MS-150 Volunteers Requested

[RainMaker]

Well, it’s almost that time again.  The 2011 Sam’s Club MS-150 will take place on Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st.  And once again that gives each of us the opportunity to serve – as motorcycle escorts for what I believe to be a very worthwhile endeavor (and fun, as well).  Most of you have served as a motorcycle escort in the past, some for only one year, some for many years, and our forever ‘THANKS’ goes out to each of you.
 
For 2011 the route will be pretty much the same…leaving from Frisco, over-nighting at Texas Motor Speedway, and ending in Sundance Square in Fort Worth.  The MS Society is expecting a larger than ever number of riders this year (registration is at a record pace already!), so our need for motorcycle escorts is as great as ever.   We will most likely be utilizing the Yahoo group once again, but for now, please respond to this email with your availability (Saturday and/or Sunday?).  Once I receive your response, I’ll get back to you regarding paperwork requirements and DMV checks (NO BACKGROUND CHECKS will be required!).
 
Also, the MS Society is potentially looking at the Motorcycle Escorts (ME’s) to help with route marking this year.  This has been a weak point in the past, and I’m hoping we can garner enough support to take over this task and make it better than ever!  What do you think?
So please check your calendars, and respond to this email, and watch for emails regarding the event as we come nearer to the actual ride dates.  And as normal, if you have friends you feel might be interested in serving as motorcycle escorts, please pass their information on to me or ask them to contact me at the cell number or the email address below.  The more the merrier!
 
Thank you again for your assistance with this event!
 
Ross
 
Ross F. Crum
www.agapephotostudio.com
214-497-8924 - cell
rfcrum@LM3Associates.com

[RainMaker]

This would be a good way to show some support for Mary Capps, too...

[Houdini]

I've volunteered.     Mostly due to showing support for the lovely Mary Capps.   

[Disco]

So, did you guys sign up for one or both days? 

[Houdini]

Both

[SideCar]

Sorry to miss it this year. We'll be out of town.  I think the route marking is a good idea. 

[RainMaker]

In honor of the lovely Miss Mary, I have signed up for both days.

[Rocketman]

I was just looking at the requirements, with a view to volunteering for the Houston-to-LaGrange version.  How do ya'll deal with them?  Specifically, HAM rig/licensing, and what appears to be a new one, the requirement to take an MSF or similar course within the last five years?  Would the Ride Like a Pro class qualify?

Mark

[Houdini]

I was told they preferred a HAM radio but a CB was fine.  I took an MSF class in the last five years so I'm good there.  I'd imagine the RLaP class would qualify, but I don't know.

[RainMaker]

I was just looking at the requirements, with a view to volunteering for the Houston-to-LaGrange version.  How do ya'll deal with them?  Specifically, HAM rig/licensing, and what appears to be a new one, the requirement to take an MSF or similar course within the last five years?  Would the Ride Like a Pro class qualify?

Mark

Their requirements are not as stringent, or so it seems when I talk with their coordinator here. 

As for the MSF, well, after I fall down a few times at the Ride Like a Pro, they may not want me anymore!!!

RM

[Wanderer]

If you don't have a great time doing this, well, it is your own fault! Last year's event was one well oiled machine! Most of the cyclist appreciate your assistance and a lot of them will give you a personal "Thank You". Give them plenty of room, especially packs of riders on the uphill grades. Riders will break out faster than a blink of your eye.

Don't let the CB/Ham radio thang be an issue. I did not have either last year and it was an experience worth repeating. There is a group of ham operator volunteers that is responsible for communications. They have mobil operators in the swag wagons and mobil base ops moving thru the ride route.

Camping at TMS Saturday evening was a big plus for me!

They will haul any gear you don't want on your bike all day (tents and sleeping bags) to the speedway. The fun does not go late at all. Something to do with being an early to bed, early to rise type of thang. You won't have to buy a meal over the two days unless you just want a break. Dinner and breakfast at TMS where the best meals. Hot showers too!

You might carry a bike pump if you have one, but it is not a deal breaker. If you have a choice of bikes, take the most quiet one. You have time to wire your four way flashers between now and then if you want that advantage. A bunch of the GWRRA Chapter R guys use battery operated led flashers zip tied to their bikes that worked great!
http://www.ingramproducts.com/Visual_Alarms_EZ_Flare.html
Shop around or ask Ross Crum, your co-ordinator for his source. I am sure they got theirs cheaper than this.

Good to see you guys doing this! Mary and others fighting MS are great motivators for sure! ~Jeff

[GOOSE]

god bless all of you " LONE STAR STATE BOYS AND GIRLS".  i too have ms, and to all of you......thanks...

[HayHauler]

I sure am glad this didn't turn into a Ham Bashing thread....  seeing tho as I are one...   

I volunteer for 3 MS practice rides in the area, the biggest is The Great Escape, sponsored by the Pearland Cycling Club.  It is held on Sunday March 13 this year.

http://www.pearlandcyclingclub.org/tge.html

Thanks for all you do...

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Doc809]

Would love to support Chuck and Mary but I don't have the credentials/qualifications based on their requirements.  I'm just a poor boy that rides a standard without all the extra goodies.

[RainMaker]

Per Jeff, I think they will take just about any motorcycle rider who is willing to volunteer.

[Disco]

Done.  Both days.  In support of my two beautiful friends, MaryAnn Capps and Alisa Simmons Bartz, GOOSE, and everyone else fighting this beast.

I'm just a poor boy that rides a standard without all the extra goodies.

Hey Doc, Valkpilot has a neat ez-on / ez-off CB setup. 

[RainMaker]

bump!

[Houdini]

Have any of you volunteers heard back from Ross yet?  I have sent three messages with no response yet.     For an organization looking for volunteers they sure do make it difficult to volunteer. 

[Disco]

I've only sent him the one email volunteering and have heard nothing back.

[RainMaker]

I've gotten 2 responses from him and will ask about what we can expect and when.

[RainMaker]

Ross replied that emails will go out next week about the ride.  He apologizes for the delay.

RM

[Disco]

I got email.

[RainMaker]

I also got the email and have responded with the information requested - blood type, next of kin, dna sample.... 

Nah, not that bad.

They are still in need of motorcycle escorts. 

Hey, why not join up with Disco, Houdini and RainMaker for the MS-150 in honor of our club sweetheart Mary Capps now.  Don't worry about the equipment they are looking for - I think they just need motorcycle riders.

Contact Ross Crum at this email address:  rfcrum@lm3associates.com

 

[Wanderer]

I just got a note from Ross requesting more escort volunteers for the MS 150, April 30 and May 1st. Good to see several of you signed up. You will have a good time! ~Jeff

Ross F. Crum
214-497-8924
Agape Photo Studio
www.agapephotostudio.com
ross@agapephotostudio.com
 

[Rocketman]

I've been inclined to do this, but that's the RFK weekend for Houston.  Not sure how I could do both.

[Wanderer]

I've been inclined to do this, but that's the RFK weekend for Houston.  Not sure how I could do both.

Several of us are coming down for your R4K, Mark! One rider is coming from Kansas City with us on Saturday! ~Jeff