IT'S FINALLY HERE!

OPENING DAY 2016!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

WAIT, WHAT? ANOTHER “SOFT OPENING!”

STATEMENT FROM OUR HERO?

Belo News

March 30, 2016

Shark Cove, Mi. - The texts and emails began coming in on Wednesday last week to the Shark Cove. Wildman decided to get another ride together for Saturday, in preparation for the Official Opening Day scheduled for April 2, 2016. The only problem was that he was starting the ride at 8:00 a.m. from the Klutch!

Our intrepid hero immediately checked the Shark Weather Station and it was showing a start temperature for the proposed time at 32 degrees! However, it was Wildman's ride and the old Shark didn't want to take over and thought he'd wait to see if any of the others on the distribution would respond.

First up was Gazelle Girl, who stated she had it on her “dance card” but was questioning the early, cold start. The second email response was from Rainman and even though there was no rain in the forecast, stated it was way to early on a day that would be much more conducive to riding in later in the afternoon! And so it went, but Wildman did not seem to be budging on the call for the early start.

The Nation enjoying their Bottomless Kups!

On Friday, our intrepid hero again checked the weather while waiting for an email from Wildman stating he was moving the time back, and found that now the Shark Weather Station was reporting temps of 28 degrees at launch time! Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman sent an email to Wildman asking who was riding, to which he responded it was just the two of them, plus Gazelle Girl and Mad Dog. Wildman stated it really wouldn't be any warmer by 9 a.m. and Sharkman agreed.

As dawn broke over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero literally jumped from the bed, chomping at the bit to ride! He had decided to drive over (fearing he might not even make it around the lake!) and after loading up his steed in the Sharkvibemobile, he headed to the Klutch.

As he walked in to the Klutch, he was greeted by the Early Morning Koffee Group with a big hello and following him in the door was Gazelle Girl. Mad Dog rode up after making the trek from the Creek and Wildman, who was in charge of the ride, drove up last.

There was a brief discussion on whether to ride the regular KK-TdG route or head south and fortunately, the group decided to head out on the KK-TdG course, as Ironman jumped on as they headed north out of Galesburg! Ironman was a bit upset as he heard out hero remark, “Who do we have here?”

Ironman was upset that there was no “Ironman!” or “The other guy!” shouted out as he arrived and Sharkman apologized for the gaff. Wildman took the first sprint, as it took Sharkman a few miles for his legs to kick in and it wasn't actually and “official” Minion ride......

It was a beautiful morning with little wind, bright, warming, sunshine and an easy pace!

Sharkman took all the sprints (well, in his mind anyway) until the GGG Spot Sprint where the Nation got Gazelle Girl into position for her first major effort of the young season! As she motored ahead, and feeling the love, she made her final thrust and actually blew away the stop ahead sign! Whoa,....... what? Yes, after buzzing by, the Stop Ahead Sign (see photo) could not be found and it could only be assumed she blew it away! Wow!

Gazelle Girl blows away the Stop Ahead
sign as she takes the GGG Spot Sprint!

After what seemed like forever to take a photo, the Nation headed south to the final sprint, that no one contested, and the mighty Minion Nation ended the ride with an anemic pace of 16.4 mph. But it was a fantastic ride!

Surprisingly, the Champs le Galesburg was packed with at least two tofosi cheering our hero's on as they zipped up their jerseys for the sponsors and crowds and rode into the Klutch.

Gazelle Girl, appreciative of Mad Dog's pacing during the ride, bought him his sissy espresso drink, though her generosity ran out at $4.00 as that is all she had with her, and the Nation celebrated the great morning of sun, bikes and koffee!

But the real thing starts this Saturday!

See next story, Bunkie!

OPENING DAY THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News

March 30, 2016

Shark Cove, Mi. - The day the Nation has been awaiting during this long, cold, snowy winter (well, actually, it was a pretty mild winter, but it sounds WAY more dramatic written this way) has finally arrived! Opening Day, 2016 is here!

