Bike MS - Amarillo

2010-04-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

Bike MS Staff seeking spare bicycle parts

2010-04-05T13:21:00.002-05:00

The Bike MS committee & staff are in need of spare bicycle parts that you might be willing to donate. We're looking for seats, bars and wheels. They will be used for a promotion/fundraising project that will be revelaed at a later date. If you have anything to donate, please e-mail april.brownlee@nmss.org. Thanks!!

2010-03-12T14:59:00.001-06:00

This is the weekly ride schedule, as posted on the Old Tascosa Cycling website. As you know, due to the cost of liability insurance, the National MS Society is no longer able to provide training rides in preparation for Bike MS. Luckily, there are a number of great training opportunities to get you geared up! The weekly ride schedule is below. In the coming months, the Bike MS staff will host some events in conjunction with some of these rides, so stay tuned for more information.

Monday - Gander Mtn, 6pm start. No drop, which means nobody gets left behind.
Tuesday - Hammerfest. See the Hammerfest thread. The opposite of the Monday ride - be prepared to suffer and then get dropped.
Wednesday - Gander Mtn, 6pm start. Similar to the Monday ride with a brisker pace.
Saturday - Hollywood Theater, 1:30 start. Long ride. 50 miles early in the spring, building to 80 in the summer. If the route is too long, there are plenty of opportunities to cut the ride short and many people do.
Sunday - Gander Mtn, 1:30 start. Moderate pace, about 30 miles.

The ever-present panhandle wind is a big influence on the routes. During the summer months, the wind is out of the Southwest. The strategy is to go into the wind at the beginning of the ride and have tailwind on the way back.

Gander Mtn rides typically go west on the I-40 frontage road, out and back. There is also a northern route that includes Old Soncy when we get really tired of the I-40 frontage road.

Hollywood Theater rides go south and west from the theater. The route varies week to week and often is a game time decision. Plenty of opportunities to see Canyon, Happy, Buffalo Lake, and Umbarger.

***NEW***
Sunday - Flower Picker Ride. A very leisurely afternoon ride around the neighborhoods of Amarillo. Diane Broady has offered to lead these rides. The first one is March 21st, 1:30 PM start at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School. You can park in the parking lot. If you have any questions you can PM Diane at Tyme or post to this thread.

Monday and Wednesday rides will officially start after Spring Break (Mar. 22).

The Monday and Wednesday rides will move to 6:30 the first week in April when we have more daylight.

Thanks OTC!!

2010-03-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

We're sending a shout out and a big THANKS to Old Tascosa Cycling for the $1,000 check we received from the Outdoor Element raffle. Thanks to everyone who made that happen and everyone who contributed!

Bike MS/Walk MS Team Captain Kickoff Party

2010-02-01T15:52:00.002-06:00

Thursday, February 4
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Press Cafe, inside Trinity Fellowship Church

Join us for:

door prizes
fabulous "fun"draising ideas
recruitment tools and ideas
guest speakers
how to pitch support for your Walk MS/Bike MS team to your boss or company
snacks

Friends and family welcome!

Special thanks to Tiffany Carter & Press Cafe for the treats and meeting space!

See you there!

Old Tascosa Cycling Annual Banquet

2010-02-01T15:49:00.003-06:00

The Bike MS Staff was out and about this weekend at the Old Tascosa Cycling Club's annual banquet. We were happy to see everyone, excited about the new officers, and grateful for past leadership.

Old Tascosa Cycling is a great supporter of the National MS Society. In fact, they're selling raffle tickets for a $1500 Outdoor Element gift certificate, with part of the proceeds coming back to the National MS Society.

If you'd like to buy a ticket, call April at 468-8005, ext 26 or stop by our office, 6222 Canyon Drive, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thanks, OTC for your continued support!

2010-02-01T15:39:00.001-06:00

It just takes one person to inspire hundreds. Become a Bike MS team captain today.
Click here to JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Bike MS Specialized Contest!

2010-02-01T09:04:00.003-06:00

Enter today to win one of 20 Specialized Bikes!

Enter here:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/forms/bikems/specialized_contest.aspx

Why do you ride?

2010-01-27T08:41:00.003-06:00

If you already haven't, JOIN THE MOVEMENT July 24 & 25, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AISST1eXHVk&feature=sdig&et=1264580733.64

And join us on Facebook. We've recruited 246 fans in just two weeks. Help us spread the word and reach our goal of 1000 fans in 6 weeks!

Join the Bike MS 2010 Committee!

