3-16-2010 Newsletter

Only 32 days until the 2010 MS150!

Greetings from sunny Colorado!  Amazing what a change of venue can do. I am actually longing for cooler wintery weather for the first time since November.  I really wish I had packed my bike instead of my skies :-)

This week's newsletter contains information about:

1. Safety
2. Fundraising
3. Jersey and Packet Pick-Up
4. Bike Inspection
5. CP Training Ride
6. Other Training Rides
7. What to expect During the MS150 Weekend

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1. Safety:

The last training class offered by Team Shell will be on Sunday March 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM.  To sign-up, please visit:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB229ZT2QWCDH

If you are planning on attending this class, note that the START Time is 2:00 PM.  This is "Start the Class" time, not arrival time.

Unlike the previous classes, the team jersey will be distributed before the class starts, from 1:30 PM until 1:55 PM.  Jerseys will NOT be available after 1:55 PM.

Please plan to arrive early and allow time to park, pick up your jersey, and get your bike and helmet ready.  The first 30 minutes of training will be a "classroom" session, followed by four different on-the-bike safety drills.  Late arrivers who miss the "classroom" session will not be permitted to continue with the on-bike training.  In this case, the late arrivers may re-schedule for a Group Riding Skills class offered by the MS Society and local Bike Shops.

Training will be at the Shell Woodcreek facility located at 200 N. Dairy Ashford.  Enter through the 3rd Gate off Dairy Ashford, just north of the I-10 feeder road.  Please park in the first 2 parking bays / rows as the other areas will be used for the training drills.  Be sure to bring your bike and HELMET.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  The class will end at 5:00 PM.  Call the Team Safety Coordinator, Alan Bazard, at 713-907-2866 if you have questions.

I'd like to shift attention to a recent safety learning from one of our riders, Jim Seamans.

I happened to witness a safety incident during a recent training ride. Two cyclists (we'll call them A and B) were riding together about 50 yards ahead of me.   A third cyclist (C) passed me and made a comment about trying to catch cyclists A and B.  A few minutes later I heard a crash.  Apparently what happened is that cyclist A got a call on his cell phone and stopped alongside the road to answer it.  Cyclist B stopped also, but must have still been on the road rather than pulling in behind or in front of cyclist A.  Since we had a headwind at that point, Cyclist C had his head down to improve his speed and wasn't looking far enough ahead of himself.  So cyclist C crashed into cyclist B.  Both cyclists B and C were laid out on the roadway and shoulder. Their two bikes were tangled up and their water bottles and a few personal belongings were strewn out on the roadway.  I stopped to see what help they needed.  At least one other cyclist and a vehicle also stopped.  Fortunately, both cyclists B and C seemed to be OK with minor scrapes and probably bruises.  This could have been much more serious.

A couple of lessons for all of us:

1) If you have to stop, get completely off the road.  Even if cyclist C had seen cyclist B on the road, he would have had to either stop or move further into the traffic lane to pass.  And it may have not been a safe time to do so.

2) Always look ahead at least beyond your stopping distance.   Don't assume that the pathway that was clear a minute ago still is.
 

THANK YOU for sharing, Jim!

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2. Fundraising:

As a team we are at $134,486.98 or 34% of our $400,000 goal.  This is amarginal jump from last week considering we are only 4 weeks away from the event.  I'd like to renew my plea to the 180 teammates who are yet to start their fundraising.  Please get your campaigns underway and if you need any help, do not hesitate to e-mail or call me.

For the team fundraising details, please visit:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/TXHBikeEvents?team_id=177325&pg=team&fr_id=12962

Congratulations to 12 new-comers into the $1000+ Club-- this is the largest jump we've had so far in a single week!  This brings us to a
total of 37 top-fundraisers who collectively make up approx 45% of the team's total.  Awesome work!

1. Peter Birckhead 14. Mario Menendez 26. Ken Stoll
2. Afif Halal 15. Rick Menniti 27. Melvyn Wright
3. Charles Ward 16. Allen Broyles 28. Michael Mahoney
4. Jeff Hoye 17. Herbert Yuan 29. James Kauderer
5. Ben Boldt 18. Stuart Dickson 30. David Early
6. Chris Holan 19. Eric Crabb 31. Calum Macaulay
7. Kate Spry 20. Christopher Normyle 32. James Kinzler
8. Jim Thompson 21. Karyn Penney 33. Jonathan Hunt
9. Laura Lopez 22. Jennifer Welshons 34. Alison Frey
10. Ferdi Mostert 23. Linda Lara 35. Mike Pitre
11. Erin Lattin 24. John Zavala 36. Frank White
12. David Steele 25. Cathy Porter 37. Geoff Donnelly
13. Snehal Patel

We also have 10 teammates who are on the verge of crossing the $1000 milestone-- they are: Andy Cables, Joseph Young, Ebere Chimezie, Joel Ocmand, Eric Chiang, Barend Dronkers, Francesco Marraffa, Brent Bergt. Jerry Hudkins, and Lythia Metzmeier.  Great job folks!

