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Frequently Asked Questions

Team Preparation for the 2010 Houston to Austin BP MS 150

Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions.  Read through this entire list as it should give you a good idea regarding your planning for the MS 150 weekend.  If, after reading this list you still have questions, please e-Mail Team Captain Eric Powell and he will consolidate the questions and out another version.

  1. What is the Houston to Austin BP MS150 (you have to start somewhere)?

    2. The Houston to Austin BP MS150 is the largest MS150 in the country.  In fact, it is the one of the largest charity bike rides in the nation.  The name is confusing, as the route can be as long as 180 miles (shorter depending on which route is taken).  This year’s ride will be on April 17-18 and will likely have over 13,000 riders. This is a tour, not a race.  There are no prizes for getting there fast.

    Last year’s event raised over $16 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  The average ExxonMobil Team member raised over $1,100 each, for a Team total of over $315,000.  This year our Team goal is $430,000.

  2. Who can join the ExxonMobil Team?

    3. The ExxonMobil riders are made up of employees, family members, annuitants and friends.   That is, we take all riders.   About 66% of the Team is made up of employees and family members.  We also have a dedicated group of volunteers that are instrumental in our Team's success.  (See below for more information on MS150 weekend volunteers.)

  3. What is the starting location for the ExxonMobil Team on Saturday morning of the MS 150?

    4. The EM Team starts from an offsite location at our Chemical’s Headquarters facility, which is located at 13501 Katy Freeway.   We start from this location for safety reasons.  

    Directions to this starting location are:   Take I-10 west, take the Hwy.   6 Exit (one past Eldridge), continue on frontage road, make U-turn under freeway, go East on frontage road approximately 1.1 miles.   Entrance is on your right after you past the large office complex where BP is located.   Please check-in with our volunteers.   Parking lot is secure over the weekend.   ( Map to Chemical's HQ )

    Riders should plan on car pooling due to the large Team size and limited parking.   You could also just have someone drop you off.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Please check-in with our volunteers.

  4. Do I have to start with the Team at Chemicals?

    5. No, you can start from any of the three MS official starting locations, Omni Hotel, Rhodes Stadium or at the Waller stadium.  You will have to use the MS Society for luggage handling unless you drop off your luggage at Chemicals first.  This can be done no earlier than 5:45 AM the morning of the ride.

    NOTE:  If you leave from Rhodes or Waller, and use MS Society transportation, make sure you know where to pick up your bike in Houston.  If you do start from somewhere other than the Chemicals facility, be sure to check in with our volunteers at our Team tent in LaGrange.

  5. What time should I plan on arriving at Chemicals?

    6. You should arrive no later than 5:45 AM.   This will give you an opportunity to prepare your bike, drop off your luggage, pick up the Team gifts and be ready for the Team picture at 6:10.   We will have a safety briefing before we start the ride a little before 6:10 AM.   If you are a Chemicals Headquarters employee, please use the underground parking.  

  6. Does ExxonMobil handle our luggage?

    7. Yes.   If you start at Chemicals, we will have a box truck that will take the Team’s luggage to LaGrange.   Be sure to mark your luggage with your rider number (this will be in your MS Society Rider Packet).   Be considerate of our volunteers and don't pack too much stuff.  We will charge riders who bring luggage over 40 lbs.  The volunteers will drop the luggage at the corporate tent.

    On Sunday morning, before you take off, you will be expected to load your luggage on the box truck, which will take it from La Grange to our corporate tent at the finish line in Austin.  You are responsible for picking up your luggage at our corporate tent in Austin before you return to Houston.  You should arrange transportation back to Houston through the MS Society or some other means. (Request MS Society Transportation)

    (IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you do not pick up your luggage at our Team tent in Austin our volunteers will take it to the MS Society and you will have to pick it up from their offices the following week.)

  7. Can friends of mine who aren’t members of the EM Team start with us at the Chemicals location?

    8. No.   Due to the size of our Team, the limited amount of parking available and our luggage transportation, this start location is only for EM Team members.

  8. What should I bring if I am staying in the corporate tent Saturday night?

    9. You will need to bring you own sleeping bag and air mattress (if you desire one).  We may have an air compressor available.  The Team will not be providing cots, sleeping bags, etc. at the tent.

