4-8-2009 Newsletter

10 Days Until the 2009 MS150!
 
Just in case you missed it in last week's newsletter, I am attaching again a detailed overview of how to prepare for this year's MS150 tour (not race), what to expect on both days of the tour, and how to plan your return from Austin at the end of the tour. This material also available online on the team website: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/msweekend.htm
 
A few additional items to note:
- To receive text messages from the MS Society with MS150 updates, text RIDER to 777111.
- Keep your cell phone off during the ride - the cellular network gets overloaded easily and may hamper emergency needs.
- Activate the RiderConnect strip in your Rider Packet - it provides a great way for family & friends to track your progress.
- Please refer to the MS150 Safety Zone for Ride Rules and Riding Etiquette.
- By wearing the Shell jersey, you are expected to be a good ambassador for Shell in the community and uphold safety, community and code of conduct principles.
- Remember the five key safety tips from on-bike training:
    1. Protect your front wheel.
    2. Cornering - Hands in the drops and weight on the outside foot while leaning the bike into the turn.
    3. Obstacle Avoidance - The wheel goes where your eyes focus. Train your eyes to look to the left or the to right of an obstacle.
    4. Emergency Stopping - Plan Ahead.  Have an emergency exit plan all the time.
    5. Paceline - Don't overlap your front wheel with the rider in front of you. Stay one wheel length behind.
 
Join us for an orientation about the MS150 weekend:
We will be hosting a brown-bag lunch orientation for new and veterans riders.  We will discuss the MS150 weekend and answer any last-minute questions you might have.
 
Bring your lunch and join us at one the following sites/dates:
 
1. Downtown Houston
Date:  Monday, April 13, 2009
Time:  11:45am - 12:45pm
Location: Two Shell Plaza (TSP), 18th Floor, room 1873
If you're NOT a Shell employee, please arrive on the 18th floor by the no later that 11:40am.  Someone will meet you by the elevators to let you in.
 
2. West Houston (Woodcreek)
Date:  Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time:  11:45am - 12:45pm
Location: Shell Woodcreek, Room 7111, right above the cafeteria
If you're NOT a Shell employee and would like to attend, please e-mail us your name (any your guests' names, if any) so that we can pre-arrange your Guest Passes and have someone meet you at the main reception in in building 2 at 11:20am.

 
A few comments about our fundraising:
As of today, we are in 6th place with approximately $175,000, one place better than last week.  WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach our $300,000 goal so please keep up the good work, and the many who have not yet started their fundraising campaign, what are you waiting for?  Note that the $400 minimum pledge is due on May 19.
 
Please visit the team website http://www.shellcyclingteam.com for information about upcoming training rides and other tour related information.
 
Be safe!

Afif
Captain, Team Shell