Subject: Team Shell Cycling Newsletter - February 4, 2016
From: <[email-masked]>
To: Undisclosed recipients:;
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2016 14:10:18 +0000

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FUNDRAISING DASHBOARD
Team Fundraising Goal

Collected to Date

% of Goal

Avg. Collected per Rider

$200,000

$25,825

13%

$143

Dear Team Shell Cyclists,

We are now 10 weeks out from the MS 150 bike ride.  Now is the time to get some serious training in.  Please note above that I added a dashboard of where Team Shell is on our fundraising.  If you have a unique or creative way you are successful in your fundraising please share with me and I will highlight the best practice of the week in this newsletter.  To date we are the third largest team in numbers with 181 riders that have registered for the MS150 ride.  We currently have about 12 riders on our team roster that still need to register for the MS150 ride.

On My Knees Begging - I need at least 5 more volunteers to help out next weekend in Cat Springs.  We need 1 more SAG volunteer and 4 Rest Stop volunteers.  Also, I need at least 2 volunteers to pick up water coolers after R2R training rides beginning this weekend and return filled with water the following Saturday.  We have the Water Wizard duty for the next 3 weeks.  Volunteer Link - Click Here<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9LXYKXZ>

Please don't assume that others will volunteer, we need all riders to take a turn volunteering.  You may have a friend or family member volunteer while you get your training in.  Please volunteer now.  I need to have the volunteer list turned into by this weekend for next Saturday's ride.  Thanks.

In the News

*         Safety First Message - Team Safety Captain, Alan Bazard

*         Volunteers needed for February 13th - must sign up now!

*         Team Shell New Rider Orientation

*         Bike Safety Inspections

*         Pay Team Shell Logistics support fee - now $70.  Will go up to $80 on March 1st.

*         Fundraising -  Matching funds link for Shell EE's

*         Safe Cycling Quiz - Mandatory for all Team Shell Riders

*         Team Shell Bike Jerseys - Order Deadline is Feb. 12th.

*         Team Shell Required Safety Training

*         Upcoming Training Rides

SAFETY FIRST MESSAGE:   Riding with Traffic and Rules of the Road

Coach Alan Bazard - Shell Safety Coordinator

In the State of Texas (and most all states), bicycles are considered vehicles on the roadway and have most of the same rights and privileges as motor vehicles.  A key word here is "privilege."  Just like a motor vehicle (car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.), cyclists need to follow / obey the rules of the road.  This includes all of the typical laws, stopping at stop signs, stop lights, yielding right of way, and all of the common rules involved with operating a vehicle on public roadways.   However, for good safety reasons, there are additional laws governing bicycle riding.

When riding on public roads, here are some important safety points and rules to follow:

  *   Ride on the right hand side of the road in the same direction with traffic flow
     *   Do not ride against the flow of traffic.  In this case, both driver and cyclist reaction times are significantly reduced.
  *   Cyclists are permitted to ride no more than 2 abreast as long as they are not impeding normal traffic flow.
     *   If you are on a narrow road with traffic you should ride single file to allow cars to pass easily around you.

SAFETY TIP:  Although not a law, when riding in a group or pace line, keep the number of riders in the line to about 5 or 6.

  *   At 15 mph (22 ft. / sec), it takes a car about 100 feet of travel to safely go around 1 bicycle.  This distance is increased for each additional bicycle in the pace line.  If there is significant oncoming traffic, then the cars are not able to safely go around the group of Cyclists.  Obviously this leads to frustration on the drivers and they may attempt to pass in an unsafe manner (too close to the cyclists, staying too long in the oncoming traffic lane).
  *   Another reason to keep the group size small:
If the front rider in a group traveling 18 mph  (26 ft. / sec) spots an obstacle in the path 50 feet ahead, and communicates (pointing, calling out) the message back, the message will reach the 6th rider at the same time the 6th rider reaches the obstacle (or about 2 seconds).  The 6th rider and beyond, will not get the message in time and may hit the object.

  *   A good safe rule of thumb for pace lines is to limit the group size to 6-8 and allow about 3 telephone poles between groups of riders.  This provides a safe distance for vehicles to pass and get back into the traffic lane, and provides enough response / reaction time to communicate obstacles.

Stop Signs:
In Texas, vehicles are required to come to a complete STOP at stop signs.  For a bicycle this means put your foot on the ground.  This is more difficult when clipped into the pedals, but it's the law.
If a car is present, follow the stop sign rules:
If 4 way stop, wait your turn (first to stop is first to go)
If cross traffic does not stop, be sure the intersection is clear before continuing through.
TIP:  Try to make eye contact with the driver.

  *   This will help you to know that the driver is looking and sees you.
  *   Most of the time a driver will "waive" you through, yielding the right of way to you.
  *   Just make sure you see the driver waiving you through.

