Subject: MS 150 Weekend!!! Team Shell Cycling News - 04/26/17
From: <[email-masked]>
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Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:21:05 +0000

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MS 150 April 29-30, 2017

Team Shell Riders - 204

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TEAM SHELL CYCLING DASHBOARD
Team Fundraising Goal

Collected to Date

% of Goal

Avg. Collected per Rider

Group Riding Skills  Compliance

Online Safety Training Compliance

$200,000

$128,443

64%

$630

96% !!!!!

148 - 80%

Dear Team Shell Cyclist,

It's the main event weekend!!!!!.  There is a chance of rain in the forecast, hopefully we will dodge it.  If you do experience rain, slow down, allow additional space between you and the bike in front of you and be extra careful when make turns.  Please have a safe ride this weekend.  Let's all have a "Goal Zero" mind set.

I have attached a list of those of you that have completed the online safety challenge.  If your name is not on the Excel spread sheet than you still need to complete the online training.  This is mandatory for all of Team Shell to complete.  Please take a few minutes and complete it now.  We need 100% compliance.

Take the Safe Cycling Challenge<http://biketxh.nationalmssociety.org/site/R?i=eidQHJL2SVdiqpJYCGcnWw>

If you still need to pick up your ride packet, you have one more chance to pick up your packet next Friday at the Omni Hotel.

It is located on Eldridge and I-10 W.  You will be able to pick up your packet between 2 - 9 PM.

Team Shell will have a luggage drop off at Shell Woodcreek (150 N. Dairy Ashford) on Friday, April 28th from 9 AM - 5 PM.  Enter the first entrance to Shell, just north of I-10.  It is marked as gates 3 & 4.  We will transport your luggage to LaGrange and then onto Austin on Sunday.

For those of you all leaving from Shell Woodcreek Kim and Nicole will be on hand to give you the proper send off.  Alan Bazard will be on hand to do one final safety briefing before you roll.  Molly will be our volunteer lead in LaGrange.

I will be in Austin to cheer you all on at the finish line.

·         Shell Matching Funds - https://www.easymatch.com/shellgive/

·         Maps for the MS 150 Weekend - http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13242

·         Helpful Tips for a Successful Weekend - Not just for beginners: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13237

·         Event Updates/Weather - Text the word "BP" to 68686

Information for the weekend.  Please read thoroughly.  Yes, I know it is a repeat from last week but it is very useful information worth the repeat.

Team Shell Luggage Drop Off - Being a member of Team Shell, we will collect and delivery your luggage to the Shell Tent for you.  You may drop your luggage off between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Friday, April 28th at our Shell Woodcreek offices at 150 N. Dairy Ashford.  The entrance will the first entrance north of I-10.  It is marked as gate entrance # 3 & 4.  The yellow Penske truck will be parked in the visitor's lot for your bags to be dropped off.  We will not be accepting luggage on Saturday morning.  Please make sure your rider baggage numbers are placed on your bags for identification purpose.

If you can't get your luggage dropped off on Friday during these times, you have a couple of options:

1.       You may drop your bags off at Tully Stadium Saturday morning.  Remember, if you do this your luggage will not be in the Shell tent; it will be dropped off in the MS bag drop in LaGrange, which is located across the street from the Shell tent.  If you are leaving from Katy or Waller, then you can use the MS truck; just remember your bags won't magically show up in the Shell tent.

2.       Have a friend, co-worker or family member drop off your bag at Shell Woodcreek between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Friday, April 28th.

3.       If you are having family or friends meeting you in LaGrange, you may have them bring your luggage with them and drop off at the Shell tent on Saturday.

Please limit your luggage to no more than 25 lbs. each.  Our volunteers' backs will thank you!

Here are the key things you need for a successful ride this weekend:

·         If you haven't picked up your packet, you can pick it up at the Westside Omni this Friday from 2PM - 8 PM. I-10 West and Eldridge Prkwy.

·         Team Shell luggage drop off is from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Please have your bag tags on each bag before dropping off at Shell Woodcreek,

150 N. Dairy Ashford. Go to the first entrance north of I-10 and take a right.  It is marked as Entrance # 3 & 4.

·         Be courteous to others, remember you are riding for Shell, let's be on our best behavior this weekend

·         Remember that we are riding to put an end to MS.