This Saturday, April 2, 2016!

Launch Time – 9:00 A.M. - SHARP!

You won't want to miss this special day, though there is a concern that with Spring Break AND predicted cold temps, the turnout could be low, this is it Minions! The big day and come on, if those European guys can ride in cold, wet weather, so can the MIGHTY Minion Nation! So be there!

SHARKMAN UPDATE!

Our intrepid hero
the Sharkman!

Belo News

March 30, 2016

Shark Cove, Mi. - As some of the Nation is already aware, our intrepid hero was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early January. Since that time he has been talking to doctors and others who have been through the process, determining his course of treatment.

Fortunately for the Sharkman, the cancer is limited to the prostate and is a slow moving cancer. However, it was extensive and so our hero has decided to have a Radical Prostectomy.

Sharkman will be going to the University of Michigan (which isn't easy for a Badger) on May 2, 2016 for surgery and the good news is that he should be up and around within a week. The bad news is that he will have to be off the bike for 2 months.

However, our intrepid hero will continue to organize the ride, he will be over for koffee when he can, and he will be putting out Belo News, albeit it may be more brief, which is something he has contemplated for some time. After over 300 editions, it has been difficult to keep things fresh and new.

So it is all good and Sharkman is at peace with his decision and only wants to get this behind him as soon as possible (no pun intended!).

For those of you who have more questions about this (as he has learned, may cyclists do), Sharkman will be happy to explain everything on the ride this Saturday and on any Saturday until May 2!

Viva Bikes!

Early season start?

EARLY....”SOFT” OPENING DAY?!?

END OF WINTER FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY!

REAL OPENING DAY SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016!

OH, THE HUMANITY!

Belo News

February 22, 2016

Shark Cove, Mi. - The Editors here at Belo News would like to apologize for the lateness of the latest Mid-Winter Edition of Belo News. Belo News usually likes to get the Mid-Winter Edition out around the end of January, but due to circumstances, completely within control of Sharkman hizzelf, the Editors could not meet their own deadline.

So the Editors humbly apologize as we realize you have all been running to your computers each morning waiting for the latest edition of Belo News!

However, much is happening and Belo News is here to report it now, as late as that may be!

EARLY “SOFT” OPENING DAY?!?

Andrew was on hand to
welcome the Nation!

Belo News

February 20, 2016

Shark Cove, Mi. - The texts and emails started up on Thursday! Wildman started it off with an email to a few suggesting a Saturday ride! This was followed by some joining on and adding names and even Gazelle Girl took time from her shishbooming in the U.P. To respond. Many reported in as “Definite Maybe's” as no one could believe the weather was going to be as good as predicted.

Excitement grew as Friday brought warm temperatures, albeit very windy conditions.

Texts picked up as Friday wore on.....”Is your “definete a positive!” appeared on several texts as momentum for Wildman's ride began to build.

As dawn broke bright and warm over the Shark Cove, our intrepid hero checked in with Rainman to learn that he would drive our hero to the start! Sharkman ran up and down the stairs at the Shark Cove, undecided on what to wear. As he got his cross bike ready, the warmth of the sun heated his back and he decided he was over dressed. This happened several times as he inflated tires, adjusted the seat, loaded his water bottle and got ready for roll with Rainman.

Once the final kit from his wide haberdashery of cycling attire was determined, he threw his stead on the back of Rainmans Highlander and they were off!

The gathering of the Klutch Klan!

On the ride over, the passed Reb, who was on his mountain bike fighting the west winds. Though Reb was offered a ride and Rainman has his 4 banger on the back, Reb said he was just riding over and back and would continue on!

As the duo arrived at the Klutch, they found Brewman, Wildman, and Ranger Rick getting their bikes ready.

Sharkman, having had too much koffee, ducked into the Klutch to use the head and found it had been moved! Holy Andrew, what was going on?!?

Turned out that Andrew has made some major changes at the Klutch! Must be all the success after Banjovi brought in the throngs of 2-3 music lovers! 