Stop Lights:
Cyclists DO NOT have any special privileges at stop lights, and must "Stop on Red."

  *   Just like in a car, you may be ticketed for running a red light.
  *   Put yourself in the drivers position when they see a cyclists run the red light:
     *   This angers the driver because the cyclist disregards the law
     *   The driver loses respect for the cyclists and may not pass safely around the cyclist further up the road.
     *   The driver blames "all" cyclists as disregarding the law and does not respect safe distances when passing cyclists.
     *   Your actions may affect the safety of other riders further up the road.  DO NOT RUN STOP LIGHTS!

Riding with Traffic

  *   Basic safety rule when riding with car traffic is to ride as far to the right as safely possible.
  *   If the road has a shoulder that is rideable (not full of trash, debris, potholes, gravel surface, etc.), you should be riding in the shoulder.
  *   If the road has a curb, you should ride 12-18 inches out from the curb.
  *   On a narrow 2 lane road with a curb or no shoulder, you may want to ride further out into the lane.  Typically this would be riding in the right tire track (where a car's right wheels would be).
     *   This forces drivers to fully take the other lane (oncoming traffic lane) to safely pass you.  Otherwise if you are closer to the curb / road edge, they may try to "squeeze" between you and oncoming traffic.
  *   Communicate using your hand signals for turns, slowing and stopping.
  *   Don't' ride beside the cars at stop lights and intersections.  Take your place in line and in the center of the lane and move back to the right after you have cleared the intersection.
  *   If continuing straight, ride in the left hand side of "Right Turn Lanes."  This indicates to drivers that you are going straight.  Cars turning right should stay behind you.

Sidewalks:

  *   It is illegal to ride on a sidewalk in a "Business District."
  *   It is generally safer to ride in the road as a vehicle.
     *   Sidewalks present "unpredictable" situations with pedestrians, pets, and drivers backing out of driveways.

For more information on Texas Bicycle Laws, see Bike Texas' website:
http://www.biketexas.org/es/infrastructure/texas-bicycle-laws

For questions or more information on Group Riding Safety, contact Coach Alan - [email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>

Volunteers Needed - I need your help for Feb. 13th!

We have 6 volunteers registered for Saturday, February 13th.  We need 1 more SAG diver and at least 4 more to work the rest stop.   If you are participating in the R2R training series it is expected that you volunteer at one of our 3 training rides.  You may have a family member or friend serve in your volunteer role.  Please register on the link below, I will need to turn in our list of volunteers by next Friday for the Feb. 13th training ride.

Volunteer Link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9LXYKXZ

*         8 Volunteers needed are for break point set up, take down and serving riders.

*         4 SAG wagon drivers - drivers will drive the ride route and assist riders with transport if needed.  Truck, SUV helpful but not mandatory.

*         4 Water Wizards - Will pick up and fill water containers at the end of the ride and return them back to next week's ride start.  Need to be able to pick up 3-4 five gallon water containers.  This service the last 3 weeks of the training series.  Our Water Wizard duties begin this Saturday, Feb. 6th and goes through Feb.20th.

1.    Saturday, February 13th - Cat Springs - 1 add'l SAG driver needed  and 4+ Rest Stop volunteers needed

2.    Saturday, March 5th - New Ulm ride - SAG drivers and Rest Stop support needed

Team Shell New Rider Orientation - Come learn all about Team Shell and what to expect for the MS 150 weekend.
We will host a new rider orientation again this year.
Location:         Shell Woodcreek - B 108
When: 11:00 AM on February 11th

We will have an option to call into the meeting if you cannot be present.
Click on this link to enroll: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MRR35QL

Bike Safety Inspections

Free bike inspections are available at Official MS 150 Bike Stores<http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=27003&pg=informational&sid=13228> This is a great way to get your bike checked out before hand to assure it is "fit" and safe to do the MS 150. Upon passing your bike, you will get a sticker that lets you have free labor for bike repair and adjustment during the MS 150 Ride (there will be a charge for parts).

Pay your Team support logistics fee.
All Team Shell cyclists who plan to ride in the 2016 MS150 event is required to pay this activity logistics fee.  The logistics fee helps in supporting 50% of what it takes to support a large team during the MS 150 weekend in LaGrange and Austin.  It covers such expenses as Team tents, food, beverages, audio sound, shuttle transport, and luggage transport.  The Shell Health and Wellness budget will cover the other 50% of the expenses.  I have been sending out confirmation emails to all who have turned in their fee.  If you are planning on riding in the 2016 MS150 and haven't received a thanks for paying email from me than you still need to turn in your team support fee.

Team fee goes up on February 1st to $70 and goes up again on March 1st to $80.

Mail a check ($70 till March 1st), made out to Shell Employees Club to:

150 N. Dairy Ashford

Bldg. E - 0238 A

Houston, TX  77079

c/o Team Shell - Mark Poindexter

Fundraising for MS

Help us meet our fundraising goal for 2016 of $200,000.  That's an average $1,000 per rider.  Some riders will raise more some a little less.  I know we can surpass this goal this year!

