HP Cycling Club - 2009 BP MS150 Event FAQ

You will need to register with the MS Society as soon as registation opens up.   There is a cap of 13K... sounds like a lot and it is -- the cap will more than likely close in a week or so.

You also need a bike and some basic equipment to make it a safe and enjoyable event.  Visit a few local bike shops: Bike Barn, Sun & Ski, Spectrum Cycles, Performance Bicycle Shop, etc. Visit the CoP bike exchange (still go to the local bike shop and get sized for the correct bike). Once you have a bike -- get a bike fit from your local bike shop (LBS... you will be on a first name basis by the time the MS150 rolls around).

An approved helmet is required... so pick one up. Also get clothing for wet and cold conditions.   You dont have to spend a lot... I buy wicking shirts from Academy from the sale rack!

One area not try to save money on is a good pair of cycling shorts... with the time you will be on the saddle, invest in the best pair of shorts you can afford.

It is also worth getting a cycling bag to put all your stuff in... if you have kids in soccer, use one of their old soccer bags or pick one up -- nothing fancy, just something to carry extra clothing, tubs, gels, water bottle, etc.

You also need saddle time -- the trainining!    TeamHP partners with ConnocoPhillips (CoP) for an organized training series beginning early January. There are plenty of drop in rides around the community so you don't have to wait until January to start training.

Also check the "what to expect" Power Point presentation.

Visit the HP bike club website.

Q: I want to volunteer, now what?
A: First of, thank you for your interest in helping us create a great event for HP! We are in the process of compiling a list of names of interested parties/volunteers. Plan to attend the October 1st informational (brown bag lunch) meeting at CCA5 conference center 11:30-1:00. We'll be in touch soon! Again, thanks for expressing interest in volunteering.

Q: I'm not a rider but I want to help; or my friends and family want to help and support the event... how can I / They help?
A: There are a lot opportunities... start by attend the brown bag lunch meeting to see and hear about the opportunities. In a word ... Volunteer!

Q: I want to ride, but I don’t want to wait until the training series in January… do you have any suggestions on where to ride? Are there maps? Are there ‘new rider’ rides?
A: There are several opportunities to ride... year round. Several of us ride from Zube park on Saturday mornings (also members of the NW Cycling Club).

Team HP currently doesn't have any 'new rider' rides scheduled... however, based on interest, I am sure we can start them -- just takes volunteer involvement.

Maps from the Conoco Phillips training series are available via the Team HP website.  I also have a local publication titled "Bicycling the Houston Area" by Bill Pellerin and Ralph Neidhardt. It is available at local bike shops.

Q: I have a question: we own a triple (i.e. a three-seater). Is the sign-up fee / fundraiser commitment per rider or per bike? In other words, what would be the minimum fee / fundraising commitment if I were to ride this with my kids on the triple? Thanks.
A: The fundraising is per rider... So it would be $400 x 3 (all the more reason to use matching funds). BTW there are minimum age limits... Check the MS Society Safety Page.

Additionally, a change has been implemented within the MS150 regarding bikes and equipment. "Tag-alongs" and the like are not allowed on the MS150.   Basically anything that attaches to a bike via the seat post.   It became a safety concern. As long as your triple has a frame with three seat posts you shouldn’t have a problem.   If you have a tandem with a tag-along attached to a seat post, that’s a different matter.

Q: Has there been any discussion about TeamHP shorts? I have ridden the MS150 multiple years. So, I know the tendency is "no". However, most clubs are wearing shorts. Just curious if TeamHP has had any discussion along those lines.
A: Yes, the topic comes up every year. Actually we had Compaq shorts a few years ago… however, they weren’t the best of quality.   Other cycling groups within HP have done the shorts (Miami and Australia). My preference is buy the best shorts I can… not an item to save money on! We may be able to leverage other HP cycling clubs for those that want to order.