·         This is a bike tour, not a race.

·         The two most high risk areas on the MS route are the first 10 miles and the last 10 miles.  When approaching downtown Austin, the lanes will be marked with traffic cones and will narrow abruptly.  Signage and audio announcement have been added this year to make entering Austin safer.  Slow down and keep space between you and the rider in front of you.  Let's have a "Goal Zero" Weekend!!!!

Last but very important, please read the attachment.  It should cover just about everything you need to know for the weekend.

MS150 Ride Requirements

·         Please represent yourself and Shell in a highly professional way throughout the weekend.  Be Nice!  :)

·         To pick up your rider packet you must have secured the minimum fundraising $400.  If you are using the matching funds, please print out a copy of your donation and bring with you to packet pick up.

·         The minimum age for a rider is 12 years of age as of April 28, 2017.

·         All riders must obey all state and local traffic laws.

·         All riders must obey all Law Enforcement Personnel, Bike Ride Officials, and Volunteers.

·         All riders must complete the emergency contact information on the back of their rider number bibs, and appropriately wear and display their rider numbers at all times while on the bike route.

·         All riders must practice appropriate cycling and safety etiquette at all times during the event.

·         All riders must wear a bicycle helmet that complies with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission safety standard.

·         Headphones, cell phones, ear buds, radios, and similar audio devices used in, on, or around the rider's head or ears are not permitted while riding. (Tandem communication accessories are allowed.)

·         Equipment and accessories attached to a bicycle for transporting children and/or pets are not allowed. Prohibited equipment may include, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-Along or Trail-A-Bike products, and child carrier seats.

·         Cyclists are not allowed to transport animals while riding.

·         All rides are exclusive to cyclists ONLY based on required route safety and support. Any other type of athletic activity is not allowed; this includes, but is not limited to, running, walking, inline skates (Rollerblades®) and quad skates (roller skates), etc.

Weekend Timeline:

Friday, April 28th

·         If you haven't picked up your rider packet yet, you can get it at the Omni Hotel after 2 PM. (I-10 West & Eldridge)

·         Drop your bags off at Shell Woodcreek.  (150 N. Dairy Ashford)

Baggage drop will be from 9 AM - 5 PM.  Place your luggage number tags on your bags before dropping off

Saturday, April 29th

·         If you plan to ride from Shell Woodcreek arrive before 6 AM.  If you plan to leave from Katy or Waller, please check the MS website for specific site details.

·         The entrance to Shell Woodcreek is at 150 N. Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX.  The entrance will be the first just north of I-10 on Dairy Ashford.

It is marked as gates 3 & 4.

·         You will need to check in with site security, you must show your driver's license to be allowed on site.

·         If you have Shell Woodcreek badge access, please park in Parking Garage #3.  Take a right at the stop sign and badge in at gate 3.  All other Shell Woodcreek guests will park in the visitors lot.  The visitors lot is straight ahead after the stop sign.

·         If you leave from another site and put your luggage on the MS trucks, your bags can be found in LaGrange at the MS bag pickup location.  It is located across the street from the Shell tent.

·         We will gather for a team photo at 6:30 and a brief safety talk with Alan Bazard at 6:30AM

·         Our team start will be at 6:40 AM

·         When you arrive in LaGrange our team tent is located in Block 100 and our tent number is 114

·         Your guest and family members are encouraged to meet you at the tent and partake in the welcoming festivities

·         Bring cash for your massage.  A dollar a minute.  This is very popular and well deserved after your ride.

·         We will have plenty of food and refreshments for you to kick back and mingle with other Team Shell riders.  Mikeska's bar-b-que will provide their world famous brisket, links, chicken with all the fixings.  We will also have a baked potato vegetarian option.

·         There is a shower truck in the fairgrounds or you may opt to take a shuttle over to the local high school for a shower.

·         If you are staying in the tent overnight, lights out at 9 PM.

·         If you are staying in a local hotel, the hotel shuttles is just a few steps away from our tent.

