5-6-2009 Newsletter

Important Fundraising Information

Numerous questions have been raised relating to the obligation to fulfill the minimum pledge of $400.  I'm hoping that the following will
answer most questions:

1. The minimum pledge of $400 is due on May 19.  For top fundraisers aiming for 2010 Priority Registration, Tour of Champions, or Club 300, you may continue fundraising until July 31.  Applications for fundraising awards may also be completed online until July 31 at
http://www.msprizes.com.

2. If you did NOT pick up a Rider Packet, you will not be held responsible for the $400 pledge, but we would really appreciate your
continued support to the cause.

3. If you picked up your packet but did NOT ride on Sunday due to the change in event plans, the only way to get out of the $400 fundraising obligation is to mail your packet back to the MS Society (at a minimum with your bib number and wrist band).  AND if you let me know by reply e-mail that you've returned your packet, you will be spared from receiving my pestering e-mails to fulfill your $400 pledge.

4. If multiple riders raised funds together under only one rider's account, please submit an e-mail to the MS Society at
mailto:MS150info@ms150.org specifying how to disburse funds to the multiple accounts.  At the end of the day, if a rider's account does not show a balance of $400 or more, they will be considered as delinquent by both the MS Society and Team Shell.  Note that this does not apply to individuals who meet the "withdrawal" criteria specified in items 2 and 3 above.

5. Last but not least, Team Shell is approximately $10,000 behind its fundraising target.  Please help us meet our goal by fulfilling your
pledge and/or by making a tax-deductible donation to the team general account at:
https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/Donation2?idb=1811474291&df_id=2088
6&FR_ID=10222&PROXY_ID=138742&PROXY_TYPE=22&20886.donation=form1


Goal Zero Achieved for 2nd Consecutive Year by Team Shell

Congratulation to our riders, safety instructors and Ride Marshals for a second consecutive MS150 without a major incident for Team Shell.

For our out-of-town staff and guests who are only receiving our newsletter, the 25th anniversary promised to be an exciting one, and
that it was.  The weather front that passed through on Friday and Saturday left a trail of severe flooding at the La Grange fairgrounds,
the site of the Saturday night's stay.  That combined with severe thunderstorms on Saturday caused the cancellation of the first day of
the event.  However, that did not dampen down the spirit of more than 11000 participants, amongst them more than 300 Shell riders, from
getting to La Grange on Sunday morning to keep the tradition alive.  The 80 mile ride to Austin was a spectacular success by all measures and was achieved with zero incidents for Team Shell, thanks in large to the strong emphasis that the whole team placed on bike safety this year.  I can confidently say that our Goal Zero culture at work has strongly permeated into our cycling program.

2009 MS150 Photos

Check out the many great photos of our riders and volunteers on the team website: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com.  Please e-mail additional photos to Thor Hanson at: mailto:thorhanson@comcast.net.

Upcoming Rides

Columbus Rolling Hills Challenge - Saturday, May 9

What many claim to be the best kept secret in Texas cycling, the Rolling Hills Challenge 2009 offers cyclists some of the most picturesque, yet challenging bike routes in South Central Texas.  Ride distances are 25, 50, 62 or 100 miles so there is something for everyone. Details and online registration at: http://columbuslionsclub.org/lions/rollinghillschallenge2009.htm.  Hope to see you there!

Afif
Captain, Team Shell