    Lights out at 10:00 PM.  You should bring earplugs to help reduce the noise level.  Your sleeping bags will be transported with your luggage (See FAQ #13 and #33).

  9. Can I bring my own tent for Saturday night?

    10. Yes, but you will have to set the tent up outside of the corporate tent and space is limited.   Be courteous to our neighbors; do not setup your tent in close proximately of their tents.

  10. If I am staying in the motel in Schulenburg, how will I get there and how will I return to LaGrange on Sunday morning? (Note: All the rooms have been reserved.  )

    11. When you check in at Chemicals on Saturday morning, you will be asked if you need a ride to the motel.   The Team has vans that will take riders and volunteers to the motel.   These vans will likely start taking riders to the motel after we eat and as vans fill up with riders.  

    Due to the number of riders going to the motel, some of the vans will make multiple trips.   This means on Sunday morning some riders may need to leave the motel early, say around 5:00 AM.   There will also be MS buses going from the motel back to the fairgrounds.   The tour will start again at 7:00 AM Sunday morning.  

  11. If I stay at the motel, how will I get breakfast on Sunday?

    12. If you leave on the early vans, the MS Society has breakfast (pancakes) in LaGrange, but the lines can be long.   If you are on a later van, then there is a restaurant near the motel that that may open for a breakfast buffet.  The Team tent will have some snacks and fluid to start you off on Sunday morning.

  12. What should I be doing the week before the ride?

    • You should start hydrating at least 3 days before the ride.   Get your body used to a large amount of fluids.   This is critical!!!
    • Start organizing your equipment and plan on what you are taking.   Do this before Friday night.  
    • Get your bike inspected and make sure you have your Rider Packet from the MS Society.  No rider will be allowed to ride without a rider number.
    • Eat a hardy meal Friday night but get a good nights sleep.  

  13. What other things should I bring with me for the weekend?

    14. Although not an exhaustive list, here is what you should consider bringing:
    - Warm clothing for Saturday night/Sunday morning
    - Money, medical card and identification
    - Cell phone (but leave turned off during the ride)
    - Toiletries, change of clothes, extra cycling clothes for Sunday
    - Towel if you plan to use the shower facilities in LaGrange or Austin
    - Medication, flashlight, ear plugs
    - Rain gear in case of bad weather
    - Bike gear: Extra tubes, water bottle, tire tools, camera, map, tire pump, helmet, cycling shoes, sun glasses, sun screen

  14. How do I get home on Sunday from Austin?

    15. You bike (just kidding).   Unless you have arranged other transportation, you should have paid the MS Society at the time of registration to bring you and your bike back to Houston.  (Request MS Society Transportation)

    If you are using the MS Society transportation, the FIRST thing you should do is take your bike to the moving vans that bring the bikes back to Houston.   Then you can relax, have something to eat and then catch a MS bus to Houston.  

    Remember, your luggage will be at our tent so you must locate our tent to pick up your luggage before you get on the bus.  

    We will have shuttle vans running between the drop-off location and Chemicals to transport riders back to your vehicle.  You will still have to return to the drop-off location to pick up your bike, the shuttle vans will not handle bikes.  If someone is picking you up in Austin, it might be easier if they meet you at our corporate tent

  15. Will we have easy access to restrooms during the weekend?

    16. There will be access on Saturday morning to the Chemicals building.  These restrooms will NOT be available on Sunday afternoon when you return to Chemicals.  Each rest stop along the ride will have port-o-lets.   In LaGrange, we have rented port-o-lets that will be located near our tent for Team usage.  

  16. What is a SAG and how will I get assistance if I have problems on the ride?

    17. There will not be separate ExxonMobil Team SAGs and do not arrange to have friends follow you in a vehicle for support - this will only create a large traffic jam and an unsafe ride.

    The MS society will be providing ALL Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles for the ride.   Each rest stop will have a tent that has mechanical help.   If you break down on the course and you need assistance, get completely off the road to the grassy area; remove your helmet and wave your helmet at a SAG vehicle.  

    Remember, if the SAG is already full they may not be able to stop and assist.  All SAG support is provided through the MS Society.

  17. What do I do for lunch both days?

    18. The EM Team will have a tent setup at the lunch stops on both days with some drinks and snacks, but no real lunches.  The MS Society will provide sandwiches and drinks at the lunch stops.

