New Rider Orientation

• Introductions• Why We Ride• Fundraising• Preparing for the Ride• What to Expect Weekend of the Ride• Finish Line• Q&A

New rider Orientation

What is MS?

What is MS?MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. MS causes the destruction of myelin, resulting in the interruption of the flow of information within the brain, as well as between the brain and body. It is an unpredictable disease with no known cause.

Symptoms• Difficulty walking• Dizziness and vertigo• Poor balance and coordination• Weakness and fatigue• Visual impairment• Cognitive (memory) problems

National MS Society

Who Is Diagnosed?

-Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with MS.

-There are more than 400,000 people with MS in the United States.

-The average age for diagnosis is between 20 and 50 with more than twice as many females diagnosed than males.

-In Texas, we serve 254 counties and over 56,000 people living with MS as well as their families.

Fundraising Tips

• Set up and personalize your page!• Set a goal, reach it, and set a new goal!• Spread the word, tell your story• Don’t be afraid to ASK!

Add a picture

Set a Goal

Fundraising Clubs

Top 300 fundraisers who raised over $3.9 million in 2012. They receive many special perks throughout the year.

Anyone who raises over $1000 for the BP MS 150. Prize levels begin at $1000.

Preparing for the Ride

Training and Conditioning• Recommended Rides • Official Bike Stores----Training rides, ride in the different elements• Gym/Cross-training

Nutrition & HydrationDuring Training

• Eat before you ride (don’t ride on an empty stomach)

• Know what works for you (bars/gu/blocks/sports drinks)

• Eat and Drink early and often

During BP MS 150

• Make sure you are hydrated before you start

• Eat every 45 minutes

• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to start drinking

Preparing for the Ride

Apparel & Gear• Helmet• Bike-road bike, hybrid, or mountain bike – measured to fit your body• Cycling shoes• Cycling shorts (padded)• Jersey• Water bottle• Gloves• Personal ID, health insurance card & cash (in Ziploc bag)• Sunglasses• Saddle bag• Check weather (layers, wind, rain, arm warmers)• REFER TO SUGGESTED PACKING LIST FOR OTHER WEEKEND

NEEDS

FREE Bicycle Safety Inspections from FEB 15 – APRIL 12

---- $15 FEE APPLIES beginning April 13th

Preparing for the Ride

Maintenance and Care

You Must Learn the ABC’s ………

• Air pressure• Brakes, • Chain & Crank• Tires and Flat Repair• Tools and Equipment:

– Saddle bag, pump (floor pump or Co2 Cartridge), multi-tool, tubes

Preparing for the Ride

Safe Cycling Challenge• Online Safety Quiz is intended for educational purposes to increase a rider’s knowledge and

awareness of cycling safety.

Group Riding Skills• A hands-on course designed by the League of American Bicyclists to provide you with the

principles of group riding so you can safely enjoy riding the BP MS 150 and other group rides

Safety Zone• A safety resource on www.bpms150.net designed to provide participants with information to ensure a safe, enjoyable cycling experience

Friday

Houston• BP MS 150 Expo• Final Packet Pick up • Bike Inspections• Vendors• Bike Stores• VIP• Official BP MS 150 Merchandise• Pasta dinner• Meet your pedal partner

Austin• Weekend Parking• Charter busses to Houston Omni

Hotel ($35)• Bike transport to Houston (Tully)

Packet Pick - Up• All registered riders must pick up a packet

prior to the ride. • This is your Rider Packet. It contains your

rider numbers, wristband, luggage tags [2], Cycling Map with mileage, twist ties [4] and safety pins [4].

• You MUST complete the Emergency information on the back of this bib prior to the ride.

• Riders can turn in donations at any packet pick up event.

• Official Rider T-shirt, goody bag, bandanas• $3500 or more will receive Top Fundraiser

jersey• Underage riders must have waiver form

notarized

What to Expect

Tully Stadium-1050 Dairy AshfordHouston Route - 100 miles to LaGrangeStart time – 6:45am

Rhodes Stadium-1733 Katy Fort Bend RdKaty Route – 83 miles to LaGrangeStart time – 6:45 am

Waller Stadium– 20735 Stokes RoadWaller Route - 76 miles to LaGrange Start time – rolling start –begin 8am-10am

Day 1

Things to remember:o Arrive Early!o Secured parkingo Remember where you starto Luggage trucks (team vs.

NMSS)o Money, credit cardo Find your team

Must use Official luggage tags

Personalize your luggage!

Pay for transport fee online bpms150.net

Luggage and Bike Transport

• The NMSS will provide complimentary transport of luggage from Houston, Katy, and Waller starts to LaGrange Overnight. Luggage will then be transported to Austin for pick up by cyclists.

• To transport bikes or reserve a seat on a coach style bus from Austin to Houston, Katy and/or Waller, a $35 fee is required.

Route Times:– Saturday --------6:45am – 6:30pm– Sunday ----------6:45am – 6:30pm

Route Support: The BP MS 150 Bike Tour is a fully supported tour:

• Ride Marshals• Bike Police• Bike Medic• Motorcycle Marshals• Medical Support Team• Mechanical support• SAGs• HAM Radio Team – Communication• Green Initiative Program• Breakpoints

Route - Safety is a priority!

Personal support vehicles are not allowed on the route, support vehicles must use alternate route

Breakpoints

Breakpoints are rest stops for cyclists as they travel

the routes. Breakpoints occur approximately every

10-15 miles. All breakpoints will provide water,

sport drink, snacks, fruit, port-a-cans, first aid, and

bike mechanics.

Lunch

Day 1: Bellville Day 2: Bastrop

9 am - 3 pm

If you have special dietary needs, it is recommended that you pack your own lunch to meet your specific needs.

Most Cycling-Friendly Community in Texas: practice Good Neighbor Policy

Fayetteville

ONCE YOU CROSS THE LAGRANGE FINISH LINE….

• Secured Bike storage compound• Pick up luggage• Team tents: Fayette County Fairgrounds or

Camp St. Mark’s, RV, individual camping, Academy Tent village, hotels• Shower trucks • Massage (sign up early)• Food & beverages• Shuttles (showers, hotels, off-site parking)• Entertainment• Bike shop support and retail• First Aid• VIP• Lights out 10pm and lights on 4:30 am Sunday• Offsite parking for friends and family

Day 2

Things to remember:Make your decision

early!Be patient

6:45am Fayette County Fairgrounds & Camp St. Mark’s• Club 300 and riders living w/ MS • Platinum safety Award winner

Two Routes:

• Bechtel Challenge Route- 77 miles (through the parks, more hills)Buescher/ Bastrop State Parks

• Pfizer Lunch Express- 66 miles (down Hwy 71, long, slow inclines)

ONCE YOU CROSS THE AUSTIN FINISH LINE…..

• Load your bike or use bike compound• Pick up luggage• Shower trucks• Complimentary Food & beverages for riders• Meals & concessions for friends and family• Charter busses back to your start location, $35• Completion pins and certificates• VIP• First Aid• Official BP MS 150 Merchandise• Team Tents• Official State Capital Back drop photo• Parking Offsite for friends and family Things to remember:

Load your bike first!Visit Bubble Bistro!

Know where your Team tent is located!

Bubble Bistro

A place to cheer and keep cool for those living with MS.

Thank You for Coming!

Q & A