2010-01-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

The kick-off meeting of the Bike MS 2010--The Wild West Ride committee is set for Thursday, February 18 at 5:30 PM at the National MS Society, 6222 Canyon Drive, Amarillo.

If you'd like to join the committee, we welcome anyone, cyclist or not, who wants to help advance the ride to new heights. Contact April Brownlee at 806-468-8005, ext 26 for more info or to join the movement and be on our committee.

Saw this on Craigslist today....

2010-01-25T13:19:00.001-06:00

The Human Performance Research Laboratory at West Texas A&M University is seeking participants for a research study dealing Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) in cyclists. The study will consist of one testing session lasting about 1 1/2 hours where you will fill out three surveys and perform a VO2max test on a Veletron Cycle Ergometer. Blood pressure and cardiac changes will also be monitored throughout the test. All test results are completely free to you, VO2max is an excellent indication of how "in shape" you are as a cyclists. If you are interested in participating in this study please contact the Human Performance Research Laboratory at (806) 651-2374, or you can contact me at (806) 681-7127. My email is jgordon@wtamu.edu. Thank you in advance for your interestin this study and we look forward to your participation!

Josh Gordon
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Head Technician, Human Performance Research Laboratory
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 681-7127
(806) 651-2374
jgordon@wtamu.edu

Announcing our NEW Training Tools: Free to Bike MS Participants by Training Peaks

2010-01-04T10:25:00.003-06:00

We know training for an event like Bike MS has it’s ups and downs. But now there’s a new tool to help you have the ride of your life, It’s TrainingPeaks, the official training software of Bike MS!

TrainingPeaks, includes custom cycling training plans created just for us by Joe Friel, the official coach of Bike MS! And best of all, access to this amazing, interactive website is FREE to Bike MS participants.

With Training Peaks you’ll get:
TrainingPeaks is the ultimate training log and food diary developed to help motivated individuals achieve health, fitness and peak performance.
TrainingPeaks customers span the entire lifestyle continuum from elite athletes to first time competitors and everyday individuals looking to take control of their personal nutrition and fitness goals.
In addition to using our custom plans for FREE, our cyclists can purchase additional pre-built training plans, pre-built meal plans, or find a professional for expert training or nutrition advice and motivation. They can also upgrade to the Premium version and use the VirtualCoach, mobile app, more reports and custom planning.
TrainingPeaks.com is compatible with over 80 different devices like heart rate monitors, GPS devices and power meters. Including those from Polar, Garmin, Timex, Suunto and more. Users can also build routes, track their progress with interactive reports and share their experience via Facebook and Twitter.

Get Started Now!
Select a training plan, create an account and log in here: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/

$2.10 in 2010

2010-01-04T10:22:00.002-06:00

Forza Bike Drawing Rescheduled

2009-09-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

We have had a slight change in plans and will be drawing for the Forza bike NEXT WEEK. We had planned to do it on September 1, after the pledge deadline, but I had to be out of the office unexpectedly and we also need to get the money that was turned in for the deadline entered so we can accurately track who gets how many entries.

So, the drawing will be next week (probably Wednesday or Thursday, once the data entry has been done) and I will send out an email at that time letting you know who the winner is.

Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend and thanks for ALL your fundraising efforts. Those living with MS in our area are truly appreciative and truly do benefit from your hard work.

Win this bike!

2009-08-13T17:08:00.002-05:00

Don't forget about the Forza stationary bike give-a-way courtesy of our friends at The Ground Cafe.

A drawing for the bike will be held September 1st. You'll receive one entry for every $500 you raise! Even if you've already met your $200 pledge minimum, considering making the push to get to $500. It's a tough year for everyone and especially those living with one of the most expensive diseases--MS.

Bike MS 2009 Photos are up!

2009-08-13T17:07:00.001-05:00

http://photos1.walmart.com/share/p=994131250192422429/l=339738001/g=7045821/cobrandOid=1011/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

This is the link to a collection of photos from volunteers, staff and cyclists. If you can't click on the link, copy and paste it into your browser. You may order photos from the site or right click on the photo and save it to your computer. If there's a specific file you'd like e-mailed to you, just let me know which one. If you have any photos to share, email them to april.brownlee@nmss.org and I'll add them to the album.

Also, please don't forget prize forms are due August 31. If you have turned in more money than is shown on the form it is probably because money turned in after 7/26/09 has not yet been deposited, but will be soon. Just fill in the correct amount and return the form if you're due a prize. If you're not due a prize, you may disregard. Prizes will be ordered after the pledge deadline. It generally takes 12 to 14 weeks for us to receive the prizes, so they will likely be in around late November-early December.

