2016 BP MS 150 Enews Header

BP MS 150 Bike Ride eNews
Thursday, April 7

We’re so Proud of YOU!
We just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU!

We roll next weekend, and we’re so excited to enjoy the weekend with you. It’s going to be an incredible, cycling adventure from Houston to Austin.

Please encourage your co-workers, family and friends to join us and register to ride, and if they can’t ride, encourage them to make a donation.

To date, we’re almost half way to our fundraising goal. YOU’RE AMAZING!

The top five fundraisers are: (view the complete list here.)

July 31 is both the prize qualification deadline and 2017 Club 300 deadline.

Keep up the great work! See you NEXT weekend!

Ready to Ride
Thank you for all that you are doing to fundraise and create a world free of MS! As we approach the BP MS 150 and make final preparations for a safe and enjoyable weekend, it is important to know Texas cycling laws and cycling etiquette. If you have questions, please contact us at 713-394-2921.

We have hired law enforcement officers to guide you safely through intersections on the official BP MS 150 route where traffic controls are present (traffic lights and stop signs), this includes the six counties along the route - including Waller County. In response to questions regarding the support of law enforcement agencies along the route, and if cyclists will be given citations for not obeying traffic laws, we want to be clear that all traffic laws are applicable to the official BP MS 150 route. A bicycle is a vehicle that you’re operating on Texas roadways, and therefore subject to traffic citations.

We have partnered with Texas communities from Houston to Austin for more than 30 years, and they are an integral part of the BP MS 150 tradition and continued success. We are aware of questions from our participants and supporters about riding through Waller County during the BP MS 150 weekend. BP MS 150 organizers continue to work closely with Waller County officials, and our goal is the same: to keep everyone, cyclists and motorists alike, safe on the roadways. The Waller County Sheriff and Judge have both praised the BP MS 150 for its organization and planning with the communities, and are supportive of our goal to raise funds and awareness to end MS. The Waller County Sheriff has communicated to BP MS 150 organizers that his agency does not plan to monitor registered riders on the official route for traffic violations.

We plan with community officials and organizations throughout the year, and value the support and resources they provide. Our BP MS 150 participants cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and donors are great ambassadors of our mission, and we appreciate the respect you show for the communities where we ride and the law enforcement agencies that keep everyone safe.

With more than 10,000 riders, the roads will be congested. Pack your patience and have fun!

The official start time of the BP MS 150 is 6:45 a.m. (weather permitting). Cyclists should not be on the route before the official start. At Tully, Rhodes and Waller Stadiums, we provide all the amenities you need to get on the road from hydration to port-a- potties, bike stores to luggage transportation. With help from our team of law enforcement officers, we plan to get you on the road quickly and safely. We’d love to see you at one of the official start locations so please join us!

Safety and training resources are available on our website and through in-person group cycling courses with trained League of American Bicyclist instructors. We are all moving toward the same destination a world free of MS. Let’s do it safely and respectfully!

Final Packet Pick-Up
To receive a Rider Packet, each registered rider MUST meet the $400 Minimum Fundraising Requirement and complete the Rider Acknowledgment Form.

At Packet Pick-Up, you’ll also receive a Bike MS: Champions bandana sponsored by Noble Energy, goodie bag and participant t-shirt.

Remember, you and your bike MUST wear your assigned Rider Numbers event weekend. Learn how to properly use your Rider Numbers.

NOTE: RIDER PACKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT ANY NATIONAL MS SOCIETY OFFICE. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE TWO PACKET PICK-UPS LISTED BELOW.

2 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 15 LAST PACKET PICK-UP
BP MS 150 Expo
Omni Houston Hotel at Westside
13210 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77079
2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Map

Thank you Goya for providing the taquitos at the Memorial Park Packet Pick-Up yesterday! They were fabulous!

Ask the Experts
What to Wear While Cycling
IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute
Memorial Hermann Official Healthcare Partner

Living in Texas teaches you that the weather is never predictable. There can be flash floods, sleet and 90 degree days all in the same week. BP MS 150 training and rides are no exception. During the course of a 50+ mile ride you may experience 20 to 30 degree temperature changes, extreme wind, rain or scorching sun, and you need to be prepared since a change of clothes or other supplies may not be conveniently located. Proper clothing, hydration strategies and planning can help you avoid heat exhaustion, hyperthermia and sunburn to keep you riding happy. Continue Reading »

Learn More About the Disease You are Riding to Cure: Jim Hyndman's Story: No Guts, No Glory
Mischer Neuroscience Institute
Memorial Hermann Official Healthcare Partner

By the time Jim Hyndman was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2009, he was unable to walk and suffering intense, painful lower extremity muscle spasms. Today, he stands upright using a walking stick decorated with medallions from his travels. Continue Reading »

Event Weekend Text Messages
Stay connected during BP MS 150 weekend.
Text "BP" to 68686 to receive important alerts. Standard rates apply.

La Grange Program
Download the La Grange Program for information about shower and hotel shuttle service, entertainment, food service, site maps and team tents for both Fayette County Fairgrounds & Camp St. Mark's.

Austin Program
Download the Austin Program for information about Bubble Bistro, bus transportation, entertainment, food service, Austin site map and Austin team tents. The delicious meal is prepared by BBQ 4 Good with the meat donated by La Michoacana Meat Market.

Maps, Directions, Parking
Visit the Maps & Routes website pages including GPS and elevation and download any and all information you need. Click on each tab so you don’t miss anything!

