2017 BP MS150 INFO

 

The 2017 BP MS 150 website provided by the National MS Society is an excellent resource for info about registration, packet pickup, transportation and many other ride logistics. Our information page here will give you logistic and other pertinent information for riding the MS150 with SCC.

 

GENERAL RIDE INFO

  • 2017 BP MS150 Team Photos
    Click each photo to see the full resolution version for downloading.

  • What are the dates for the 2017 BP MS150?
    Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30
  • Why should I ride the MS150 with SCC?
    – We provide companionship and support along the ride.
    – Our start in Houston is usually ahead of the pack of 13,000 other riders.
    – We provide food and refreshments and a covered place to store your bike in La Grange.
    – We have our own lunch food in Austin.
    – We take care of our riders!
  • What are the basic requirements to ride the MS150 with SCC?
    – Must have completed Group Riding Skills course within last three years
    – Must raise at least $400 for National MS Society (SCC encouraged goal is $1500/rider)
    – Must volunteer at least once during the season in support of club activities
  • How do I train for the MS150?
    – Attend Group Riding Skills as early as possible if you are new or your GRS has expired
    – Participate in club weekly rides and other MS150 Recommended Rides
    – Weekday training is recommended two to three times during the week (on your bike, on an indoor trainer or stationary bike, in a spin class, or other aerobic exercise)
  • What is involved in the SCC MS150 training program?
    Our MS150 training season consists of weekly club rides every Saturday from the first Saturday in January until the MS150 weekend. A few weeks before the MS150 weekend the club hosts a weekend campout in Bastrop State Park where we ride on Saturday and Sunday through the park and prepare you for the hilly part of the MS150 Day 2 route. Depending on the year, we have at least 14 – 15 club rides to prepare you.
  • How do I meet the fundraising minimum?
    – Utilize the MS150 Participant Center to email friends, relatives and co-workers for donations – no amount is too small
    – Sell SCC Raffle Tickets – earns you $5 per ticket sold (and possibly more!) credited to your MS150 fundraising account
    – Talk to our Fundraising Coordinator for other ideas
  • I signed up for the MS150 but I cannot make it. Can I cancel my registration?
    You can cancel your registration online via your MS150 members profile. However you will forfeit your registration fee. Your SCC membership will not be refunded as you are still a member of the club even if you don’t ride the MS150. If you do not cancel your MS150 registration you are liable to meet your minimum pledge.

SCC RIDE LOGISTICS

  • Packet Pickup
    You are responsible for picking up your own rider packet from the National MS Society. Review dates and locations on their website.
  • What to Pack & Bring
    Try to pack in one or two bags. In one bag, put all your things for La Grange / Austin and enclose a smaller bag that will go from La Grange to Austin on Sunday with much fewer things. Your large bag (with your sleeping gear and dirty clothes) will be returned to Houston from La Grange on Sunday.
    – Sleeping bag and pillow
    – Inflatable mattress, foam pad or folding cot
    – Ground tarp
    – Toiletries and towel for La Grange and Austin (needed for shower)
    – Fresh clothes and regular shoes for Saturday night in La Grange
    – Riding attire for Sunday (shorts, jersey, socks)
    – Small travel bag to bring to Austin
    – Fresh clothes and regular shoes for Sunday afternoon in Austin
    – Small plastic bag to cover your saddle from rain and dew
    – Appropriate clothing and gear for the forecast (rain / shine, hot / cold)
    – Ear plugs for sleeping
    – Nasal strips if you are prone to snoring
    – Complete emergency information on the back of your rider number
    – Mark bags with your name and rider number and the bag’s final destination on Day 2 (Houston or Austin)
  • SCC Ride Start Location
    Arrive at the SCC start between 5:00 and 5:30 am. This is necessary to allow plenty of time to get everything and everyone ready. There will be many people and you do not want to be stuck in traffic heading to the starting point. Our starting point is the parking garage at 1155 Dairy Ashford, 77079. See further details in the pre-ride email.
  • Other Ride Start Locations
    If you are starting from a different location, email Charlie Johnson at c6johnson@comcast.net so we know where you are starting. The MS150 also offers starting locations at Rhodes Stadium in Katy and in Waller that offer shorter distances on Saturday. If you choose to start somewhere other than our starting location, you will need to drop, or have someone drop, your bags at our start location if you want them transported to the team tent in La Grange. If you send your bags with the MS150 baggage trucks, they will take your luggage to a central drop location at the La Grange Fairgrounds. You would have to haul your bag(s) to the SCC tent. That could be a hassle for you, but it’s your choice.
  • Start Timeline
    5:00 – 6:00  Arrive; prepare bags, bike, gear; eat breakfast
    6:00 Team photo
    6:15 Line up on St. Mary’s for start
    6:35 Roll out (ahead of official start from Tully Stadium)
  • Start Amenities
    Overnight, secured parking is available at our start location on the second and higher levels of the garage. You may be towed for parking on the first floor or in marked reserved spaces. Please respect the building management’s request to park above the first floor so that we may continue to use the facility in future years. A restroom will be open and available in the building adjacent to the garage.

RIDE WEEKEND

  • SCC Basic Provisions
    – Private start point in Houston near Tully Stadium with secured, covered parking
    – Tent, luxury port-a-lets, food, drink, massage therapists in La Grange and Austin
    – Mechanical support in La Grange
    – Transport of your bags to and from locations (not bikes)
  • What kind of sleeping accommodations can we expect in LaGrange?
    We have a large team tent. Riders provide their own sleeping bags, air mattresses or cots.
  • Is transportation back provided for riders and bikes returning from Austin at the end of the MS150?
    Our riders have several options.
    1. Personal ride back with family or friends
    2. The MS150 provides rider and bike transportation on a bus back from Austin for a fee (you can pay this fee during registration, purchase any time before the ride or buy bus tickets on the return day)
  • Exactly how much will the massage cost (or how much was it last year)?
    The rate is $30/30 min. massage, plus tip. After riding from Houston to La Grange, it’s the best $30-$40 you’ll ever spend.