virgin Minion Mark (NTBD)!
Welcome to the Nation Mark (NTBD)!

They passed the Koffee Klutch and waved to the Early Morning group and headed to the start.

As they pulled into the start, it was apparent that the summer crowd of Minions were returning to the fold!

A number of minions were back, making their season debuts. In addition to Fire, Hossman, making his last ride before moving to Colorado and becoming a future celebrity rider, Ranger Rick, Dr. Dave, Rocketman, Falcon and Wildman!

Toesetter was making his return after recent surgery, and Zyckmann/Fabio was back, sans the Vanity Plate, but sporting a new seat! Oh, the humanity!

Much to the Nations joy, Dreamboat was making a return to the peloton as a "Surprise Celebrity Rider!"

Welcome back, Dreamboat!

Gazelle Girl snuck in with, yet another "other guy" (this week it was Boatman) with the sun shining on her shoulder!

There was also a virgin Minion in the mix by the name of Mark (NTBD) who was a friend of Padre's.

Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation Mark (NTBD)!

Ranger Rick was back and
taking photos!

Speaking of Padre, he pulled in as Sharkman was getting ready to do the start photos and as Kia Pet, Brewman, Toast and Greyhound filled out the field! Padre got out of his car complaining that the ramp/road was closed on 35th and it delayed him, stating he thought Belo News should have put something out. Yeah, right, like Belo News knows anything about anything going on! Ha ha!

This did explain all the cars on the way into Galesburg......

Twenty riders lined up for the start photo as Sharkman blessed the start and the Nation was off for another tour of their field of dreams known as the KK-TdG!

As they passed the Klutch, the early morning group waved in adoration and the Nation headed to the north!

Sharkman worked up and down the pace line pressing the flesh like he was running for office.

No on took the turn for the A group (which may be a dead group because it wasn't as much fun as the B group) and Falcon and Hossman opened a gap.

Sharkman was sure they would let up as they approached the Honorary Sharkman Sprint, but they just kept going.

Hossman making his season debut!

Falcon pulled aside, later stating that he thought Hossman was Sharkman, and Hossman took the sprint. This resulted in booing an an angry crowd as their hero did not take the sprint, but Sharkman was still feeling the love and declared Hossman the winner of the sprint on his last Minion ride and he was able to stop the angry mob from lynching Falcon!

As the ride went on, Kid Doster also jumped on as Dr. Dave dropped off and Toesetter, who was just back from surgery, decided to cut over at the A Group split and meet the Nation on the east side of the lake.

The Nation headed through the col de Twin Lakes, past the Yorkville Church and Kellogg Korner and on to the Kountry Klub section.

After the traditional "sit up" after this section, Sharkman got on Zykmann's wheel as he went to the front and rode him like a rented mule. Waiting until the last second, Sharkman came around him and just as he was about to take the sprint, got passed on the left by a surging Padre. Oh, the humanity!

The Nation headed up the col de Norte, through the Holy Rollers and at the Feed Stop decided to again, take the low road, where CycoCross joined on complaining that he had missed the start due to the situation on 35th Street. Toesetter had joined up with him and Sharkman had lost any semblance of the number of riders!

Zykmann was back from lawn work a
week early!

The ride seemed quick there were at times, several gaps that opened. It seemed that if a rider lost the wheel in front of them, it took quite an effort to get back on before the next sprint.

That changed as everyone played nice after the Digital Divide and a nice pace line formed up and after clicking north of 22 mph, afforded the "Sweetheart of the Peloton" yet another victory for America.

On the final sprint to glory, Hossman worked his way to the front, as is his style, and took the speed up as the Nation hung on to his wheel. After a huge pull, Hossman peaked at the final ascent and riders started going by him and battling down to the finish.

Unfortunately, Sharkman was so busy battling with Zyckmann, who he passed and then got passed by 4 times, he did not see who won the sprint or even who placed. Sharkman asked riders who had taken the sprint, but no one seemed to know. Maybe they thought they'd have to buy if they won?

Average speed on the day was actually down a bit, to 18.84 mph.

Hossman's last ride with the Nation!
Oh, the humanity!