  18. Where do we eat Saturday night?

    19. Our volunteers are making arrangements for a dinner at our corporate tent in La Grange.  Food will likely be served 2:30 – 7:00.   If you come in later than 7:00, we're sure we will be able to locate some food for you.

    The MS Society will also have a BBQ dinner.   In your MS rider packet, you will receive a wristband.   You are required to wear the wristband all weekend to have access to food from the MS Society.   Please do not invite friends to eat our Team dinner.

  19. Where is the ExxonMobil tent in LaGrange?

    20. Our tent will be located on the left side of the fairgrounds as you enter the complex, near the area called “Sponsor’s Row”.   MS volunteers will be there to help with directions.  (Map to Team Tent)

    Once you arrive at our tent, check in with one of our volunteers so they know you have arrived safely.   Your luggage will be at the tent.

  20. What do I do with my bike on Saturday night?

    21. You have two options.   We will have a bike rack in the corporate tent for you to store your bike.   Or, the MS Society will have storage at the baseball field, which will be on your right as you enter the fairgrounds.  

  21. How many people will be staying in the corporate tent Saturday night and how do I reserve space?

    22. There will likely be 200 riders in the corporate tent Saturday night.   After the dinner, the tables and chairs will be taken down and riders can arrange their sleeping areas.   There should be enough room for all the riders, even with the bikes under the tent.  No need to reserve a space.

  22. What time are the serving hours for food in Austin?

    23. The food in Austin will be served by the MS Society from Noon until 6:00PM.   Non-riders can purchase lunch as well.  The Team will have some snacks and drinks at our corporate tent.  

  23. What are the route options for Day 2?

    24. There are THREE route options on Sunday morning:

    Option #1 (Short-Route):  From the Fairgrounds, you will take a right and head down Hwy. 71 to Bastrop.  Check with the volunteers on where to line up to take this route.

    Option #2 (Park Route):  Going left out of the Fairgrounds, you will head toward two State Parks (Buscher and Bastrop).  The parks are both the best and worst part of the ride.  The roads inside the park are narrow, short and hilly.  They can be dangerous for the inexperienced rider.

    Option #3 (Park Bypass):  Take the same route as option #2 but you will have the option prior to entering the park to by-pass the park and go onto Bastrop. Eliminating the park reduces the mileage by approximately 7 miles.

    You are encouraged to read the information on the MS web site to learn more about the overall ride.

  24. What are some safety tips for the ride?

    • Take the Team's Safety Skills training offered by the Team. (Note:   Even if you are an experienced rider and a MS 150 veteran, you are expected to attend the safety skills training once every three years - like defensive driving).
    • Do training rides with a large group to get accustomed to riding with a large number of riders and get your body ready with 'saddle time'.
    • Review the safety material on the MS 150 web site's Safety Zone
    • Consider stopping at all break points to refresh your fluids and take a little rest.   However, don’t spend too much time there, as your body will cool down.   If you are over heating, stay at rest stops to cool down.   We don’t need heat stroke victims.   Unless you are too hot, try not to stay at the rest stops over 15 minutes.

      When you stop (at break stops or otherwise) pull completely off the road.  Do not block the roadways.   If SAG assistance is needed, take off your helmet and wave a SAG vehicle down.  
    • Pay attention to your front wheel - Try to keep it from overlapping another rider's back wheel.
    • If you have not finished by sundown on either day, the MS Society SAG vehicle will pick you up and take you to the end point.  
    • Don’t pass riders on their right.   If you pass on the left, make sure nobody is passing you, and then move to your left and inform the rider that you are passing by saying “Passing on your left” before your front wheel overlaps their back wheel.
    • Communicate with other riders.   Inform riders when you are slowing down, indicate trash in the road, or rider down or upcoming traffic or stop signs.   While there will be peace officers handling many intersections.  It is up to the rider to make sure the intersections are clear of traffic before going through.  
    • Remember to listen for verbal signals from other riders. Passing on your left, Slowing, Stopping.
    • Ride in a straight line.   Don’t weave across the shoulder or traffic lane, as you will likely cause other riders to crash.   When you hear “Hold you line” that means you should not move from your current path.  
    • Never wear any headphones or ear bugs - You can't hear other riders and you create a safety hazard for everybody.
    • Take the Safety Quiz located on the MS Society Safety Zone.
    • View the EM Safety Presentations on our web site.  