·         Tent rules - Please help us provide an enjoyable experience for all.  Please no barking dogs, loud music, frightened children, fire arms, fireworks or open fires.  The Team will provide some adult beverages, please help us keep this tradition safe and enjoyable.  Please assist the volunteers in putting the trash in the appropriate recycling bins.

·         Cell Phone Charging Station.  We will USB cell phone charging available to charge your cell phones.  Please bring a USB charger connection to plug in.  The charging station should be able to charge up to 36 phones at one time.  The power source will be from our generators, so please get your phones charged before we turn the generators out when the lights go out at 9 PM-ish.

Sunday, April 30th

·         Early wake up.  Generators will start about 5:30 AM

·         Breakfast will be provided in the tent.  If you like pancakes, the MS Society cooks up some of the best just a few steps away from our team tent.

·         Riders will begin lining up by or before 6 AM

·         We will need all your personal luggage back on the truck before 7 AM for the truck to leave and arrive with your gear and set up in Austin for your pick up.

·         Once you arrive in Austin, look for the Shell hospitality tent.  Look for it as you cross the finish line.  Look for the Shell flags.

·         When you cross the finish line, put your bike on the bike transport truck right away.  This way, when the truck is full it will leave for the destination where you stated and will already be there when you arrive back to Houston, Waller, or Katy.

·         The Shell tent in Austin is a great place for family and friends to meet you.  We will have plenty of food and beverage to celebrate your 2 day ride.  Shell will provide a build your own deli sandwich station with all your favorite fixings to enjoy.  The MS will also provide fajitas, just a short 100 yard walk from our tent

·         There will be showers near the finish line.  Also, make sure you pick up your finishers pin and certificate.

·         Pick up your luggage in Austin at the Team Shell tent.  It is your responsibility to take your luggage back to Houston with you.

·         If you paid for a ride back to town via the MS Society you can load on a bus just a couple of blocks away from the team tent.

·         Please plan your Sunday ride to be in Austin well before 6 PM to enjoy all the festivities.

Transportation From Austin back to Houston

·         Returning back to Houston Sunday, April 30th is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Team Shell does not provide transportation.  If you are only doing 1 day of the ride, you are responsible to secure your own transportation back to Houston/LaGrange to pick up your vehicle.

·         If you don't have your own transportation from Austin, the MS Society offers an excellent service (cost is $35) for you and your bike to the three major starting locations: Tully Stadium, Katy Rhodes Stadium, and Waller Stadium. Buses will transport riders and their luggage while the bikes will be transported separately by truck to those locations.

·         We recommend you get your bike on the appropriate bike truck (i.e. one returning to the location where you started - if it was Woodcreek, find the truck going to Tully Stadium) as soon as you arrive in Austin; they will be located just past the finish line.  This way your bike will be waiting for you in Houston, rather than the other way around. Also, there will be some identification marked on the truck your bike gets loaded into - make note of that as it will facilitate finding your bike in Houston. NOTE: You do not need to show your ticket when you load your bike.

·         To claim your bike in Houston, Katy, or Waller you need to present your rider number - e.g. jersey number, wrist band, helmet number, etc. You will not get your bike back without your rider number, please have it handy.

·         The MS Society recommends you purchase your bus ticket ahead of time. However, they will be available for sale in Austin. The cost is $35 for all locations and it is advised you have cash available, although their website indicates they will take certain credit cards (Visa, MasterCard , Discover, and American Express).

·         IMPORTANT: The last buses leave Austin at 6:00pm.  Please plan your Sunday ride to be in Austin well before 6 PM to enjoy all the festivities.

·         If you are returning on the Houston Tully bus.  You will be dropped off at Tully Stadium.  Team Shell will provide a shuttle van from 3 - 9:30 PM to get you the short ride back to your vehicle located at Shell Woodcreek.

·         Tully Stadium - If you started your ride from Shell Woodcreek and are taking the MS bus back to Houston you will be dropped back off at Tully.  Tully stadium is about ½ mile south of where your car will be. Team Shell has hired a shuttle bus to transport our riders from Tully Stadium to the Woodcreek offices.  Do not attempt to walk back to Shell Woodcreek, please wait on the Shuttle.  You will get your vehicle from Shell's parking lot and then return back to Tully Stadium to retrieve your bike from the bike coral.  The shuttle bus is scheduled to run from 3 - 9:30 PM on Sunday.

