Team Update - June 24, 2010

The heat of summer has set upon Houston but that doesn't mean you can't put some miles on your bike. &nbps;This will be a short update but still has some important Team information

Cycling Team to Receive Fund-Raising Award Tonight!!! To honor our Team's fantastic fund-raising achievement this year, our Team will receive a trophy tonight for being the 3rd highest fund-raising team for the 2010 MS 150, with our total amount to date being over $445,000!!! The awards party is tonight at Verrizon Theatre in downtown Houston, and we encourage as many Team members as possible to come out and cheer on our accomplishment.  We hope to see many of you there tonight.  The celebration starts at 5:30.

Team Rides

We are trying to gauge the interest of Team members in getting together for local training rides and participation in local and out-of-town organized rides.  If you have interest in either, please complete the attached survey (using the below link) so that we can move forward with some Team events.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VL5TGSZ

July 4th ride - Good Cause, Sign Up and Be There...

There are rare places on this earth where happiness abounds in simplicity, where peer pressure does not exist and freedom takes on new meaning. Where every day, the miracle of life is celebrated, because every day miracles happen.  Bridgewood Farms is one of these places and home during the day to teens and adults who are mentally challenged.

Bridgewood Farms provides Programs and Services for individuals with special needs, in Partnership with the community; They enable individuals who are Intellectually Disabled to reach their highest potential.  Please Call them at 936-856-6460 for more information.

Bridgewood Farms purpose is to provide opportunity through continual education for Intellectually Disabled teens and adults:

• To continue to learn and to improve their functional skills
• To acquire meaningful job skills for the possibility of working in the community
• To experience the joys that come with their accomplishments at the Center
• To grow socially and emotionally

Although many of their students may never hold down a job in our society, they all become productive and more fulfilled members of our community here at Bridgewood Farms.  "Burn Your Buns" 4th of July Bike Ride ( Public ) Fund Raising Events Bridgewood Farms will host the seventh annual "Burn Your Buns" Bike Ride on Sunday, July 4, 2010.  The start of the race will begin at Bridgewood Farms at 7:30 am and will end at Bridgwood Farms.  There will be routes offered for the 20, 31, and 62 mile rides.  This is a well run ride and enjoyed by all.

After the ride, hot dogs and drinks are available for your pleasure. Cost for the ride will be: Pre-registration - $30.00, single and $50 for family. A family consists of parents and their immediate children, under 18. Registration closes on June 30, 2009 for the pre-registration rate. All pre-registered will receive our famous "TYE DYED" TEE SHIRT. Cost at day of event will be $40.00. T-Shirts will be on availability at day of ride. For those who would prefer not to receive a t-shirt, the cost will be $25 for single and $40 for family. Late or no registration will be $30 (w/no t-shirt). "Remember, this is a Charity Event" and the clients of Bridgewood Farms will be the beneficiaries.

Registration is available on bikereg.com.

Team Steering Committee Formed

To help our Cycling Team be more efficient, and to encourage a variety of input from members that play an active role in Team events, a formal Steering Committee has been established by the Team.  Later this summer we will post the committee membership.  We are looking forward to this committee providing guidance to improve the overall impact our Team has for its members.

Team Clothing

If you are still awaiting receipt of your team clothing, please contact Peter Larabee .

Team Update - May 21, 2010

Team Fund-Raising sets record! More Team Updates

• MS 150 Fund-Raising Update
• Deadline Approaching for Second Team Clothing Order
• Be Prepared for Being on the Road
• On-line Safety Training Tools
• Ideas for the Team??

MS 150 Fund-Raising Update

Our Team has set NEW RECORDS in fund-raising this year, with our total so far at over $432,000!!  We now have 146 riders who have raised over $1,000, and most (but not all) the riders have met their minimum contribution.  We are still the THIRD highest fund-raising team, with $28,000 more than Shell!!  Please continue to send in any monies you collect to the MS Society.  If you reach a "prize" category, please be sure to submit your request ON-LINE for your prize, starting May 25.  Prizes are available for all riders raising more than $1,000.

Congratulations to our Team's top ten fund-raisers as of this morning:

• Eric Powell *
• John Verity *
• William (Bill) Malone *
• Sylvia Perez *
• Todd Haberkost
• George Racine
• Ann Greene
• Michael Stewart
• Michael Deen
• Jackie Verity

* These rides have raised more than $12,000 and qualify for the Society's Tour of Champions.

Team Clothing Order Deadline - June 1

The deadline for submitting an order for either a Team custom jersey (short sleeve or sleeveless) and cycling shorts (regular or bib style) is June 1, each are $60.  Payment can only be made through Paypal (a secured payment process), since we don't have time to chase down people's check that are "in the mail".  If you want to order more than one jersey or cycling shorts, submit two orders and make two Paypal payments.  Delivery is not expected until early to mid -July, so don't start asking about the delivery status anytime earlier than July 15.  If you have any questions regarding this order, please e-Mail them to Peter Larabee .  For those of you awaiting your clothing from the first order, we appreciate your patience as Peter tries to get these in the mail while also doing his day job!!

Follow these directions to place your order NO LATER THAN JUNE 1:

1. If you are not familiar with what our 2010 jersey or shorts look like, please visit our Team Jerseys page
2. Review the Team Jerseys">SIZING Chart to determine what size you should order. Make special note of the instructions at the top of the sizing chart
3. Input your order using the this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EMCT_gear_reorder
4. Submit your payment through Paypal (the survey link above takes you to Paypal). The amount to be paid should be the number of items times $60. Thus, if you ordered one jersey and one bib shorts, you would submit a payment for $120. If you order only a jersey, then submit a payment for $60.

Be Prepared with Tools and Supplies on the Road

As many of you know, this past MS 150 was Team Captain Eric Powell's first year as a Ride Marshal. A Ride Marshal is not "the enforcer" but they do promote and encourage riders to ride safely and, like most riders, offer to assist riders that are having mechanical problem. However, one of the MOST frustrating things that happens is when riders don't have tools, supplies or basic knowledge of how to repair their bike.

Just like any other venue in life, you need to be prepared in case you have mechanical problems. This doesn't mean you have to be a master mechanic, but there are some very basic things every rider should have:

• Spare tubes (as in more than one) that fit your bike
• Tools to be able to change a tire, adjust your seat, tighten your wheels
• Some way to air up your tires
• Basic knowledge of how your bike operates and knowing how to change a flat

Bottom line is you need to prepare yourself and don't depend on others to have tubes or air. We hope to conduct clinics this Fall to help riders learn more about their bike.

On-Line Safety Training Tools

In our prior Team Updates, we have mentioned that there are some great on-line tools for improving a cyclist overall knowledge of bikes and how to operate their bike safely. We strongly encourage you to review the material on the www.bikeed.org web site, which essentially contains a four chapter on-line version of the League of American Bicyclists(LAB) Traffic 101 Skills Course classroom material.

We know many experienced riders have indicated that they have been riding for years and don't need any safety training. However, as a 'testimony' from one of our veteran riders that went through the bikeed.org material and found it very well put together and said he actually learned something!! While this site is not a replacement for the hands on "Group Riding Skills" classes that we hold, it provides great information and challenges you to improve your overall cycling knowledge and skill.

You can also get more information about Houston Bikeways on their Facebook page (no registration required) http://www.facebook.com/HoustonBikeways.

Do You Have Ideas for the Team or Want to Get Involved??

We encourage you to share your ideas to improve our "Team activity" and any other aspects of the Team. We are always in need of Team members to share the responsibilities. Over the next several months we will be developing changes to our Team to make the overall cycling activity more rewarding. Want to help??

For example, do you have a strong desire to have our Team participate in the LiveStrong Ride in Austin? Want to have some Team training rides during the summer in your part of town? There are lots of ways you can help out - and you'll have fun meeting new people.

Please send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail and let him know how you are interested in helping

Team Update - May 12, 2010

Lots of good stuff in this update - Read on.  The weather is still great out there, time to take in come local rides.  Look at our Team Calendar!

• Reminder - Team Social this Thursday Night
• Final Push for MS 150 Fund-Raising
• Qualify for 2011 MS 150 Priority Registration
• Ride for Silence - Wednesday Evening - May 19
• Bike to Work on May 21
• Post MS 150 Survey
• Get Involved in Team Events
• Local Bike Race this Weekend

Team Social - May 13 at Buffalo Wings on Washington

Come join us at our post MS150 Team social on Thursday, May 13 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. The social will be at Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 3939 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007 (832-356-2980)  (Map).  There is plenty of parking both in front and out back.  We'll have pictures of the MS 150 event and we'll distribute Team clothing.  If you can't make it to the social we'll start sending Team clothing by mail the following week.

We'll also have two representatives from the MS Society to be on hand to share some information about where the fund-raising dollars go.  If you haven't already sent in your MS150 pictures, bring them to the social so that we can get them on the web site.

UPDATE:  We will have someone from the MS Society collecting your last minute check donations at our social - so please bring your checks with you!!

Final Push for the MS 150 Fund-Raising

Our Team is doing some great fund-raising!! We have raised over $383,000, almost 90% toward our $430,000 goal.  We have 123 riders who have raised over $1,000, but we have 142 riders that have not yet reached the minimum amount of $400 (although I know several of these riders did not ride in the event).

We are currently the THIRD highest fund-raising team, , but Shell is close behind!! We need to extend our lead, so continue to chase after those last minute donations and May 18 is the deadline for sending in your pledges in order for them to be counted in the Team fund-raising award.  We need to put some pressure on Shell and get our donations in!!

If you have checks (and you can't make it to the social), your donors should mail these to you, and you should indicate in the 'memo section' your name, and print off the Pledge Form from the MS Society web site and list the checks, then mail the form and the checks to the MS Society.  If you have some donors that you are still waiting on when the deadline nears, go ahead and send in what you have, and then forward the remaining amounts in once they arrive.

Congratulations to our Team's top ten fund-raisers as of this morning:

• Eric Powell
• William (Bill) Malone
• Sylvia Perez
• Todd Haberkost
• John Verity
• George Racine
• Michael Stewart
• Ann Greene
• Michael Deen
• Anne Brown

??? How to Qualify for 2011 Priority Registration ???

Raise $1,000 or more for the 2010 BP MS 150 to qualify for 2011 BP MS 150 Priority Registration.  As they're finalized, details for the 2011 BP MS 150 on April 16-17 will follow in an MS Society e-newsletter.

What Does it Take to be a Club 300 Member??

The Club 300 is the Top 300 fund-raisers for the Houston to Austin MS150.  For the 2010 ride we had 10 of our Team members qualify for Club 300.  One of the special benefits is you get to start Sunday morning at the front of the pack!!  Last year's cutoff was around $6,000, but that amount could go up this year.  If you think that goal is to high this year, why not set your target for next year's fund-raising??

Ride for Silence on Next Wednesday Evening

The Ride of Silence is On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM.  See http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php for more information, including almost every state in the United States and many International locations.  Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while riding on public roadways.  Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.  In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride.  There are no sponsors and no registration fees.  The ride aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways.  The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

Houston Ride:  The ride will start at Memorial Park at around 6:30.  Be sure your bike has both a front head light and a back red blinking light.

Bike to Work on May 21

For workers in the Downtown area, the City of Houston is promoting the Bike to Work on Friday, May 21.  The ride will start at Memorial Park at 7:30 am and go to City Hall.  Plan to meet at Memorial Park Picnic loop at 7:00 and the bike roll out at 7:30.  Should be a fun event, then you go to work!!  More information at: http://www.houstonbikeways.org/

Do you live and work out West?  Here is the Bike to Work event that is happening out there:   Energy Corridor District Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 20th.  Breakfast will be provided to riders at the Pavilion in Terry Hershey Park, located next to ExxonMobil Chemical on Memorial Drive starting at 6:30 am.  Many Energy Corridor companies offer bicycle parking, safety materials, and showers and changing facilities.

Results for the Post-MS 150 Rider Survey

We want to thank the 245 riders that completed the MS150 post-ride survey.  Your input is extremely valuable, and we want to know it will be shared among the Steering Committee to help us improve our Team participation in this event.  We wanted to share a couple items that we are strongly considering (or will implement) for next year's event:

1. Larger LaGrange tent to accommodate the meal, the luggage, people sleeping, the bikes, etc.
2. Some form of meal at our tent in Austin on Sunday
3. Designated pathways in the LaGrange tent for entrance/exit to port-o-lets and for safety purposes
4. Continued focus on Safety Training and making our Team the SAFEST team on the road!!
5. Communicate location of lunch tents so they are easier to find
6. Have team meal in LaGrange served earlier
7. Look for a better motel(s) for the Team to stay

How Do You Get Involved in Team Activities??

Over the next several months we will be developing changes to our Team to make the overall cycling activity more rewarding.  Want to help??  For example, do you have a strong desire to have our Team participate in the LiveStrong Ride in Austin?  Want to have some Team training rides in your part of town?  There are lots of ways you can help out - and you'll have fun meeting new people.

Please send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail and let him know how you are interested in helping.

Local Bike Race this Weekend

This Sunday, May 16 is the Houston Grand Criterium…  The Ultimate Urban Race is now in its fifth year.  This unique event will take place along Allen Parkway along the backdrop of Houston's distinctive downtown skyline.  The event will feature multiple sanctioned races designed for juniors, women, enthusiasts and professionals.  But these aren't the only ones who can race—Bring the kids for a crit of their own (Kids will race in 2 age groups…7 and Under & 8-12).

Whether you're a rider or a spectator, this is one race you won't want to miss…a great venue for spectators to watch the best Cyclists in the State of Texas go head-to-head!  Grab your friends and family, bring the kids and their bikes, as Houston's only Texas Premier Cup Race takes place; all right here circling through the streets of Houston!  The race course will be along Allen Parkway adjacent to Buffalo Bayou, a common recreation destination for thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists daily.  The Start/Finish and Expo will be located in Sam Houston Park, where plenty of food, drink and fun will be going on all day!

Go to http://www.houstongrandcriterium.com for more information.

Team Update - May 5, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!  This update is full of information.  We hope we get to see many riders and volunteers at our Team social next week!!

• Team Social - May 13
• Team Safety - MS 150
• We Need Your MS 150 Pictures
• Team clothing distribution
• MS 150 Fund-Raising Status
• National Bike Month (And Ride of Silence on May 19)
• Upcoming Cycling Events
• Post MS 150 Team Survey

Team Social - May 13 at Buffalo Wings on Washington

Come join us at our post MS150 Team social on Thursday, May 13 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. The social will be at Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 3939 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007 (832-356-2980)  (Map).  There is plenty of parking both in front and out back.  We'll have pictures of the MS150 event and we'll distribute Team clothing.  If you can't make it to the social we'll start sending team clothing by mail the following week.

We'll also have two representatives from the MS Society to be on hand to share some information about where the fund-raising dollars go.  We are still working to see if we can also offer a method for riders to turn in last minute donations before the May 18 deadline.

Team Safety - MS 150

In our post ride update, Team Captain Eric Powell shared with everyone information regarding a couple of accidents involving our Team members.  Now we want to share with you information about safety infractions for our Team.  We am not happy about reporting these items, and it means we still have a long way to go to be the SAFEST team out there!!

• A Team member was identified as passing riders without providing adequate verbal notice, but more importantly, was passing in the left hand lane crossing a double yellow line.  On Texas roads, this is a recipe for disaster
• A Team member was identified as riding his bike with no hands on the handle bars.  While many riders may not think this is a major item, consider this:  It is against Texas state law not to have at least one hand on your handle bars, and with the significant number of riders on this route, a simple bump or rock could cause a significant crash.
• ExxonMobil Team members identified as riding with headphones/ear bugs.  We consider this a significant safety violation since communication is critical for ALL riders during this event.
• ExxonMobil Team members were identified as riding in an aggressive paceline, not informing riders of passing and not responding to request from Ride Marshals.
• ExxonMobil rider riding without helmet at Waller start parking lot.