The Klutch has moved the bathroom up front and expanded the kitchen! They have also put in a large screen TV! Is this a great country or what!?!

In addition to Sharkman and Rainman, riders in attendance were Reb, Mad Dog, Ranger Rick, Brewman, Wrongway, PJ's Brother (we need to get a nick name for this guy!) and new Minion, Erick Kane who will now be known as 3^rd Degree! Welcome to the mighty Minion Nation, 3^rd Degree!

Brewman in early season form!

Wildman wanted to head southwest, into the wind so that the Nation would have the wind at their back coming in, but Sharkman was concerned that Gazelle Girl might be attempting to make an “on route entry” to the ride. So Sharkman called the Triple Nasty Ranchero to see if the “Sweetheart of the Peloton” was riding on this fine day.

Toesetter answered the phone and informed the Nation that Gazelle Girl, after having just arrived from her annual trek to the UP to shishboom, realized that her bike was in for an overhaul and she couldn't ride! 

Oh, the humanity!

So Wildman circled up the troops and they headed south to Qman hill for the first and only climb of the day!

Reb peeled off at the foot of the ascent to head back to the Creek, while the Nation turned right and began the climb, into the wind, up Qman hill.

Sharkman and Ranger Rick, followed
by virgin Minion 3rd Degree!

As the riders headed south, the wind did not seem to bad and the group spoke of the warm sun on their backs, while catching up on their winter activities. Sharkman announced that he was in a very good mood and that he had suspended fees for all of the sights as it was “off season.” This brought a cheer from the Nation as they rode through Hawk Alley and down towards the waterfall, where PJ's brother (did we mention we need to get this guy a nickname?) and the riders began to feel more of the wind.

As the peloton rode past the Railroad House, they could feel the wind building and then as they turned on “the Road to Nowwhere” they were hit full force with the gusts.

New Minion 3^rd Degree, Sharkman and Ranger Rick were conversing and before they knew it, looked up and found the peloton moving away from them. 3^rd Degree, then Ranger Rick kicked it up a gear to get the group back to the main peloton in the strong wind.

But it was all worth it as the Nation turned to head home through Scotts, which had a lot of lunch time traffic at the coffee shop, and back to the final downhill into Galesburg and on to the Champs le Galesburg.

Though the ride was “spirited” and the final down hill a roaring blast with the wind on their backs, along with the sun, no one seemed too competitive on a beautiful winter morning! Can it still be February?!?

There were no fans on the Champs le Galesburg as no one knew about the informal, last minute, ride! Oh, the humanity!

Wildman and Wrongway leading out to
the finish!

As the riders pulled up to the Klutch, Great Dane was waiting, koffee in hand. He had ridden his Swiss Army bike over for some koffee with the Nation and was showing the riders all the great “stuff” that is a part of this 42 pound bike!

Andrew was ready with the Bottomless Cups as Mad Dog and Wildman quawfed down their espresso's.

It was a fantastic early season opportunity to get out and ride and only whetted every ones appetite for the real thing in April!

See you for Opening Day, Saturday, April 2, 2016!

Our photographer and driver on
the morning, Rainman!

Great Dane, Sharkman, Wildman, Brewman, Mad Dog,
Wrongway and 3rd Degree sipping their Koffee!

Sharkman pontificating to Great Dane about
something not very important!

Great Dane and his Swiss Army Bike!

END OF WINTER FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY!

Belo News

February 23, 2016

Battle Creek, Mi. - This Saturday is the Team Active End of Winter Festival. A three day extravaganza of all things bike!

Festivities begin on Thursday, February 25, 2016 with “Beers & Gears” from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. With 25% off sale items!

Friday, February 26, 2016 is the “Wine & Wheels Fashion Show” from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. With 35% off sale items.

Saturday is the big day with 45-75% off sale items from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With a FAT FEST from noon to, well, whenever, at Binder Park Golf Course on B Drive South.

Team Active and the City have set up a 1.5 mile track for Fat Bike racing and relay racing in the afternoon!

