Sent 7/26/06

We’ve hit the 80 rider mark with just over a week to go! Thanks everyone for doing a great job of recruiting but don’t stop now. I know we’re in the lead for the largest team now but I’m sure the other teams are pushing for new riders now too. I know of two more riders that we’ll get for sure but the more we get the better. BTW, we’re now at 40 riders that are new to the team and 40 that have ridden before. That’s some amazing recruiting. There are still a number of potential returning riders out there that haven’t signed up and several potential new riders. Knowing how competitive most of you are…I’m betting the veterans won’t want to see the rookies win, and vs.!

Training ride – Our last training ride will be this Saturday the 29^th in Waunakee. Note NEW TIME at 8:00AM rather than 9. That’ll hopefully allow us to beat some of the heat. We’re planning a ride to Mazomanie that’ll run about 47 miles so it’ll be our longest of the summer. We’ll meet at the usual spot, Prairie Elem School on Madison, north of Main or hwy 19 in Waunakee. We’ll plan a rest stop at a coffee shop in Mazo which is at the 24 mile mark.

Polos / jerseys – I have just 3 smalls and 1 Medium left in the polos that are available to all new riders. I’m sorry we ran out so early but I didn’t plan on so many new riders. If you can wear a S or M, let me know asap and I’ll set it aside, otherwise I’ll make a note to get you one next year and will order more. I have all sizes in jerseys except 3xl left.

Ride weekend details – For those of you riding the bus from Madison to Waukesha on Saturday, you need to check in with the MS Society AND BRING YOUR BIKE on Friday. This is because there is no room on the bus for bikes. Check in is at the Alliant Energy Center from 4-6PM on Friday August 4^th. You’ll get your bib # and number for your bike, you’ll turn in your pledges and give your bike to the movers. Don’t worry, they take very good care of them. I’ll be there as well as Terry and Christin so please look for us, I’ll have a spot set up at one end of the tables. I’ll have some things for many of you including polos, jerseys, etc. I’d also like to find out what your pledges are so we can have a good idea where we’re at for fundraising as a team.

Bus – We have so many team members that I had to reserve a second bus!! The buses will meet us at the Alliant Energy Center at 5:30AM and leave shortly after. I won’t have a list of those taking the bus so make sure you’re not late. Be sure you bring your bag with clothes and bike gear (I’ll send a suggested packing list this weekend). When we get to Waukesha around 6:30 you’ll drop off your overnight bag with a truck so they can take it to Whitewater for you. Then you’ll want to find your bike which will be on the grass lawn. We’ll then line up for a team picture around 7:00 and take off in a group start for all us large teams at 7:30AM.

Whitewater – when we get to Whitewater we’ll have our own team tent at the end which will be well stocked with goodies. Karen and Christin have been making lots of plans but I’ll let them surprise you. There will also be a barbecue for the large teams so plenty of food and because we’ll probably be the largest team, we’ll have our very own port-o-potty. Now that’s an incentive! After that, find your overnight bag, check in, and TAKE A SHOWER PLEASE There will be an awards presentation at around 7, with beer, where a bunch of us will get to go on stage to be recognized for our efforts, so please plan to come and wear your polos. Afterward, Pat McCurdy will entertain us and for those of you that don’t know Pat, it’s very cool. Later that night the large teams (us) will have their private pizza party and in the morning their private breakfast.

Sunday – Sunday you’ll drop off your bag again so the MS Society can truck it to Madison for us and you can take off by around 7AM, or later. No group start. There will be lots of hoopla at the end, along with more food, refreshments and music. It would be nice to finish in groups, often that doesn’t work easily but let me know if you have some ideas on how best to do that.

We’re just a week away so expect another email from me this weekend with some final details and a packing list.

Don’t forget to fundraise!!!!