Some of the above infractions may require the riders to take supplemental safety training.  Our goal, as well as all of our Team members, should be that we don't receive ANY notice of infractions in future MS 150s

Send in Your Pictures

We are still gathering the MS150 pictures.  We will be posting these on our web site after next week's team social.  If you have 3 pictures or less, you can e-Mail them to Craig Jackson, or if you have more, please put them on a disk and mail to:  Craig Jackson, 800 Bell St., GSC-EMB-1351L, Houston, TX 77002.

Team Clothing Distribution and Additional Orders

As mentioned above, we will distribute the remaining Team clothing at the team social next week.  If you don't live in Houston or can't make it to next week's social, then we will start mailing out the Team clothing the week of May 17.  Please understand that all of us have day jobs, so we are trying to manage our 'volunteer' duties along with other work.

We are planning on making a second clothing order in the very near future.  We will be sending out a Paypal link so that you can order a jersey or cycling shorts.  We will only submit an order for PAID items, there will be no option to submit a check since we spend too much time chasing members that say they will pay by check but seem to have a hard time sending in the money.  If you don't know what the jersey or shorts look like, go to our Team Jerseys page.

MS 150 Fund-Raising Status

Our Team is doing some great fund-raising!! We have raised over $367,000, 85% toward our $430,000 goal.  Here are some interesting stats for you:  We have 113 riders who have raised over $1,000, but we have 153 riders that have not yet reached the minimum amount of $400 (although I know several of these riders did not ride in the event).

We are currently the 4th highest fund-raising team, but we are ONLY $3,600 behind Team Shell.  We need to put some pressure on Shell and get our donations in!!  Remember, May 18 is the deadline for sending in your pledges in order for them to be counted in the team fund-raising award.

National Bike Month

May is national Bike Month-Yippee!!!  The League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike-to-Work Week 2010 from May 17-21 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 21.  Bike Houston, your local bicycling advocacy organization, is promoting several events in May to celebrate the greatest of months.   The Bike Bash at St. Arnold's Brewery is all about bikes and beer.  Bike Houston brings you a great evening of comradery among fellow cyclists at St. Arnold's on May 20 from 6pm to 8pm.  If you are already a member of Bike Houston, there is no admission fee.  If you are not a member go to http://bikehouston.org/ and join or pay $10 at the door to drink some great brew and hang out with your cycling buddies.

The Ride of Silence is On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM.  See http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php for more information, including almost every state in the United States and many International locations.  Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while riding on public roadways.  Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.  In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride.  There are no sponsors and no registration fees.  The ride aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways.  The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

Houston Ride:  The ride will start at Memorial Park at around 6:30.  Be sure your bike has both a front head light and a back red blinking light.

Upcoming Cycling Events

We encourage all of our riders to look at the Team Calendar to identify local rides in our area.

Post MS 150 Rider Survey

Last call for your input using the Team's post-ride survey.  We have had some excellent suggestions and we will be summarizing the suggestions in an upcoming Team Update.  If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to give us some feedback, to help us improve our support for the 2011 MS 150, and assess the services that you collectively felt best served you (and perhaps identify some areas where we can improve).

To take the survey, click the link below:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PostMS150survey

Team Update - April 27, 2010

Just a few items this week. Be sure to read the item below regarding Mountain Biking.  The weather is great out there to get some cycling in!!!

• Post MS150 Survey
• Fund-Raising Status
• Donor's Name on Rider's Personal Donation Page
• Local Mountain Bike Activity
• Still Have Lost & Found From MS Weekend
• One-Day Ride on Tour du Rouge

Post MS150 Rider Survey

If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to give us some feedback, to help us improve our support for the 2011 MS150, and assess the services that you collectively felt best served you (and perhaps identify some areas where we can improve).

To take the survey, click the link: Team Survey

We ask that you complete the survey for each rider in your party (including minors), even if your input is the same.  This helps us prioritize your interests and rank the magnitude of issues.  The survey is set to allow multiple entries per logon ID, so you can complete the survey for multiple members of your party from one PC (one at a time, of course).  We do ask that you clearly identify each input by the rider's first and last name, and give us an e-Mail address where we can follow-up if there are questions.  Multiple entries under the same rider name will be discarded (we will retain the last input made).  So vote early, but please don't vote often!

Fund-Raising Status

Our Team's current fund-raising stands at just over , so we are just $83,000 short of our goal!!  We are $7k behind Shell, so we need to kick it into high gear and contact your donors to get the funds rolling in.  The deadline for sending in your donations is May 18.

If you have checks, your donors should mail these to you, and you should indicate in the 'memo section' your name, and print off the pledge sheet from the MS Society web site and list the checks, then mail the form and the checks to the MS Society.  If you have some donors that you are still waiting on when the deadline nears, go ahead and send in what you have, and then forward the remaining amounts in once they arrive.

MS Society Policy on Donor's Name on Personal Donation Page

Here is the MS Society policy on having your donors show up on the 'scrolling list' on your personal donation page:

Please note that our policy for listing every donor's name individually on a participant's personal page has changed. In the past, we have abided by participant and donor wishes to have the donor name scroll on the participant's personal fund-raising page. Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of checks we get in for all of the Lone Star Chapter events, this process of updating the recognition (scrolling) name as requested has become unmanageable by our staff and volunteers.

The new process for these donations is shown below.

For single check and cash donations of less than $250.00, the pledge will be listed as a donation from the participant (the billing information is the participant's information) with a recognition/scrolling name of "Money Sent In". Therefore, anyone that visits a personal page to check on your progress or make a donation will not see that you have personally made $x.xx in donations, but that you have sent in that amount. IRS regulation states that a cancelled check or statement line item is sufficient proof of donation for anything under $250 in a single gift. If your donor still wishes to receive a receipt, please indicate that when you send in your pledges.

For single check donations of $250.00 or above, the billing information will be the check writer and the recognition name will read as the name of whoever signed the check.

If you wish for your donor names to scroll on your personal page, please urge them to donate online using the available secure donation forms. The only other way a donor will be able to see their name on your personal page is by making a single donation of $250.00 or above with a personal check.

Mountain Bikers - Please Read

While almost all of our Team events center around road bikes, we know we have several riders that do a lot of mountain biking. Please see the below notice from the Greater Houston Offroad Bike Association. Also, if you have ideas on how our Team can be more involved in mountain biking events, please let Team Captain Eric Powell know.

Hey all. It’s only 1 week to go to Houston’s biggest MTB party – the Big Ring Challenge race weekend at Double Lake Recreation area, May 1st & 2nd . I know all the hard core racers are already locked and loaded to compete in this 6th race of the Texas State MTB Championship Series, but we’d like to invite some of you who are new to mountain bike racing, or perhaps never even considered racing before. Double Lake is a great trail for beginners because it is not technical, but it is great fun to ride. And “Fun” is the key word here. MTB racing is fun. The race is divided into three categories, with Cat-3 designed for beginners. Racing in Cat-3 is low-key and enjoyable. There are groups for every age group and gender – so ladies, you’ll be racing with the girls, not a bunch of pushy men. If you are new, plan on attending the Beginner Race Clinic held at 1pm on Saturday put on by TMBRA - this is free and well worth attending. Aside from that, the event really is a festival atmosphere. As TMBRA President Scott Schaeffer once said: “Putting on a race is like having a party with 500 of my closest friends”.

The BRC really is one of Houston’s premier cycling events where we host competitors from all over Texas. We always put on a good show, but we always need more Volunteers to help do it smoothly. Anyone can volunteer – we’ll need help with setup, feed zone, course marshals, parking , clean up and a host of other little jobs. If you volunteer, we’ve got a few freebies and rewards, depending on input, but the main thing is you will really enjoy helping running the event.

Everything you need to know is at http://www.ghorba.org/rides-events/2010-big-ring-challenge
If you’d like to volunteer – just e-mail us at racing@ghorba.org
More about MTB racing here - www.tmbra.org
Look forward to seeing you there!

Kevin Highfield president@ghorba.org

Lost and Found

The following items are still unclaimed from the MS weekend. Please let Team Captain Eric Powell know if they belong to you:

• Pillow (Maroon case)
• Green Towel
• Riding Gloves
• Blue Jacket
• Sun Glasses (multiple pairs)
• Watch
• Single glove
• Pair of socks (clean)

Tour Du Rouge - One Day Ride from Houston to Beaumont

Here is a great opportunity to support the American Red Cross. More than likely you know someone that has benefitted from the services provided by the American Red Cross. While many riders don't have the available time to commit to the entire 6-day tour from Houston to New Orleans, riders can participate in the first day and last day of the event. Click on the below link to learn more about riding the first day (May 2) from Houston to Beaumont - a total of 81 miles. It would be great to have a strong ExxonMobil presence to start this ride off!!

http://www.tourdurouge.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=73

ExxonMobil Team MS 150 Recap - April 22, 2010

MS 150 Wrap-Up

Well, it was a fun-filled weekend! We could not have participated and enjoyed ourselves this weekend but for our volunteers, both over the weekend and those that did all the team preparation to get us ready. Hats off to Paul and Liz Tepikian for coordinating the weekend volunteers - you don't know how much hard work they did behind the scenes to make this a great ride for our Team. It was more than just Liz and Paul, but they coordinated and this made the difference.

The ride included some stretches of wet road but all in all we had good weather and mild temperatures. We want to thank the riders for being safe on this ride. We had approximately 325 riders and to our knowledge we only had two accidents.

One accident was on Day 1 where one of our riders was in a large group, the group slowed down and a rider from his right side moved to the left and collided with him, pushing him into a rider on his left. Hospital transport was needed for stiches in the lower leg, but his was in good enough shape to ride on Day 2.

The second accident was one of our riders going through an intersection in Austin that was controlled by police, and a vehicle failed to follow the police instructions, resulting in our rider running into that vehicle. Rider was skinned up and bruised, but no hospital transport.

If anyone one is aware of any other accidents involving our team members, please let Team Captain Eric Powell know the circumstances and extent of injuries. We will continue to strive to be the safest team possible - any time we get on our bike!

The Easy Part is Over.....

Okay, now the hard part -- if you rode the MS150 -- Chasing after your donors and getting your contributions into the MS Society. We encourage you to contact your donors NOW with a summary of your ride and the effort you put forth, now it is their time to "Pay Up"!! Send them a picture -- they will enjoy that. Our team's current fund-raising stands at just over $330,000, so we just $100,000 short of our goal!! The deadline for sending in your donations is May 18.

If you have checks, your donors should mail these to you, and you should indicate in the 'memo section' your name, and print off the pledge sheet from the MS Society web site and list the checks, then mail the form and the checks to the MS Society.

If you have some donors that you are still waiting on when the deadline nears, go ahead and send in what you have, and then forward the remaining amounts in once they arrive.

Send in Your Pictures

We need pictures for our web site. Please either e-Mail these to Craig Jackson, or put them in the mail on a diskette: Craig Jackson, 800 Bell St., GSC-EMB-1351L, Houston, TX 77002.

Lost and Found

The following items were found during the weekend. Please let Team Captain Eric Powell know if they belong to you:

• Pillow (Maroon case)
• Green Towel
• Riding Gloves
• Blue Jacket
• Sun Glasses (multiple pairs)
• Watch
• Single glove
• Pair of socks (clean)
• New MS150 hat
• Sierra Designs Anorak
• Walktoberfest T-shirt

Rider Survey

We hope to send out a Team rider survey either later this week or early next week to obtain input regarding the event. Appreciate you completing it when it arrives.

Team Members Featured in Local Paper

Several Team members we featured in a MS150 article in local papers. See the article at:

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/04/14/river_oaks_examiner/lifestyles/ro_ms_150_profiles0415.txt

Don't Put the Bikes Away.....

Tour Du Rouge - one day ride from Houston to Beaumont

Here is a great opportunity to support the American Red Cross. More than likely you know someone that has benefitted from the services provided by the American Red Cross. While many riders don't have the available time to commit to the entire 6-day tour from Houston to New Orleans, riders can participate in the first day and last day of the event. Click on the below link to learn more about riding the first day (May 2) from Houston to Beaumont - a total of 81 miles. It would be great to have a strong ExxonMobil presence to start this ride off!!

http://www.tourdurouge.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=73

Final MS 150 Preparation Update - April 14, 2010

Okay, the event is less than 3 days away.  We realize you may be getting tired of receiving updates, but please read over and then print this material (especially the attachment) as all this information is key to your final preparation for this weekend's ride.  Note:  If you are not riding, you can at least know what you need for next year.

• MS Society Text and Hotline #
• Current Weather Forecast
• What You Should be Doing These Last Three Days
• Team Start Information and First Day Route Options
• Second Day Route Options
• Tent Closing Time in Austin
• Spotlight on Team Member
• Fund-Raising
• What to do With All Those Rider Numbers
• Key safety Material to Read
• Helpful Resources and Reminders
• Volunteers

We strongly encourage all riders to read the Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) that are posted on our web site.  Scroll down the home page, to find them under the Team Resource Center.

MS Society Text and Hotline #

We strongly encourage you to sign up for the text message from the MS Society for this ride.  Dial 777111, enter in RIDER. & You should get a confirmation note that you have signed up.  Text STOP to same number to cancel.  The MS Society will send out text as necessary to communicate important aspects of the ride.

Also, the MS Society has a hot line number for this weekend's ride, it is 281-657-7156.  There will have a recording with the latest updates from the MS Society.  Also keep watch on the MS Society web site and our Team web site.

Current Weather Forecast

Current forecast is for winds from the south and southeast.  Do you need to know any more??  Okay, here are the chances of rain:

• Houston on Saturday
• La Grange on Saturday
• Austin on Sunday

The MS Society will make the call to delay or cancel any part of the ride, but you need to make your own personal determination as to whether or not to ride.  You should consider your cycling skills, your experience with wet surfaces and your overall conditioning.  There is no reason to "prove" something and ultimately hurting yourself and/or others.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you have done the necessary training for a successful ride this weekend.

What You Should be Doing These Last Three Days

1. Hydrate - you need to get your body used to extra fluid
2. Continue to have moderate exercise but not a hard workout
3. Prepare all your bags and your bike no later than Thursday night - no last minute packing
4. Don't change up your bike with new equipment unless it is a safety issue
5. Put your emergency contact information on the back of your rider bib
6. Eat a good meal on Friday night - pasta will help fuel you
7. Set your alarm clock (or two) to make sure you arrive at the start location on time

Team Start Information and First Day Route Options

Plan to arrive at our start location NO LATER THAN 5:45, and if you are picking up your Team clothing, come earlier.  The EM Team starts from our Chemical’s Headquarters facility, which is located at 13501 Katy Freeway (Map).  We start from this location for safety reasons.

Directions to this starting location are: Take I-10 west, take the Hwy. 6 Exit (one exit 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 BP office complex.

Parking lot is secure over the weekend.  Riders should plan on car pooling due to the large Team size and limited parking.  You could also just have someone drop you off.  Please check-in with our volunteers.

We will leave from Chemicals at 6:10 AM and proceed to the ride staging area across from the Omni.  If you arrive late to Chemicals, you can proceed cautiously to the ride start by going down the feeder, turn left on Eldridge and go north until you reach the formation of the starting group.  You may or may not be able to be staged with our Team if you are late.

You don't have to start with the team at Chemicals.  If you question your ability to do 100 miles the first day, you can start at Rhodes Stadium (reduces ride by 15 miles) or from Waller (reduces ride by 25 miles).  However, to have our Team move your luggage to LaGrange, you must either arrange for someone else to drop off the luggage the morning of the ride (no pre-ride dropping of luggage) or you must first stop by Chemicals before you go to your alternate start location.