Is this a great country or what!???

For more information go to;

http://teamactive.com/

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

CAN IT REALLY BE THE END OF THE SEASON?!?

The Nation gathers!

IN LEUI OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY DRAWS CROWD!

WHAT? NO BANJOVI?

MINIONS RULE AT ICEMAN!

Belo News

November 17, 2015

Walnut Creek, CA. - Better late than never, eh?

After the “In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party” the Editors of Belo News had every intention of getting out an edition to share photos and the fun of the inaugural ILOI Ride/Party, but life had more in-store for the team than they had realized so as they say, “better late than never!”

Polar Bear & Baby Bear!

Sharkman is now out in California babysitting his Sharklet's and waiting for the entire clan to come together for thanksgiving! So, Belo News apologizes for the delay, but here you go!

The first ever In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party was a huge success despite the fact it was such a large group that Banjovi could not perform at Players, yet it was indeed, a fitting end to a fantastic Minion season!

Our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, was a bit concerned when the reservations for the shindig began to come in slowly, but built to a crescendo as the final hours counted down with several Minions calling and some calling directly to Players to let them know they would be in attendance!

"Scout the Wonder Dog" & Ranger Rick!

As the old Shark pulled into the parking lot at the west end of Whitaker Lake, he noticed that CycoCross and Ranger Rick were already getting their steeds ready. Ranger Rick brought another friend with him, who for the time being will be knowns as “Eddy.” He also had brought along “Scout the wonder dog!” who entertained the riders pre-event with feats of catching a dog Frisbee. Is this a great country or what!?!

Greyhound on his huge Fat Bike!
Oh, the humanity!

Shortly after, Polar Bear and Baby Bear arrived, along with the Greyhound on his Fat Bike, which really looked huge next to our heroes 29er! Stryker Guy pulled in after, as well as, Easty (running a bit late), and Kid Doster. Also arriving a bit late (as she is prone to do so she can make a grand entrance) was none other than the Sweetheart of the Peloton, Gazelle Girl. Gazelle Girl had been a “doubtful” starter as she had recently suffered a severe index finger injury! Yet she seemed ready to ride.

Stryker Guy, Greyhound & Easty waiting for the
Granny group to catch back on!

After a few start photos, some additional tricks from Scout, the Wonder Dog, and final instructions from the Old Shark, the Nation decided to ride the Blue to the Red Trail and then back. Sharkman took the lead as the Nation formed up for the ride.

As the riders headed out they could feel “spits” of an icy rain from time to time, however the temps and sun felt warm on their backs.

Gazelle Girl, Baby Bear, Polar Bear & Easty
chilling on the Shark Vibemobile with
a cool beverage!

As the riders pulled up to the Cabins to check the count, Gazelle Girl announced that the jarring on her finger was too much and she was concerned about opening up the wound again. So she headed back to the parking lot on the roads while the rest of the Nation headed out to the Red Trail.

Some of the Minions decided to by pass Granny's while others headed in, however the entire Nation came back together just before the Amusement Park. Some of the riders decided to go out on the Green, while Sharkman was

Stryker Guy, Momma Bear, Baby Bear &
Polar Bear getting ready to chow down!

concerned about timing and led the rest back on the Red to the Blue for the return.

When they arrived at the Pavilion at Whiteford Lake, they found Hoosier Boys car parked and worried he might be lost on the trails. However, he arrived shortly and in time for the post ride beer that Gazelle Girl and Sharkman had brought along.

As the Green Trail riders returned, the mass headed out to Players for the party. Sharkman was a bit surprised at how busy Player was but they had two tables waiting for the hungry Nation to arrive.

As Sharkman always says, "any bar that has ketchup
on the table, is a class joint!"

