Monday, January 28, 2008

First Parker Square Training Ride


Sunday afternoon, Sarah, Deana, Betsy, Lynn and Bob had a leisurely trek up to Parker Square in Flower Mound. We rode 12 miles. It was 51F at the start but quickly warmed up to 65F.
This was Betsy and Lynn's first Parker Square trail adventure. I am happy to say that the ride was beautiful and both Betsy and Lynn rode marvelously.
Of course, the ride would not be complete unless we took the "Hill" on Lexington. Everyone took the "Hill" and I believe they still had energy to spare.

I am excited about this year's training and MS 150 ride. We have great team riders and supporters. Remember WHY we ride!

Ride safe and enjoy your day!

Bob

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Captain's Log 1/19/2008

Greetings Wheeler Dealers!

Happy New Year! Happy January 19, 2008! It is a great day to be alive! Enjoy your day!

Here is an update on the team captain's meeting held at the Lone Star MS Chapter office in Carrolton, TX.

Here is the link to this year's MS150:

http://dallas.ms150.org/dallas/

IMPORTANT

If you have not registered before February 1, registration fees rise to $50. After April 1st registration fees will rise to $75. Please register early. This money does not count toward the amount of money needed to raised by each rider.

When in doubt - always ask yourself the question "WHY DO I RIDE?" Now, doesn't that bring a smile to your face.

1. March 5th - MS Awareness Week, wear orange

2. March 8th - Kick off ride for the MS150 at Texas Motor Speedway. They will offer a Safety Clinic as well. Please mark your calendars.

3. April 17th - Team Captain's Logistic Meeting at the Champion/Luna street location.

4. National MS Society National Campaign Slogan - JOIN THE MOVEMENT

5. Formerly Pedal Partners, now we refer to this as Champs. This is part of the ride, where the bicyclist has a bandana and gets it signed by someone with MS. It was brought up that some of these Champs partners may also raise funds for you or our team. Ask me more.

6. Volunteers are needed. If you know of people who wish to get involved but do not wish to ride, please ask them if they would consider volunteering 1 or 2 days during the weekend of May 3-4. We will feed them and provide them with beverage.

7. There is a safety quiz at the MS150 website. There is a contest going to have everyone complete the quiz. I am thinking that everyone on our team can take the quiz. What do you think? Are you up to the mental challenge? Kelly Dooley is looking at providing prizes. Hmmm.

8. Ride Marshalls - if you are interested let me know.

9. Many of the larger teams have team tents that are available at the end of day 1 and 2. If you think we should have a team tent let me know. Pricing is on the website. We could also possibly approach other teams to share the cost of a tent. Let's talk about it.

10. What do you think is the biggest problem/obstacle to recruiting folks to ride? How can we make it better?

I think I have it all covered. Please enjoy your day!

Bob

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Happy New Year!

Aaand... we're off!

Sarah and Bob are firm believers in the notion that whatever you do on the first day of the year is what you'll do for the rest of the year. I'm not sure how true this is – I can't recall ever having had a year-long hangover, for instance – it nevertheless seemed like a good reason to round up the troops and get the the 2008 training season rolling (so to speak).

We met up at Sarah's around 1:00. The weather was beautiful and sunny with temperatures in the mid-40s, but the wind was out of the north and gusting between 25 and 30 mph. After a bit of waffling, I decided to go with the thin tights, short-sleeved jersey with arm warmers, my wind shell, and full-fingered gloves. Just right.

It was an easy-paced 20 miles out to Lake Grapevine and back, followed by a round of showers for everyone and dinner with traditional New Year's fare including ham, cabbage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Everything we needed to keep us healthy, wealthy and happy through the year (although I'm still a little fuzzy on just what food was supposed to yield which results).


Sarah, Cliff, Mike, Bob and Shaina ready to roll. (photo by Cheryl Schwitzgebel)
Happy New Year to all of you from the Wheeler Dealers!

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