Matching Funds Available for Shell employees/Retirees

When donors search they need to enter National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

*         Shell/Motiva:  https://www.easymatch.com/shell/

How much will Shell match per year?
Shell will provide a maximum match of $5,500 per calendar year for the combined Open Giving Campaign. Financial gifts are matched on a 1:1 basis. Within the Matching Gift program, the minimum eligible gift is $25.  Eligibility - Any full-time or regular part-time employee who, prior to the donation, has in the aggregate at least one year of accredited service with Shell Oil Company and its subsidiaries, members and retired members of the Board of directors of Shell Oil Company or of any other participating company and pensioners who have retired directly from active service of Shell Oil Company or any other participating company.

All riders will be required to turn in the minimum of $400 fundraising requirement before picking up your rider packet.  If this seems like a big challenge to you, please let me know and we can brainstorm ways to help you with your fundraising.  I am very proud to say that our team average fundraising efforts are $1,000 per rider.  Fundraising for MS is such a worthy cause, let's all do are part to help stop this dreaded disease in its tracks.

Safe Cycling Challenge - This is a mandatory online safety training for Team Shell.
This online quiz is intended for educational purposes to increase a rider's knowledge and awareness of cycling safety. This online training does not replace the Team Shell required Hands on Bike Safety Class, once every 3 years. This online quiz has been prepared by the BP MS 150 Safety Committee whose aspiration is for you and our team to complete this annual event with zero harm to all MS 150 riders, volunteers, organizers, and the wonderful communities who open up their hearts and communities to us.  The Safe Cycling Challenge can be accessed through the Training & Safety section of the MS 150 website at: Take the Safe Cycling Challenge<http://biketxh.nationalmssociety.org/site/R?i=VFofAHdnAxkMp6RNRcCjOA>

Team Shell Jerseys and Kit - Orders must be placed before Feb. 12th

If you ordered your jersey and kits in the first order, I've been told that they will be shipped out by next Tuesday.  Hopefully in time for next weekend's ride.

The next order window will close on Friday February 12th in order to have your order arrive before the MS150 event in April.  The new design will be delivered directly to your home for under $30.

http://www.peak1bikestore.com/shell

Bike Safety Training dates
The second Bike Safety training skills class is next Sunday, February 21st.   Please remember that this class is mandatory to ride with Team Shell.  You need to only take this class once every three years.   Schedule your class now.  All bike safety training classes will be held on Sundays from 2 - 5 PM at our Shell Woodcreek campus.  Our goal is to have zero accidents in all of our training rides and in the MS event.  I will remind you the week of your scheduled training class.

Please help us meet Goal Zero by getting into one of these classes.

*         February 21st - Basic Cycling Safety Skills Training

*         March 6th - Advanced Cycling Safety Skills Training.  (You must have already completed the basic cycling safety skill class to register for this class).

*         March 20th - Basic Cycling Safety Skills Training

Click on this link to register for a Safety Skills Training Class: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X5KH2W8
*         Other Group Riding Skills Course<http://biketxh.nationalmssociety.org/site/R?i=uRb0rILCc3jP-_Img4-RMw> for Austin and Houston.  There will be a fee for these non-Team Shell cycle trainings.
*         The Group Riding Skills Course is conducted by the League of American Bicyclists. The LAB is the Society's education partner and a national organization dedicated to cycling, cycling advocacy and cycling education

Upcoming Training Rides

February 6, 2016       9:00 AM          Ready2Roll Cycling Training Series - Ride 3 - Pedaling the Prairie
This week's ride is an open ride.  Free for those who are registered for R2R and $40 for everyone else who pre-registers.

This week, we have a special treat - we're partnering with Faith West Academy for the Pedaling the Prairie ride! We created this route with the ride organizers several years ago and there will be plenty of distance options - 28, 45, 55 or 70 miles.  The two shorter routes will be fairly flat while the 55 and 71 mile routes will include more of the rolling roads out to Bellville and back. Note - 28 or 45 miles is plenty for most of our riders unless you have already been riding longer distances. This is only week 3 of the training so you have time to ride longer later in the season.

Directions to the start of the ride - Waller County Fairgrounds (22000 Fairground Rd, Hempstead, 77445, GPS: 30.077756,-96.036301).

March 26, 2016          8:00 AM          Clay Walker's Band Against MS Bike Ride            http://www.bandagainstms.org/bamsride2016.html   Golf Clubs of Houston            Humble, TX                                                                 25, 45, and 62 mile routes                              This is a Shell title sponsored event and will act as our team training ride.  Please plan to ride.

Be Well!
Mark Poindexter
Shell Health - U.S. Wellness Manager
Tel: +01 832 337-2149