The Nation and spouses/significant others began piling in! Wildman and Mrs. Wildman (Gwen), Great Dane and friend Janice, Gazelle Girl and Toesetter, Polar Bear, Baby Bear and Momma Bear (Sammie) Styker Guy and Mrs. Stryker Guy (Marsha), Easty and KT, Hoosier Boy and Mrs. Hoosier Boy (Nancy) and even Sasquatch made and appearance. Ranger Rick also arrived, sans Scout the Wonder Dog who was patiently waiting in the car.

The food was good, the beer was even better, but nothing could match the fun of the Nation breaking bread together! The only thing that could have made it better would have

Gazelle Girl, Gwen, Wildman, to the left and
Sasquatch, Great Dane and Janice on the right!

been the appearance of Banjovi! However, and much to everyone's regret, Players felt the place was too busy, people were watching the Michigan game AND people were actually waiting in line to get in to eat! Maybe next year!

It has been a great season and our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, wants to thank the entire Nation for another great summer and fall of riding!

Easty, Hoosier Boy, Nancy, KT on the left &
Baby Bear, Momma Bear, Stryker Guy and Marsha
on the right!

But the Nation isn't done!

After Deer Season ends, watch for possible Fort Custer rides and/or skiing opportunities! Stay tuned to Belo News!

Minions and Scout, the Wonder Dog riding
out of the Freeway!

MINIONS RULE AT ICEMAN!

Reb & Yeti Boy huddle to keep
warm, post Iceman! 

Belo News

November 17, 2015

Traverse City, Mi. - It was another great year for the Nation at the Iceman in Traverse City. The weather conditions were very different from last years “mudfest” and the times were an example of just how great conditions were. Yeti Boy and Reb reported in early that they had taken an hour off the previous years time and the Nations own Skittles finished 4^th in his (32-33) age group!

Fourth Place goes to our own Skittles!

Whoa, wait....? What?

You heard that right, Bunkie! 4^th in one of the most competitive age groups?

Oh, yeah, the mighty Minion Nation rocks! And a big thanks to Belo News Staff Photographer Tara Plant, we have the photos to prove it! Thanks Tara!

Skittles kicking into high gear near the finish!

Congratulations to the entire Nation who competed and did the Nation proud!

Skittles ready for action!

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

WHERE IN THE HECK IS HOOSIER BOY!?!

Yeti Boy and Hoosier Boy enjoying
their Bottomless Kups at the Klutch!

IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

GOOD LUCK TO THE MINIONS AT ICEMAN!

Belo News

October 31, 2015

Ft. Custer, Mi. - As our intrepid hero, the Sharkman, forced his old body out of his shark bed on a dark morning, he was thinking how good it was going to be to be back with his beloved Nation! As he got his steed ready and checked the radar, he was also hoping he could beat the rain!

Yeti Boy picked him up at 7:30 a.m. and the two headed over to the Klutch in Yeti Boys trusty Chevy pick up truck. They took the back roads as Yeti lamented, “I hate to get this old truck going too fast, you never know what might happen!”

Andrews Mom and Dad were on duty as Andrew was over in Detroit, but the koffee was, as always, great. Sharkman bought Yeti Boy a Bottomless and as they sat down the Early Morning Group welcomed them to the Klutch and were surprised that anyone was a riding this late.

Shortly after, Hoosier Boy, then Brewman joined in the merriment!

Sharkman and Brewman just
before launch!

As 8:25 a.m. rolled around, the group headed out to bet their bikes and Hoosier Boy mentioned he had a leaky tire and would ride to the trail head, where hopefully someone would have a pump, and then after a refill, he would head back to the Klutch. Sharkman commented that he wasn't sure it was a good idea to ride on a “leaky tire” but was sure someone would have a pump at the trail head.

The four headed out to the “back door” to the Fort on a dark, but comfortable morning, hoping the rain would hold off till noon as the forecast predicted.

When the group got to the trail head, Tow Truck was there to great them, but though the parking lot seemed fairly full, there were no other Minions AND there was no tire pump for Hoosier Boy! Oh, the humanity!

Sharkman volunteered to lead and suggested they take the Red trail to the Blue and go by the “back door” of the Fort so that Hoosier Boy could head back on his low tire to which everyone agreed.

