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Velo Valero » Administrators » Events » 2006 MS 150 - What did you think?

2006 MS 150 - What did you think?

Last post 10-17-2006 10:38 AM by dianemariemitch. 18 replies.
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  • 10-10-2006 8:50 AM

    2006 MS 150 - What did you think?

    Reply Contact
    This forum thread is for discussing the 2006 MS 150 Bike to the Beach.  We are always looking for ways to improve our team.
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:50 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Andrea Shull

    Reply Contact
    I have a few suggestions that you might want to consider.
     
    Food:  By the time I got to the food tent there was only chicken and bread left.  Have peanut butter and jelly available for folks. There seemed to be several non Valero riders eating when I arrived.  It was a little disappointing to see them eating, and no food for Valero riders. What is the sense of spending the time and money on the red Valero bands if they were not used? I really liked the way the meal was for the Tour De Cure.  Dinner was served to all of us at one time.  It was great to be able to see all the riders and talk with them during the meal.  There were several folks that I wanted to see and never got the chance.
     
    Shuttles Home: It was nice for the drivers to offer us drinks. However, after a weekend of water and Gatorade, that was the last thing that we wanted.  Please, anything but those two things.  We also had to wait a while for the ride, a small snack of cheese crackers, peanuts, .... would have been very enjoyable.  There was not much food left for the late riders after the ride on Sunday, I notice the team loading beside us had a table full of snacks. I thought that was a great idea. Drop your bike and get a quick snack before heading to the showers.  Not sure how other riders feel, but I would pitch in a few dollars for a snack table at the end of the ride. 
     
    New riders didn't know there was a Valero tent by the showers after the ride on Sunday.
     
    Next year if you need any help with anything, please give me a call.  I would love to help out if you need me.
     
    Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, you are greatly appreciated. Can't wait till next year.
     
    - Andrea

     Andrea riding in with Zora and Slyvia after doing 100 miles on Day 1 (they pedaled a few extra miles because they wanted to get a full century in).

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:51 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Brian Peterson

    Reply Contact
    As a first time rider in the MS150, I just want to thank everyone involved with organizing and volunteering for this weekend.
    I was amazed at how well the logistics worked.  From transporting bikes and luggage, to rest stops, to meals.
    With so many riders, there is a lot to coordinate.
    Thanks for a job well done.
     
    Brian Peterson
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:52 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Destinee Serdinia

    Reply Contact
    Hello,
     
    This was my first MS150 Ride.  I hope it's not my last. Some know what it is to have MS. Some of us ride to help find the cure.  And some can only imagine...
     
    Please share the "Let's Call It A Day" photo with Alisa. (I hope that's how her name is spelled.) 
     
    Thank you.
     
    Destinee Serdinia
     Let's Call it a Day!
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:53 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Leslie G. Carranza

    Reply Contact
    Hi-
        I was a first time participant in the MS150. I joined Velo Valero at the suggestion of a friend who works for Valero.  You all did a fantastic job prior to the race of keeping us informed about packet pick ups, jersey ordering deadlines, luggage drop off information, etc.  Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful.
        I do have one complaint.  My husband and I rode the entire 150 miles.  We did not get into Beeville until about 5:30pm.  When we arrived all we wanted to do was shower and then eat dinner.  Since shower accomodations were limited, it took us about 45 minutes until we could both shower and get dressed.  We got back to the Valero tent at around 6:40pm and were told that there was no food left.  It was very disappointing to have to go searching for food after riding 95 miles and being thoroughly exhausted.  I was under the impression that part of our $60 fee was so that we would be able to have a nice dinner on Saturday.  I also know that there were several other Valero team members who came in much later than we did and I'm sure were equally disappointed in knowing there was nothing left to eat.
        A volunteer mentioned that riders that weren't members of Velo Valero had been eating as well and no one had been checking for the red wristbands.
        I hope that this is something that can be worked on for next year because you all had a great team with fabulous volunteers.
     
    Sincerely,
    Leslie G. Carranza
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:54 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Alice Pearce

    Reply Contact
     
    Dear Laura,
      What a wonderful weekend it was. Thank you for the great ride and support. I especially like the staggered start.  I rode with the recreational riders on Saturday and need up with the group of Valero engineers from Port Arthur.  Sunday Dan and I rode in together with the fast group and what a great ride it was.  Thank you for allowing me to ride with Velo Valero.
    Alice Pearce
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 8:55 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Justin Moore

    Reply Contact

    First time rider of the MS150 and proud member of the Velo Valero Team.

    Here’s the first of a three part series on my experience…

     http://www.bike-geek.blogspot.com

     Thanks for all the support.  The volunteers were so great!

     

    Justin

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 9:19 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Martin Repka

    Reply Contact

    Martin.Repka said:

    This was my first time to ride. I did it on a moutain bike, and I enjoyed every bit of it!!! The scenery, the TEAM atmosphere, THE PAIN, but most of all, the motivation from seeing the determination on all of the faces of the riders with MS. It made me push even harder through the pain.
    My wife and I have worked the finish line since I hired on at Valero three years ago, and she did it again this year, but I've never seen so much passion and determination as I did riding. It was AWESOME!!!
    Feeling a strong since of accomplishment when I finished, I didn't think I was going to ride again, but after seeing that young lady cross the finish line on roller skates (AMAZING!!!!), I knew that I had to do it again. That was more than enough motivation for me!

