January  21, 2009

Captain's Corner

In last week's newsletter, I shared a few tips about cycling in cold weather. This week's tip will be about checking your bike's ABC's before every ride - A is for Air, B is for Brakes, and C is for Chaining.

Every time you ride your bike, you should make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes and chaining are in proper working condition. If you ride with under inflated tires, besides the fact that you work harder pedaling the bike because more of the tire surface contacts the road which increases friction and slows you down, under inflation can damage the tire and rim. On the other hand, if you ride with over inflated tires, your tires will wear out quicker, your stopping distance increases, cornering and/or wet conditions will increase the risk of skidding, and the increased stress on those tires can result in a blow-out with bad consequences. Similarly, improperly functioning brakes and/or chaining will you and other riders around you in a dangerous situation. If in doubt, please consult with your local bike shop.

 

If you are a participant in the CP training series, please join us for coffee and bagels on Saturday January 31 before the ride at the Team Shell tent which will be located in front of Sun & Ski.

 

Lastly, registration for on-bike safety training is filling up fast.  If you have not signed up yet, please do so immediately (see the Safety Corner for details).  For those attending this Sunday's class, please arrive 30 minutes early and remember to bring your bike, helmet, cycling clothes, etc.

  

CP Training Series

The CP training series officially kicks off this Saturday at 7:30 AM in front of Sun & Ski in the Katy Mills Mall parking lot.  This route gets you quickly out onto some great country roads.  There will be a long and a short option. If you are a new rider, don't feel like you must do the long ride. This is the first of a twelve-week training program, take it slow and build up your confidence on your bike and riding in a group. The weather forecast look very favorable.  Dress appropriately in layers (refer to last week's newsletter for tips).

 

Always check the official CP website for directions and up to date details about the CP training rides.

 

 

Also, we're still looking for volunteer SAG drivers for the April 4 ride. If you, a friend, or a family member can volunteer, please e-mail us a phone number to: ShellCyclingTeam@shell.com.

 

Safety Corner

The goal for Team Shell is to complete the 2009 MS150 training and Houston-to-Austin ride with Zero Incidents. Towards this goal, all riders on Team Shell must meet the following two safety requirements:

 
Requirement 1:  Every rider must have completed at least one on-bike safety training class since January 1, 2006. Riders residing more than 75 miles outside Downtown Houston may watch this online Safety Video as a substitute.

 

The following classes are being offered for free by Team Shell:

     1. Sunday January 25, 2009, 2:00-4:00pm, Shell Woodcreek

     2. Sunday February 22, 2009, 2:00-4:00pm, Rice University

     3. Sunday March 8, 2009, 2:00-4:00pm, Rice University

 

 

Shell Woodcreek is located at 200 N. Dairy Ashford. Use the 3rd gated entrance to the facility just north of the I-10 feeder road.

 

Rice University training will be at the northwest corner of the Rice Stadium parking lot, located on Greenbriar between Rice and University.

 

To sign up for a training class, click here.

 

Requirement 2:  Every rider must complete the National MS Society's online safety quiz. The link to the quiz will be announced as soon as it's made available.
 

Fundraising

Team Shell is a proud supporter of the National MS Society and its Lone Star Chapter.  Although you pledged to raise a minimum of $400/rider when you registered for the ride, Team Shell urges all its members to beat our 2008 average of $856/rider! 
 
Our team fundraising stands at approx $20,000 out of a target of $300,000. It's time to kick your fundraising campaign into high gear. We are counting on YOU.

For more information on Fundraising:
click here  
 

Other Training Rides

To find out about other MS recommended rides around the Houston area, click here.

This weekend's featured ride is the Frost Bike Ride, Saturday Jan 25, 8:00AM start, at Cy-Fair College, Cypress.

Contact Us Team Shell Website