Champions for MS

 Good Morning Champions for MS,

 It’s hard to believe that today we are 10 weeks out…We have much to talk about today, so please bear with me. It’s necessary, and I need your help…

 Today I am coming you to once again to ask for your help..

MS needs your help..Registration overall is down for this year’s MS Escape to the Lake Tour..The Western PA Chapter of the National MS Society offers 3 different events .  As a team we are now 46 riders strong, still the largest team, but last year at this time we were over 60 riders strong…

 This year we as team we will offer 2 ride options, out of the three events this chapter offers. In fact if there is a Teammate willing to lead a Keystone Country Ride Team, I would support that as well.

 Registration is easy just click on the following links :

 MS Escape to The Lake June 11^th and 12^th  :

 

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAXBikeEvents?team_id=221341&pg=team&fr_id=15151

 Cook Forest Registration is -NOW OPEN -September 17th–Mike Houston – Captain

 http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=16222&team_id=250752

 Keystone Country Ride July 23^rd and 24^th – How would you like to captain a team for us here?

  http://bikepax.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAXBikeEvents?fr_id=15451&pg=entry

 If you have not ridden with us in a while, come back and join us once again. Check out our team video from last year’s ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DcKes7HvmY

 If you know of someone who has a passion for helping those with MS, please pass this email along and join us for a life changing event….

 Please take the time to register today…As a Team we have proven that we set the standard in this event, in caring, compassion, and determination..

We are truly the guardians of those living with and fighting MS….Their Champions…

 Team Business – Much to Talk about here

 

1.)       Team Jerseys – Will ship the week of 5/23  to the DSG offices and I will  distribute as soon as they hit, stay tuned.

2.)       Team Jersey Re-Order – For those of you who would like a team jersey, but missed the deadline, we have the ability to do a reorder, but need to hit a 15 unit minimum, please let me know if there is interest to open a reorder up. These jerseys would arrive in time for the Cook Forest event in September.

 3.)     Team Discounts – Attached is a coupon from Primal for 20% off any purchases (non custom) on their web-site made between now and 12/31/2011. See the attached coupon and coupon code.

 4.)       Trek of Pittsburgh Discount – 20% off accessories – See Paul Kopko at the Trek Store in Robinson.

 5.)       Volunteers Needed -  On Sunday April 17, Bike MS will be participating in The Steel City Showdown “Tail Gate” and Bike Races. I am looking for a few volunteers to help myself and Lauren DiMaria recruit new riders for our team and The Ms Bike tours. If you are interested in participating, please let me know.

http://steelcityshowdown.com/

 6.)       Team Tent –  As we have done each year, we will be hosting a Team Tent at the Team Village . Laurie Strachan will once again be leading this year’s effort, if you or someone you know is interested in helping Laurie out, please email me . As a team we are getting bigger each year, and nothing is better than a smiling friendly face when you finish, along with treats and cold beverages. Or if you would like to contribute baked goods, treats or beverages, please let me know.

7.)       Bike Quality Control : This is for your own safety : Take the time to have your bike tuned up now before shops get too busy.

   8.)      Training Rides : With weather looking more promising here is when we are riding next week :

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday ( T Storms in the Fcst stay tuned) – Imperial PA. 5:30-6:00 PM Meet by the ball fields on McClarren road, ( Mile 8 on The Montour Trail). All levels welcome . 12-20+ Miles.

If a ride is cancelled we will announce it on Twitter check out the Team web-site for updates :

www.championsforms.com

 Saturday, Sunday – North Park 10:30AM 15-25 Miles, Park by the basketball courts next to the ice rinks. These rides are all about the distance.

Email me or contact me by cell phone  if you are interested in joining us.

 9.)      Bike MS Training Guide( I publishing 50 of my favorite tips) in the coming weeks :

http://bikepax.nationalmssociety.org/site/DocServer/Web_Pub.pdf?docID=33961

 10.)  Fundraising Incentives( new and exciting this year) :

 http://bikepax.nationalmssociety.org/site/DocServer/Prize_Structure2_js.pdf?docID=51340

 Ride, volunteer, or sponsor, we need you to join us in our fight against MS…

 Please commit to helping MS today…

  Thank you so much.

 Champions for MS…We Can Move Mountains…

-Jeff H.

