1-4-2010 Newsletter

Best wishes for the New Year and hope everyone had a relaxing holiday!

This newsletter marks the official start of our 2010 MS150 season and contains important information about safety training, riding in cold
weather, team roster, training rides, team jersey, and much more...

Please read it in full and save it for future reference.

1. Safety Training:

Every rider on Team Shell should have received a personal e-mail from me summarizing what's required of them to meet the team safety
requirements.  If you can't locate your e-mail, please drop me a line and I'd be happy to re-send it.

For those needing on-bike safety training, Team Shell is offering 3 classes on the following dates:

- Sunday January 17, 2:00 - 5:00 PM (or January 24 in case of inclement weather)
- Sunday February 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
- Sunday March 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM

All three classes are free of charge and will be held at the Shell Woodcreek facility, located at 200 N. Dairy Ashford.  For more details
and to sign-up for one of the Shell classes, please visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB229ZT2QWCDH

Similar classes are also available through the MS Society on the following dates but for a small fee:

- Saturday Jan 9, 9:00 - 12:00, at the ConocoPhillips complex at Dairy Ashford and Eldridge.
- Saturday Jan 9, 1:00 - 4:00, at the ConocoPhillips complex at Dairy Ashford and Eldridge.
- Saturday Jan 30, 9:00 - 12:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Jan 30, 1:00 - 4:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Feb 6, 9:00 - 12:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Feb 6, 1:00 - 4:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Sunday Feb 22, 9:00 - 12:00, location TBD.
- Sunday Feb 22, 1:00 - 4:00, location TBD.
- Saturday Mar 6, 9:00 - 12:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Mar 6, 1:00 - 4:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Mar 27, 9:00 - 12:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.
- Saturday Mar 27, 1:00 - 4:00, at Bicycle World & Fitness at Memorial and Dairy Ashford.

For more details and to sign-up for one of the Jan 9 classes, please visit the following site.  This site will be updated in due time for the
later classes.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/safety-information/safety-and-training/group-riding-skills/index.aspx

And here's another option, exclusively for the CP training series
participants... plans are being made to host similar classes on:
- Saturday Jan 16, at the end of the 2nd beginners bonus ride.
- Saturday Jan 23, at the end of the 1st official CP training ride.

These CP training classes will have limited availability and will be offered on first come, first served basis. For details, be on the look
for an e-mail from Steve Moskowitz, the ConocoPhillips team captain and CP series organizer.

In all cases, when training is acquired from a non-Shell entity, please remember to pick up a completion certificate and e-mail me a copy of it so I can give you credit for the class, which is good for 3 years.

2. Tip of the Week:

This winter has without a doubt been one of the coldest we've had in years. I thought it would be useful to share a few tips about cycling in
cold weather.

If you have never cycled in cold weather, you will be surprised at how warm you will get!  Cycling is an aerobic activity, and most first-time
cold weather cyclists find that they have overdressed and are too hot.

Warm-Up: Don't hit the hammer from the get-go!  Start slowly so that your body, and especially your joints and muscles can warm up.

Layering: Layering allows you to add and remove layers according to how warm/cool you are. Function over fashion rules. It is important to use thin/lightweight materials do reduce bulk and maintain maneuverability. Many cyclists recommend that you start off feeling a little cool because you will quickly warm up.

Torso: A thin water/windproof jacket is a must. Start with a wicking base layer next to the skin to keep sweat/moisture away from the skin.
Silk and wool are good choices. Jackets with full front zips increase your options for moderating temperature.

Legs: Many cyclists are comfortable wearing tights or leg warmers. Knee warmers are also an option for "warmer" temperatures.

Head: Cover your head to conserve the most heat. Cycle specific hats and helmet liners fit snugly under the helmet.

Hands: Hands are in a stationary position so are more subject to cold than the rest of your body. Try wiggling your fingers while riding. Use
full-finger cycling gloves. If your hands sweat, consider a wicking liner to keep the sweat away from your skin.

Feet: Cover your cycling shoes with over-booties or toe warmers. Avoid sock layers because that can cut off circulation.

3. Team Roster:

I am attaching the team roster (as of 8 AM today) in Excel format to make it easy on you to filter it for carpooling purposes.  You will notice that some rows show only names.  These correspond to riders under the age of 18, riders who opted out of having their information
published, and non-riders.  This roster is for internal team use only, please do not forward.

 Team Roster is not available on-line.

4. CP Training Series:

The CP Series is preceded by two bonus rides that are intended for beginners only.  Experienced mentors will be available to provide
on-the-road, real-time coaching.  These bonus rides will be held on:

- Saturday Jan 9, 8:00 AM - Brookshire, Texas Dept of Human Services (14miles)
- Saturday Jan 16, 8:00 AM - Location TBD (22 miles)

The official start of the CP Series for all participants will be Saturday Jan 23, 7:30am at Sun & Ski, Katy Mills Mall.  Distance options
will be 27 and 37 miles.