Thanks for riding! We're already looking ahead to 2010 and would love to hear any feedback, comments, suggestions, requests, etc. Sometimes resources and rules or regulations prevent us from doing certain things, but we'll consider pretty much anything. We're always looking to enhance the ride and make it bigger and better.

Watch your in-box, our website and the Bike MS blog for a 2010 registration special in December and January. It will be a one-time offer you won't want to miss.

Coolness from You Tube

2009-08-13T16:54:00.004-05:00

Copy and paste this into your browser...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn29DvMITu4

Upcoming Bike MS Events!

2009-06-12T10:57:00.001-05:00

Monday, June 22
Cookout @ Gander Mountain following the Monday night Windbreaker's ride (ride starts at 6:30)

Thursday, June 25
Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Clinic
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bicycle Depot, 34th & Georgia
Pizza & Drinks Provided

Wednesday, July 8
Ice Cream Social @ Gander Mountain following Windbreaker's Wednesday night ride (ride begins at 6:30)

Saturday, July 11
"Ham in a Day" amateur radio training class
Call April at 468-8005, ext 26 for more info

Tuesday, July 14
CPR Certification Class
6pm to 10 pm
Call April at 468-8005, ext 26 for more info

Monday, July 20
Early Packet Pick up
5:30 pm to 7 pm
NMSS Office

Also, if you TURN IN $500 or more by July 15, you'll receive your prize jersey prior to the Bike MS ride!

Order Your Veteran Jersey

2009-06-02T16:59:00.004-05:00

If you've ridden BP Bike MS-The Wild West Ride for three or more years, you qualify for a veteran jersey. Jersey's are $45 each and may be ordered by emailing april.brownlee@nmss.org. Just specify your size. You may send a check, pay with a credit card or pay at registration/check-in prior to the event. Orders are due by August 15.

Take A Stand Against MS

2009-05-15T16:30:00.003-05:00

You (or your kiddos!) are invited to take a Stand Against MS on Saturday, June 27. Here's how it works:

· Set up a lemonade stand on Saturday, June 27
· You may host your stand any time of day
· Stands can be in front of your home, at your church or office, even a business (please ask for their approval)
· Accept donations for the lemonade rather than setting a price, with all proceeds benefitting the Panhandle Office of the National MS Society
· All supplies are provided by the person/group hosting stand
· Great opportunity for any person of any age or even a group to help bring us closer to a world free of MS.
· May be used as a fundraiser for Bike MS

BP Bike MS 2009 Special Events/Promotions Announced

2009-05-15T16:24:00.002-05:00

Several special recruitment, promotional and informational opportunities are planned to promote BP Bike MS 2009. Details will be added as they become available. Door prizes, drawings and/or Bike MS registration incentives will be available at each event. Spouses/children are also welcome to attend.

Free Bike MS Registration!
First week of June to July 24, 2009
Bicycle Deopt, 34th & Georgia, Amarillo
Purchase a bicycle and receive free registration to BP Bike MS 2009.

Win a cool stationary bike!
First week of June to end of August
The Ground Café, ground floor of the Chase Building
Take a break at the Ground and see the stationary bike they’ve donated as a fundraising incentive for Bike MS cyclists. Raise just $500 and be entered in a drawing to win the bike. Drawing will be held after pledge deadline of August 28, 2009.

Cookout
Date TBA
Cookout will follow the Monday Windbreaker’s ride
Gander Mountain Parking lot

League of American Bicyclists Training Opportunity
Date/Time/cost TBA
This optional training class is available to Bike MS cyclists at their own expense. More details TBA.

Bicycle Maintenance & Repair Clinic
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bicycle Depot
34th & Georgia
Pizza and soft drinks provided

Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, July 8
Ice Cream served following the Wednesday ride

Bike MS Website the Place to Go for Info

2009-05-15T16:22:00.003-05:00

The Panhandle Office of the National MS Society's Bike MS website, http://biketxp.nationalmssociety.org has been updated to show all the latest info on Bike MS 2009, from training information, to downloadable materials, special events. sponsor logos and more. Check it out!

BP Title Sponsorship Check Presentation

2009-05-15T16:18:00.003-05:00

Perry Stegall, BP Team Captain, and Kim Britten of BP present Bike MS title sponsorship check of $10,000 to April Brownlee of the National MS Society.

NMSS Featured in Amairllo Uptown

2009-03-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Check it out...

http://issuu.com/agnnewmedia/docs/may_09_uptown/21

2009 Jersey Designs Announced

2009-03-19T17:09:00.004-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at our 2009 jersey designs. We're still working on choosing a photo to appropriately represent our area. Feel free to e-mail your suggestion. The photo will replace the mountains in the mock design you see posted.

