Frequently Asked Questions
Early registration starts in September
Tour Dates: April 12 & 13, 2008
How do I sign up?
There are two registrations you must complete.
Register with the Houstonian Hammerhead team. Obtain the Registration Form from the website. Complete the form and email it to Lisa. Team fees will be charged to your member account. Non-Houstonian team members can mail their registration fee to: The Hammerhead Committee, c/o Lisa Rainey/Group Exercise, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024.
If you are joining the team to train for the MS-150, you also need to register for the ride. This can also be done on-line at www.ms150.org.
How should I approach the MS-150 in regards to training?
There is nothing that can replace time in the saddle, on the road. Try to attend as many of the Saturday rides as you can. The picnic loop at Memorial Park is a quick way to get in some mileage during the week, without a long drive. In addition, spinning is a good indoor alternative for the weekdays.
What do I need for the ride?
Besides your bike, you need a helmet, shoes, protective eyewear, water bottles or a camelback and a saddle pack that contains a spare tube, tools to change a tire, a CO2 cartridge and it never hurts to carry a little cash. For colder weather rides, arm and leg warmers are suggested.
What about fund-raising?
The MS150 website has great fundraising tips. Don’t lose sight of why we do the ride – 83 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the devastating effects of MS. Ask all your friends, family, coworkers, etc. for donations. The website has a great letter you can use to assist in your fundraising. In addition, donations can be made on your behalf, on-line, with a credit card.
What should I pack for the ride?
- Jersey for Sunday
- Bike shorts for Sunday
- Socks
- Cycle shoes
- Helmet
- Water bottles or camelback
- Sunglasses
- Bike pump (or ensure one of your friends packs one!)
- Change of clothes for Saturday (remember your Hammerhead t-shirt) and Sunday (don’t forget shoes to wear after the ride)
- Shower items – including towel
- Plastic bag for bike saddle for Saturday night
- Sleeping bag if you plan to sleep in the tent – you can also bring an air mattress if you’d like
What happens when we get to La Grange on Saturday?
Sign up for your massage as soon as you get in. Grab some food, take a shower, and enjoy the rest of your day.
What happens Sunday morning?
A pancake breakfast is served by the MS, but we’ll also have food in the tent. Have breakfast, pack up your luggage and get ready to ride.
What happens when we get to Austin on Sunday?
If you’re taking the bus back to Houston, the first thing you need to do is load your bike on the truck. Bike trucks will fill up slower than the buses – you don’t want to get back to Houston before your bike. There are shower facilities and lots of food in Austin. So, sit back and relish in your accomplishment!
Who is the primary contact for questions?
Lisa Rainey at lrainey@houstonian.com or call The Hammerhead Hotline at 713.812.6940. This number is updated weekly with details about the Saturday ride.