TEAM SHELL
Training - R2R Training Series

HOME
TEAM INFO
SAFETY
FUNDRAISING
LEADERSHIP
MS 150 WEEKEND
TRAINING
   Training Info
   R2R Series
   MS Rec Rides 
   Post MS Rides
TEAM EVENTS
NEWSLETTERS
PHOTOS
LINKS
 

Ready-To-Roll Training Series

Team Shell is one of a few select teams that take part in the Ready-To-Roll (R2R) training series, previously known as the Conoco Phillips training series. It consists of 12 weeks of training rides, fully supported with rest stops and SAG (support and gear) vehicles that offer assistance in case of mechanical trouble.  The routes vary each week (held on Saturday, except for the weekend of the Conoco Philips Rodeo Run when the will be held on Sunday), with two or more mileage options available each week.  If you are a beginner, you also get 2 BONUS weeks to get you accustomed to cycling on roads and to feel comfortable on your bicycle.  The 12-week series is an excellent way to prepare for the MS150.  You'll cover flat terrain to gentle rolling hills to some pretty challenging climbs progressively as you build your endurance and muscles.  There are also excellent maps, elevation profiles, and weekly emails about the upcoming Saturday ride.  Also, you will be able to meet many of your Shell teammates, as well as the friendly Conoco Phillips, HP, Apache & BP folks, among others.  The number of cyclists is largely determined by the weather, and usually sits around 600-700, but can be up to 1000 - still quite a bit smaller than the classic charity rides (which can get up to 5000 as the MS150 nears). 

R2R Training Series Ride Schedule

Below is the most recent schedule for the 2015 rides showing start location and mileage. Normally the rides are on Saturday, starting at 8:00am; exceptions are indicated in bold red.  More information for each of the R2R Training rides will be made available on the R2R website: (Click here). Ride details and maps are usually not posted until a week or two before the ride. For those that signed up for the series, you should receive an email prior to the ride each week with location and other details regarding the ride.

1/10, Sat, 9:00am - Beginner's Ride 1, Waller Field Store, Waller Jr. High -  (13 mi) - weather cancelled
1/17, Sat, 8:30am - Beginners Ride 2, Hempstead - Monaville, Hempstead HS -  (25 mi)
1/24, Sat, 8:00am - Katy/North, Rhodes Stadium - MS Kick-off (28/37/50 mi) - Note: Revised Start Location
1/31, Sat, 8:00am - Fulshear North, Foster High School (18/39/50 mi) - Note: Revised Start Location
2/7, Sat, 8:00am - Hempstead, Waller County Fairgrounds  (24/45/55/71 mi) - Partner with "Pedaling  the Prairie"
2/14, Sat, 8:00am - Sealy, B&PW Park (33/44/58 mi)
2/21, Sat, 8:00am - Cat Spring, Cat Spring Social Hall (44/54 mi)
3/1, Sun, 8:00am - Houston Oaks, Houston Oaks (34/46 mi)
3/7, Sat, 8:00am - New Waverly/Huntsville, New Waverly HS (32/51 mi)  
3/14, Sat, 8:00am - Fayetteville, Town Square (43/60 mi)
3/21, Sat, 8:00am - Katy/Hempstead, Katy Mills Mall (49/74 mi)
3/28, Sat, 8:00am - Chappell Hill, Chappell Hill (26/45/63 mi) - Partner with "Head for the Hills Ride"
4/4, Sat, 7:30am - Columbus, Beeson's Park (51/60 mi)
4/11, Sat, 7:30am - New Ulm, Fireman's Park (43/50/65 mi)
Sat & Sun Apr 18-19: THE 2015 MS150!!!!

Important!!!: You will be expected to carpool to limit the number of vehicles converging on the small towns we cycle from. And plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the ride to park and register. If you are looking for a carpool and can't hook up with other Team Shell riders, you might want to check out the postings on the HP Cycling Club Web Forum.

In case of bad weather, call the R2R Hotline at 281-907-9007 to inquire about ride status.

Team Shell Volunteers needed to support the R2R Training Series

The R2R training series is successful in terms of both high quality and low cost due to the efforts of the volunteers from the participating teams. Team Shell is asked to provide volunteers for the following three rides in 2015:

• 1/24 - Katy North
• 2/21 - Cat Springs
• 4/4 - Columbus

We need to provide 12-15 volunteers at each ride based on the number of Team Shell riders enrolled in the R2R training series. Volunteer roles can include:

• SAG vehicles/drivers - These volunteers each drive a vehicle along the route and provide assistance to the riders.  Bring a pump, bike tools, water & snacks.  It is great if you can change a flat, but it is not required.  Map reading is a must as you will be on some very rural roads.  Some SAGs place and pick up directional signage along the route.  SAG vehicles need to be able to transport 2 or more riders plus their bikes.  This job supports the riders by driving a specified portion of the route and helping cyclists who need assistance - usually a ride back to the start, or providing minor mechanical help (inflate tires, change flats, etc).

• Food/Rest Stop Volunteers - These volunteers need a large vehicle to transport all the food, drinks, tent and tables from the ride start to the rest stops and back.  You will set up the rest stop and keep food and fluids flowing. Additionally, talk to the cyclists and keep them motivated. 

Additionally, volunteers (water wizards) are needed to bring filled water coolers to the rides. A total of 24 ten gallon coolers are needed for each ride. Team Shell has been assigned along with several other teams  to bring filled coolers to the last 4 rides of this year's R2R training series. To share the burden we need 3-4 volunteers to manage 2-3 coolers for each ride. Responsibilities include picking up 2-3 empty coolers at the end of each ride, rinsing them out and arriving about an hour before the start of the next ride with the coolers filled with about 8 gallons of water with a piece of saran wrap under the lids to minimize spillage.. Being a water wizard, allows you to still ride and be a ride volunteer.

If you are interested in supporting one of the three rides as a SAG/rest stop volunteer or being a water wizard or have questions, please contact one of our R2R coordinators: Jeffrey Whitley, Jamie Crawford or Denise Morrison. Remember, you get volunteer credit for volunteering yourself or getting someone else to volunteer in your place (spouse, kids over 18, friends, etc.)  This is a great opportunity to let your family see what you are doing every Saturday morning.