    Thanks for everything,
    Martin
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 9:30 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Alisa Lomas

    Reply Contact
    Well guy's I succeeded and here is my story; YIPPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
     
    Let me start by saying it sure was a ride and an experience I will never forget!...Saturday was the most excitement for me; completing 97miles and a very hilly 97miles let me add.  If you guy's could have only been there to see what I saw...many with no limbs and some with just one biking their way to the finish, that was a sure motivation, their passion and desire just pumped me up!  However, It was during my last of 10 miles left to the finish line in Beeville when I heard at one of the break stops that the "Sag" crew was going to start picking up riders at 6:30pm and I was one who was still out at 6:10pm....So, when I heard that, I thought to myself, there is absolutely no way in He** that I am going to let them pick me up after completing 87miles and to not be able to cross the finish line....I thought to myself ok, I have really got to turbo myself and with what I had left it was really hard.  My adrenaline began to rush and many thoughts came to mind, one for instance, wishing that I 'd had an adrenaline injection in hand sticking it right in to my heart to keep me going.......yes, I do watch too many movies!!! Ha Ha!!!, but no, there was nothing like that around, so I began to paddle my little legs like I've never done before trying to beat the clock and the "Sag Crew!"  It was about the last mile to the end in Beeville when the sag crew came up to me and asked me if I was ready to get on and of course I shouted, "Heck No!!!"  So, they cheered me on and told me to go for it!  Man, what an excitement crossing that line............I can't even explain the adrenaline and feeling I had when crossing the finish line that Saturday in Beeville........it was an awesome feeling to know that I accomplished such a goal and it really does make you feel good.  I think part of also what helped was my singing along the way, yes, I had to do something to distract me from thinking "HOW MUCH FURTHER?????" 
     
    On Sunday however, it was a 50mile bike ride and I knew I had to do it, because if I was able to complete the 97 hilly ride on Saturday, there was absolutely no excuse for me not to finish on Sunday.  Although, Sunday was a bit hotter, it caused me to have to visit the medical stop at one of the breaks as I began to feel nauseated.  It was a result of the heat, potassium pills, pickle juice and energy bars......yes, pickle juice, I know it sounds gross, but it helps with the legs cramps. However, after a shot of pepto and wet towels, I proceeded to Corpus and completed the ride........What an awesome feeling!!
     
    I highly recommend that each one of you try it next year, even if you don't finish it is just a wonderful joy and experience to know that you gave the effort and it is for a good cause.  It makes you feel like nothing is impossible....
     
    Thanks again to all for your support in this event to help fight MS, it is greatly appreciated!
     
    Thank  You!
     With next year's captain, Peter Ray
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-10-2006 10:45 PM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Charles Kizer (the one with the fish)

    Reply Contact
     
    Laura,
    I can't say thanks enough to you and all the volunteers for making everything great on the ride. I had a great time and can't wait till next year.
    I am sending a few pics from the weekend.
    Thanks again
    Charlie (Fishguy..haha)

     Charles with Team Captain Laura Vaccaro.

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-11-2006 7:51 AM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Wally Crow

    Reply Contact
    Gina Keidel 15 years old made this her first MS ride. Were very proud of her. Way to go Gina.  Thanks for everything Valero,and thanks to all of your volunteers.
     
    Wally Crow
     
     At the luggage truck.
    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-11-2006 7:21 PM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Pam Cook

    Reply Contact

    Hi Laura,

    I think I might have seen you a couple of times. I recognized you from
    your photos on the website. There was just never a good opportunity to
    stop and chat. We had a great ride! I know that we really lucked out on
    the weather, but the butterfly migration also was fabulous! Can you
    arrange that again next year? My only complaint was the rough roads on
    Day 1. I could barely stand to get back in the saddle Sunday
    morning...but we made it. What a rush pedaling across the causeway!

    I, too, am pleased with our fundraising efforts. I'm glad that my
    husband and my letter were so effective. Obviously, we've got some
    wonderful friends who were very touched by my daughter's diagnosis. Just
    FYI, my husband, Don Cadden, is not listed among the team fundraising
    totals. He raised more than $500. I only mention it because I know every
    $ looks good for the team.

    Thanks, again, for answering my almost endless e-mails. It's a little
    confusing when you participate in something like this for the first
    time, and I was trying to keep 5 other folks organized and motivated.
    You were very patient! I'm hoping that we can come down for the final
    party, so I'll keep watching the e-mails.

    Take care,
    Pam

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-11-2006 7:23 PM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Greg Foster

    Reply Contact

    Good Morning Laura:

    Hope you are doing well, I am back in the office after 2 days of moving following the ride to Corpus.  I wanted to Thank You for all of your support and tell you that you did a wonderful job as this years team captain.  I had such a great time that I am looking forward to next years ride with Velo Valero and plan to ride from Houston to Austin in the BP Amoco MS 150 in early 2007. 

    Thanks and Take Care,

    Greg Foster

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-11-2006 7:24 PM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Delbert Martin

    Reply Contact

    Laura,

    I know you are inundated w/mails, just wanted to say “thank you” for all that you and your fellow colleagues have done regarding this ride, and thanks to my friend for welcoming me onto your team…

    Marty D.

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray

  • 10-11-2006 7:25 PM In reply to

    Re: 2006 MS 150 - What did you think? - Bill Garner

    Reply Contact

    Hi Laura, just needed to let you know that this was again one of the best
    rides and best MS150's I have participated in. The team and support was out
    of this world. Each day I rode with another Valero cyclist and we helped
    each other out. I really needed help day 1. I hope that the rider that was
    hurt will recover and ride again and I look forward to another MS150 with
    Velo Valero.

    Thanks again

    Bill Garner

    P.S. Please tell Mr Kleesee??? thank you and I am sorry I didn't say hello
    when I passed him day two. I didn't know his name and another Valero
    cyclists said hello as I was passing and I kept going.

    Peter "El Hefe" Ray
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