1-26-2012 Newsletter 

86 more days until the 2012 MS 150  

Dear Team Shell Cyclist,

Thank you to all that stepped up to volunteer for the 2/4/2012 Ready2Roll training ride in Sealy.  We still have two more opportunities to volunteer.

We still need volunteers for each date to sag and support the rest stops.  Please consider giving a little back by volunteering. Or please encourage a friend or family to assist while you ride and make a day trip out of it. Either way you will have fun helping the team out.

Click here to become a volunteer

For more information on volunteer duties at the training rides go to: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/CPrides.htm

Jersey/Kit Pick-Up

Great News!  I received confirmation that the Team Shell Jerseys are in route to Houston.  I should receive them next Tuesday.  If you ordered your jersey before December 1, 2011 then plan on trying to come out to one of the following dates and pick times.  Those of you who ordered after December 1^st, the second shipment of jerseys are scheduled to be delivered late next month.  I will set up additional jersey distribution dates in March.  Those of you overseas or out of state, please get we me to make delivery arrangement, if we haven’t already.

 Tuesday, February  7^th            11:00 AM – 1:00 PM   Woodcreek Bldg. 2 lobby

Wednesday, February 8^th       11:00 AM – 1:00 PM  OSP Auditorium in Tunnel

 If you cannot attend one of this distribution dates, you may send someone to pick up your jersey for you.

Weekend Training Rides

Ready2Roll training ride:  For those of you that are participating in this series please note that the start time this Saturday (1/28) is 7:30 am !  This is not a typo. This is for your safety so please set your alarm clocks to give you (and your carpool) time to arrive at Katy Mills by 6:30.  At the recommendation of the public officials we have been working with, we are getting our large group away in waves before the Saturday traffic starts up around Katy Mills Mall.  The good news is that we have a GREAT location for the start and you can sign in the warm comfort of Sun & Ski Sports.

MS Recommended ride:  Bike Through the Forest, Kingwood, Saturday, Jan 28th.  For details and to register, go to: http://www.kingwoodfillies.net/2012_bike_ride.php For a listing of all the MS Recommended Rides up to the MS 150 go to: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/MSrides.htm

Tip of the Week (Hydration & Nutrition)

 When riding, your muscles need fluid and energy to perform at their best.  With every pedal stroke you complete, a small amount of body fluid is lost through sweating and a little bit of energy fuel is burned inside your muscle cells.  The more fluid you lose and the more energy your muscles burn, the more tired you become.  So it is important that you consume fluid and energy during all of your rides.  Power bars and gels are an excellent source of energy and may be consumed at the rate of 1 bar or gel pack every hour.  As for hydration, get in the habit of drinking 16-20 ounces of water/sport drink every hour (or 20-24 ounces in warmer weather).  Water absorbs easier, but sport drinks contain needed calories and nutrients.  As a rule of thumb, try drinking every 10 minutes such that you consume 1 bottle of fluid an hour while cycling.  Dehydration is a serious problem with any sport, and you need to plan ahead to avoid it.  If you become very thirsty, you're likely already quite dehydrated.  Late symptoms include headaches, chills and nausea.  Drink early and drink often to stay safe.  Lastly, consume carbohydrate and protein within 45 minutes after your ride for faster and more vibrant recovery.

Note For Shell Employees Only

This year we have matching funds available to us!  Applause!!!!  You can go to www.easymatch.com/shell or www.easymatch.com/motiva to get information on how to apply.  If you are a Shell employee or know a Shell employee that will donate to your fund raising cause they can get an annual company match up to $5,500.  With a little extra effort, yes that means you will have to read (Lol), you could dramatically increase your fund raising this year.  I will discuss more details and specifics in next week’s newsletter.  So, if you want to get a jump start on your fund raising, go to the above site.

Team Shell Training Ride

 We have an open Saturday where we could hold a Team Shell group ride.  This would be Saturday February, 25^th.  Is there anyone who could help me organize this event?  We will need to map out a route.   I will sponsor the snacks and after ride meal.  I just need someone able to help me pull this off.  If you are interested please give me a call.

Team Shell Group Ride Skills Training Course

A reminder for those that signed up for the the Shell Riding Skills Training Course this Sunday (1/29) at Woodcreek - The course is scheduled from 2pm - 5pm but attendees need to arrive 20-30 minutes early to check-in, get your equipment ready, and make it to the classroom. If you haven't signed up, but would like to attend this session, just show up early to check in as there is still space for addtion participants.

Additional Ride Skills Courses are scheduled for 2/26 and 3/18. This training is only $10.00 per person charge.  This is significantly lower than the $30-40 other bicycle training groups charge.  If you have not signed up for this course and need it to fulfill Team Shell's safety requirement (http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/Safety.htm) of having completed an on-bike safety training course at least once every three years, go to the Team Order Center to register: Team Shell Order Center  

Team Shell Website

I would like to highlight our Team Shell Cycling website.  Thor Hanson has agreed again this year to manage the website and keep it full of useful information that you can reference at anytime: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/

Be Well!

Mark Poindexter
Shell Health – U.S. Wellness Manager

Tel: +01 281 544-3881