e-mail Q&As to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Written by Peter Martin
Thursday, 04 September 2008
Will try to add frequently asked questions along with answers here. Send your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ===== Q: How do I join Team HP for the MS150? A: Being on the distribution list is the first thing… that way you will get all the e-mail notifications. Secondarily go to the website (www.teamhp.org) and complete the membership form and complete the HP waiver. If you plan on doing the MS150, register as soon as registration opens up… it is expected to close at the 13k cap within a week! When you register be sure to indicate *Team HP* as your team. I would also highly recommend the Conoco Phillips training series. The training will kick off in January. Q: Who is eligable to join the Employee Programs HP Cycling Club? A: Full or part-time HP employees, HP Retiree (anyone eligible for HP Retiree Medical) and active HP Intern Program students are eligible to join the HP Cycling Club. From the HP Employee Programs website: Eligibility : Employee Clubs Full or part-time HP employees. HP Retiree (Anyone eligible for HP Retiree Medical) Active HP Intern Program students. ETW's, Temporary Workers, Contractors and Employees on Leave are NOT ELIGIBLE to participate in employee clubs. Also see the HP Cycling club charter ... there is the following "... the HP Cycling Club allows the spouse or significant other of a member, who is an HP employee or retiree, be allowed to join the club so long as over 70% of members be HP employees or retirees. These individuals will have to obtain and sign the same release forms as any other member." Keep in mind that this is specific to the HP team membership; this is not the same as indicating Team HP as your team affiliation during the MS 150 registration process or with Conoco Phillips (CoP). Q: So you want to do the BP MS150, now what? A: First things first... October 1st informational meeting in CCA5 conference center -- 11:30 to 1:00 (brown bag lunch). You will need to register with the MS Society as soon as registation opens up. There is a cap of 13K... sounds like a lot and it is -- the cap will more than likely close in a week or so. You also need a bike and some basic equipment to make it a safe and enjoyable event. Visit a few local bike shops: Bike Barn, Sun & Ski, Spectrum Cycles, Performance Bicycle Shop, etc. Visit the CoP bike exchange (still go to the local bike shop and get sized for the correct bike). Once you have a bike -- get a bike fit from your local bike shop (LBS... you will be on a first name basis by the time the MS150 rolls around). An approved helmet is required... so pick one up. Also get clothing for wet and cold conditions. You dont have to spend a lot... I buy wicking shirts from Academy from the sale rack! One area not try to save money on is a good pair of cycling shorts... with the time you will be on the saddle, invest in the best pair of shorts you can afford. It is also worth getting a cycling bag to put all your stuff in... if you have kids in soccer, use one of their old soccer bags or pick one up -- nothing fancy, just something to carry extra clothing, tubs, gels, water bottle, etc. You also need saddle time -- the trainining! TeamHP partners with ConnocoPhillips (CoP) for an organized training series beginning early January. There are plenty of drop in rides around the community so you don't have to wait until January to start training. Also check the "what to expect" Power Point presentation. Visit the HP bike club website. Q: I want to volunteer, now what? A: First of, thank you for your interest in helping us create a great event for HP! We are in the process of compiling a list of names of interested parties/volunteers. Plan to attend the October 1st informational (brown bag lunch) meeting at CCA5 conference center 11:30-1:00. We'll be in touch soon! Again, thanks for expressing interest in volunteering. Q: I'm not a rider but I want to help; or my friends and family want to help and support the event... how can I / They help? A: There are a lot opportunities... start by attend the brown bag lunch meeting to see and hear about the opportunities. In a word ... Volunteer! Q: I want to ride, but I don’t want to wait until the training series in January… do you have any suggestions on where to ride? Are there maps? Are there ‘new rider’ rides? A: There are several opportunities to ride... year round. Several of us ride from Zube park on Saturday mornings (also members of the NW Cycling Club). Team HP currently doesn't have any 'new rider' rides scheduled... however, based on interest, I am sure we can start them -- just takes volunteer involvement. Maps from the Conoco Phillips training series are available via the Team HP website. I also have a local publication titled "Bicycling the Houston Area" by Bill Pellerin and Ralph Neidhardt. It is available at local bike shops. Q: I have a question: we own a triple (i.e. a three-seater). Is the sign-up fee / fundraiser commitment per rider or per bike? In other words, what would be the minimum fee / fundraising commitment if I were to ride this with my kids on the triple? Thanks. A: The fundraising is per rider... So it would be $400 x 3 (all the more reason to use matching funds). BTW there are minimum age limits... Check the MS Society Safety Page. Additionally, a change has been implemented within the MS150 regarding bikes and equipment. "Tag-alongs" and the like are not allowed on the MS150. Basically anything that attaches to a bike via the seat post. It became a safety concern. As long as your triple has a frame with three seat posts you shouldn’t have a problem. If you have a tandem with a tag-along attached to a seat post, that’s a different matter. Q: Has there been any discussion about TeamHP shorts? I have ridden the MS150 multiple years. So, I know the tendency is "no". However, most clubs are wearing shorts. Just curious if TeamHP has had any discussion along those lines. A: Yes, the topic comes up every year. Actually we had Compaq shorts a few years ago… however, they weren’t the best of quality. Other cycling groups within HP have done the shorts (Miami and Australia). My preference is buy the best shorts I can… not an item to save money on! We may be able to leverage other HP cycling clubs for those that want to order. e-mail Q&As to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 October 2009 )