Second Day Route Options

1. Hwy 71 (Pfizer Lunch Express route) - We have heard some of the roads are rough. We have also heard that some of the roads may have been repaved. Riders going on this route should line up on the right side of the La Grange Fairgrounds exit
   
2. Hwy 77 (Bechtel Challenge Route) also known as the Park route - goes through 2 state parks - Buescher and Bastrop state parks. We have found this to be the most fun and most dangerous route - the roads thru the state parks are narrow, sharp hills and turns. We don't recommend this route for riders that are inexperience riding in large groups. There is normally a combination of slow riders (who can't make it up some of the hills and have to walk their bikes up) and faster riders that make the inexperience rider nervous.
   
3. Hwy 77 ( Bechtel Challenge Route with Park bypass) - As you approach the turnoff to the parks (right hand turn about 3 miles have a long, steep hill decent), you can proceed straight and bypass the park. You will merge with the Hwy 71 route just before breakpoint 2a. Go to this link (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/maps/index.aspx) and select Day 2 map, where the red line touches the green line is where the park bypass joins the Pfizer Lunch Express.
   

Riders wanting to go on option 2 & 3 should line up on the left side of the fairgrounds exit.

Tent Closing Time in Austin

• Our Team tent will close at 5:30 pm on Sunday in Austin
  
• Any luggage not claimed by that time will be sent over to the MS Society luggage storage
  
• If you have arrived, claim your luggage and be responsible for your own stuff (bike, helmet, etc.)
  
• Reason: Our volunteers are up at 4:00 am on Sunday and by Sunday afternoon are ready to go home; and they still have things to do, they don't have the restful ride on the bus back to Houston.
  
• Suggestion: If you are having mechanical or endurance problems that could make your arrival late into Austin, lose the ego, take the SAG and appreciate the atmosphere in Austin.
  

Spot Light on Team Member - William (Bill) Malone

We want to make sure all of you recognize that MS 150 is about fund-raising, not about riding a bike to Austin.  We want everyone to see Team member William (Bill) Malone's fund-raising note on his Donation Page - and take note of how you can change lives.

What are you doing to be put in the spot light??

Fund-Raising

Don't forget to keep your supporters informed of your progress.  Send thank you notes and a post ride recap of your weekend with pictures.  The competition for the top team fund-raising is heating up!!  Our Team is currently in 4th place, just $10k behind the Shell team, but Sun & Ski (with the highest overall fund-raiser on their team) is just $20k behind us.  Our Team fund-raising just passed $260,000, so continue the GREAT WORK!!  We have 74 riders that have raised over $1,000 and we have over 200 riders that have not reached the minimum $400 - so send those e-Mail requests to your supporters before the ride begins!!

How to Use Your Rider Numbers

Enclosed in your Rider Packet are the following items:

1. Rider number plate to attach to handlebars
2. Adhesive rider number for front of helmet
3. Large rider number bib to attach to the back of your jersey with safety pins (Note: Participants MUST complete the required medical information on the back of this rider bib)
4. Wrist bracelet for Saturday and Sunday meals and to pick up bike on Sunday
5. Adhesive luggage tags (to place around your luggage handles – 2 pcs)

Key Safety Material to Read

Based on the safety training taken by our Team members this year, we should have the safest team we have ever had -- however, don't let up.  Please read the 2010 MS 150 Safety Reminder and stay focused on SAFETY the entire weekend.

Some General Weekend Reminders, Resources and Acknowledgements

• Keep your cell phone off during the ride -- Believe it or not, all the riders and volunteers over load the cell towers in these small communities, so keep it off unless you are using it (of course, not while you are riding your bike!!)
  
• If you are staying at the Team motel in Schlenberg, use the MS buses in the morning on Sunday instead of relying solely on the shuttle vans
  
• New this year ==> Recycling - Both Days, the MS Society will be recycling of all aluminum, plastic and cardboard. The MS Society will be providing recycling collection boxes with clear plastic bags for cans and bottles. Cleaning crews will pick up the recyclable materials at the end of the day so you don't have to worry about moving it anywhere. Everyone is encouraged to participate
  
• Here is a link to the weekend maps: http://bit.ly/2010MS150Maps (click on each map for PDF version to print or put on your smartphone)
  
• Our Team has riders coming from Canada, Argentina, England and Australia for this ride. We also have 6 of the HIRSCH family riding, three of them coming from Chicago. Make a point of meeting these riders and helping them have a great ride!!

Volunteers

Last but not least, we have a great crew of volunteers this year, please thank each and everyone of them throughout the weekend. They work VERY hard the entire weekend, even while we relax after getting in. Also, just because you are riding, doesn't mean you can't pitch in. Keep our tent area clean (pick up after yourselves) and load your luggage back onto the luggage truck on Sunday morning.

Let's Have Fun this MS 150!!!!!!!!!!!

Team Update - April 13, 2010

Team Clothing Distribution

We will hold two clothing distribution events this week, along with having the clothing at the ride start and at La Grange.

Several Important Points:

• If you are not riding in the MS 150 and can't make one of the events next week, we will work on getting your clothing to you sometime in the weeks after the ride.
• If you submitted your team registration after Feb. 19 then your clothing selection will be based on what is available since we did not order very many extra jerseys.  Your name will be highlighted on the clothing pickup.  If you registered any time in March or April, we will not know if a jersey will be available until the morning of the ride.
• You can pick up clothing for others as long as you sign indicating you received the clothing - You are responsible to get the clothing to the correct person
• We will be distributing Tiger Tails and Smart ID safety tags
• No clothing can be mailed before the MS 150

Clothing Distribution Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, April 13
Jax Grill (1613 Shepherd, Houston, 77007)
From 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 14
Greenspoint Hilton (12400 Greenspoint Drive)
Vino Wine Bar (just behind the Starbucks inside the Hilton)
From 4:00 - 6:30 pm ( NOTE NEW TIMES )

Saturday, April 17
Chemical Building - Team start location for MS 150 (5:30 am - 6:00am)
La Grange - corporate tent (1:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

Team Update - April 12, 2010

We need our riders to focus on items #1 & #2 TODAY, and handle the other items soon.

1. If you have not already submitted your MS 150 participation information, it is critical that you submit this survey today: (http://www.emcycling.com/registration/ms150survey.aspx)
   
   We need the results so that we can order the correct amount of food for the MS150 weekend and make sure our volunteers are utilized in the most efficient manner -- That is, we don't want to waste money or people time.  Please submit this TODAY.  As of this morning, only 60% of our riders have responded.
   
   
2. Packet Pickup:  For those of you that have not picked up your Rider Packet, today at Memorial Park and Friday night at the Omni Hotel are the last two chances to pick up your packet -- You must have a Rider (Bib) Number to participate and you must wear your wrist band to use the MS society services over the weekend.
   
   
3. If you have not had your BIKE INSPECTED, it will now cost you $15 but is money well spent. We just received another e-Mail from one of our riders where a crack frame was identified during his inspection.  The Ride Marshals appreciate those riders that have their bike checked out - it saves everyone time and agony during the ride.
   
   
4. Complete the MS Society Safety Quiz.  So far less than 75% of our Team has completed the quiz.  Go to the MS 150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel. The Safety Zone link is: http://www.ms150.org/ms150/SafetyZone/index.html
   

Team Update - April 8, 2010

Get your reading glasses on - this is a long note but most of it relates to the preparation for the MS 150.  However, it also covers the planned distribution of our Team clothing next week.

Team Clothing Distribution

We will hold two clothing distribution events next week, along with having the clothing at the ride start and at La Grange. Several important points:

• If you are not riding in the MS 150 and can't make one of the events next week, we will work on getting your clothing to you sometime in the weeks after the ride.
• If you submitted your Team registration after Feb. 19 then your clothing selection will be based on what is available since we did not order very many extra jerseys.  Your name will be highlighted on the clothing pickup.  If you registered any time in March or April, we will not know if a jersey will be available until the morning of the ride
• You can pick up clothing for others as long as you sign indicating you received the clothing - you are responsible to get the clothing to the correct person
• No clothing can be mailed before the MS 150

Clothing Distribution Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, April 13
Jax Grill (1613 Shepherd, Houston, 77007)
From 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 14
Greenspoint (either at Hilton or at one of the ExxonMobil Building lobby)
From 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Saturday, April 17
Chemical Building - Team start location for MS 150 (5:30 am - 6:00am)
La Grange - corporate tent (1:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

Preparation for the MS 150

The below information will hopefully help you prepare for the MS 150 weekend.  We will start off with some key things to remember (some of these may be repeated later in the note) and then provide you more details.  Please read it entirely.

Weather

We will continually monitor the weather forecast.  We will update our web site with the most available information about the ride.  We will also communicate by e-Mail but if you don't have e-Mmail access, please look to the web site for Team updates or to the MS Society web site.

The Most Important Things to Remember Are......

• You must have a rider number and wrist band to participate in the MS 150
  == > Rider registration is not transferable to another rider
  ==> If you haven't picked up your rider packet (and Teresa Landers doesn't have it) then you need to obtain it from the MS Society
• This is a charity ride, not a cycling race, adjust your cycling accordingly
Hydrate the three days before the ride
• Complete our Rider survey sent out last week (http://www.emcycling.com/registration/ms150survey.aspx)
• Pack your bags and organize your material the Thursday before the ride
• Have your bike inspected at an official MS150 Bike shop
• Go to our Team Calendar, page down to the MS 150 event, to review maps and FAQs
• If you are riding with someone under the age of 18, you should stay in close proximity of that rider
• Have FUN and be SAFE!!

Details for The Ride Weekend .......

Arrival time at Chemicals

You should plan to arrive at our start location (13501 Katy Freeway) (Map) no later than 5:45 a.m. You should check in with our volunteers before loading any luggage onto the luggage truck. We will have drinks and snacks at the start. We will be leaving Chemicals at 6:10 to stage in front of the Omni Hotel.

If you are Leaving Your Car Overnight at Chemicals...

If you are parking at Chemicals the Team will provide transportation back from the Omni Hotel on Sunday to Chemicals where you will pick up your car (we don’t transport the bikes so you will need to drive back to the Omni and pick it up). To help our volunteers keep track of how many folks we are still waiting for on Sunday night we will pass out colored cards for each rider that needs shuttle service from Omni to Chemicals to place under or attach to their windshield wiper. This will help us more easily identify rider cars needing shuttle service from those that do not. When you arrive at Chemicals on Saturday please watch for signs and folks directing you to a specific section of the lot to park in.

Are you Staying at the Team Hotel in Schulenburg?

If you are staying at the Team hotel we will again provide transportation from La Grange to the hotel on Saturday and back to La Grange on Sunday morning. We will likely start running vans at around 2:00 or so in the afternoon and continue on till 7:00. To help keep the boarding process on Saturday afternoon more orderly than prior years, we will be handing out “boarding passes” (first come, first served) and we will send vans when they are full. Check w/ the volunteers at the sign in desk in La Grange for more info. We will likely run vans about every 30 to 40 minutes.

On Sunday morning we will start running vans at ~ 5:00 or 5:15 in the morning and it will be strictly first come first served - when a van is full it goes. The challenge on Sunday is moving everybody back to La Grange in time for the 7:00 am start. It’s further complicated by the fact that the MS society will usually not let us drive into the camp ground past 6:00 am (you will be dropped off outside the fairgrounds and have to walk in). So best strategy is to go early.

The MS Society will also be running a bus from the motel on Sunday morning and we advise anybody who can to use that option vs. waiting for a van to return from La Grange (keep in mind that it takes us at least an hour to round trip from the motel to La Grange and back). Keep in mind that we don’t keep track of who has gone and who has not (and we don’t do wake up calls). The last van will likely leave the motel around 6:30.

Alternative Start Locations

You don't have to start with the Team at Chemicals. If you question your ability to do 100 miles the first day, you can start at Rhodes Stadium (reduces ride by 15 miles) or from Waller (reduces ride by 25 miles). However, to have our Team move your luggage to LaGrange, you must either arrange for someone else to drop off the luggage the morning of the ride (no pre-ride dropping of luggage) or you must first stop by Chemicals before you go to your alternate start location.

Luggage Restrictions

We are NOT Continental Airlines,so if you bring too big of luggage you may face a luggage SURCHARGE!! If you have multiple riders in your family, don't pack one large (heavy) bag, but spread the weight to multiple bags. This is a WEEKEND event, not a week long cruise, thus pack accordingly. We have limited space in the Team tent, don't bring a king size air mattress.

If you are staying in the Team tent, we do not provide bedding, mattresses or sleeping bags, you must bring your own. Suggest you bring some ground cover to keep moisture off of you.

Bike Storage in LaGrange

You may have seen some notes requesting riders to use the MS storage in LaGrange. Our Team will continue to store bikes in our Team tent, however, due to high fire hazard in the fairgrounds, the following restrictions apply:
+ Bikes should not block entrances or exits to the tent
+ If bikes are put outside the tent, they should not block any escape route or designated vehicle path

Saturday Night in LaGrange

Dinner (late lunch) will likely start around 1:30 p.m. but there will be food until the last riders come in (the course shuts down at 6:00 pm). We will have a limited number of special diet dinners available. If you want "seconds", suggest you go take in the meal provided by the MS Society. We are planning for food for our riders, volunteers and massage therapist; do not invite other riders to eat our meal. We will have cold beverages and snacks at our tent. We will have port-o-lets at our tent.

What you Should do the Thursday Before the Ride...

Hopefully you have already started packing. Check the MS web site for their packing list so that you don't forget anything. Remember to bring cash in case you need bike repairs or want a massage at our tent on Saturday. Be sure to pack some warmer clothes for Sunday morning as the temperature in La Grange could be in the 40's. Have a good meal Friday tonight (wheat carbs would be good) and get a good nights sleep.

Fund-raising

Our Team fund-raising has just passed the $213,000 mark, moving forward to our $430,000 goal. Keep up the great work!!

Where do all my Rider Numbers go???

If you haven't already picked up your rider packet, view this link to locate the next available packet distribution http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/PacketPick-Up/index.aspx

Your rider package has instructions on where all your rider numbers should be placed. You should put the 'sticky' number on the front of your helmet, you should put the large thicker paper number on your handle bars, you should put the smaller thicker paper number around your bike cross bar (I staple it to keep it secure), the big flexible rider number goes on the back of your jersey (be sure in write-in your emergency contact information on the back of your jersey number), the two thin strips with your number are for your luggage, and the last one is your wrist band -- which you need to obtain food from the MS rest stops and to pick up your bike on Sunday evening. (Note: Don't remove your wrist band until the weekend is over as you will need this in Austin to obtain any food from the MS Society.)

Again ...  Be sure to fill out the emergency contact information on the back of the rider number that goes on your jersey.

Lunch Stops

We will have a Team tent at both lunch stops. Look for our company banner and get some snacks and drinks. Of course, the MS Society will also be providing a light lunch at these stops.

Safety Tips

We are proud that so many Team members attended a hands-on safety training course this year. Here are some tips for your immediate attention all during the ride:

• As you are riding, always think about, "Do I have a way out of this situation?"
  - Can I stop in time if I have to?
  - Can I move right or left and avoid a wreck?
  - Have I consumed fluids and energy to keep myself steady on my bike?
  - Am I looking up the road to identify hazards?
  
  
• Rest stops can be dangerous
  - Get completely off the road and move into the rest area, there are other riders right behind you
  - Don't stop on the highway, this creates a very dangerous situation
  - Watch for gravel or loose dirt
  - Follow the instructions of rest stop officials (where you an park your bike, etc.)
  