  25. Will there be massage therapist available on Saturday at the corporate tent?

    26. Yes.   We will have between 10-12 massage therapists at our tent.   They will charge $35 for 30 minutes, CASH or CHECK ONLY, no credit cards.   A sign-up sheet will be located in the tent.   If you haven’t had a massage before, this is the time to get one.   Recommend that you sign-up early so you don’t have to wait around for an available table.  

  26. What if I can't make it all the way to La Grange on Saturday?

    27. The MS society will have SAG vehicles at each of the rest stops.   They will be closing down each rest stop at a particular time and if you have not left they will transport you to the next rest stop.   No riders will be allowed to ride on the course when it turns dusk (around 6:30 - 7:00 PM).  

    Fund-Raising

  27. What are some great ideas for reaching my fund-raising target?

    28. The MS Society has numerous great tips for reaching your fund-raising goal.  Here are some key things to keep in mind:

    • Make it personal:  Make sure people understand why you are riding.  If you have a Pedal Partner, explain to potential donors why you are riding for a particular person.
    • Make your fund-raising target more than the minimum pledge.
    • Ask donors to support you on a per mile basis.
    • After the ride, send your donors a note (email or handwritten) that tells them about the ride, how you did and the need to collect your pledges.
    • As much as possible, using the "e-pledge" link from the MS Society. (MS 150 Ride Center)  This is an easy, secured way for donors to make their pledges and you can keep track of your donations using the MS Society web site.
    • Keep track of your donors and follow-up if you have not heard back from them.  Yes, you will feel like a bill collector but donors need to fulfill their obligation.

  28. Are there any materials to help explain the MS Society web site use?

    29. View the 17 Minute Presentation that will help you navigate the MS web site and help you use the web site for your fundraising.

  29. When are my pledges to the MS Society due?

    30. You can mail your pledges to the MS Society anytime, but they are due no later than May 18, 2010.  As a member of the ExxonMobil Team, you are expected to have your donations in by the deadline.  Encourage your supporters to use the on-line donation process at www.ms150.org.   It is easy, convenient and safe.  Set up a pledge link on the MS web site that you can email to your supporters.

    If your supporters give checks, they should be made payable to the National MS Society, with your name listed in the memo section of the check.  This is very important so that you get credit for the donations.   Send your donations directly to the MS Society (P.O. Box 4585, Houston, TX 77210-4585).

  30. Does ExxonMobil have matching funds for my donations to the MS Society?

    31. ExxonMobil does not match your MS donations.  There is the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP) in which employees, spouses and dependent children over the age of 12 can qualify for grants.  To qualify, you must volunteer in a specific MS Society activity, such as a packet pickup effort.   Simply riding in the MS150 does not qualify.   See separate emails on this subject.

    However, ask your donors if their company matches and this is sometimes the case.

  31. If I am staying at a hotel near Chemicals on Friday night, how do I get to the EM starting location?

    32. Send a note to Eric Powell asking for transportation to the Chemicals facility.  A van will pick up riders there at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning.  

  32. Where will ExxonMobil's tent be in Austin?

    33. The EM corporate tent in Austin will be in the Red Lot just south of the Finish Line and just east of the MS Society food tent.

    If you are using the MS transportation back to Houston for your bike, drop off your bike first, then locate the corporate tent  Your luggage will be at the tent there will be some cold drinks.

  33. What if I can't ride - Do I still have to raise the minimum donation?

    34. If you pick up a rider packet (which contains your rider number) you will be expected to raise the minimum donation unless you return your unused rider number to the MS Society.  Otherwise, send a note to the MS Society ( ms150info@ms150.org ) indicating that you will not be riding.

  34. Packing List (As recommended by the MS Society)

    35. WITH YOU ON YOUR BIKE:
    - Helmet - THIS IS REQUIRED!
    - Pedal Partner Bandana
    - Padded bike shorts, jersey
    - Cycling gloves, shoes
    - Sunglasses
    - Sunscreen and lip balm
    - Patch, spare tubes, tire pump
    - Identification (SmartID TAG, Medical card)
    - Emergency cash, credit card
    - Water bottles, hydration pack
    - Rider numbers and wristband
    - Rider manual and route map
    - Medications
    - Camera
    - Rain poncho (hope you don't need it!)