Good Afternoon Champions for MS,

 Today, I need your help….To commit and Remember…

Who / what inspired you to ride last year? Was it the challenge of riding 150 miles over 2 days? Was it a personal connection with MS(Friend or loved one)? Was it the journey with teammates over countless miles while training to ride for someone else? Was it the camaraderie that comes with sharing such a selfless adventure with great people??? Was it the tears that came when you rode into Conneaut Ohio and the medal was placed around your neck? Did you ride for yourself as a way of celebrating life, knowing that there are many who wished they could do what you were doing the last 2 days?

12 years ago, I started building teams and riding for MS..And every team and every tour is different. Each year someone has asked..Where does the motivation come from..What / Who inspires me to ride?

In a word …YOU…My Champions for MS Teammates….

Just when I thought I had seen it all….Felt the emotions….Seen the selflessness and Heart…Been touched by the determination and compassion…36 MS tours later..You all have shown me each day, why we need to continue to do this…

I know it’s a snowy day in Pittsburgh and the MS150 seems months away, but take a few moments and close your eyes…Think about something you love to do…Now think about what your life would be like today, if you were not able to do what you love….Now open them and drop what you are doing and commit once again….Join us… 

For people with MS, the simple act of riding is something they would do anything for….It’s up to us, to see that they get the chance to do what we sometimes take for granted. Whether it’s riding a bike, driving their car, holding their child, walking their dog, watching a Steelers Game, or hugging a loved one..

Now more than ever people with MS need your help…

Registration is easy, just click on the link below..

 http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAXBikeEvents?team_id=221341&pg=team&fr_id=15151

 Registration is just $35 until May 5^th, after May 5^th $45..Remember each rider is required to fundraise a minimum of $250.

 We are a friends and family team and are open to anyone who has a passion to join us in our journey to fight MS….If you know of someone who is interested in joining us, please feel free to pass this e-mail along..

 **Cook Forest registration will open shortly so please stay tuned for updates on that ride as well.

  Training Survey

If you have not completed, please take the time now. Our Co Captain Mike Houston has prepared a training survey, we would like for you to complete.

 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3CGCPF5

 -The goal is to find out where and when you would like to train and provide safe and viable options for everyone who participates..This survey is also being passed along to The Fed Ex and Pella Teams who train with us, as well as the folks at MS…

-Training rides will be on an RSVP basis, this way we know how many riders we have riding, and how many groups and what levels we need to cater to..

-Twitter will be used with the web-site to communicate training updates quickly and timely..

–Training rides are open to all levels..( I never want a rider to think or say, I would have come out but did not want to slow you down..) There will always be someone to ride with you..You commit to riding and we help you get there, through safe training rides..

Weekly Dose of motivation

I came across this video from The Band : 3 Doors Down..Reminds me of this group…Champion in Me….Team USA Soundtrack..

 Still on the fence? Haven’t ridden with us in a while? We want you back..Want to remember what it’s like? Check out our 2010 team video on You Tube at :

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DcKes7HvmY

 We are a team rich in heritage, who’s goals are simple..Fight MS head on…

  Ride, volunteer, virtually ride or sponsor, we want you..Those with MS need you…

 Jerseys

**With our current numbers I think hitting the 51 unit minimum is possible, but being a numbers guy, I would like to be sure and have no surprises.

-Please e-mail me the number of jerseys you would be interested in and sizes.

 http://www.primalwear.com/p-2012-vista-mens-cycling-jersey.aspx

More details will be coming shortly on the final color scheme and when we need to have orders in by.. Stay tuned here..We may have to act quickly here..

  Other Team Business

 1.)Indoor training now is essential – need help, I have a number of workouts on the web-site and stored in my draft file..Training indoors will help make the transition to outdoor riding much easier.

 2.)Your Bike—Not a bad idea to think about getting it in to shop for an initial tune up, prior to the start of outdoor riding..

 3.)Mark your Calendars the week of 3/13– Our First weekend Training Rides will begin as soon as the weather breaks….Next weekend we could see 40 – 50 degree temps.  3/13 – The start of Daylight Savings time and the start of our evening training series in Robinson Pa.(  I hope to drive our routes over the next week and check out riding conditions) I may be too optimistic here..Other locations for evenings may be available as well..Stay tuned…

 4.)This year we will be mixing it up a little bit and changing up our training locations. More details to follow..

 5.)BBQ Training Rides—As a Friends and Family team we do not have a central meeting place..Many times the best way for riders to meet each other is on the road..Starting this year, we will offer 2 BBQ training rides. One in  April, and May..We will do these on either a Saturday or Sunday, out of state or local parks, or my place here in Cranberry. We will ride in the morning and fire up grills in the afternoon for a team get together…More details to follow…These will be pot luck style, bring your best chile, potato salad, nacho’s etc..And meet teammates. More details to follow.