The yellow is for our Top Fundraisers ($1000 or more) and the orange is our standard tour jersey for fundraisers who reach $500.

Top Fundraiser jerseys will be handed out PRIOR to Bike MS, so get your money in early and you'll have your jersey to wear in our 2009 ride!

For more info, contact April at 806-468-8005, ext 26.

Announcing... a Shorter Route Option at Bike MS!

2009-03-19T16:26:00.002-05:00

We're excited to announce something new in 2009--a shorter route option. The new, 50-mile route option will open the ride up for cyclists who are unprepared to ride the full 150, and to families who want to join in the fun. The new route follows will also allow the 50-mile cyclists to start, lunch, and finish with all the other cyclists so that they get the full experience of Bike MS. The full $200 minimum pledge still applies to all cyclists, regardless of mileage. There is a $30 registration fee for individual cyclists or a flat team fee of $100. Cyclists riding the shorter route may also register with any existing team!

Here's how it works:

All cyclists start at starting line
50 mile cyclists ride from start to rest stop 3
50 mile cyclists are SAG'd from rest stop 3 to rest stop 6
50 mile cyclists ride from rest stop 6 to rest stop 7
50 mile cyclists are SAG'd to lunch (rest stop 8)
50 mile cyclists are SAG'd to hill going into Canadian, where they ride downhill and cross the official finish line

Tell your friends, family and co-workers and help us spread the word! As always, anyone can register online at mspanhandle.org or by calling 806-468-8005, ext 26.

Visit us on Facebook!

2009-01-26T18:55:00.002-06:00

Since Myspace is so yesterday, BP Bike MS has joined the Facebook movement. Join our event and spread the word1

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47227534339&ref=mf#/ical/event.php?eid=47227534339

Here's our Walk MS page, too!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47227534339&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=59829697563&ref=mf

Register now for our VIRTUAL bike event!

2009-01-22T11:44:00.003-06:00

Registration is now open for our Virtual Bike MS event. Just follow this link to register online:

http://biketxp.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/TXPBikeEvents?pg=entry&fr_id=11490

There is a $100 minimum pledge, due by March 20.

Choose your gym: Gold's, The DAC, Amarillo Town Club

Every participant gets: water, snacks, a t-shirt courtesy of The Ground Cafe

Space is limited at each gym, so don't wait! It is first come only. Register today!

Word to the Wise...

2009-01-13T16:31:00.005-06:00

Myspace Fun Flash Generator

New Accommodations in Canadian!

2009-01-13T15:49:00.001-06:00

You'll be as excited as we were to learn there are some BRAND NEW accommodations in Canadian!

The Quiet Inn at 200 Cedar (806-323-6111) opened a few months ago and a Best Western is going up right now.

It looks like the Quiet Inn *may* be our new Canadian Headquarters, as well as our new finish location.

We are working on securing negotiated rates and blocking off rooms at both of these Canadian hotels as well as some hotels in Amarillo. Stay tuned for further updates!

Missed our 2008 ride?

2009-01-13T15:31:00.004-06:00

Here are some great photos of BP Bike MS 2008 from photographers Michael Wilhelm and Whitney Hodges (daughter of Mike Robertson-Western Builders). Thanks to them for capturing our event so beautifully!

Check out their links for great shots like this one from Michael:

http://www.wrongwayphotos.com/

Or this one from Whitney:

http://www.whitneydawn.phanfare.com/

Kinda makes you want to make sure you don't miss our 2009 ride, doesn't it?!

Rumor has it....

2008-12-05T15:34:00.002-06:00

There will be a "Virtual Bike MS/Battle of the Gyms" in February of 2009. Date and time is TBA, but we can confirm Amarillo Town Club and Gold's Gyms have signed on to participate, and we expect the DAC and Zack's to come on board, as well. The Ground Cafe (www.thegroundcafe.com) will sponsor the event, providing t-shirts for participants.

How it works: participants raise $100 pledge minimum. Participants will ride for 3 hours at one gym, with spinning instructors and music rotating every 30 minutes. The gym whose participants raise the most money gets a traveling trophy to display.

Why we're doing it: To open the door to new participants who can't or don't want to ride the traditional Bike MS or who just want to get a taste of Bike MS, and for veteran cyclists who aren't logging a lot of cycling time during the winter months.

Stay tuned to this blog for more info. Emails and mailings will go out, and info will be posted at participating gyms as soon as the details are lined up.

2008-11-19T16:58:00.001-06:00