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. &nbs;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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