  
• If you are a slower rider, stay as far to the right as is safe
  - Allow riders to pass you on your left
  - Before passing others, make sure you don't cut someone off when you move left
  
  
• If you are faster than other riders
  - Warn riders that you are passing them ("passing on your left")
  - Use your brakes, especially if it is not safe to pass
  - Never cross the yellow line to pass someone
  

Unsafe Riders Beware

We want the MS150 to be as safe as possible. To further uphold the integrity and safety of the BP MS 150, the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter has established specific courses of action for unsafe rider behaviors that may arise during the event.

The specifics can be found on the MS web site: http://www.ms150.org/ms150/SafetyZone/unsafe_rider.html

BOTTOM LINE: WE DON'T WANT TO BE NOTIFIED OF ONE OF OUR RIDERS BEING IDENTIFIED AS AN UNSAFE RIDER!!

Here are the key points:

• Always wear your helmet and have it strapped
• All minors must be accompanied with a adult during the entire ride. If a minor is found without an adult rider, he/she may be transported to the next drop off point, either the lunch stop or the final stop for the day. Bottom line, the adult and minor should be in close proximately to each other all during the ride
• If you are observed performing unsafe riding, you could be pulled from the course
• If you are observed by tour officials as being unsafe, you may receive a letter after the ride requesting you to attend a mandatory safety clinic. Team captains will be made aware of any such letters
• **** We expect our Team to be the safest on the route and that NONE of our members are identified as being unsafe.

And don't forget the ........

• Towel for using the shower facilities
• Sun block for both days
• Medications
• Bike supplies (spare tubes, air, shoes, helmet, water bottles, sun glasses)
• Relaxing clothes for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon
• Warm cycling clothes for Sunday morning
• Bed roll for Saturday night (if you are staying in the Team tent)
• Energy bars or liquid to carry on your bike

Volunteers

Last but not least, we have a great crew of volunteers this year.  Please thank each and everyone of them throughout the weekend. They work VERY hard the entire weekend, even while we relax after getting in. Also, just because you are riding, doesn't mean you can't pitch in. Keep our tent area clean (pick up after yourselves) and load your luggage back onto the luggage truck on Sunday morning.

Let's Have Fun This MS 150!!!!!!!!!!!

Team Update - April 1, 2010

Topics in this Update:

No joke, the MS150 is less than 12 days away.  The days are heating up, so remember to wear sun screen and keep adequate fluids in the body.  This is a great time to start getting the body acclimated to the heat - you can't do this with an indoor spin class.

+ Team Clothing Distribution
+ Safety Quiz
+ Bike Inspections
+ Training Rides
+ MS 150 Packet Pick Up
+ Team Fund-Raising Status
+ Summary of Team Safety Picnic
+ Picnic Lost and Found
+ MS 150 Participation Survey
+ MS 150 Good Neighbor Policy

Team Clothing Distribution

We are currently awaiting the clothing delivery from the manufacturer.  We will likely establish two distribution events the week before the MS 150.  Please watch for the dates and times.

MS 150 Safety Quiz

Okay MS150 riders, we have asked nicely for each of you to complete the MS Society Safety Quiz.  Just over 55% of our Team has completed the quiz.  What do you not understand??  Quit being a procrastinator and complete this quiz - We am getting tired of asking.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

MS150 Bike Inspections

Free Bike Inspections by the Official MS150 bike shop will end on April 9.  This is a great opportunity to have your bike looked over and for problems to be identified.  One of our riders found out that his frame had a crack in the frame.  This is not something you want to find out while on your way to Austin.  Bike shops will be busy this weekend so we recommend you do this sooner than later.  See the Team Discounts page for our participating bike shops.

Training Ride

This week's training ride is being hosted by the ExxonMobil Team.  It will start from the Carl Barton Park in Conroe.  If you plan to participate, please submit a RSVP from our Team Calendar - this helps estimate the amount of food required.  Driving directions are on the calendar - Please arrive early so that all riders are on the road as soon after 8:00 am as possible.   Be sure to obey ALL traffic laws, including stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.

The last training series ride on April 10 will be held in Fayetteville.

Four MS150 Packet Pickups Remaining

If you have not already picked up your MS150 packet (rider number), there are only four more chances to do this.  Please go to the below link to see when and where you can pickup your packet.  Remember, you have to have a rider number assigned to your name to ride the MS150, there is no transferring of numbers.  You should also wear your wrist band all weekend, and if the MS Society is transporting your bike, you will need the wrist band to claim your bike in Houston.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/PacketPick-Up/index.aspx

Team MS150 Fund-Raising Update

We are making GREAT progress on our Team goal of $430,000.  We just passed $169,000!!! However, we have over 160 riders with ZERO donations.  If you have not started your fund-raising, we encourage you to kick it off soon!  We have several teams trying to take over our spot as the #4 fund-raising team.  Don't be afraid of asking your friends, co-workers and family members to support you.  Share with them all the hard work you are putting forth, and most people will support your efforts.

Here are our team's current top fund-raisers:

• George Racine $8,003.00
• Eric Powell $6,210.00
• Todd Haberkost $5,670.00
• John Verity $5,145.00
• Michael Deen $4,697.00
• Anne Brown $4,680.00
• Michael Stewart $3,930.00
• John Dickinson $3,000.00
• Jon Roberts $2,2915.00
• John Kuney $ 2,825.00

We strongly encourage you to use the tools on the MS Society web site Participation Center.  You can put a photo of yourself, tell people why you are riding and establish a donation link you can send to friends, co-workers and others to have them donate to your campaign.  The below presentation will walk you through your Participation Center setup.

https://woodgroup.webex.com/woodgroup/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=16301612&rKey=3090787858c30d81

Safety Picnic Recap

We had a great Annual Safety Picnic and Training ride last Saturday.  We estimate about 225 members and family came out.  Sue Gilmore and her family want to thank everyone for the tribute to Bob and that stopped by to say hello.

We want to give a special thanks to the following folks that made this event so successful:

• Marcia Davis and Jacquie Abbott for organizing
• Teresa and Mike Lander for handling the MS packet distribution
• Tom Bolt for doing the route planning
• All the volunteers that worked the rest stops, SAG drivers, Team check-in and the bike inspections
• Especially Patrick O'Sullivan for being our lead-off rider !!

Picnic Lost and Found

During the team picnic one of our riders misplaced their Garmin 305 bike computer.  This is an expensive piece of equipment.  If you found this item, please let Team Captain Eric Powell know so that we can arrange to have it returned to its owner.

About the MS150 - Good Neighbor Policy

• The BP MS 150 is a RIDE, NOT A RACE.
• Please remember we are all ambassadors for cycling, the BP MS 150, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and your group or company
• Be especially considerate of our friends in the communities along the way who are gracious enough to share this special route with us by practicing our Good Neighbor Policies
• Finally, please take time to review the Safety Zone Cycling Etiquette and Ride Specific Tips sections under our Safety Information tab on the BP MS 150 website.

Key principles of the Good Neighbor Policy:

• Obey law enforcement personnel, ride officials, volunteers, residents & vehicle drivers
• Don’t litter
• Obey all state & local traffic laws
• Support the local communities
• Respect private property.
• Use restroom facilities only
• Curb inappropriate language & profanity.

Team Update - March 25, 2010

Topics in this Update:

+ Is your body ready for the MS 150
+ Team fund-raising update
+ Reminder - Safety Picnic this weekend
+ Team Clothing update
+ Looking for a hotel near for the Saturday night of the bike ride?
+ MS weekend volunteers needed
+ Safety Update

Preparing for a Two-Day, 180 Mile Bike Tour

Many of you may say it is a little late in the planning stages to start talking about being ready, given the event is just three weeks away.  But there are numerous things you can do in this short time to be more prepared for this event.  We will expand on these items over the next several weeks to help the MS150 participants be more prepared for the trip to Austin.

1. Get saddle time in:   Before the MS you should be able to do a 65 mile ride without major problems, and you should ride two consecutive days, maybe a 50 - 60 mile ride one day and a 20 - 30 mile ride the next.  You need to build up endurance, especially in your lower posterior.
2. Be sure to hydrate and consume good nutrition.  We will provide more information on this is future notes but make sure you have a water or hydration system so you can continually keep your body fueled.
3. Lack of heat acclimation can be a problem.  With the cool weather we have had so far this year, riders have not been able to get their body acclimated to warmer weather.  This is critical if we have warm or hot weather for the MS.  So try to get out on your bike in warmer weather so your body can start adapting.

MS150 Fund-Raising Status

Our Team goal is $430,000 for this year's MS150.  That comes out to an average of just over $1,100 per rider.  We are making great progress on our goal, just passing $138,000, so we are almost 1/3 of the way there.  We do have several significant challenges this year since several of our top fund-raisers from last year are not riding this year.  And, we have several teams trying to take over our spot as the #4 fund-raising team.  Don't be afraid of asking your friends, co-workers and family members to support you.  Think of all the hard work you are putting forth, and most people will support your efforts.

Here are our team's current top fund-raisers:

• George Racine $7,503.00
• Eric Powell $5,560.00
• Todd Haberkost $5,295.00
• Anne Brown $4,505.00
• Michael Deen $4,296.57
• John Verity $4,195.00
• Michael Stewart $3,130.00
• John Dickinson $2,860.00
• Jon Roberts $2,665.00
• Glenn Mitravitz $ 2,600.00

If you are not using your Participation Center on the MS Society web site, you are missing out on a great fund-raising tool.  You can put a photo of yourself, tell people why you are riding and establish a donation link you can send to friends, co-workers and others to have them donate to your campaign.  The below presentation will walk you through your Participation Center setup.

https://woodgroup.webex.com/woodgroup/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=16301612&rKey=3090787858c30d81

Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride

Just a reminder that our team Safety Picnic and training ride is Saturday at George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX.  If you are riding, please plan on being there by 7:30 so we are ready to roll at 8:00.

This event honors teammate Bob Gilmore who passed away this past December.  Sue Gilmore, her daughters and grandson will be in attendance, and they are bringing a very special "Lead Off Rider" that you will not want to miss.  Also, 10 employees from Bob's former work group are coming to the event.  This should be a very special time for all.

Hotel for Saturday Night

Our Team uses a motel in Schulenburg, which is about 35 miles south of La Grange.  Our motel is full, but one of our team members found a hotel in Hallettsville (about 15 mins south of the Schulenburg) that just opened last week and still has rooms available on April 17.  It's the Hotel Texas 361-798-5900.

Volunteers Needed with The MS150 Weekend

We are in need of volunteers to help with all our team activities for the MS150 weekend, which is April 17 - 18.  Some of the activities are only in Houston or you could choose to help the entire weekend.   If you or a family member is interested in helping out, check out our Team Volunteers page, or contact Paul & Liz Tepikian.

MS 150 Safety Quiz

*** Do this today *** Just over 50% of our MS150 team has taken the new MS Society Safety Quiz.  If you are riding the MS150, you should take this quiz.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

Safety Note From One of Our Team Members:

Last Sunday my son and I were on a training ride. Two miles from home my son had an accident. He is OK but it could of been really bad. We were riding on a green belt in Kingwood and going about 16 MPH. As we crossed the drive for a strip shopping center he lost control of the bike and ended up crashing into a high curb and flew head first into the sign for the strip shopping center. Luckily he missed the brick portion of the sign and hit and shattered (with his head) the plexiglass part. Other than several pretty good scrapes he is OK. The helmet did its job. The bike is questionable. The forks were sheared by the impact and I don't know if the frame is bent.

As far as the root cause, we are not 100% as I was in front and did not see the crash. Based on his description, loosing control was related to him switching hand position on his handle bars. I speculated that he was doing this as he crossed the transition from the greenbelt to the drive for the shopping center.

The learning is you need to be aware of your weight distribution on the bars and don't change hand positions on the bars when there is upcoming changes in road conditions.

Team Update - March 11, 2010

There are new items in this email plus some repeat items.  If you plan on attending the Safety Picnic, please send in your RSVP as soon as possible.  Suggest you also read about the Safety picnic for special news.

MS 150 Openings

Did you know the Houston-Austin MS 150 still has some openings!!!  If you or someone you know wants to ride, suggest you have them register, here is the link to get to the registration page:  http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/index.aspx

Team Clothing

Team clothing pictures are on-line!!  Check out our new jersey and cycling shorts design.

Training Ride

The training this weekend is in Montgomery and is now on SUNDAY. Please check our Team Calendar for any updates.  To be adequately prepared for the MS 150, you need to train.  The weather has now turned a little warmer so we encourage you to get your bike out (making sure that it is operating safely) and but in some miles.  If you can't ride during the week, suggest you go to a gym and do a stationary bike for at least 45 minutes twice a week.  Try to keep your cadence between 75 and 95.  We have found most riders are most comfortable with their cadence around 85.

Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride

*** ACTION REQUIRED**  Our Team Safety Picnic and training ride is on March 27 at the George Ranch.  If you haven't already, please submit your RSVP now, but no later than March 17.  We will have a 38 and 45 mile routes, lunch around 11:30 and safety training (Group Riding Skills) starting at 1:00.  Bike Barn will be there to perform free bike inspections.

As you may remember, this event honors teammate Bob Gilmore who passed away this past December.  Sue Gilmore and her daughters will be in attendance, and they are bringing a very special "Lead Off Rider" that you will not want to miss.  Also, 10 employees from Bob's former work group are coming to the event.  This should be a very special time for all.

Also, if you want to pick up your MS 150 rider packet, you must send a signed MS Society Rider Waiver Form to Teresa Landers by noon on March 17.

We may or may not have the Team clothing available at the picnic.  If the clothing is not available, we will setup some dates to distribute the Team clothing.

MS 150 Fund-Raising Status

We have a Team goal of raising $430,000 this year for the MS Society.  Our fund-raising currently stands at just over $74,000, which is good progress.  If you haven't already, we encourage you to start your fund-raising now.  Here are the top 10 fund-raisers so far (two of these riders are based in Australia!!):

• Anne Brown - $4,405.00
• Glenn Mitravitz - $2,550.00
• Michael Deen - $2,476.57
• John Dickinson - $2,305.00
• Tom Schiano - $2,010.00
• Pieter Wybro - $2,000.00
• Tim Kelly - $1,620.00
• Kurt Aerts - $1,503.00
• George Racine - $1,483.00
• Yew Choog Patrick Lee - $1,430.00

Just a reminder that one of the best tools is a web based explanation of how to setup your Participation Center on the MS Society web site.   You can put a photo of yourself, tell people why you are riding and establish a donation link that you can send to friends, co-workers and others to have them donate to your campaign.  Make sure your volume is on as this presentation will walk you through your Participation Center setup.

https://woodgroup.webex.com/woodgroup/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=16301612&rKey=3090787858c30d81

Volunteers Needed with The MS150 Weekend

We are in need of volunteers to help with all our team activities for the MS150 weekend, which is April 17 - 18.  Some of the activities are only in Houston or you could choose to help the entire weekend.   If you or a family member is interested in helping out, check out our Team Volunteers page, or contact Paul & Liz Tepikian.

Cycling News!!

Did you hear the news that Google maps will now include Bike Routes!!  Check out the article:   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35799063/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

MS Society Safety Zone

Have you viewed the MS Society's Safety Zone?  This site has numerous safety information that will help you prepare for the ride.  Think you know it all?  Well, hopefully later this month we will have a Concentration game you can play to test your safety knowledge.  Go check out the SAFETY ZONE today!

Safety Quiz

Less than 1/2 of our Team has taken the new Safety Quiz.  If you are riding the MS150, you should take this quiz.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

Team Update - March 5, 2010

This note is full of Critical Team Information.  Please read and complete the "Action Required" as needed.