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3. Jersey & Packet Pick-Up:

Jersey Pick Up:

- Sunday March 21, 1:30 - 1:55 PM, prior to safety training session at Shell Woodcreek.
- Thursday, March 25, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at our private packet pick-up at One Shell Plaza.
- Friday April 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, by the team luggage truck at Shell Woodcreek.
- Saturday April 17, 5:30 - 6:00 AM, at the private team start at Shell Woodcreek.
- Anytime at my office, Shell Woodcreek room 6428, but by prior appointment.

Packet Pick UP:

Your MS150 Packet contains your bib number, luggage tags, MS150 weekends information, meal wrist-band, etc. and must, therefore, be picked up prior to the ride.

Team Shell has again been afforded a private PPU exclusively for our riders:
Date/Time: Thursday, March 25, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Location: One Shell Plaza Auditorium, downtown Houston, next to Murphy's Deli in the tunnel.

If you're not able to make our team PPU, the MS Society offers several public PPU dates/locations:

Tuesday, March 23 9:00 - 7:00 Austin - NMSS Office
Wednesday, March 24 4:00 - 7:00 Houston - Fred Haas Toyota World
Thursday, March 25 4:00 - 7:00 Houston - Don McGill Katy (I-10 in Katy)
Week of March 15 6:00 - 8:00 Houston - Club 300 - Location TBD
Monday, March 29 4:00 - 7:00 Houston - Fred Haas Country (Hwy 249 North)
Tuesday, March 30 4:00 - 7:00 Houston - Sterling McCall (Hwy.59 / Bltwy 8)
Thursday, April 1 4:00 - 7:00 Houston - Champion Toyota (I-45S @ Fuqua)
Monday, April 12 11:00 - 7:00 Houston - Memorial Park
Wednesday, April 14 4:00 - 7:00 Austin - Hula Hut
Friday, April 16 2:00 - 9:00 Houston - MS150 Expo (Omni Hotel Westside)

Note the following PPU Rules:

* Each rider must turn in a Signed Waiver Form.  This can be downloaded at:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/waiver-for/index.aspxver-form/index.aspx
* Riders under the age of 18 must have a Waiver Form signed by a parent or guardian and NOTARIZED.
* No packets will be distributed on either day of the MS150 weekend.
* You may collect packets for other riders but you must have their signed Wavier Forms.

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4. Bike Inspection:

MS150 bike inspection has begun on Monday, February 15.  The inspection sticker will entitle you to free labor for repairs during the MS150. Bike inspections are free until April 9, after which there will be a $15 fee. 

Take your bike in for a FREE inspection at any of the MS150 Official Bike Stores:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/bike-stores/locate-a-bikestore/index.aspx

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5. CP Training Ride:

This week's CP training ride will be at 8:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, from Cat Spring Social Hall.  The ride will offer 44 and 63 mile routes and for the third week in a row, will feature some of "best" hills of the training series.

Parking in Cat Spring is very limited.  Please carpool and give yourself enough time to get there, park, sign-in, and get your bike/gear ready.

As always, refer to the weekly e-mail from Steve Moskowitz for up-to-date information and call the Hotline in case of bad weather,
281-293-2931.

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6. Other Training Rides:

Here's a list of the MS-Recommended training rides through the end of March.  Visit our team website for more details
http://shellcyclingteam.com/MSrides.htm:

- Sat Mar 20  B-Geo Magnolia Miles, 23/41/71 miles
- Sat Mar 20: Spokes N Spurs, 6/14/28/44/63 miles        
- Sun Mar 21: Guaranty Bank Tour de Houston, 20/40/70 miles
- Sat Mar 27: Schlumberger Education Expedition, 35/45/63/73 miles
- Sat Mar 27: Rosedale Ride, 20/43/63 miles
- Sun Mar 28: Bluebonnet Express, 24/48/62/80 miles

You might also consider the innaugural 2010 Texas Independence Bike Tour.  This year, the Deer Park Rotary Club is hosting the first of what will become an annual charity bike ride event on March 27th, 2010. The bike ride will start and end in Deer Park and will have 3 different ride distances: 30, 45 and 60 miles.  For more details and to register, please visit: http://www.deerparkrotary.org/bike/index.html

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7. What to Expect During the MS150 Weekend:|

This section is particularly useful for new-comers to the MS150.  It offers a brief overview of what to expect in the few days leading up to
the MS150 and during the MS150 weekend itself.  The finer details will be shared nearer time.

