2-16-2010 Newsletter

Only 60 days until the 2010 MS150!

The keyword for this week is ROLLING HILLS.  By now, your training program should include gentle to moderate hills, of course in addition to more mileage and longer saddle time!

This week's newsletter contains updates on:

1. Safety
2. Fundraising
3. Annual Team Ride -  New!
4. Bike inspection -  New!
5. Tip of the week - Know the MS150 Rules!
6. CP training series
7. Other training rides

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1. Safety:

We've made a HUGE dent on the online safety quiz, but there are still a few out there who did not heed the call.  I want to make one more plea to please take just a few minutes of your time to complete it.  Here's the link and remember to use your last name as your Rider ID: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2010bpms150safetyquiz_ts

For those still needing on-bike training, Team Shell is offering 2 more free classes on Sunday February 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM and Sunday March 21, 2:00 - 5:00 PM.  To sign-up, please visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB229ZT2QWCDH

If you are planning on attending this Sunday's class (Feb 21), note that the START Time is 2:00 PM.  This is "Start the Class" time, not arrival time.  Please plan to arrive early and allow time to park and get your bike and helmet ready.  The first 30 minutes will be a "classroom" session, followed by four different on-the-bike safety drills.   Late arrivers who miss the "classroom" session will not be permitted to continue with the on-bike training.  In this case, the late arrivers may reschedule for the session in March.  The Shell Woodcreek facility is located at 200 N. Dairy Ashford.  Enter through the 3rd Gate off Dairy Ashford, just north of the I-10 feeder road.  Please park in the first 2 parking bays / rows as the other areas will be used for the training courses.  Be sure to bring your bike and HELMET.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  The class will end at 5:00 PM.  If you cannot stay for the full session, please reschedule for the March class.  If you plan to pick up your jersey at the end of the class, you must have completed the
online safety quiz by no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, Feb 20.  Call our Safety Coordinator, Alan Bazard, at 713-907-2866 if you have questions.

Other training classes are also available through the MS Society on various dates but for a small fee.  For more details and to sign-up for one of these classes, please visit the following site:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/safety-information/safety-and-training/group-riding-skills/index.aspx

For any training by a non-Shell party, please remember to pick up a completion certificate and e-mail me a copy so I can update your records.

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2. Fundraising:

Following on my fundraising note in last week's newsletter, I am alarmed by the fact that more than 270 riders are yet to start their fundraising campaigns!  If you need help getting your campaign underway, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.  Let's get it going!

Our $1000+ fundraisers to date are:

* Peter Birckhead
* Afif Halal
* Kate Spry
* Charles Ward
* Erin Lattin
* Jim Thompson
* Rick Menniti
* Herbert Yuan
* Alison Frey
* Mike Pitre
* Karyn Penney

As a team we are at approx 16% of our total goal - see the MS Society's rider/team fundraising webpage:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/TXHBikeEvents?team_id=177325&pg=team&fr_id=12962

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3. Fourth Annual Team Shell Ride:

We look forward to seeing you at the 4th Annual Team Shell Ride from Sun & Ski at Katy Mills.  This will be a fully supported ride with rest stops and SAG vehicles, and will feature two route options, 44 and 63 miles. The ride will roll at 8 AM.  Special store discounts on cycling apparel and accessories will be available to all participants.  We will also have food and door prizes at the end of the ride.

All participants must pre-register online at the following link.  Guest riders are welcome but must also pre-register.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A8KPX2MKB

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4.  Bike Inspections:

MS150 bike inspections have begun on Monday, February 15.  Take your bike in for a FREE inspection at any of the MS150 Official Bike Stores and receive free labor for repairs during the MS150.  Bike inspections are free until April 9, after which there will be a $15 fee.

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5. Tip of the Week (Know the MS150 Rules):

* All riders must raise the $400 minimum pledge by mid May.
* Failure to pay the minimum pledge will prohibit participation in any future Lone Star bike event.
* All riders must submit a signed Waiver Form at a Packet Pick-Up to receive a Rider Packet.
* Riders 17 and younger must have the Wavier Form notarized before attending a Packet Pick-Up.
* A parent or adult guardian must accompany riders 17 and younger at all times. The maximum ratio of adult-to-child riders is 1:3.
* The minimum age to participate in a NMSS bike event is 12 years of age by the first day of the event.
* Riders 17 and younger must review with their guardian the online safety & training information and safety brochure.
* All riders must obey all state and local traffic laws.
* All riders must obey all Law Enforcement Personnel, Ride Officials and Volunteers.
* Every rider must wear a bicycle helmet that complies with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission Safety Standard
* Headphones, cell phones, ear buds, radios and similar audio devices used in, on or around the rider's head or ears are not permitted while riding.
* Equipment and accessories attached to a bicycle for transporting children and pets are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-along or Trail-a-bike products, and child carrier seats.
* Riders are not allowed to transport animals while riding.
* Inline skates (Rollerblades) are prohibited.

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6. CP Training Series:

The location of this Saturday's CP Training Ride has been moved from Montgomery to Willis.  Refer to Steve Moskowitz's e-mail for directions and more details.  Remember to carpool and give yourself enough time to park, sign-in, and get your bike/gear ready.  Refer to the team roster or visit the CP series carpool forum for carpooling options: http://bikebams.org/tinc?key=wFUJ1iR4&start=-1&reverse=1

As always, refer to the official CP Series website for up-to-date information and call the Hotline in case of bad weather, 281-293-2931:
http://www.conocophillipsbikeclub.org/index.html

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7. Other Training Rides:

Here's a list of the remaining MS-Recommended training rides for the month of February:

- Sat Feb 20: Humble Lions Ride, 4/25/46.5/55 miles http://www.humblelionsclub.com/
- Sun Feb 21: Tri-County Hill Hopper, 28/36/67 miles http://www.hillhopper.org/
- Sat Feb 27: Bulldog Bike Ride, 26/32/40/55 miles http://www.bulldogbikeride.com/
- Sat Feb 27: Team Shell Ride, Katy Mills Mall, 44/63 miles
- Sun Feb 28: Sun & Ski Sports Spring Breakaway, 24/36/50/65 miles

Be safe!


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