Training Ride

The ExxonMobil Team is sponsoring this weekend ride, starting at Katy High School.  There route will take us through some of the back streets of Brookshire so that we will miss the town parade.  Be sure to show up early enough so that everyone gets out of the parking lot soon after 8:00.   Several riders are showing up late and the host team is having to stay out late - let's not have our Team members create this issue.

For the ride the weekend after next, it has changed to SUNDAY.  Please check our Team Calendar for any updates.

Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride

*** ACTION REQUIRED**  Earlier this week we posted the update regarding our Safety Picnic and training ride (See Team Update - March 1, 2010).  If you haven't already, please submit your RSVP now, but no later than March 17.  The picnic will be at the George Ranch, and you can take the Team required safety training after the picnic.

Also, if you want to pick up your MS 150 rider packet, you must send a signed MS Society Rider Waiver Form to Teresa Landers by noon on March 17.

We may or may not have the Team clothing available at the picnic.  If the clothing is not available, we will setup some dates to distribute the Team clothing.

*** ACTION REQUIRED*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO COMPLETE 20 VIP TEAM GRANTS for the EXXONMOBIL CYCLING TEAM

If you are an ExxonMobil employee or dependent family member, please consider signing up as a volunteer to help at Packet Pickups for the 2010 MS150.  You will be assigned to such tasks as handing out goodie bags, general information sheets, T-shirts, bandanas or welcome the riders.  Your volunteer hours will qualify for the VIP grants for the MS Society and adds to our Team fund-raising totals.

The Team Grants consist of five people doing four hours each for a total of 20 hours.   You do not need to create a team.  Teams will be formed on a first come, first serve basis.   The first five volunteers doing four hours each will create Team # 1 and so on... ($100 per member, total $500/team)   You can only do one team grant!

Please review the list below.  Team Captain Eric Powell has included how many volunteers we need for each event and will let you know if the event gets full.

Date	Time	Location	Number Needed
Tuesday, March 30	4:00 - 7:00	Sterling McCall (Hwy 59 @ Beltway 8)	6 Needed
Thursday, April 1	4:00 - 7:00	Champion Toyota (I=45S @ Fuqua)	10 Needed
Monday, April 12	11:00 - 7:00	Memorial Park	Unlimited per Shift
Friday, April 16	2:00 - 9:00	Houston Expo (Omni Westside)	Unlimited per Shift

If you are interested in being a volunteer, reply to Perry Coggins with the date/event/your employee ID.

The NMSS office has requested we get this list to them ASAP.  Please reply by Friday, March 12.   You will get an e-Mail a few days before the event with directions and instructions.

If you have already committed to volunteering at any of these events, you do not need to do so again.

MS 150 Fund-Raising Status

We have a team goal of raising $430,000 this year for the MS Society. Our fund-raising currently stands at just over $63,000, so we have a ways to go. I encourage you to start your fund-raising if you haven't already. Here are the top 10 fund-raisers so far (two of these riders are based in Australia!!):

• Anne Brown
• Michael Deen
• Glenn Mitravitz
• John Dickinson
• Yew Choog Patrick Lee
• Kurt Aerts
• George Racine
• Tim Kelly
• Thomas Schiano
• Richard Winegar

One of the best tools is a web based explanation of how to setup your Participation Center on the MS Society web site.   You can put a photo of yourself, tell people why you are riding and establish a donation link that you can send to friends, co-workers and others to have them donate to your campaign.  Make sure your volume is on as this presentation will walk you through your Participation Center setup.

https://woodgroup.webex.com/woodgroup/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=16301612&rKey=3090787858c30d81

Volunteers Needed with The MS150 Weekend

We are in need of volunteers to help with all our team activities for the MS150 weekend, which is April 17 - 18.  Some of the activities are only in Houston or you could choose to help the entire weekend.   If you or a family member is interested in helping out, check out our Team Volunteers page, or contact Paul & Liz Tepikian.

Safety Quiz

Less than 1/2 of our Team has taken the new Safety Quiz.  If you are riding the MS150, you should take this quiz.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

*** Ride Marshals Needed for the 2010 MS150 ***

In order for our Team to qualify for the MS Society Gold Safety Award, we must have one Ride Marshal for every 50 riders.  We currently have six Ride Marshals (John Dickinson, John Wilkinson, Conrad Hirsch, Coleman Tucker, Scott Ethington and Jeremy Singer).   But with over 370 registered MS150 riders, we are needing at least two more Ride Marshals.

To learn more, go to the MS 150 site and scroll down to Ride Marshals.  Because there is required training, we need a couple of volunteers as soon as possible.

Team Update - March 1, 2010

Details Announced for the Annual ExxonMobil Cycling Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride!

The 2010 ExxonMobil Cycling Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride will be held on Saturday, March 27.  This is one of the largest Team events during the year, so we encourage you and your family to come out and enjoy the ride, food and good times.  This year's event honors teammate Bob Gilmore, who passed away this past December.  Bob was not only passionate about cycling, he gave up numerous Saturday mornings and entire weekends as a Team volunteer.  If you rode the MS150 with our Team, Bob likely took your bike from you as you entered our corporate tent in La Grange.

This is a "Rain or Shine" event, so even if the weather turns sour, we will still have the picnic, packet distribution and bike inspections.  Be sure to RSVP.  The Team is paying for lunch based on your survey response, so only indicate the number of family members that you think will actually attend.  Lunch will be served at approximately 11:30.

Deadline:  Submit your RSVP by March 18!!

Location:	George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX
Time:	7:30 AM - Plan to arrive if you are doing the training ride  8:00 AM - Training ride starts (~ 45 Mile Route)  9:30 AM - Bike inspection by Bike Barn Starts 10:00 AM - MS 150 Rider Packet pickup Starts* 11:30 AM - Lunch will be served 1:00 - 3:30 PM - Group Riding Skills Safety Training
What to Bring:	If you plan on riding, bring your bike, helmet and necessary supplies.  For the picnic, seating will be available but you might want to bring your chairs/blankets to be comfortable.  Feel free to bring games for kids/adults to play, there will be an open grass area.  Bring your bike for FREE Bike Inspections.

* You can ONLY receive your MS150 rider packet if you fax your MS Society Rider Waiver Form to Teresa Landers by March 17.  See Feb. 25 Team Update for complete instructions, or e-Mail Teresa.

Team Update - February 25, 2010

MS 150 Rider Packet Pick Up Information

As in prior years, due to the size of our MS 150 Team we have made arrangements with the MS Society to have a special MS150 Rider Packet distribution.  We will have this special pickup at our annual ExxonMobil Cycling Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride on March 27, 2010.  This year's picnic will be at George Ranch Historic Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond, Texas.  More details about the picnic will be sent to you early next week, but you must TAKE ACTION to get your Rider Packet at the picnic.  For new riders, the Rider Packet contains your Rider Number, maps, MS150 T-Shirt and other material.  You must have a rider number to participate in the MS150 and rider numbers are not transferable.  This is separate from our Team clothing distribution.

You have two options for picking up your Rider Packet, one through our Team at our Picnic or through the MS Society.   If you choose our Picnic and send in your MS Society Waiver Form (see below), then picking up your packet at an MS Society event is not an option.  If you fax in your MS Society Waiver Form, your packet will only be available at the picnic or at our Team start location the morning of the MS150.

Picnic Option

Please read and follow the below directions if you want to pick up your MS150 Rider Packet at the Picnic (Due to Spring Break, your Action is required by Wednesday, March 17):

1. Printa and Fill out the MS Society Waiver Form completely (excluding the rider number) and then sign.  ( Reminder: Forms for riders under 18 must be notarized.)  300 Club members and Ride Marshals please indicate this on the form.  (IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you choose the picnic option and send in your waiver, you must get your packet either at the Team picnic or at the Team start location the morning of the MS150).  The MS Society will no longer have your packet and it cannot be put in ExxonMobil company mail).
2. You MUST PRINT and FAX the MS Society Waiver Form ( to Teresa Landers at 713-656-3146 by Wednesday, March 17.
3. If you fax the form to Teresa, either yourself or a designated rider must pick up your packet at the picnic or at the ride start.  As a last resort, you can pick up your packet at Teresa's office after the picnic (Note: She's moved EMB, Room 2359C - 800 Bell, Houston 77002) after March 28.

If you have questions about packet pickup, please e-Mail Teresa or call 713.656.8321

MS Society Option

If you can't attend our picnic, no problem, just plan on picking up your Rider Packet directly from the MS Society, you don't need to fax in your waiver to Teresa.  For a listing of the locations where the MS Society will distribute the Rider Packets, go to: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/ride-information/PacketPick-Up/index.aspx

FAQs about Team Packet Pickup:

• You MUST complete and sign the WAIVER (excluding the Rider Number) and fax it to Teresa at 713-656-3146 by Wednesday, March 17 to have your packet at the picnic. No WAIVER BY 17th = NO PACKET AT PICNIC
• You must be designated as an ExxonMobil Team member on the MS Society data base to participate in this special packet pickup
• you can't make the picnic and want someone else to pick it up for you, please identify this person on your waiver
• If a rider is under 18 years of age, the waiver must be notarized (MS Society requirement) or the packet will not be released by the MS Society
• Once the Team has your packet, you must get the packet at either the picnic or the morning of the ride (April 17) at our Team start location (ExxonMobil Chemical Headquarters). Your packet will no longer be available at MS pickups nor can it be sent in ExxonMobil company mail. As a last resort, you can pick up your packet at Teresa's office after the picnic (Note: She's moved to EMB, Room 2359C, - 800 Bell St, Houston 77002).
• Packet pickup at the picnic site is rain or shine!
• You don't have to fax in your waiver if you plan on picking up your packet directly from the MS Society
• Your packet will include your Rider Number, t-shirt, Champions (formerly Pedal Partner) bandana (if requested) and other MS material; rider numbers are not transferable
• If you receive your packet (Rider Number), you are committed to turn in the minimum amount of $400 by May 18
• The minimum donation is not due when you pick up your packet
• If you don't pick up your Rider Number, you don't have the minimum donation obligation, but please notify Team Captain Eric Powell of any intent to withdraw

Team Update - February 19, 2010

Weather is getting better to get on your bike.  Remember to take extra tubes and a way to air your tires, even on "supported" rides you should be prepared to fix a flat.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

Okay PROCRASTINATORS, if you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", please do it Today.  Rider fee is $60 which gets you a jersey, cycling shorts (or bibs) are another $60.  Our jersey order has been submitted, anyone registering after today will get a jersey based on when you register and size availability.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

Safety Training

Have you met your once every three year safety training obligation? We have two safety training events that still have openings.  Team member Conrad Hirsch, one of our LCIs, has made arrangements to hold two Group Riding Skills safety training sessions at the ExxonMobil Chemical Headquarters on west I-10 ( 13501 Katy Freeway).  Cost will be $10 to attend and represents a donation to the MS Society.  The funds collected will be allocated to the LCIs that do the training.  Please register soon, maximum 30 spots per session.  Be sure to submit your donation.

You can register for one of these classes at www.trafficcycling.com/grs.  If the class does not show up, that means it is full.

Date	Time
Sunday, February 28	Group Riding Skills Class - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ExxonMobil Chemical Company 13501 Katy Freeway, Houston,TX 77079   (Map) Registration is Required: Register
Sunday, March 14	Group Riding Skills Class - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ExxonMobil Chemical Company 13501 Katy Freeway, Houston,TX 77079   (Map) Registration is Required: Register

*** Ride Marshals Needed for the 2010 MS150 ***

In order for our Team to qualify for the MS Society Gold Safety Award, we must have one Ride Marshal for every 50 riders.  We currently have six Ride Marshals (John Dickinson, John Wilkinson, Conrad Hirsch, Coleman Tucker, Scott Ethington and Jeremy Singer).   But with over 370 registered MS150 riders, we are needing at least two more Ride Marshals.

To learn more, go to the MS 150 site and scroll down to Ride Marshals.  Because there is required training, we need a couple of volunteers as soon as possible.

VIP Grants

If you are an ExxonMobil employee, family member or annuitant, you can volunteer to help at a MS Society activity and qualify for an Exxon Mobil Foundation VIP Grant.  There are several opportunities.  If you are interested, please send a note to Perry Coggins at perry.r.coggins@exxonmobil.com.

Our goal is to maximize the VIP grants for the MS Society, which is $5,000 in individual grants (working 20 or more hours) and $10,000 for team grants (made up of 5 or more qualifying people volunteering at least 20 total hours).

Volunteers Needed for the MS 150 Weekend

We are in need of volunteers to help with all our Team activities for the MS 150 weekend, which is April 17 - 18.  Some of the activities are only in Houston, or you could choose to help the entire weekend.  If you or a family member is interested in helping out, please contact Paul & Liz Tepikian.  You can also get information on the Team Volunteer page.

Team and Cyclist Community Reputation

We recently received a note from one of the Kingwood Homeowner Associations (Kings Point).  Please read the below note and we ask you to remember several things when you are on your bike:  All your actions on the bike impact how others view and treat cyclist, and the company who's jersey you are wearing.  In neighborhoods such as Kingwood, the greenbelts are meant for walking, running and bikes, but not fast riding.  In most areas bikes must yield to all foot traffic.  Bottom line, be courteous to others while on your bike - ALWAYS!

I am a member of a Homeowners Board here in Kingwood (Kings Point). Recently we have had a number of neighborhood complaints about an individual riding in an ExxonMobil jersey.

If you are not familiar with Kingwood, we have 2 man-made lakes in the back end, with greenbelt paths that circle them. This is prime "family" time space - with many people walking their dogs, families with very young children, joggers and walkers. There seems to be one bicycle rider who rides alone around the lakes in an ExxonMobil jersey. This rider often has his head down riding at "breakneck" speed. People jump off the greenbelt, trying to gather young children or dogs - hoping that they are not run over.

Not only is this rider unsafe for our community and himself, but is also damaging ExxonMobil's good reputation. Our recommendation to individuals who feel threatened by the situation has been to report it to the police.

Our board suggested this note as a reminder for your team that being courteous to your neighbors is important. If a rider needs to use multi-use greenbelts, they need to use caution and share the space with families. If they choose to ride fast, they need to use the street instead, as many other riders routinely and safely do.

Safety Quiz

Have you completed your safety quiz?  So far less than 1/3 of our team has taken the new Safety Quiz.  If you are riding the MS150, you should take this quiz.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

Team Update - February 12, 2010

This Week's Ride

Our ride tomorrow morning is being hosted by our Team and starts from Zube park, in the back parking lot.  Our Team Calendar has all the details.  The weather at the start will be cold (in the 30's) so dress warm, cover both your legs and your arms and having long fingered gloves.  Don't be afraid (or too proud) of asking a SAG vehicle for help.

Action Item: Final Call for Team Clothing Through Your ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", please do so NOW.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers, our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

February Team Social

Tthis month's Team Social will be held at Cedar Creek Cafe, Bar & Grill in the Heights from 6-8pm on Thursday Feb. 18th

  Address:   1034 W 20th Street - Houston, TX 77008  (Map)

 

Action Item:  Safety Quiz

So far 98 team members have taken the new Safety Quiz.  If you are riding the MS150, you should take this quiz.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

Action Item:  Safety Training

See the below information on scheduled Group Riding Skills Classes.  Any of these classes will satisfy your once every three year safety training commitment.  We suggest you register early before they fill up.  You can register for one of these classes at www.trafficcycling.com/grs.