After the group came out of the Trenches and before heading into the Rock Garden, Sharkman pointed out the trail for Hoosier Boy if he wanted to take the shortest way back, but he stated he would follow the group to the pavilion and break off there.

Sharkman went ahead and after the Camel Backs, headed up the Blue Trail, stopping at the road to make sure everyone was on.

First Yeti Boy, then Brewman and Tow Truck followed but no Hoosier Boy.....

After a couple of minutes, Sharkman said he would go back to the Red to make sure Hoosier Boy hadn't missed the turn.

But no Hoosier Boy.....

Sharkman was sure Hoosier Boy had missed the turn so he went back and got the group to go in search of Hoosier Boy.

The group ripped through the Red with an occasional shout, “Hoosier Boy!” but to no avail.

After the Freeway Section they stopped before entering the Amusement Park to discuss options. It was decided that Hoosier Boy must have taken the short way back to the “back door” and went home....

However, shortly after entering the Amusement Park and as the trail circled back toward the road on the Green Trail, there was Hoosier Boy, going the wrong way! Oh, double the humanity!

Hoosier Boy had indeed, missed the Blue turn and had gone onto the Red Trail and after a while realized he must have missed the turn and had come off the trail to try to get back but had headed down the wrong trail!

The good news was he still had air in the leaky tire! Is this a great country or what?!?

The group took the Green Trail in reverse to the Camp Ground, cut over to the Blue Trail and dropped off Hoosier Boy at the Pavilion near the “back door” to the Fort and he headed home!

But the Nation was not done with tire issues!

As the group headed back on the Blue and cut over to the Red, they stopped before going into Granny's to gather and had lost Brewman. Sharkman went back to look and found that Brewman had also had a flat, but had zapped the tubeless tire with CO2 and was hoping to make it back!

The group then completed the Red Trail and Tow Truck headed back with the group through the Trenches, Rock Garden and Camel Humps before breaking back to head home.

As Brewman, Yeti Boy and Sharkman hustled to make sure they got back before Brewman went flat again, they began to feel rain drops! They all agreed it was fun to race the rain!

As they pulled up to the Klutch, there were still a few rain drops, but nothing serious!

Final mileage on the day was 27.35 miles at 11.76 mph average! Not bad with all the search and rescue stops!

It was a victory for America!

But the Nation is not finished! See next story!

IN LIEU OF ICEMAN RIDE/PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

Please note start area, under the
pavilion west of
Whitford Lake!

Belo News

November 4, 2015

Augusta, Mi. - It is finally here! The day every non Iceman Minion has been waiting for! The In Leui of Iceman Ride/Party!

Last year, a number of Minions became disenchanted with the annual right of autumn, the Iceman, when it turned into the “Mudman,” and had seemed to become more “corporate” with parking and logistic issues that made the race less of a year-end party and more of a huge, money making event. So the Nation has decided to respond for those who are not doing the Iceman this year with a year-end event called the “In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Party!”

This Saturday, November 7, the same day as Iceman, the Nation will gather at Fort Custer at 2:00 p.m. for a ride on the trails, and then travel to Players Grill in Augusta, where spouses or significant others can join in, for beer and dinner at around 4:00 p.m.

Instead of the usual trail head, riders will meet at the pavilion at the west end of Whitford/Lawler Lake where we will have a roof if the weather turns on the Nation. Riders may wish to BYO beverage for post-ride activity before heading over to Players.

It is important that riders attending, as well as their guests, RSVP so that Players can be advised and insure they have enough wait staff.

In edition, there is a distinct possibility that Banjovi might be in attendance and do a few numbers for the Nation!

Is this a great country or what?!?

So, mark your calendars and get your RSVPs now! Even if you are not a mountain bike rider, you can join the Nation for dinner and beer at Players at 4:00 p.m!

Hopefully, this will be the first of many In Lieu of Iceman Ride/Parties to come!

Be there!

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