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Conoco Phillips Training Series

Team Shell is one of a few select teams that take part in the Conoco Phillips (CP) training series each year. It consists of 12 weeks of training rides, fully supported with rest stops and SAG (support and gear) vehicles that offer assistance in case of mechanical trouble.  The routes vary each Saturday, with two or more mileage options available each week.  If you are a beginner, you also get 2 BONUS weeks to get you accustomed to cycling on roads and to feel comfortable on your bicycle.  The 12-week series is an excellent way to prepare for the MS150.  You'll cover flat terrain to gentle rolling hills to some pretty challenging climbs progressively as you build your endurance and muscles.  There are also excellent maps, elevation profiles, and weekly emails about the upcoming Saturday ride.  Also, you will be able to meet many of your Shell teammates, as well as the friendly Conoco Phillips, HP, Apache & BP folks, among others.  The number of cyclists is largely determined by the weather, and usually sits around 600-700, but can be up to 1000 - still quite a bit smaller than the classic charity rides (can get up to 5000 as the MS150 nears).   

Registration for CP Training Series closed on January 31, 2008

Conoco Phillips Bike Exchange

If you are looking to buy or sell a bike or associated equipment, be sure to check out the CP Bike Exchange – many bikes and accessories are currently posted.

Team Shell Volunteers needed to support the CP Training Series

The CP training series is successful because of volunteers. Team Shell will be asked to provide 11 volunteers for three of the 2008 rides - Sealy, Chappell Hill and New Ulm. Additionally, we will be one of three teams bringing water to all the rides.

Volunteers can have one of three roles::

  • SAG vehicles/drivers - These volunteers each drive a vehicle along the route and provide assistance to the riders.  Bring a pump, bike tools, water & snacks.  It is great if you can change a flat, but it is not required.  Map reading is a must as you will be on some very rural roads.  Some SAGs place and pick up directional signage along the route.  SAG vehicles need to be able to transport 2 or more riders plus their bikes.  This job supports the riders by driving a specified portion of the route and helping cyclists who need assistance - usually a ride back to the start, or providing minor mechanical help (inflate tires, change flats, etc). To volunteer, please contact Robert Whitacre.
  • Food/Rest Stop Volunteers - These volunteers need a large vehicle to transport all the food, drinks, tent and tables from the ride start to the rest stops and back.  You will set up the rest stop and keep food and fluids flowing. Additionally, talk to the cyclists and keep them motivated. To volunteer, please contact Robert Whitacre.
     
  • Water Wizard - Transfer several ten gallon coolers of water to/from ride. While volunteers will need to arrive early and leave later, this would not interfere with being able to do the ride. We will need several volunteers for this with a pickup truck or SUV. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Andrea Haley. This is a great opportunity to perform your volunteer tasks before and after the ride (in other words, you can ride all the rides).

If you can volunteer to help please Email the coordinates listed above and say what you’d like to help with!  Many thanks in advance!,  Andrea Haley, Robert Whitacre and Pat Phelps are coordinating Team Shell's support for the CP Training Series.

CP Training Series Ride Schedule

Below is a summary of the 2008 rides showing start location and mileage. Normally the rides are on Saturday, starting at 8:00am; exceptions are indicated in bold red. Click here for more details and maps for each of the CP Training rides available on the Conoco Philips Bike Club website.

1/5, Sat, 8:00am - Brookshire/Fulshear, Tx Dept of Human Services - New Rider Ride (14 mi)
1/12, Sat, 8:00am - Brookshire/Monaville, Royal HS - New Rider Ride (22 mi)
1/19, Sat, 7:30am - Katy "Klassic", Katy Mills Mall - MS Kick-off (27/36 mi)
1/26, Sat, 7:30am - Katy/Simonton, Katy Mills Mall (31/40/49 mi)
2/2, Sat, 8:00am - Brookshire South, Royal HS (26/49 mi)
2/9, Sat, 8:00am - Sealy, Levine Park (30/41 mi)
2/16, Sat, 8:00am - New Waverly/Huntsville (34/52 mi)
2/23, Sat, 8:00am - Cat Spring, Cat Spring Social Hall (44/54 mi)
3/1, Sat, 8:00am - Team Shell Ride, Katy Mills, Sun & Ski Parking Lot (40/55 mi)
3/2, Sun, 8:00am - Brookshire/Bellville, Royal HS (41/55 mi)
3/8, Sat, 8:00am - Columbus, Beeson's Park (41/51 mi)
3/15, Sat, 8:00am - Chappell Hill, Chappell Hill (40/63 mi)
3/22, Sat, 8:00am - New Ulm, Fireman's Park (38/58 mi)
3/29, Sat, 8:00am - Montgomery, Montgomery Middle School (25/44/56/65 mi) - joint effort with the Conroe High School Drill Team's Gold Rush Ride
4/5, Sat, 7:30am - Katy/Hempstead, Katy Mills Mall (47/72 mi)
4/12-13, Sat/Sun, 7:00am - BP MS 150 Houston to Austin (180 mi)

Important!!!: You will be expected to carpool to limit the number of vehicles converging on the small towns we cycle from. And plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the ride to park and register. If you are looking for a carpool,
please consult your Team Shell directory or check out the postings on the HP Cycling Club Web Forum.

In case of bad weather, call the Bike Club Hotline at 281-293-2931 to inquire about ride status.