Date	Time
Sunday, February 14	Group Riding Skills Class - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Aker Solutions 3600 Briar Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77042 - (Map) Registration is Required:  Register
Sunday, February, 21	Group Riding Skills Class - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM FMC Technologies 1777 Gears Road, Houston, TX 77067 - ( Map ) Registration is Required:  Register
Sunday, February 28	Group Riding Skills Class - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ExxonMobil Chemical Company 13501 Katy Freeway, Houston,TX 77079   (Map) Registration is Required: Register
Sunday, March 14	Group Riding Skills Class - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ExxonMobil Chemical Company 13501 Katy Freeway, Houston,TX 77079   (Map) Registration is Required: Register

The donation (cost) of the above course is $10 since we are part of the Chevron team training series.

MS Society Group Riding Skills Safety Clinics

In addition to the above, the MS Society is sponsoring several Group Riding Skills safety training.  These will be held on Feb. 27, March 6 and March 27.  There are morning sessions (9:00 - 12:00, and afternoon sessions (1:00 - 4:00).  Cost of attending these session is $30 and will be held at Bicycle World and Fitness, 14536 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.

Click Here to register.

If you attend one of these classes, please send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail so we can keep track of our safety efforts.

Area Bike Shop Support Provided Through our Team Discount Program

An extensive Team Discounts Program is available to our Team and represents a great value to our members.  The sponsoring bike shops not only provide discounts to our members, but they also donate generous amounts of time and energy to support our Training Ride Series, as well as performing bike inspections at our Team Safety Picnic.  They also provide support along the route during the MS 150 and at our Team tent in La Grange.

Our sponsoring bike shops provide a variety of generous discounts that generally apply to Bikes, Clothing & Accessories and Repairs/Labor.  Discounts vary from shop to shop, but can normally save Team members 5-10% on Bikes and an average of 10% on Clothing & Accessories.

Some shops require members to register on-line to receive discounts.  These shops will supply Team members with a discount card.  Other shops require only that you tell the cashier that you are a member of the ExxonMobil Cycling Team.   Each shop's requirements are listed on the Team Discounts Program page.  We would recommend that you register early with all the shops that require registration.  Also, it is a good idea to print the Team Discounts Program page and have it with you when you visit the shops, just to be sure you are getting the proper discount.

Links to each shop's web site are also provided.  Their web sites often contain a great deal of information about bike selection, bike fit, clothing, equipment and other topics that can make your biking experience more enjoyable.  If you are thinking about purchasing a bike for the MS 150, this reference information can be invaluable in helping sort through the many decisions you will face in finding just the right bike for you.

Team Update - February 3, 2010

This week's update is relatively short but contains some critical information.  Please read and take action as necessary

*** Verify Your Clothing Order ***

We need ALL members to verify their registration and clothing orders before we submit our jersey order next week. You can view your information on the Team Membership Roster.  If you need to, review the Sizing Chart.  If you don't see your name listed, you haven't registered.

To make any changes to your clothing order, please send an e-Mail to registration@emcycling.com.

We hope to have the jersey and cycling shorts design up in the near future.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", please do so NOW.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers, our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

This Week's Training Series Ride is on Sunday

Reminder, this week's training series ride is on Sunday.  Go to our Team Calendar for more information.

*** Ride Marshals Needed for the MS150 ***

In order for our Team to qualify for the MS Society Gold Safety Award, we must have one Ride Marshal for every 50 riders.  We currently have six Ride Marshals (John Dickinson, John Wilkinson, Conrad Hirsch, Coleman Tucker, Scott Ethington and Jeremy Singer).   But with over 370 registered MS150 riders, we are needing at least two more Ride Marshals.

To learn more, go to the MS 150 site and scroll down to Ride Marshals.  Because there is required training, we need a couple of volunteers as soon as possible.

VIP Grants

If you are an ExxonMobil employee, family member or annuitant, you can volunteer to help at a MS Society activity and qualify for an Exxon Mobil Foundation VIP Grant.  There are several opportunities.  If you are interested, please send a note to Perry Coggins at perry.r.coggins@exxonmobil.com.

Our goal is to maximize the VIP grants for the MS Society, which is $5,000 in individual grants (working 20 or more hours) and $10,000 for team grants (made up of 5 or more qualifying people volunteering at least 20 total hours).

Volunteers Needed for the MS 150 Weekend

We are in need of volunteers to help with all our Team activities for the MS 150 weekend, which is April 17 - 18.  Some of the activities are only in Houston, or you could choose to help the entire weekend.  If you or a family member is interested in helping out, please contact Paul & Liz Tepikian.  You can also get information on the Team Volunteer page.

Coming in Future Updates

• How to use the MS Society web materials in your fund-raising efforts
• How to meet the safety requirement if you are outside of Houston
• Frequently asked questions for the MS 150

Last but not least, be safe riding out there!!

Team Update - January 29. 2010

Change in Start Location for This Weekend's Training Ride
Safety Training - Have You Signed Up?
    - Feb. 7 at EM Upstream Technical Training Center
    - Two Members Stepped Up to be Ride Coordinators
Woodlands Riders?
Where Do You Go for Team Information?
Mark Calendars for Team Picnic
Have You Submitted the MS Safety Quiz?
Volunteer for the Elves & More Bike Ride - Mar. 21
Team Registration - Have You Submitted Yours?
Who Are Those Riders on the Bottom of This Update?

Change in Start Location for This Weekend's Training Ride - January 30

We’ve had a change in start location and ride route so please take note:

• Due to a conflict at Royal HS, the start location was moved to San Felipe, which is 9 miles west of Brookshire (see map on Team Calendar)
• Start location is the San Felipe festival grounds. Headed west on I-10 exit for FM 1458 (exit #732). Head north on FM 1458. The grounds are located immediately after the railroad tracks on your left hand side. It is very close to the freeway.
• The start location does not have restroom facilities. FMC is considering a portapotty, but riders should seek an alternative facility before arriving.
• Route distances have increased. There will be two routes: 32 miles and 52 miles. This is an out and back ride; riders who wish to do less than 32 miles can opt to turn around at any point on the route.
• The ride is planned with as many back roads as possible to get over to 359. There will not be much of a shoulder on these roads, but these roads should not have high speed or high volume traffic.
• All riders should be reminded to heed all stop signs, particularly the one at 529 and 359. This is a high risk intersection and there is typically an officer monitoring it. The COP ride will be coming from 529 westbound and turning south onto 359, so please be sure your riders follow the signs with FMC on them. We will not be riding south on 359 past 529.

Important:  If you plan on participating in one of the training series rides, be sure to use the RSVP button on our Team Calendar to indicate your attendance so the ride organizers know how much supplies to have at the rest stops. This should be done by the Wednesday preceding the ride.

Safety Training - February 7

Team member Veljko Roskar, one of our Team LCIs, has made arrangements to hold a Group Riding Skills safety training at the ExxonMobil Upstream Technical Training Center, located at the corner of Alabama and Buffalo Speedway. Cost will be $10 to attend and represents a donation to the MS Society. The funds collected will be allocated to the LCIs that do the training. After you register, be sure to submit your donation.

You can register for this class here.

Date	Time	Location
Sunday, Feb. 7	8:00 - 11:00 AM	ExxonMobil Upstream Technical Training Center - Located at the corner of Alabama and Buffalo Speedway   (Map)

Other Group Riding skill classes

Below are several other local Houston Group Riding Skills Classes. These classes will satisfy your safety training commitment to be taken once every three years. While we are currently trying to schedule several more of these classes in the coming weeks, if you can make one of these classes I suggest you register as soon as possible before they fill up.

You can register for one of these classes at www.trafficcycling.com/grs.

Date	Time	Location
Jan. 31	1:00 to 4:00	FMC Technologies, 1777 Gears Road, Houston, TX 77067   (Map)
Feb. 14	1:00 to 4:00	Aker Solutions, 3600 Briar Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77042  (Map)

The cost of the above course is $10 since we are part of the Chevron team training series.

MS Society Group Riding Skills Safety Clinics

In addition to the above, the MS Society is sponsoring several Group Riding Skills safety training.  These will be held on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 27, March 6 and March 27.  There are morning sessions (9:00 - 12:00, and afternoon sessions (1:00 - 4:00).  Cost of attending these session is $30 and will be held at Bicycle World and Fitness, 14536 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.

Click Here to register.

If you attend one of these classes, please send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail so we can keep track of our safety efforts.

Ride Coordinators for EM Cycling Team Hosted Rides

We want to acknowledge Team members Tom Bevilacqua and Joshua Lowry for stepping up and volunteering to be Ride Coordinators for two EM hosted training rides on Feb. 13 and April 3. We want to thank Tom and Joshua for helping out in these leadership roles. For those of you volunteering for these rides, this is all about team work, so help out where you can.

Woodlands Area Training

Do you live in the north part of the area and don't want to drive out west for a training ride? There is a small group of riders that train in the Woodlands area. This group is not restricted to EM Team members. If you are interested in getting on the distribution list announcing these rides, please send a note to John Hefti . These rides are self-supported (no SAGs, no formal rest stops).

Your Source for Team Information

While it might be easy to send me a note asking a simple question, with over 370 team members there is not enough time in the day to respond. Your first choice for team information should be our web site, www.emcycling.com. Our webmaster, Craig Jackson, does a fantastic job keeping the site updated and is always doing something to improve the site.

Whether it is the location of our training rides, safety information or Team registration (by the way, are your registered??), our web site is your best source for information.

Team Picnic Date

Mark your calendars -- we have set the date for our Annual Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride, Saturday March 27. The location is still being determined, but we plan on having a short (40 mile) training ride, a bike shop performing bike inspections, distribution of the team clothing (jerseys and shorts), distribution of rider packets for the MS150, food and possibly an "on the bike" safety training course. As previously announced, this year's event will be dedicated to Team member and volunteer Bob Gilmore, who passed away in December.

Safety Quiz

The MS150 Safety Committee (Team Captain Eric Powell currently serves as the Chair of this committee) has designed a new Safety Quiz for all MS150 riders to take.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

Elves & More Bike Ride Returns

The Elves & More bike ride returns this year on Sunday, March 21. Our Team has been asked to staff a rest stop.  We will need at least 15 people to run the rest stop.  If you are interested in helping with this event, please send an e-Mail to Jim Robin.  For those of you that don't know, Elves & More provides bikes to at-risk children.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", please do so NOW.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers, our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

Safety Training Classes

Group Riding Skills Classes

For those riders located in the Houston area, we have three scheduled Group Riding Skills Classes.  This class will satisfy your safety training commitment to be taken once every three years.  While we are currently trying to schedule several more of these classes in the coming weeks, if you can make one of these classes we suggest you register as soon as possible before they fill up.

You can register for one of these classes at www.trafficcycling.com/grs.

Date	Time	Location
Jan. 24	1:00 to 4:00	FMC Technologies, 1777 Gears Road, Houston, TX 77067   (Map)
Jan. 31	1:00 to 4:00	FMC Technologies, 1777 Gears Road, Houston, TX 77067   (Map)
Feb. 14	1:00 to 4:00	Aker Solutions, 3600 Briar Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77042  (Map)

The cost of the above course is $10 since we are part of the Chevron team training series.

MS Society Group Riding Skills Safety Clinics

In addition to the above, the MS Society is sponsoring several Group Riding Skills safety training.  These will be held on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 27, March 6 and March 27.  There are morning sessions (9:00 - 12:00, and afternoon sessions (1:00 - 4:00).  Cost of attending these session is $30 and will be held at Bicycle World and Fitness, 14536 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.

Click Here to register.

If you attend one of these classes, please send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail so we can keep track of our safety efforts.

Team Update - January 19, 2010

Okay, the weather is turning warmer so there is no excuse to not getting on your bike.  If this is your first time out this season, make sure you check your bike out thoroughly. You don't want to get on the road with bad tires or brakes that don't work.

As always, please read this ENTIRE update - there are several new items in this email.

Training Ride Coordinators Needed

In our last Team update we mentioned that we still need a Ride Coordinator for two of the training rides we are hosting - Feb. 13 and April 3.  Well, here we are a week later and we still don't have a coordinator for these two rides.  As a reminder, the role of the Ride Coordinator is to manage the training ride, including contacting the volunteers (we already have a list), assign volunteers to do the jobs, ensure all the ride planning work is completed and be the 'point of contact' the day of the ride.

We need a couple of team members to step up and volunteer to coordinate these rides.  We already have a list of volunteers willing to work the rides - now we need someone to lead them.  If we can't fulfill our role in hosting these training rides then next year we may need to withdraw from the training series and let all our riders train on their own.  Show your leadership skills and volunteer to be the "leader" of one of these two rides.

More on Training Rides

For those of you participating in the MS150, we strongly encourage you to participate in training rides.  This weekend's ride is being hosted by our Team.  These rides are necessary to give you "seat time" so that you are comfortable on your bike and riding in large groups, practice defensive riding skills, and to get your body conditioned for the 180 mile bike ride.  Our Team Calendar has both our training series rides and "MS150 Recommended Rides".

Important:  If you plan on participating in one of the training series rides, be sure to use the RSVP button on our team calendar to indicate your attendance so the ride organizers know how much supplies to have at the rest stops.  This should be done by the Wednesday preceding the ride.

Safety Training

We know many of you are waiting for the announced dates and location for our hands-on safety skills training.  We are still working the details and we hope to have more information out in the next couple of weeks.

Safety Quiz

The MS150 Safety Committee (Team Captain Eric Powell currently serves as the Chair of this committee) has designed a new Safety Quiz for all MS150 riders to take.  The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the 2010 Safety Award.  Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz.  At your earliest convenience, please complete the quiz.

Go to the MS150 Safety Zone, then choose the Safety Quiz on the bottom left-hand panel.

MS Volunteer Event: Neighbor-to-Neighbor Day of Service

In our hearts, we all want to serve those in need.   That is why we ride…that is why we raise money.   But there is an opportunity to serve those who daily live with Multiple Sclerosis.   People living with MS often have difficulty doing basic chores such as washing floors, washing windows, cleaning the garage or shed, mowing a lawn, trimming hedges, even changing a light bulb.   Additionally, they have challenges with basic maintenance such as painting, power washing, and even minor household repairs.   For those without MS, these tasks are simple but for those living with MS, they can be HUGE.

On Saturday, March 13, we are conducting a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Day of Service whereby we can donate our time to a family to assist them in some of the above tasks.   The homeowner will supply the materials…we will supply the labor talent and skill.   If you would like to have that wonderful feeling that comes with helping your fellow man/woman in need, volunteer a few hours.   Those who have done so in the past have gotten more out of it than the recipients Family participation is welcomed…age limit is 16.  Please contact Alicia Barron, LMSW, MSCIR, Manager Programs and Services at abarron@NMSSLONESTAR.org, or by calling Alicia on her direct line…713-394-2971.  Please let Alicia know you are part of the ExxonMobil Team.

If you are an ExxonMobil employee, family member or annuitant, this event qualifies as a VIP grant activity.

Elves & More Bike Ride Returns

The Elves & More bike ride returns this year on Sunday, March 21. Our Team has been asked to staff a rest stop.  We will need at least 15 people to run the rest stop.  If you are interested in helping with this event, please send an e-Mail to Jim Robin.  For those of you that don't know, Elves & More provides bikes to at-risk children.

Annual Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride - March 27

Mark your calendar for our annual Team Safety Picnic and Training Ride. This is normally our largest gathering of Team members during the year and this year the event will be held on March 27.  As mentioned in an earlier update, this year's event will be dedicated to Team member and volunteer Bob Gilmore, who passed away in December.  The location and other details will be forthcoming.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", please do so NOW.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers, our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

Reminder - Tour Du Rogue

We encourage you to consider riding in the American Red Cross Tour du Rouge, which will go from Houston to New Orleans the week of May 2 - 7, 2010.  The ride is limited to 150 riders but there is still some openings.  Team member Carlette Moore plans on doing this ride for the second year and Team member Sue Gilmore is coordinating all the rest stops.  There is still time to sign up at www.tourdurouge.org. Can't commit to ride the entire week?  Look at the site for the "one-day" rides that will support this great organization.

