Ms 150

[Suzanne]

Hello I'm a newbie too like Kathy:) but I was wondering if the Slow Spokes ever have a team at the MS150 event in New Bern in September? Thanks, Suzanne

[Zonda]

We don't have a team, but many of our riders participate with various groups. There are a lot of commitments that go along with having a team. Some of the others can tell you about their team and maybe you can join them.

Here is an older thread where it was discussed. http://www.trianglecycling.com/showthread.php?t=17455

[Pugslyyy]

I think the big difference is with an MS-150 team, you train to progressively longer distances as season progresses. This would quickly move far beyond what some of the slow spokes members, and beginners, would find interesting.

There is plenty of room to do slow spokes rides and team training rides. There are some good teams out there. Some of us (including me) ride with the Selma Cyclepaths. Others ride with Team GSK. Another team to check out is Hibernian - they already have 71 riders signed up this year, way in front of everybody else.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=teamlist&fr_id=5520

[Elaine]

Suzanne,

You don't have to be on a team. My husband and I ride together. We have alot of fun and meet so many nice people. The rest stops are great. All speeds go and families. Last year and this year again we will be camping with Bubba, they have hot showers there and everything. The next several months you can ride in some of the training rides just to add mileage. You guys could be a team. And they have added I think a 30 mile route besides the 76 and 100. Go for it.

Elaine

[RickF]

You don't have to be on a team.True, but being on a team has its perks. In addition to the training rides, most of the large teams have their own team tent and Friday night parties in New Bern, not to mention the team jerseys (I am wearing the 2006 Team GSK jersey in my avatar) and the camaraderie.

I do not know how all of the teams are organized, but GSK provides free jerseys to all of its team members (and you do not need to work for GSK to join Team GSK). Last year, Hibernian provided free jerseys to those who raised over a certain amount.

Some of the teams only participate in the MS 150. Team GSK also participates in the Aids ride and in the Tour de Cure. The MSFits organize several large rides in the Triangle (the MS 150 kickoff, the Cup and Cone, and the Bike with the Band), and Team GSK organizes one large ride (the Dog Days of Summer). These are fully supported rides with rest stops and SAG vehicles. Proceeds from these rides also go to the MS Society.

[Pugslyyy]

I'm with Rick - there is no downside to joining a team, and a lot of benefits IMHO. Of course, I would encourage you to join CP not GSK, but that's another story! :)

[skiffrun]

Teams for MS-150 would also include MSFits (Durham based) & MSingLinks (Apex). As you might guess, these teams are highly MS oriented. One of those two in particular also volunteers for MS rides in Virginia & perhaps elsewhere.

For links: try the NCBC calendar, click a MSingLinks ride link & their calendar is even better. TarWheels calendar prob also provides similar linking (I don't recall right now). For even more info, try e-mailing Adrian Hands from his login id from this forum, or try his page, or ... .