Interestingly, there was no sprint to the Koffee Klutch, as the Nation headed down the champs le Galesburg taking in the shouts and applause from the many tofosi and paparazzi along the road.

Only 10 of the 23+ riders stopped for Koffee and though Yeti Boy bought Sharkman koffee (what a great Minion) there was no buying. Yep, the Nation was back to the summer schedule!

The Nation talked about how great it was to have Dreamboat back in the peloton, but how said they were to see Hossman leave. Who will pull the Nation apart in the final sprint with out Hossman or Towtruck? Oh, the humanity!

After another lengthy session at the Klutch, Sharkman and Yeti Boy headed back to the Shark Cove with a TAIL WIND!

Is this a great country or what!?!

You won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG!

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

And the 35th Street may or may not be blocked!

Be there!

Yeti Boy was back!

Toesetter recovering well and riding strong!

Gazelle Girl with the sun on her shoulder!

Dr. Dave making his season debut!

Kia Pet was back in the mix

Rocketman was back!

Falcon before his major first
sprint faux paux!

Is that Wildman? Really? He's back?

That's right Bunkie! The Nation gets
reserved seating at the Klutch!

The Nation lining up at the first G crossing!
(Photo courtesy of Ranger Rick)

The gathering of the Klan!
(Photo courtesy of Ranger Rick)

Sharkman briefing the Nation!
(Photo courtesy of Ranger Rick)

The Nation rocking the Klutch!

It was a great day be in the Nation!

DON'T FORGET THE MOTORCYCLE RIDE SUNDAY!

Belo News

June 9, 2019

Hickory Corner, Mi. - Don't forget that this Sunday the mighty Shark Minion Nation Motorcycle Team will be invading the Gilmore Care Museum to enjoy the 2019 Vintage Motorcycle Show!

That's right, Bunkie! If you have a motorcycle, join the Nation at the show and then enjoy a ride up to the Walldorff for lunch and to celebrate Gazelle Girls birthday.

Make sure you let Sharkman know you are attending so that you can be contacted in the event weather cancels the ride!

All the details are below! 

Be there for the first ever, mighty Shark Minion Nation Motorcycle Ride!

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

SPRING SEASON ENDS ON HIGH NOTE!

Red, White and Blue Kit Day!
Bowties, hair ribbons, orange shoes!
Is this a great country or what?!?

KID DOSTER NOSES OUT PADRE FOR FINAL!

SHARKMAN ON THE PODIUM?!? WAIT,.....WHAT???

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!?

WARM WEATHER GREETS THE NATION!!!

LET THE SEASON BEGIN!

MOTORCYCLE RIDE YOU SAY?!?

Belo News
May 25, 2019

Shark Cove, Mi. - As dawn broke damp and cloudy over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero, the Sharkman's first thought was, "is it raining?"

The forecast for ride day looked dismal the previous evening and the thought crossed our hero's mind to just cancel the ride and avoid the early morning ruminating over the Shark Radar.

However, much to his surprise, a quick check of radar showed an opening in the weather for at least the morning hours!

Game on!

Brewman sporting his Victory Beer
RW&B Kit!

Sharkman was again, unsure of who would be riding over with hime, but none the less was excited to don his Red, White and Blue kit. Each layer of this our hero's ensemble reeked of patriotism!

From the red, white and blue helmet, to the American flags on his dew rag, to his all American star's and stripes jersey to his blue bib shorts! His USA socks and his red and white riding shoes, our hero was living the Shark Minion Credo that "if you can't be good, look good!" and our hero was looking good!

With his flashing lights, he cut quite a figure on the wet roads over to the start.

Again, no one joined on and Sharkman was feeling the loneliness of the long distance rider.......(hey, does that make the entourage feel sorry? Uh, does it? Where are you guys???) Can we hear a collective ...."Awwwwww...." for our hero? Uh, can we?

Again, he counted cars that passed him on the way over, (and the count doubled since last week (4) as he thought of the glory days when he always had at least one other rider in his Shark entourage......

Brewman fashion error.....
Orange/Black shoes....