Team Update - January 13, 2010

This weekend's Training Ride Start Location Update

Start/Finish for the Katy Fulshear Short will be at First Baptist Church’s parking lot, located at 600 Pin Oak Road.  Riders will need to park in the back of the church on the east side.  See Team Calendar for details and maps.

Other Training Ride Request

Many of you have indicated on your Team membership that you are willing to volunteer to help with the training rides that our Team will be hosting, but we have a special request.  We need a "Ride Coordinator" for the February 13 and April 3 rides.  The role of the Ride Coordinator is to manage the training ride, including contacting the volunteers (we already have a list), get the right number of volunteers to do the jobs, ensure all the ride planning work is completed and be the 'point of contact' the day of the ride.  Sound like a lot of work?  Well, for every training ride you have participated there is someone doing this job.  This is not rocket science.  Show your leadership skills and volunteer to be the "leader" of one of these two rides.

Team Social - January 14 at Onion Creek at 6:00 PM

Join your fellow cyclers for some food and beverages at this month's happy hour.  Come out January 14th to Onion Creek at 6pm (appetizers provided) and share all your holiday stories, recent riding adventures, and meet some new faces as we prepare to start our training rides on the 16th.  Onion Creek is in the Houston Heights and located at 3106 White Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 (713-880-0706) - (Map). There will also be an opportunity to verify your clothing size (jersey and cycling shorts) for the correct sizing.  We look forward to seeing you, and as always if you have any questions please contact Holly Bronson or Tara Denton Tara Denton.

Spin Classes at Downtown Y

In past years the Downtown YMCA has allowed our members to participate in spin classes without being full members.  This has been a great benefit to several of our members.  The Y has reviewed there policies and have determine they are not being applied consistently.  Accordingly, there is a change this year.  The will offer each paid EM Cycling Team member a one-week guest pass.

After that, you would need to each join the YMCA as a facility member.  You would have the option of cancelling your membership after the MS150 if you no longer wish to use the facility - you will just need to provide a 10-day notice to cancel.  The Y is offering to waive the joining fee for our members.  Additionally, your Downtown YMCA membership gives you access to all Houston-area YMCAs, so you can train at the Y closest to your home.

To obtain one of these one-week guest passes, which are only good for a short time period, you must contact Team Captain Eric Powell.

Reminder - Tour Du Rogue

We encourage you to consider riding in the American Red Cross Tour du Rouge, which will go from Houston to New Orleans the week of May 2 - 7, 2010.  The ride is limited to 150 riders but there is still some openings.  Team member Carlette Moore plans on doing this ride for the second year and Team member Sue Gilmore is coordinating all the rest stops.  There is still time to sign up at www.tourdurouge.org. Can't commit to ride the entire week?  Look at the site for the "one-day" rides that will support this great organization.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Recognition

The Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently announced the selection of Team Captain Eric Powell to the Volunteer Hall of Fame.  This recognition is in appreciation of Eric's volunteer contribution to the NMSS, including leading the ExxonMobil Cycling Team for the past 11 years, which has raised more than $2 million to help find a cure for MS. Eric has also been a member of the MS150 Safety Committee since its inception in 2004 and has served as its Chairman for the past 4 years.  In addition, Eric has been a top fund-raiser and 300 Club member for several years, with his fund-raising totalling more than $89,000 since he started riding back in 1998.

Have You Completed Your ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration?

We are still missing over 70 riders who have signed up for the MS150 but not completed our team registration yet. If you haven't already completed your Team membership registration, please do so NOW. This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers, our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

Team Update - January 8, 2010

The Loss of a Team Member

You probably received a note last month from Jim Robin informing you that Team member Bob Gilmore had passed away.  Bob was more than just a Team member, he was part of our Team leadership group, coordinating our safety efforts, and a long time rider and volunteer.  For those of you that have rode the MS150, Bob probably took your bike from you as you entered the LaGrange tent, or served you cookies and bananas at one of the training ride rest stops. Bob was also a good friend that had just retired.  He and Sue were just starting the next phase of their life.  Our Team has lost a valued member and we ask you to keep Sue and the rest of her family in your thoughts and prayers. We are dedicating this year's Team Safety Picnic and Training ride to Bob.  This event is scheduled for March 27 at a location still to be determined. Tributes from friends and colleagues can be found on the Navarre Funeral Home website.

January Team Social - January 14 at Onion Creek at 6:00 PM

Join your fellow cyclers for some food and beverages at this month's happy hour.  Come out January 14th to Onion Creek at 6pm (appetizers provided) and share all your holiday stories, recent riding adventures, and meet some new faces as we prepare to start our training rides on the 16th.  Onion Creek is in the Houston Heights and located at 3106 White Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 (713-880-0706) - (Map). There will also be an opportunity to verify your clothing size (jersey and cycling shorts) for the correct sizing.  We look forward to seeing you, and as always if you have any questions please contact Holly Bronson or Tara Denton Tara Denton.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "Team Membership Registration", we ask that you complete it NOW.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers.  Our rider fee is $60 and you get a custom team jersey.  More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

MS 150 General Registration

Believe it or not, there are still registration spots open for the 2010 Houston to Austin MS 150.  The registration link is listed below.  So far we have 340 riders registered on our Team through the MS Society.  We are looking to have a strong team this year. Helpful hints:   Indicate you are an ExxonMobil Cycling Team member.  Our Team does not provide transportation back from Austin to Houston on Sunday so either purchase from the MS Society or arrange your own transportation. https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/TRR/Bike/TXHBikeEvents/1348142422?pg=tfind&fr_id=12962

Team Training Series

Several items you need to know.

First, the training ride schedule for this Saturday (January 9) at Memorial Park is cancelled due to cold weather.  Our training series will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 16.  See Team Calendar for schedule and time of rides.

Second, this is just a reminder that we need volunteers (yes that means you even if you are a rider) to work the training rides that our team is hosting.  Due to the size of our team, we have agreed to host four (4) training rides.  The dates of the rides we are hosting are January 23, February 13, March 6 and April 3.  The entire training series is posted on our Team Calendar.  If you haven't already, make sure you send a note to Jim Robin indicating how you can help out.

Lastly, whether you train in our training rides or on your own, ride defensively.  Keep in mine the following items:

1. Never wear ear phones or ear buds while riding - they distract your attention from your riding and keep you from hearing other riders and traffic on the road
2. Inspect your bike before EACH ride, making sure your tires are properly inflated, there are no obvious mechanical problems and nothing has come loose.  This is especially important if you have not been on your bike in awhile

Area Bike Shop Support Provided Through our Team Discount Program

An extensive Team Discounts Program is available to our Team and represents a great value to our members.  The sponsoring bike shops not only provide discounts to our members, but they also donate generous amounts of time and energy to support our Training Ride Series, as well as performing bike inspections at our Team Safety Picnic.  They also provide support along the route during the MS 150 and at our Team tent in La Grange.

Our sponsoring bike shops provide a variety of generous discounts that generally apply to Bikes, Clothing & Accessories and Repairs/Labor.  Discounts vary from shop to shop, but can normally save Team members 5-10% on Bikes and an average of 10% on Clothing & Accessories.

Some shops require members to register on-line to receive discounts.  These shops will supply Team members with a discount card.  Other shops require only that you tell the cashier that you are a member of the ExxonMobil Cycling Team.   Each shop's requirements are listed on the Team Discounts Program page.  We would recommend that you register early with all the shops that require registration.  Also, it is a good idea to print the Team Discounts Program page and have it with you when you visit the shops, just to be sure you are getting the proper discount.

Links to each shop's web site are also provided.  Their web sites often contain a great deal of information about bike selection, bike fit, clothing, equipment and other topics that can make your biking experience more enjoyable.  If you are thinking about purchasing a bike for the MS 150, this reference information can be invaluable in helping sort through the many decisions you will face in finding just the right bike for you.

Jersey Design for the 2009-10 Team Jersey

Last call for any Team jersey ideas.  Please send any ideas to Peter Larabee so that we can create another quality design that you will be proud to wear.

It's Called America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride for a Reason!

Team In Training®

Ready for a new challenge in 2010?  Do you want to get in shape, make new friends, travel the country, and support a great cause?  Join Team In Training as we head west to gorgeous Lake Tahoe for America’s Most Beautiful Bike ride on June 6.

Through Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program, participants receive a four month comprehensive training plan, experienced coaching along with FREE travel and accommodations to Lake Tahoe.  In return, participants help in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma by raising funds to support blood cancer research, education and services for patients and their families.

This program is geared toward everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes!  If you are ready to make a difference this year, Team In Training is right for you!  To learn more and register for an information meeting, visit www.teamintraining.org/txg or call 713-680-8088.

2009 Remembered

Remembering a Dear Teammate

Teammate Robert "Bob" Gilmore passed away at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 15th.  Many of you will remember Bob as a tireless volunteer of recent years, always there loading up luggage in the pre-dawn hours of the MS 150 start at Chemicals.  Or, you might catch him greeting riders as they arrived in La Grange, and shuttled them to the hotel, or moving equipment between venues and getting the Team Tents ready.  And, he was almost always the last to leave Austin after packing up and driving the Team truck back to Houston, where you might see him finally shuttling riders from Tully Stadium back to their cars at Chemicals.  Bob seemed to be everywhere. Bob was very excited about becoming the Team Safety Coordinator this year.  Bob also volunteered to take the lead to organize the League of American Bicyclists' League Certified Instructors (LCIs) within the multi-team training series to provide rider safety training throughout the season. The Team sends it's deepest condolences to Bob's wife Sue, and to his family.  Bob touched many lives and he will truly be missed. Information regarding arrangements, as well as tributes from friends and colleagues, can be found on the Navarre Funeral Home website.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team & Team Members Recognized for Contributions to 2009 BP MS 150

The ExxonMobil Cycling Team was honored at the annual BP MS 150 Awards Party, held on July 25th.   The Team and several Team members were presented awards for their outstanding contributions.  This year's 2009 Houston-to-Austin BP MS 150 raised a record-setting $16.7 million! Special Recognition and Awards Were Presented For: #4 Fundraising Team - Over $417,000.00 The newly created Make Your Mark Award Gold Safety Award - Team Safety Program & Participation Mission Possible Award - Outstanding Team Fundraising Efforts # 1 Amigos Fundraiser Award - Cian McConnell

Awards Were Also Presented for Individuals Who Were Among the Top Fundraisers for 2009 and Raised Over $6,000.00! Cian McConnell - # 1 Top Amigos Fundraiser Award for the 2nd Year in a Row Eric Powell Sylvia Perez John Verity Ian Camerano George Racine Michael Purcell Ann Greene William D Malone, Jr Michael Stewart Although not everyone is given special awards, we want to recognize all of our Team Riders, Volunteers, Sponsors and Fundraisers for their selfless and tireless contributions to a Great Team Effort!  The combined efforts of the many is what makes the ExxonMobil Cycling Team one of the most respected teams participating in the MS 150, and one of the most fun teams to be a member of. Thank You, Team!

Congratulations on Another Great MS 150!

Congratulations Team, on another Great Team Effort to complete another MS 150 ride!  We're sure this year's ride will be remembered for YEARS, and we are proud of our riders hit the road and took a stand in the fight against MS. Thanks to all the riders, their families and supporters, for taking the time and making the effort to prepare and train and endure the long ride to Austin.  Special thanks go to our fantastic volunteers, without whom we wouldn’t be the successful team that we are. And lastly, thanks to our great Team Leadership for all of their efforts in coordinating all the events and activities that culminate in the ride.  They spent countless hours planning and preparing for the ride, (and Re-planning everything when Day 1 was Cancelled!).   They've taken care of everything from planning the training series that gets us in shape for the ride, organizing and teaching our Safety classes, coming up with a fantastic jersey design, had them made and distributed, kept up with all of the Team finances, hosting some excellent Team Socials, coordination of our motel block, arranged for the "Big" tents, pulled together the BEST DARN VOLUNTEERS YOU'LL EVER FIND and coordinated the logistics for supporting our Team members so we could have a safe and fun weekend! Keep and eye on the website to see how our Fund-Raising progresses and for more Team events.

Team Update - December 12, 2009 (Holiday Edition)

First, we wish everyone a safe and wonderful Holiday Season, however you may celebrate.  If you are in a location where cycling weather is good, please be sure to ride defensively and keep the rubber on the road.

Briefly, here are some things for everyone to remember.

December Houston Team Social - December 17

We will have a Team Social on December 17th at Jax Grill, located at 1613 Shepherd Dr. (just south of I-10) ( Map ) starting at 6:00.  We will have clothing "Fit Kits" so that you can try on jerseys and cycling shorts from VOmax to confirm your clothing order size.  If you can't make this social, there will be other venues with the Fit Kits to confirm your clothing size before the order is finalized.

Come out and socialize with your fellow Team members and make sure you have ordered the correct size clothing!!

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

If you haven't already completed your "tTeam Membership Registration", we ask that you complete it soon.  We again are using a web-based registration process.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers.

More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

MS 150 General Registration

Believe it or not, there are still registration spots open for the 2010 Houston to Austin MS150.  The registration link is listed below.  So far we have 330 riders registered on our Team through the MS Society.  We are looking to have a strong team this year.

Helpful hints:   Indicate you are an ExxonMobil Cycling Team member.  Our Team does not provide transportation back from Austin to Houston on Sunday so either purchase from the MS Society or arrange your own transportation.

https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/TRR/Bike/TXHBikeEvents/1348142422?pg=tfind&fr_id=12962

Training Series

Reminder, we need riders to sign up to volunteer to work the training rides that we are hosting.  Due to the size of our Team, we have agreed to host a 4th training ride, so the dates of the rides we are hosting are Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Mar. 6 and April 3.  The entire training series is posted on our Team Calendar.

If you haven't already, make sure you send a note to Jim Robin ( james.e.robin@exxonmobil.com) indicating how you can help out.

Elves and More Update - December 10, 2009

Helmet Challenge Update

The ExxonMobil Cycling Team members have committed to donate over $3500 to purchase Bike Safety Helmets.  This will fund more than 500 helmets!  Special recognition to Lee McKee (expat in UK) for funding 100 helmets!!

BUT there is even more ...!!!!  Elves & More has teamed up with Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) to purchase the helmets through the Texas Medical Association(TMA).  With the combination TCH funds, TMA matching and our Team's commitments, more than 1,600 helmets will be purchased.  In addition, TCH will be going out to the elementary schools conducting safety education to promote the use of helmets.  This joint cooperation is really exciting and our Team should be proud of its participation.

If you want to send in money, please send your check made out to "Elves & More" to:  Eric Powell, Exxon Mobil Corporation, 800 Bell St., CORP- EMB- 2659D, Houston, TX 77002

Bike Delivery and Helmet Distribution - Volunteers Needed

While the purchase of the helmets is exciting news, it is critical that we have cyclists help distribute and fit these helmet.  So put on your cycling jersey and come out on Saturday morning, December 19 to help deliver the bikes and fit the helmets on the bicycle recipients.  Plan on meeting at the Reliant Center on Saturday morning starting at 7:30 am.

If you are interested in helping, please send Jim Robin a note at james.e.robin@exxonmobil.com so that he knows how many volunteers to expect.  You get the added benefit of seeing some very happy children as a direct result of your efforts.

