4-14-2009 Newsletter

Less than 4 days until the BIG EVENT!

This will be the last team communication prior to the MS150, which will again be brief and focused on a few last-minute essentials. For all
other MS150 details, please refer to our last two weekly newsletters or to the team website at: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com.

1. Last chance to pick up your Rider Packet is at the MS150 Expo, Omni Houston Westside Hotel - Fri., April 17, 2 - 9 PM.

2. Team Shell luggage collection will be in the Visitor Parking Lot at Shell Woodcreek on Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM - no bags will be
accepted by Team Shell on Saturday morning.

3. Uncollected jerseys may be picked up on Friday between 9 AM and 12 PM by the luggage truck at Woodcreek, or on Saturday morning at the team start between 5.30 and 6.15 AM.

4. It is looking likely that we'll have a cool and wet overnight in La Grange, so remember to pack a warm sleeping gear.  We also recommend you bring an air mattress or folding cot - a thin camping mat will be cold and uncomfortable.

5. Plan on arriving at Shell Woodcreek by 5.30 AM for the team start on Saturday morning.  Late arrival will put you at risk of getting stuck in Tully Stadium traffic.  Tully is just down the street from us and is the destination for more than 6000 riders.

6. Transportation from Austin back to Houston on Sunday is your responsibility. Refer to the team website for information about bus
transportation organized by the MS Society for you and your bike: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/MSweekend.htm.

7. Remember to inspect your bike at one of the MS150 official bike shops:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/about-the-ride/bike-stores/index.aspx.  Bikes with inspection stickers are entitled to free labor during the MS150 weekend.

8. The MS Society's online safety quiz hit a few snags and is yet to be released, so the requirement to take the quiz has been waived.

9. Don't forget what Coach Alan taught in safety training: "protect your front wheel at all time".

10. Last but not least, be sure to thank the volunteers on the road, at rest stops, at the fairgrounds, at the Shell tents, etc. It takes only a
few thousands of them to make this experience possible for us - they are our unsung heroes.

On a parting note, I would like to ask all our riders - employees and guests alike - to be good neighbors and good ambassadors for Shell in
the communities who opened up their hearts, schools, streets, and town squares for us. They are among our very best supporters and the least we can do in return is respect their kinship.

Good luck and see you on Saturday!

 Afif
Captain, Team Shell