2. New rider Orientation
• Introductions
• Why We Ride
• Fundraising
• Preparing for the Ride
• What to Expect Weekend of the Ride
• Finish Line
• Q&A
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Fundraising Clubs
Top 300 fundraisers who raised Anyone who raises over
over $3.9 million in 2012. They $1000 for the BP MS 150.
receive many special perks Prize levels begin at $1000.
throughout the year.
7. Preparing for the Ride
Training and Conditioning
• Recommended Rides
• Official Bike Stores----Training rides, ride in the different elements
• Gym/Cross-training
Nutrition & Hydration
During 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. Friday
Houston Austin
• BP MS 150 Expo • Weekend Parking
• Final Packet Pick up • Charter busses to Houston Omni
• Bike Inspections Hotel ($35)
• Vendors • Bike transport to Houston (Tully)
• Bike Stores
• VIP
• Official BP MS 150 Merchandise
• Pasta dinner
• Meet your pedal partner
12. 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
14. Day 1
Tully Stadium-1050 Dairy Ashford
Houston Route - 100 miles to LaGrange
Start time – 6:45am
Rhodes Stadium-1733 Katy Fort Bend Rd
Katy Route – 83 miles to LaGrange
Start time – 6:45 am
Waller Stadium– 20735 Stokes Road
Waller Route - 76 miles to LaGrange
Start time – rolling start –begin 8am-10amThings to remember:
o Arrive Early!
o Secured parking
o Remember where you
start
o Luggage trucks (team vs.
NMSS)
o Money, credit card
o Find your team
15. 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.
Must use Official
luggage tags
Personalize your
luggage!
Pay for transport fee
online bpms150.net
16. Route - Safety is a priority!
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
Personal support
• Green Initiative Program
vehicles are not
• Breakpoints allowed on the route,
support vehicles must
use alternate route
17. 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.
18. 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.
21. 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
22.
23. Day 2
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 Things to remember:
(down Hwy 71, long, slow inclines) Make your decision
early!
Be patient
24.
25. 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!