Bike Build - Tuesday, December 15th

You can still volunteer to build the bikes.  The designated date for the EM Cycling Team is Tuesday, Dec. 15th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.  We will not be the only group there that night.  For those that have volunteered you should receive a note from Jim Robin directly.  We should have a Team member there to help direct your efforts, either Jim Robin or another Team member (look for a ExxonMobil volunteer shirt or EM Cycling team jersey).  The Team will provide pizza and drinks for our Team members.

We encourage you to arrive as close to 5:00 as possible so that everyone can hear the safety instructions and you can decide what part of the build you want to participate (building, adding seats and handle bars, quality control and much more).

If you plan to participate, please register before hand using this link:
https://secure.netministry.com/gateway/nmc/secureform.asp?forceministryid=60751&formid=3325
In the box that says "Affiliated with a group?:" select ExxonMobil Cycling Club.



Thanks for be a "Cycling Ambassador"!!

Team Update - December 1, 2009

This Team update has LOTS of news so please read and take note.

2010 MS 150 General Registration on December 2nd and 5th
Team Membership Registration - Have You Joined Yet?
Team Social - December 17th at Jax Grill (will have jersey "fit kits" for members to verify clothing sizes)
Training Ride Series (and how to volunteer for the rides our Team is sponsoring)
Elves & More Helmet Challenge, Bike Build Date and Helmet Distribution
Area Bike shop support
Jersey Design Ideas to Peter Larabee

MS 150 General Registration

If you want to ride in the 2010 Houston to Austin MS150, but didn't get to participate in the priority registration, the general registration opens tomorrow.  Act quick as the remaining slots will fill quickly. Helpful hints:  Indicate you are an ExxonMobil Cycling Team member.  Our Team does not provide transportation back from Austin to Houston on Sunday so either purchase from the MS Society or arrange your own transportation. General 2010 BP MS 150 Registration Opens Online at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

General registration for the 2010 Houston-to-Austin BP MS 150 -- the annual fundraising bicycle ride whose purpose is to raise money for MS research and services for families with multiple sclerosis -- opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.  General registration will be available online only. There will be approximately 4,000 registration slots available per session on a first-come, first-served basis.  Once these are filled, registration will close. Visit the BP MS 150 Web site at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, to sign up.

ExxonMobil Cycling Team Membership Registration

As communicated in the Nov. 16 Team e-mail, our Team registration process for 2009-2010 is now started.  We will use a web-based registration process.  This registration can be used for both Riders and Volunteers.  More information can be found on the Team Membership Registration page.

December Team Social

We will have a Team Social on December 17th at Jax Grill, located at 1613 Shepherd Dr. (just south of I-10) ( Map ) starting at 6:00.  We will have clothing "Fit Kits" so that you can try on jerseys and cycling shorts from VOmax to confirm your clothing order size.  If you can't make this social there will be other venues with the Fit Kits to confirm your clothing size before the order is finalized.

Come out and socialize with your fellow Team members and make sure you have ordered the correct size clothing!!

Training Series

As in past years, we are joining other cycling teams to creating a Training Series.  The details are being finalized but the first ride and safety skills training will occur on January 9 at the Memorial Park Picnic Loop.  The entire training series will be posted on our Team Calendar.

Our Team will be hosting at least three rides (Jan. 23, Mar. 6, April 3).  See below on how to volunteer to help on one of these rides.

Training Ride Volunteers

As of November 30th, we have 137 registered members with 58 having signed up to help on one or more of the training rides.  Each of these volunteers should have received a note from Jim Robin about the different volunteer roles - Please respond to that note if you haven't already done so, or Click Here to send Jim a note if you did not receive one and think you should have.

We will need many more than 58 members to help out with these rides so let Jim know which of the above dates you can help out.

Elves and More Bike Program

You have an opportunity to get connected to a local Houston "cycling community event".  The Houston-based Elves & More provides bikes to school aged disadvantaged children in the Greater Houston area.  These children have to "earn" their bike by making a contract with his or her school to commit to improve in one or more areas. How can you help?? You can help build the bikes, distribute them with the helmets and/or you can participate in the helmet challenge.

Help Build:

On Tuesday, December 15, our Team will be building bikes from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.  Clink on this link: https://secure.netministry.com/gateway/nmc/secureform.asp?forceministryid=60751&formid=3325 and fill out the requested information.  Make sure under the "Affiliated with a group?:" that you indicate the ExxonMobil Cycling Club.

Team member Jim Robin (james.e.robin@exxonmobil.com) is coordinating this activity and can provide more information.

Bike Distribution and Helmet Fitting:

On Saturday , December 19, the bikes will be distributed at local schools.  We need several members to help distribute the bikes and fit the kids properly with helmets!  If you can help, please send Jim Robin an e-Mail.

Helmet Purchase CHALLENGE:

For the second year, Team Captain Eric Powell is making a personal challenge to the ExxonMobil Cycling Team. Eric wants the Team to fund the purchase 500 helmets, which will be delivered with the bikes.  So far we have raised funds to cover 240 helmets, not quite halfway to the 500 goal.

Our delivery volunteers (see above) will help to make sure the helmets are fitted properly.  The helmets cost $7 each, and Eric have funded the first 20 helmets and project coordinator Jim Robin has matched his commitment. Eric is challenging the Team to fund the remaining amount!!  Are you up for the challenge??   If so then send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail (eric.s.powell@exxonmobil.com) with the amount you are willing to donate and he'll send instructions for submitting your donation.

Bike Purchase:

You can help fund the effort by submitting donations to the bike purchase fund.  The bikes cost $50 but the payback in the joy that a child receives goes way beyond your donation.  If you are interested in donating, go to Elves & More and read about the program and the donations.

Area Bike Shop Support Provided Through our Team Discount Program

An extensive Team Discount Program is available to our Team and represents a great value to our members.  The sponsoring bike shops not only provide discounts to our members, but they also donate generous amounts of time and energy to support our Training Ride Series, as well as performing bike inspections at our Team Safety Picnic.  They also provide support along the route during the MS 150 and at our Team tent in La Grange.

Our sponsoring bike shops provide a variety of generous discounts that generally apply to Bikes, Clothing & Accessories and Repairs/Labor.  Discounts vary from shop to shop, but can normally save Team members 5-10% on Bikes and an average of 10% on Clothing & Accessories.

Some shops require members to register on-line to receive discounts.  These shops will supply Team members with a discount card.  Other shops require only that you tell the cashier that you are a member of the ExxonMobil Cycling Team.   Each shop's requirements are listed below.  We would recommend that you register early with all the shops that require registration.  Also, it is a good idea to print the Team Discount Program page and have it with you when you visit the shops, just to be sure you are getting the proper discount.

Links to each shop's web site are also provided.  Their web sites often contain a great deal of information about bike selection, bike fit, clothing, equipment and other topics that can make your biking experience more enjoyable.  If you are thinking about purchasing a bike for the MS 150, this reference information can be invaluable in helping sort through the many decisions you will face in finding just the right bike for you.

Jersey Design for the 2009-2010 Team Jersey

If you have an idea for this year's team jersey, please send it to Peter Larabee (peter.a.larabee@exxonmobil.com) so that we can create another quality design that you will be proud to wear.

Team Update - November 20, 2009

Cycling EMbassadors

It always seems that cyclists are more connected to their community than most people.  This is probably because cyclists are in the neighborhoods and aware of what is going on. This update is to give each of you an opportunity to get connected to a local Houston "cycling community event".  The Houston-based Elves & More provides bikes to school aged disadvantaged children in the Greater Houston area.  These children have to "earn" their bike by making a contract with his or her school to commit to improve in one or more areas. How can you help?? You can help in one of many ways, depending on your schedule and where you live.  First, you could help build the bikes.  Or, you could help deliver the bikes (the Saturday before Christmas) and help properly fit helmets on these kids.  Maybe you want to help fund the purchase of a bike or a helmet (see Eric's personal challenge below).  Please look at the opportunities below and decide how you can give back to your community in one of the largest community service events with bikes in the United States.

Elves & More Bicycle Assembly (ExxonMobil Cycling Team members)

What is it?  Assembling bicycles that will be distributed to underprivileged children through their schools. To earn the bicycle, the child must first enter into a contract with his/her school to improve their grades or correct a behavior that distracts from academic success.

What will we do?  As many ExxonMobil Cycling Team volunteers (plus family members 12 and older) are needed to assemble approximately 1,000 bicycles. Volunteers are encouraged to register ASAP as this project fills quickly.

When is it?  Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where is it?  Reliant Center, 400 Kirby Drive at McNee, one mile north of I-610. Instructions for parking and where to enter Reliant Center will be e-Mailed to you by Elves and More after you register.

What do I wear?  Please wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, along with your red ExxonMobil Community Partners t-shirt or your team cycling jersey. Tools will be provided, and our team will provide pizza and soft drinks.

Contact:  Jim Robin

Click here to volunteer:  In the box that says "Affiliated with a group?:", select ExxonMobil Cycling Club

Helmet Purchase CHALLENGE

For the second year, Team Captain Eric Powell is making a personal challenge to the ExxonMobil Cycling Team.  Eric wants the Team to fund the purchase 500 helmets, which will be delivered with the bikes.  Last year we raised enough money to fund over 500 helmets and he wants to match that effort this year.

Our delivery volunteers (see below) will help to make sure the helmets are fitted properly.  The helmets cost $7 each, and he will fund the first 20 helmets ($140).  (Note: Team member and project coordinator Jim Robin has already matched his commitment with another $140.)

Eric is challenging the Team to fund the remaining amount!!  Are you up for the challenge??   If so then send Team Captain Eric Powell an e-Mail (eric.s.powell@exxonmobil.com) with the amount you are willing to donate and he'll send instructions for submitting your donation.

Bike Delivery and Helmet Fitting

Elves and More is delivering their bikes to the kids at their schools on Saturday, December 19.  We are looking for Cycling Team members (in their riding gear complete with helmet) to help with fitting the safety helmets on the kids at a designated elementary school when the bikes are delivered.

Send a note to Jim Robin if you are interested in participating in this "event".  The delivery team will assemble at Reliant Arena (where the bikes were built) at 7:30 that Saturday morning - deliveries should be complete before 3:00pm.

Bike Purchase

You can help fund the effort by submitting donations to the bike purchase fund.  The bikes cost $50 but the payback in the joy that a child receives goes way beyond your donation.  If you are interested in donating, go to Elves & More and read about the program and the donations.

Team Update - November 5, 2009

Registration for the 2010 BP MS 150 (Houston to Austin)

The Team priority registration kicked off on Nov. 2 and will go through Nov. 20.  If you were included in our Team priority registration you should have received a note directly from the MS Society which contained a link for you to register. If you think you should have been on the list but did not receive this note, please contact Team Captain Eric Powell as soon as possible.  If you didn't make the priority list and you want to ride in this event, you should send Eric a note to that effect and you should try to register during the general registration on Dec. 2 and 5 (the available spots will be split between these two dates). If you are unable to register during the general registration, then Eric will be attempting to get my "wait list" riders registered based on our prior fund-raising efforts.

For all riders that did receive the priority registration link (including those riders who raised $1,000 in last year's ride) you must complete your registration by Nov. 20.  We will be sending some follow-up notes reminding those riders but it would help if you .  Instead, register as soon as possible.  When you register, you should select the ExxonMobil Cycling Team as your designated team.

ExxonMobil Team Registration

As in prior years, our Team has a separate team membership registration process.  This membership registration is separate and apart from the MS150 registration.  The fee this year is the same as last year ($60).  Payment of this fee enables you to enjoy all of our Team benefits, including a custom cycling jersey.  We hope to kick this registration process off by late next week.

One important note.  Although our membership registration is separate from the MS 150 registration, the expectation is all our MS150 team riders will be EM Cycling Team members.  Also, we will reserve motel rooms for the MS 150 Saturday night stay over on a first come basis from the membership registration process.

For our top 10 fund-raisers during this year's MS150, you will receive a free Team membership for 2009/2010.  Here are our Team's top 10 fund-raisers for the 2009 ride:

• Cian McConnell - # 1 Top Amigos Fundraiser Award for the 2nd Year in a Row
• Eric Powell
• Sylvia Perez
• John Verity
• Ian Camerano
• George Racine
• Michael Purcell
• Ann Greene
• William D Malone, Jr
• Michael Stewart

Team Jersey and Clothing Order

As part of the membership registration mentioned above, you will be asked to select the jersey size and style.  You will be able to view a sizing chart to assist you in making your selection.  We strongly encourage you to mark your selection with care since last year we had numerous errors made in this selection process.

This year we will also be offering a good quality cycling short that will have a design that matches or blends in well with the custom jersey.  We are still determining the price of the shorts but it will be listed on the membership registration.

Custom Jersey Design

WE NEED YOUR INPUT!!  Do you have a great idea for the design of our 2010 custom jersey?  We need your creative thoughts on how design our 2010 jersey.  The best method is if you can have an actual drawing that can be expanded on, but if you simply have a concept that could also be helpful.

Please send any suggestions to Peter Larabee at peter.a.larabee@exxonmobil.com.  We can't promise your idea will be considered but you never know unless you submit your idea.

Training Rides

Our Team will again join some other teams in organizing training rides starting in January.  These rides will be posted on our Team Calendar.  As part of our membership registration, you will have an opportunity to signup to help run the rides that our Team will host.

Our expectation is that the rides our Team will host will set the standard, that means we will need Team members to plan the route, obtain permission for the start location and rest stops, provide food and fluid and other support material for rest stops, have Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles supporting the riders and making sure we have the safest ride possible.  Team member Jim Robin ( james.e.robin@exxonmobil.com ) will again coordinate our Team's efforts.

Team Leadership

As some of you may know, Eric Powell has been the captain of the ExxonMobil Cycling Team for more than 11 years.  We have several Team members spending many hours of their personal time taking care of Team activities.   Some of these are mentioned above (Peter and Jim) but there are many others, including Craig Jackson (web site design and updates), Chris Sowers (registration and data management), Doug Rofheart (Treasurer and MS150 Motel Coordinator), Guy Munster (Team budget and previously handled Team jerseys), and Perry Coggins ( VIP grants).

Let us not forget Paul and Liz Tepikian who organize our MS 150 weekend volunteers and our LCI safety trainers (Conrad Hirsch, Veljko Roskar and Orin Flynn). All of these folks deserve your thanks and we encourage you to search these folks out and thank them.

Now, for the most important part about our Team leadership.  While Eric continues to enjoy being your Team captain, it is time to create some secession plans.  Over the next 12 months, we will be looking for Team members to take over lead roles, including the Team captain.  We encourage any member that is interested in getting more involved to contact Eric or any of the folks mentioned above.

Cycling Safety

As most of you know, our Team has a commitment to cycling safety.  Each of our Team members that participate in the MS150 are required to attend a hands-on safety skills training class once every three years.  Our safety effort this year will be lead by Bob Gilmore, a long time Team member, cyclist and most recently an ExxonMobil annuitant.  Bob will be working with other teams and safety trainers to schedule enough safety courses so all our Team members will have an opportunity to attend a safety class.

Something new this year is an on-line safety instruction tool developed by the League of American Bicyclist (LAB) and the City of Houston.  This on-line tool can be found at www.bikeed.org and essentially covers the classroom portion of the LAB's Traffic 101 safety course.  This is a great tool and we will use this tool in conjunction with our on-the-bike safety skills training.  More details will be included in future Team updates.

Access Archived Team Updates

Past Year Team Updates have Been Archived for Your Reference

- All 2009 Team Updates are accessable in the 2009 Archive.

- All 2008 Team Updates are accessable in the 2008 Archive.

- All 2007 Team Updates are accessable in the 2007 Archive.

- All 2006 Team Updates are accessable in the 2006 Archive.

- All 2005 Team Updates are accessable in the 2005 Archive.

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