As he  passed the Klutch and waved to the early morning group, he noticed Wishbones bike resting against the wall of the Klutch, so he knew there would be at least one other Shark Minion in attendance for Red, White and Blue Kit Day!

As he rolled into the school yard, there was Sasquatch pulling into the start, followed by perfect attendance Brewman and others. Both were in their RW and B Kit, with Brewman filling out his ensemble by having both a Victory Brewing AND a RW and B jersey. The man knows how to rock the holiday weekends!

He did have a small fashion issue with his orange shoes, but the Commissioner let it pass. Sasquatch was rocking it in his USA jersey!

Shortly after, Padre showed up and though he did not have RW and B Kit, he did have a very attractive, yet masculine RW and B Bow Tie! (check photo). He even wore it for the entire ride!!!

Hoosier Boy had his Hoosier Jersey, which is red and white, but was cutting it close with the blue helmet straps. But again, the Commissioner looked the other way.

Reb makes the start!
Well, sort of.....

Bissell Boy arrived with the ever popular Mick Jagger RW and B jersey, always a crowd pleaser.  To shouts of "Gazelle Girl" the "Sweetheart of the Peloton" arrived with her RW and B hair ribbon (check photo)! Shortly after, Stryker Guy returned to the peloton in his RW and B Pedal Kit!

Padre rocking it in his
RW&B Bowtie!

Man, the Nation was looking good!!!

Even Reb showed up at the start, sans any RW and B Kit, as he was taking his son to play baseball and couldn't ride, but did want to try to remember what the start was like!

Oh, the humanity!

Including the Sharkman, there were nine at the start, and though small in number, they made up for it in enthusiasm! Many thought they wouldn't be riding with the weather report, but they were out to celebrate being Shark Minions, as well as our beloved, good old US of A!!!

After the start photo and the obligatory selfie that Sharkman just can't seem to get the hang of, they were off!

As they passed the Klutch, their adoring fans in the Early Morning Koffee Group waved and Andrew came to the door to wish everyone a safe ride.

As the Nation headed past the Klutch, PJ and Hutch jumped on. Then they were eleven!

Sharkman worked the crowd and insured his count as the Shark Nation train headed up toward the first sprint. Not long after, Kid Doster, making his season debut, jumped on, making it 12 riders.

The ever popular Mick Jagger RW&B
Jersey! Bissell Boy rocks it!

Sasquatch and Padre went to the front and did a great job leading out the Sharkman to his honorary sprint,  clocking it at 22. 3 mph this week! The man was on fire!

After the first G crossing, Stryker Guy took the sprint in the run up to the col de Twin Lakes "uncontested" as he stated. He claimed the he likes to get at least one "uncontested" sprint per season! And that folks, is why he is a legend!

The Nation glided up the col de Twin Lakes and past the Northville Church, past Kellogg Korner and through the Kountry Klub section.

Padre and Kid Doster were leading in this section with Sharkman hard on their wheels, hanging on like Wolf King hangs on to a piece of bologna!

After the traditional "sit up" after the turn to the Rt. 43 sprint, Sharkman took off and was soon tracked down by Kid Doster and Padre, however, Sharkman had enough left to take the Rt. 43 sprint! Or did the Kid give it to him?......None the less, it was a victory for America!

Up the col de Norte and through the Holy Rollers, the Nation rode at a pretty good clip considering the past few weeks of Spring Training pace. Padre commented that the group was pretty mellow and Sharkman told him they were all waiting for the final sprint.

Hoosier Boy in his
Indiana Kit with blue helmet strap.

As they passed the Zyckmann Estate, there was the venerable Fabio doing lawn work.

Wait, what? Lawn work? Lawn work? What was he thinking!??

Belo News was going to have some fun with this, but later learned that Fabio/Zyckmann has a virus and will be out for at least two weeks! Oh, the humanity!

Get well soon, Zyckmann!

At the Feed Stop, PJ dropped off and the Nation took the low road, all deciding it was nicely paved and less traveled. They then headed to the Digital Divide, where the pace line formed up.