The week leading to the MS150:  During this time, you should be in peak riding form, your training should be tapering down, your bike has been inspected, and you should have already picked up your team jersey and Rider Packet.

Friday April 16:  On this day, you will drop-off your weekend bags (and pick up your jersey if needed) at the Shell luggage truck at Woodcreek. This is also the last day to pick up your Rider Packet the Omni Hotel Westside, between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM.  The packet contains your luggage tags among other important items and must therefore be picked up before dropping off your luggage at the Shell truck.  Note that the Shell truck will leave for LaGrange on Friday night, so no luggage will be accepted by Team Shell on Saturday morning. The only luggage option you will have on Saturday morning is the MS Society's truck located near the Omni Hotel Westside, approximately a half mile form our Woodcreek facility. If you choose to use the MS Society's luggage truck, your bags will NOT be delivered to the Shell tent.  You will be responsible for collecting them from the MS Society's public distribution area in LaGrange.
However, bags loaded on the Shell truck on Friday will be available for pick-up in the Shell tent in LaGrange.

Saturday April 17 - Houston:  You are expected to arrive at Shell Woodcreek for the private team start by no later than 5.30 AM.  The last chance to pick up your jersey will be between 5:30 and 6:00 AM.  Light breakfast will be available.  Team photo will be taken at approx 6.10 AM, after which you will have approx 10min for last-minute prep before we head as a team to our priority staging area at Dairy Ashford and Eldridge.   Note that secure weekend parking at the Shell Woodcreek facility will be available to all team members, guests and employees alike.

Saturday April 17 - LaGrange:  You have just completed 100 miles and you feel great!!!  Our wonderful volunteers at the Shell tent will shower you with the best TLC in LaGrange.  You collect your luggage inside the tent, already unloaded from the truck and sorted by rider number (see exception above for those using the MS Society's luggage truck).  You claim a sleeping spot-- note that you are responsible for your own sleeping gear - most riders pack an air mattress and bedding in their weekend luggage.  If you'd like to enjoy a massage ($15 per 15 mins), you sign up for one in the Shell tent and depending on the size of the waiting-list and your arrival time, you may choose to head to the shower facilities first.  The tent will be fully stocked with drinks and snacks.  Hot dinner will be served around 5 PM; enough food will also be saved for late arrivals.  Private port-a-potties and wash sinks will be available by our tent.  You'll have plenty time to socialize with old friends, meet new ones, brag about your 100 miles, and enjoy the phenomenal LaGrange experience!  Lights off by 9 PM but still lots to do at the fairground for the night owls...

Sunday April 18 - LaGrange:  Lights on at 5 AM.  Breakfast served in the Shell tent at 5.15 AM.  You pack your bags and load them onto the Shell truck by 6 AM.  Riders released from LaGrange starting at 7 AM.

Sunday April 18 - Austin:  Congratulations, you have just completed an Epic Event and you discover that who you thought you were is NO MATCH to who you really are!!!  Again, our wonderful volunteers will cheer you on and shower you with the best TLC in Austin.  You collect your bags at the Shell tent, already unloaded from the truck and sorted by rider number.  You head for the showers.  When done, you'll have the chance to enjoy an optional massage inside the Shell tent ($15 per 15min).  The tent will be fully stocked with drinks and snacks.  Remember to pick up your completion certificate and pin.  Enjoy the finish-line experience - it's second to none.  Returning back to Houston is your responsibility. The MS Society offers excellent bus transportation for you and your bike from Austin to Houston for a small fee.  Team Shell complements that with free shuttle service between the bus destination (the Omni Hotel Westside) and our Woodcreek parking lot.  Austin-to-Houston bus tickets for Sunday, April 18, may be purchased at:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/transportation/index.aspx

General Info for Family Members:  Family members are most welcome to join you in the Shell tent in LaGrange, inlcuding for the team dinner, overnight stay, etc.  However, unless they are taking a major volunteer role, we cannot offer them a driving/parking pass inside the fairground. Parking just outside the fairground will be available but it can be challenging unless they plan on arriving before 10 AM.  As for Austin, friends and family members are also welcome at the Shell tent.  Austin parking is however much easier than LaGrange with many options available within walking distance to the finish-line.

In the final two weeks leading to the event, I will share with you more details about the team start, what to pack in your overnight bags, what to carry with you on the ride, maps for LaGrange and Austin, tips for completing your first MS150 in stride, etc.  Until then, keep on
training!

See you this weekend.

Afif  Halal
Team Captain, Shell
Office: 281-544-5656
Email: ShellCyclingTeam@Shell.com
Website: www.ShellCyclingTeam.com