12-11-2009 Newsletter

Allow me to be the first to extend a warm welcome to every one of our 500 team members.  With 450 riders registered for the 2010 MS150 and approx 50 training enthusiasts and volunteers, we have for the fifth consecutive year broken our participation record in this amazing event!

Before taking a break for the holidays, I'd like to share a few important items that you should be aware of at this point in time.

1. Team Safety Requirements:

I trust that everyone has taken good note of the Safety Requirements at the time of registration with Team Shell.  Early next week, each rider will receive a personalized e-mail from me summarizing his/her current training status together with any required actions for meeting the requirements.  Please be on the look for that e-mail.

To recap, local riders who reside with a 75-mile radius from Houston are required to:
a) Complete a hand-on safety training class once every three years. Dates and locations of available training classes will be included in
next week's personalized safety e-mails.
b) Complete the MS Society's online Safety Quiz (expected to go live by mid January).

Remote riders who reside more than 75 miles outside of Houston will be required to:
a) Watch the following safety slide show: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/bikesafety08/bikesafety.html
b) Watch the following LAB safety video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrrxIpQpt4
c) Complete the MS Society's online Safety Quiz (expected to go live by mid January).
d) E-mail me ONLY ONCE WHEN ALL THREE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
Please avoid sending me intermediate completion e-mails, I will NOT keep them on file.

Under NO circumstance will a "local" rider be permitted to substitute his/her requirements with those designated for a "remote" rider.

2. Team Roster:

Attached is our roster (will not be posted on web site) as of 8:00 AM Friday, December 11.  Please check it and let me know of any omissions.  If you are receiving this e-mail but your name is NOT on the list, it is an indication that you have not yet completed one or more of the required registration steps.  In this case, feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

3. CP Training Series:

Team Shell is one of a few select teams that partner with Conoco Phillips for the CP training series. The series consists of 12 weekend
rides, all held on Saturday except for one Sunday ride on Feb 28.  They are fully supported with rest stops and SAG vehicles.  The routes vary each weekend and offer two or more mileage options.  Beginner riders get to enjoy 2 bonus rides in mid-January, with the assistance of experienced mentors, for getting accustomed to group rides.  This is an excellent and highly recommended training program for all skill levels.We will cover flat terrain to gentle rolling hills to some pretty challenging climbs, progressing in difficulty as we build endurance and
muscles.

The CP series schedule can be viewed at: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/CPrides.htm

Registration information will be issued next week.  The total fee remains flat from 2009 at $95, compared to $25-$35 per ride for other MS
recommended training rides.

4. Other Training Rides:

If you choose to not join the CP training series, you may consider the following MS recommended rides which are available for registration on a ride-by-ride basis: http://www.shellcyclingteam.com/MSrides.htm

5. Volunteer Opportunities:

Team Shell is a volunteer operation in its entirety.  Volunteers have always been and will continue to be the cornerstone of our success.
Please help us maintain this tradition by either volunteering yourself or by encouraging friends and/or family members to sign-up for one of
our many volunteer opportunities: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229WBA9S4Q5.

Have a joyous and safe holiday!

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