Sharkman led out and got the show started, but Gazelle Girl was bound and determined to teach the wayward Minion Nation how to do the pace line clock wise, as the wind was coming from the southwest. Though Sharkman was doubtful, Gazelle Girl proved him wrong as she shouted out orders to the Minions to reverse the direction and got the outside line to move up, while the inside line moved back. It actually worked for quite a while until some on the inside line seemed to forget and moved faster than the outside line, not allowing them to move in front.

However, for a while, it was a thing of beauty!

Stryker Guy back in his RW&B Pedal Kit!

Gazelle Girls method to her madness bore itself out when, after the bend in the road just before the final sprint, she popped up near the front and got  a near perfect lead out to her beloved GGG Spot Sprint! It was another victory for America on this Memorial Day Special Edition!

As the Nation headed south to the final sprint, Sasquatch and Gazelle Girl took the lead out.

Sharkman, remembering his being so gassed the week before trying to lead out, sat back and watched the ride unfold. He had remembered that Padre was pretty preoccupied by the sprinting and the old Shark thought that he would try to get his wheel if he could, knowing he would rock it hard to get that sprint.

As Sasquatch and Gazelle Girl got to the final ascent, the Nation started to splinter, and up came Padre.

Sharkman grabbed his wheel and hung on as best he could as the road descended to the finish.

Padre slowly took the speed up as Sharkman looked in his mirror and saw that they had opened up a gap and no one seemed to be following them!

"Gazelle Girl!"

Red, White & Blue Hair Band!

Sharkman thought that maybe, just maybe, he could wait to the last second and come around Padre as they bore down on the finish. He continued to look down at his mirror to make sure that no one was off his left shoulder. That is when it happened....

Just as the old Shark was planning his jump, he heard Kid Doster to his right say, "I guess it is just us...."

Sharkman had been unable to see the swift moving Kid coming up on the inside.

Just as Sharkman was thinking he had the Kid boxed in, Padre started to drift a bit left to counter any move by the old Shark.

As Padre made the move,  Kid Doster came up on the right while the old Shark tried to attack from the left.

Another bad selfie! Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman got up to about a half wheel off Padre, almost pulling even, when Padre and Kid Doster put the hammer down and Kid Doster, timing his attack perfectly, edged out Padre with Sharkman on their wheels!

It was another victory for America as the crowds went wild on the champs Le Galesburg!

Average Speed on the day was 18.99 mph, which was a bit of a jump since the previous averages during Spring Season.

The race also began for who was buying the Koffee. With PJ and Hutch dropping off, the numbers were down again and Hoosier Boy and Gazelle Girl, followed by Bissell Boy, led the three way attack to the Klutch, which was almost as furious as the rush to the finish!

However, as the Nation, paparazzi and tofosi arrived at the Klutch, there was Greyhound waiting with a big grin on his face. He was buying and won the final sprint to the Klutch without even riding! Thanks Greyhound! Is this a great country or what!?!

Who is that ghost rider?

Again, the Nation stayed late at the Klutch, enjoying the banter as well as the bottomless kups of koffee.

Sharkman was pleased to learn there was a nice east wind for his ride back to the Shark Cove and that he had enough gas to get there in a respectable time.

You won't want to miss this weeks edition of the KK-TdG!

Saturday, June 1, 2019 (How can it be June already!??)

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

Be there!



 

Winner of the Koffee Sprint!
Greyhound!

The Klutch was rocking!

MOTORCYCLE RIDE YOU SAY?!?

Belo News
May 29, 2019

Hickory Corners, Mi. - It is well known that Sharkman has been riding two wheels for a very long, long time. One of those two wheeled vehicles is a motorcycle that he dearly loves. He also loves going to the Gilmore Vintage Motorcycle Show and is on June 8 and 9 this year.

June 9 is also Gazelle Girls Birthday AND she rides a motorcycle, and so does Toesetter!

Is this a great country or what!

So if you are a motorcycling Shark Minion, get that bike out to ride with us on Sunday morning, June 9 for the Gilmore Car Museum's 2019 Vintage Motorcycle Weekend followed by a lunch ride up to the Walldorff!

Please let Sharkman know if you are attending! All are welcome!

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