·         If you are arriving back to Houston by car and need access to the Shell Woodcreek parking lot to pick up your vehicle, you will need to check in with security to exit the gate from the parking garage; that's the same gate you entered in on Saturday morning.

Last chance to pick up your rider packet

April 28th - Houston Expo, Omni Westside
TIME:2:00-8:00pm

LOCATION: 3210 Katy Freeway  Houston, Texas 77079

You have 3 starting options for Saturday, April 29th.

1.      Shell Woodcreek - 100 miles

2.      Katy Rhodes Stadium - 83 miles

3.      Waller Stadium - 76 miles

Choose the distance that is best for you and your current level of fitness.  Plan to stop by the Shell tent in LaGrange to check in and enjoy some refreshments, good food, and good people!  The Shell tent is a good place to meet up with your family and friends in both LaGrange and Austin.  Tent locations are included in the maps link.

Last Minute Tips for a successful ride - from Steve Moskowitz

·         Be Patient - You will be riding in some heavy rider traffic at times, especially at the beginning of each day and on the final stretch into Austin when we have to narrow to single file to get through Austin.

  *   Riders starting at Tully and Rhodes Stadiums have a significant merge point at FM-159 and FM-359 where slower riders from Rhodes (on the left) will be merging with faster riders from Tully (on the right).  This is tricky because the Rhodes riders have ridden 15 miles less than the Tully riders at this point and are riding at a slower pace so there are a lot of slower riders on the right and a lot of faster riders on the left. Be patient, allow extra room and don't make any foolish moves outside our coned lane to pass when there is no room.  Remembering this tip will help ensure a safe and great ride!
  *   Be Courteous - Remember and practice the passing etiquette tips we have practiced all season on our training rides.  Pass only on the left, place all trash in the appropriate bins at the rest stops, use the porta-let facilities provided, etc.  Let's all be ambassadors for our teams, the BP MS-150 and cycling in general.
  *   Communicate - Let riders know you are approaching, passing (on the left), slowing, etc.  Communicating also means listening and letting other riders come past safely.  Here are two words you can NOT use too many times this weekend: "Thank you!"
  *   Thank the volunteers at the stops, turns, etc. and while you are at it, thank all the police officers who help us ride safely as well as all the Ride Marshals, Police riders and EMS Medics keeping an eye on us.
  *   Pack Modular - Here's a useful tip.  If you have them use the packing bags or really large zip lock bags and pack one each for your Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday riding and Sunday afternoon clothing needs (except shoes).  Put these in your bag in order so at each time you need a change of clothes, you have the right stuff in one bag on top.  The biggest benefit this provides is each day at the end of your ride, you take your bag and towel to the shower and when you step out of the shower clean and refreshed, you won't be faced with the prospect of having to wear dirty shorts or streak naked back to your tent because you forgot a clean change of shorts...  Pack some extra clothing, light shell, etc. in case the weather dudes are off in their forecast.
  *   Here is one last tip.  As you ride through the UT campus Sunday, stop at the stadium (there are good parking areas to wait on the far right side of the road) and call your family/friends to let them know you are just 3-4 minutes from finishing.  Then, get your group together and, as you turn right onto MLK, let the groups in front get ahead so when you make the final left turn onto Congress, you can be spread across the road for a great photo op.  The crowd and the photographers eat this up and you will have a GREAT photo to treasure the rest of your life!

Handy Links

·         First Time Riders<http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13237>

·         Weekend Maps<http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13242>

·         Lodging & Bus Transportation<http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13233&tab=transportation>

·         MS150 Safety<http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=28263&pg=informational&sid=13250>

·         HERO<https://www.easymatch.com/shellgive/> (Matching Funds)

See y'all in Austin.  Stay safe and have a fun ride.

Mark Poindexter
U.S. Wellness Manager

Tel: +1 832 337-2149   Other Tel: +1 713 248-5313
Email: [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>
Internet: http://www.shell.com