 6.)Volunteers –As a team we have a need for volunteers to help in a variety of venues both for us and MS. We need volunteers to help with our team tent at the team village, man rest stops during the tour, help with BBQ training rides, SAG Support during the tour, fundraising etc.

 7.)April 2^nd — Bike MS Spring Work Shop—This is open to all registered riders.

April 2, 2011

The Cardello Building, 701 North Point Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15233

(South Parking Lot)

	SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Time:	What:
9-9:45am:	Bike MS: Team Captain Networking Breakfast
9-9:45am:	Ron De Angelo M.Ed., ATC, CSCS, (In the field of Fitness for 30 yrs, Sports Medicine for 26 years and Sports Performance for 15 years) Injury Prevention and Improved Performance with the Functional Movement
10-10:45am:	Aimee Kimball, PhD, Director of Mental Training at UPMC Sports Medicine, How to prepare your mind for peak performance. Topics include: focus, self-talk, confidence”
11-11:45am:	Matt Tinkey, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer, The Importance of Proper Bike Fit
12-12:45pm:	New Rider Panel: Featuring: Trek Mechanics “Basic Bike Maintenance to know for cycling” and Pittsburgh Steeler Nick Eason
12-12:45pm:	Mike Schultz, Founder of Highland Training and a Professional Cyclist, Coach and NSCA certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer with more then 10 years experience, and many podium finishes as a 24 hour solo racer – Gaining Speed  and Endurance for Advanced Cyclists
1:15 am:	UPMC Cycling Performance Team Led Training ride to OTB Bicycle Café in the South Side for Lunch and back

 More details will be forthcoming on what else is new for 2011…Remember this team is a democracy, and we can do anything….If we can think it, we can do it…  

If someone you know has a passion for fighting MS, please feel free to forward this email ..Join us for a life changing event…

 Join us today…Commit to making a difference in the lives of those living with and fighting MS..

 Thank you all so much and I look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Champions for MS…We Can Move Mountains…

 -Jeff H.

Good Morning Champions for MS,

 It’s been a long night….The votes are in, and you surprised me..In a very good way I must say..

As a team we are going all in this year…Pulling out the stops and get back to our roots of being aggressive…And your choice has shown me that….

Our colors for the 2011 tours will be Primal  Vista..To be honest at first I didn’t understand, until the wee hours of this morning when it hit me…This team has always been a little edgy, Yes, but we have always been a very passionate group… Our difference has and always will be in the fact, that we are color blind…So riding in a black and white jersey is fitting…After all its our character which has defined us as a team…But our difference is also that we are all riding for the right reasons…Each one of you have proven that as a team we can move mountains….Once again fitting with the jersey image…Yes Champions for MS is about “Moving Mountains “…Every tour we ride we make a difference in the lives of those living with and fighting MS…

You were right… And for that I thank you for helping me understand….Great choice

 http://www.primalwear.com/p-2012-vista-mens-cycling-jersey.aspx

 

 Here is the deal, we need to sell 51 jerseys in order get the pricing we have been quoted. That number is now 47, as I will personally be buying 4. 2 for myself and 2 for my wife our Team Sag driver..

Over the next week I will be providing you with details on purchasing jerseys..Timelines, etc…We are a friends and family team comprised of riders, volunteers, and sponsors…So I would think 47 jerseys is pretty possible..$39.60 is an incredible price for a jersey. Remember $4.40 from every jersey sale will go to MS.

 Over the next week I would like to get a feel for the number of jerseys we need, so we can provide that information to Primal.

Please email me as to how many jerseys you would like and sizes.  

 And oh by the way, it’s time to commit..Time to be counted and register…

 Registration is easy, just click on the link below..

 http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAXBikeEvents?team_id=221341&pg=team&fr_id=15151

 Still on the fence? Haven’t ridden with us in a while? We want you back.

Want to remember what it’s like, check out our 2010 team video on You Tube at :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DcKes7HvmY

 Also please check out our web-site at :

 www.championsforms.com

 Ride, volunteer, sponsor, we want you..Those with MS need you…

 More details will be forthcoming on what’s new for 2011…Remember this team is a democracy, and we can do anything….If we can think it, we can do it…  

 If someone you know has a passion for fighting MS, please feel free to forward this email ..Join us for a life changing event…

 Thank you all so much and I look forward to hearing from you!!

 Champions for MS…We Can Move Mountains…

 -Jeff H.