A tentative schedule for the CP Series may be viewed on our website at: http://shellcyclingteam.com/CPrides.htm

Please carpool and plan on arriving early, to give yourself enough time to sign-in and get your bike/gear ready.  Also, remember to call the CP Bike Club Hotline in case of bad weather: 281-293-2931.

5. Other Training Rides:

There is a large number of excellent MS-Recommended Rides around Houston that are available for a small fee, on a ride by ride basis.  These are well-supported and adhere to a standard of quality and safety that is set by the MS Society.  The full schedule may be viewed on our website at: http://shellcyclingteam.com/MSrides.htm

The upcoming rides over the next few weeks are:

Sunday Jan 24: Frost Bike 50, 17/45/55 miles, http://www.frostbike50.com
Saturday Jan 30: Bike Through the Forest, 12/25/33/46 miles, http://www.kingwoodfillies.org/2010_bike_ride.php
Sunday Jan 31: Ride to the Rescue (formerly West U Warm UP), 29/50/63 miles http://www.ridetotherescue.org


6. Team Events:

Our Social Events committee is in the process of pulling together a social calendar for the team.  This will include drop-in rides, coffee &
bagels at some of the CP rides, minor bike repair clinics at local bike shops, after-work social gatherings, etc.  More details will follow
soon.

For now, please mark your calendar for the 2010 Team Shell Annual Ride, which will be held on Saturday, Feb 27, 8:00 AM, from Sun & Ski at Katy Mills.  Team Sun & Ski will be joining us this year and we will once again get to enjoy great food, door prizes, and store discounts.

7. Team Jersey:

The first shipment containing the jersey, arm warmers and wind vest is expected to arrive in the next few days and will be reserved for those who registered on or before December 7.  A second shipment is expected at the end of February which will cover everyone who joined after Dec 7.

The distribution schedule will be as follows:

- Sunday Jan 17, 5:00 PM, immediately after safety training at Shell Woodcreek.
- Monday Jan 25, , 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, at Shell Woodcreek main lobby.
- Wednesday Jan 27, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, at One Shell Plaza main lobby.
- Sunday February 21, 5:00 PM, immediately after safety training at Shell Woodcreek.
- Saturday Feb 27, 7:00 AM, at the Team Annual Ride, Katy Mills Sun & Ski.
- Sunday March 21, 5:00 PM, immediately after safety training at Shell Woodcreek.
- Friday April 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, by the team luggage truck at Shell Woodcreek.
- Saturday April 17, 5:30 - 6:30 AM, at the private team start at Shell Woodcreek.
- At our private packet pick-up at One Shell Plaza, normally held in late March.
- At my office, Shell Woodcreek room 6428, BUT by prior appointment please.

Riders may pick up their jersey only after completion of the safety requirements.  I know that many of you are waiting for us to release the
online safety quiz - I promise to do my best to get it out by no later than mid-January!

Non-Riders, please contact me offline to arrange for your pick-up.

8. 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 MS150 packet.

Friday April 16:  On this day, you will drop-off your weekend luggage (and pick up your jersey if needed) at the Shell truck at Woodcreek.
This is also the last day to pick up your MS150 packet, normally at the Omni Hotel where the MS150 Expo will be held.  The packet contains your luggage tags among other important items and must, therefore, be picked up before dropping off your luggage.

Saturday April 17 - Houston:  You are expected to arrive at Shell Woodcreek for the private team start at 5.30 AM.  Last chance to pick up
your jersey is 5:30-6:00 AM.  Light breakfast will be available.  Team photo will be taken at approx 6.20 AM and wheels on the road by 6.45 AM conditions permitting.  Secure weekend parking for all will be plentiful at Woodcreek.

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.  You claim a sleeping spot (you are responsible for your own sleeping gear - most riders pack an air mattress and bedding in their weekend luggage). You head for the showers.  When done, you'll have the chance to enjoy an optional massage ($15 per 15min) inside the Shell tent.  The tent will be fully stocked with drinks and snacks.  Hot dinner will be served around 5 PM.  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 at 7 AM.

Sunday April 18 - Austin:  Congratulations, you have just completed the Houston-to-Austin MS150!!! In fact, it's approx 180 miles if you do the full challenge route on Sunday.  Again, our wonderful volunteers will cheer you on and shower you with the best TLC in Austin.  You collect your luggage 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 ($15 per 15min) inside the Shell tent.  The tent will be fully stocked with drinks and snacks. Don't forget 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 Houston bus destination and our Woodcreek parking lot.

9. Bike Racks for Sale:

Contact me by e-mail if you are interested in purchasing a bike rack.The following are available:

- one used 2-bike trunk-mounted rack ($50)
- one used 2-bike hitch-mounted rack ($75)
- one used 3-bike hitch-mounted rack ($100)
- one used 4-bike hitch-mounted rack ($125)

All proceeds will be donated to the MS Society.

That's it for this week... Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon!

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