MarathonFoto
Make sure your bike numbers and helmet sticker are clearly centered and visible so MarathonFoto can identify your photos for you. This makes purchasing photos of you on route so much easier! Smile when you see MarathonFoto photographers wearing the bright yellow vests!

Hope: Recharged presented by KSBJ
Music feeds the soul and few people understand its power better than Danny Gokey. Get your soul fed from 5-6 p.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange at the Hope: Recharged Concert presented by KSBJ with Danny Gokey at the KSBJ Stage. Free concert for all.

2016 People’s Choice Jersey Contest presented by KSBJ and Primal
6 p.m. Saturday, April 16
KSBJ Stage at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange
Emcee: Johnny B from KSBJ
Prizes: provided by Primal

  • Grand Prize: Framed Winning Jersey & $200 Primal Credit
  • 1st Runner-Up: $200 Primal Credit
  • 2nd Runner-Up: $150 Primal Credit
  • 3rd Runner-Up: $100 Primal Credit
  • 4th Runner-Up: $50 Primal Credit

To pre-register send an e-mail. On-site registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the KSBJ Stage.

Massage Envy
Massage Envy therapists will be at the Fayette County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $1 per minute with a 15-minute minimum. Cash only. There will be an ATM at the fairgrounds.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum will be open to participants and spectators from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come be our guest and check out the exhibits. (Free except for IMAX).

Last 2 Recommended Rides
It's all about your safety and success. Join one of the Recommended Rides in and around the Houston and Austin area to practice group cycling and train for the BP MS 150. Fees vary per ride.

Get Your Bike Inspected at an Official BP MS 150 Bike Store
Not only does your body need to be in the best shape possible for the BP MS 150, but your bike should be finely tuned and road worthy as well. To ensure your bike is in the best shape please take it, along with your clipless cycling shoes, to one of the BP MS 150 Official Bike Stores for a FREE professional safety inspection. Pedal inspection is a critical component of the overall safety inspection, so don't forget your clipless cycling shoes. Please view the 2016 Bicycle Safety Inspection Form to learn what is included in the safety inspection.

  • Bike Safety Inspections are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged by the National MS Society to promote a safe BP MS 150.
  • Bike Safety Inspections are performed by Official Bike Stores only.
  • Once your bike passes the Safety Inspection, you will receive a BP MS 150 Safety Inspection Sticker to display on the stem of your bike (sample at top-right).
  • With this sticker you are eligible for FREE labor (parts and materials are extra) if you need any mechanical repairs during the BP MS 150.
  • Bike Safety Inspections NO COST from February 15 through April 8.
  • Starting April 9 through April 15, the safety inspection will be $15.

Bike MS: Champions underwritten by Noble Energy
"To be completely honest, I had little hope. I first heard of the National MS Society through a friend of mine who rode in the BP MS 150 Houston to Austin Bike Ride the year I was diagnosed in my honor. After that, my husband decided to participate in the ride, and soon after I did as well! For me, these rides gradually restored the faith and hope that I had lost." >>Read Rita’s full story.

Bike MS Champions bring the Society’s mission to life through their personal MS story. Everyone’s MS story is unique and we are thankful to have these featured Bike MS Champions to share how MS has impacted their lives.

Luggage Transportation
Let us transport your luggage for free! On Day 1 simply drop your bags (2 bags allowed 25 lbs each) off at one of our official luggage trucks at one of the official Start Line. Then pick them up at the Fayette County Fairgrounds located in the Plaza area in La Grange.

On Day 2, drop your bags off at the Fayette County Fairgrounds located in the Plaza area in La Grange. Your bags will be transported to Austin and dropped off at the Bike & Luggage Compound next to the Shower Trucks.

Packing List
Be sure to pack only what you need event weekend. You’ll need items for both on and off the route.
>>Complete Packing List (What to Wear & Pack tab)

Friday & Sunday Bus Transportation
*THE DEADLINE TO PURCHASE BUS TRANSPORTATION ONLINE IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13th AT 5:00 P.M.
Friday, April 15, 2016: Bus transportation from Austin to Omni Houston Hotel at Westside Hotel for cyclists and their bikes for a $35 fee. Buses leave from the corner of San Jacinto and 17th. Park your car in the parking garage located on Trinity between 15th and 17th across from the bus departure area. The last bus will leave Austin at 5 p.m. There is no set schedule or specific departure times. Each bus will leave as soon as it is full. Purchase online or as you enter the passenger bus. Passenger buses go to the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside only. Bikes are transported via trucks to Tully Stadium only.

Sunday, April 17, 2016: Bus transportation from Austin to Houston to Tully Stadium, Rhodes Stadium, or Waller Stadium. The last bus leaves Austin at 6 p.m. There is no set schedule or specific departure times. Each bus will leave as soon as it is full. Purchase online or at the Bus Depot.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IS APRIL 10-16, 2016
During National Volunteer Week we salute the thousands of individuals, corporations, and groups who contribute time, talents, and resources to help create a world free of MS. MS volunteers are passionate people working to change the world for everyone affected by MS. To join us and make a difference, Sign-up today! Together we are stronger. Volunteers make the BP MS 150! THANK YOU!

Commemorative BP MS 150 Video
The 2016 BP MS 150 Video is a must have for all participants, family members, and spectators! Relive the bike ride with this professionally edited video. Cameras follow the riders from the air and ground capturing all the excitement from Houston to Austin! >>Learn more.

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