MS 150 UPDATE

Prepare for your MS150 Ride and the Unforgettable Weekend Oct. 3-4 !!!
Please continue to recruit riders!!!*************************************************************************************************
In an attempt to make this an enjoyable event for all Riders, we have decided to organize at PATCO, early ( 6AM), take a team photo as soon as we can, appropriately start together and ride for a few miles as we weave through the residential areas, and then evolve into three riding groups so all can ride at their regular pace and at the same time enjoy the tremendous social aspects of this MS 150 weekend. Remember THIS IS NOT A RACE - it is a great getaway on a bike, defined by you and your colleagues and friends
Although funding has been tight we learned a few things from last year and have planned an after party sponsored by our very good friends from IDS SCHEER - Thanks IDS!!!
Don’t forget the Professional Road Bike giveaway sponsored by IDS Scheer for the highest Fundraiser!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks IDS Scheer!!!!
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Please let Fran (fran.fisher@sap.com) know what pace you would like to ride and if you are starting at Patco in NJ. Please RESPOND ASAP!!!
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We are planning on three major ride groups with a CAPTAIN for EACH GROUP!!

A. Fast Paced - CAPTAINS - ULI MUENCH and JOHN GILROY (congratulations!!!!)
THIS IS NOT A RACE!!, 18 - 20+ MPH (with a few sprints sponsored by our resident pro's John and Uli)
There is some real expertise among our riders (so they say) , including some members with closets full of cycling trophies(and other things...) -(Uli, John?) this group will include those who are experienced cyclists, triathletes, etc. and have trained fairly regularly through out the year on a road bike.
This group has strict requirements which include;
permission from your Parent, Spouse, Significant other or Parole Officer, a bike not to exceed 14LBS 10OZ, tight spandex, Approved Jersey, 16 OZ of fluid Max - and one snack bar).
No Back Packs, Movie Cameras or large tool kits will be permitted; this group is highly conscious of the cycling image. There will be no bulges from the Jersey pockets permitted and no cold weather gear is allowed if the temperature is above 28 degrees F. If someone from group B or C passes you at ANY time - you will be removed from this prestigious group and severely disciplined).

B. Moderate Paced - CAPTAIN - (Need a Volunteer PLEASE!!)
THIS IS NOT A RACE!!, 14-17 MPH this group of experienced cyclists, ( with the desire, and a dusty bike ) will enjoy a ride in the middle range, enjoy a coke and a burger, take a few photos, and still enjoy riding at a moderate exercise pace, but enjoyable one.
(This group will include those who CAN go fast but consciously decided not to….they are the avant garde of cycling, the aristocrats of the sport -those who can sweat, but prefer not to…. Along with a few shiny new bikes, this group will also include those with a hangover from Friday night and those who think water in their tires will make them go faster. Some members are known to carry 4 inner tubes, a tire pump, a camel back, three sandwiches and a box of cookies)

C. Leisurely Pace - CAPTAIN - (Need a Volunteer PLEASE!!!)
THIS IS NOT A RACE!!, 12-14MPH This Group will include those dedicated annual cycling warriors who have excavated their garages and rediscovered their bikes - or - those who have borrowed (or recently purchased or stole) a new bike and want to focus on the pure social and picture-taking opportunities this event offers.
(This Group is the one we all want to ride in - but we are in denial - they typically has Stereos, TV's and satellite dishes attached to their bikes and may include beer and wine on ice in their coolers - windshields and streamers have been cited - they are also know for their gourmet Lunch on the fly, warm coats and earmuffs - Note to Team Photographer - Bring a Flash - they should arrive by sundown).
(more sub groups may evolve along the ride)

We will provide an additional e-mail Next Week, which will include some tips riders have shared so you can truly make this an unforgettable Weekend!!
(please continue to recruit riders!!!)

ALSO………..here are a few questions answered

1) Does Team SAP have a team start time, or is a big group meeting / leaving at a set time? I'm riding with a couple of friends ...
We assemble relatively early - some of the faster riders are thinking of the Fast prestart - which makes it too fast paced for most who are recreational riders.
Keep in mind, this is not a race, but since some are former professional cyclists, the fast pace is in their blood.
We would like to stay as close together as possible - perhaps in three groups 1 fast, 2 moderate, 3 leisurely. The three groups then could ride together and keep a high level of the social dynamic so no one is left behind or alone.
Unfortunately we have no real plan - Fran will distribute a few e-mails for early starters and designate a few captains who will carry cell phones and be available to answer questions.
We do not have a happy hour or team lunch as there was no corporate sponsorship.

2) Is Team SAP set up to have a team photo?
There will be a team photo at the Patco Start - and generally there is one at the finish - the order is dictated by MS and is based on the top teams then the teams that are basically ready for a photo.

3) Do you have any idea of how many people are planning on riding from SAP?
About 60 or so

4) I have heard about the IDS Scheer after ride party, but I don't see anything on the blog... am I missing something, or did it just not make it on there yet?
Check the blog regularly…
The party is at IDS Scheers house - 817 Pennlyn Place.

And please continue to recruit riders!!!

Weekend team rides

Last chance to train for the 2009 City to Shore ride.
We'll be meeting on Saturday 8am - Chester and Delaware Counties, hilly, ~ 3 hours.
Meeting point is Wawa on King St. in Malvern.
Or just meet us at around 8:30am in West Chester (Iron Hill Brewery).

Sunday will be another hilly ride in Chester County: 8:30am Wawa on King St. in Malvern

Weekend team rides

Just two more weeks until the 2009 City to Shore ride. So let's get ready with a couple more training rides.
We'll be meeting in Betzwood on Saturday 8am (Corporate Parking Lot, S Trooper Rd) http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.110228,-75.417838&sll=40.109375,-75.416293&sspn=0.008747,0.01811&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=40.109375,-75.416293&spn=0.008747,0.01811&z=16
Or just meet us at around 8:30am in Conshohocken
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stoddard+Ave+and+Harry+St.+Conshohocken,+PA&sll=40.072497,-75.306752&sspn=0.003497,0.00707&ie=UTF8&ll=40.070075,-75.309241&spn=0.006995,0.014141&z=16

Sunday will be a hilly ride in Chester County: 8:30am Wawa on King St. in Malvern