    IN YOUR LUGGAGE:
    - Sleeping bag, pillow
    - Towel for shower
    - Toiletries including soap and shampoo
    - Riding clothes for Sunday
    - Change of clothes for Sat. evening
    - Change of clothes for bus trip home
    - Medications
    - Plastic cover for bike seat on Sat. night (recycled plastic grocery bag)
    - Travel alarm clock
    - Tent (A tent is optional, we have a Team tent)

  35. Do the MS buses coming back from Austin drop us off at the Chemical building where we left our vehicle?

    36. NO!! The buses will take you back to the Omni.  Make sure you do not get off at Rhodes Stadium unless you left a vehicle there.  We will have Team shuttle vans that will take you back to Chemicals.  You will then pick up your vehicle and drive back to the Omni to pick up your bike.  

    NO bikes will be transported by the Team shuttle vans!!   Don't pack your car keys with your bike!!   Do not ask bus drivers to drop you off at Chemicals.  

  36. Do we still need volunteers for the ride weekend?

    37. Yes.   As many of you are aware, our volunteers are one of the things that make our Team special.   If you know of someone that can help out, please contact Paul Tepikian.   Also, no matter how tired you are after a day's ride on your bike, you are expected to be respectful of all our volunteers and all other riders.  

  37. Here are some critical safety reminders:

    • This is a charity event, not the Tour de France.  If you are an experienced rider, hold your horses.  With over 13,000 riders, don't expect to do your normal pace because you can not do this safely!!  Do not start or join a pace line until the number of riders allows you to do this safely.  Communicate to other riders, give distance to other riders and always be alert.  Keep thinking what you would do if the person in front of or beside me goes down.

    • If you have limited biking experience, recognize that other riders will pass you.  Try to stay toward the right side of the road but not too close to the edge of the shoulder.   Before trying to pass someone, make sure no one is passing you.  Always pass on the left.

    • You should not cross the double yellow line, especially when going up an incline.  If you feel you must cross the line, recognize that the roads are not closed and oncoming traffic will win the battle if you have an accident.

    • If you have 'aerobars' on your bike you will have limited opportunity to use them.  Never use aerobars if you are in a pace line.  Never use your aerobars if you are in close proximately to other riders.

    • Be smart on your bike.  Have at least one fluid bottle with you.  A good rule of thumb is you should go through at least once bottle of fluid each 30 - 45 minutes.   Our experience has shown that a majority of the hospital transports is due to hydration issues.  Don't push yourself too far and always be willing to accept help from a medical professional.

    • Besides replenishing water, replenishing electrolytes (sodium and potassium) is equally important.  Gatorade and other sports drinks replenish them well and bananas provide additional potassium.  This is particularly important if you are taking medication that reduces sodium (diuretic).

    • Never wear headphones on this ride.  If we see anyone from our Team with headphones you will be asked to remove them.  Leave your iPod at home unless you want it in La Grange or Austin after the ride.

    • Do not talk on your cell phone while riding your bike.  Does this need to be explained???

    • Be sure to take extra tubes with you.  While many riders may offer to help you if you need assistance, all riders should be self-sustaining and have the tools and material to at least fix a flat.  AAA will NOT come to your rescue.

    • Have fun!  Enjoy the moment but stay focused on riding.  Visit with people at rest stops and in La Grange and Austin.  We are riding for a very great cause, so ride safely and get to Austin without any scraps, bruises, cuts or broken bones (and fully hydrated!!).

  38. How do I get my Rider Number and Other "Rider Packet" Information?

    39. You have two options:

    1. You can go to a one of the MS Society packet pick-up locations (MS 150 Packet Pick-Up Info Page).
    2. Or, you can arrange to have your packet at our Team picnic on March 27.  Instructions to obtain your packet at the picnic will be sent out by e-Mmail.

  39. Where and When can I Pick up my Team Clothing (Jersey and Cycling Shorts)?

    40. We hope to have the team clothing at the team picnic on March 27.  If you can't attend the picnic or you can't have someone else pick it up on your behalf, we may try to arrange a team social, otherwise, the only other option will be the morning of the ride at the Chemical location.

    After the bike ride we will arrange a distribution of the remaining inventory.

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