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Re: 2004 MS150
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Brian Hague
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Sep 15, 2004 10:54 PDT
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Those are some good thoughts. I've brought maps to some of the rides in the past, and it still didn't prevent 100% of the complaining, but it might help - plus, there'd be less need for faster riders who don't know the route to keep stopping every couple of miles to wait for the leader to catch up. I can make up a few maps of the more common routes and have them ready to bring to rides, and/or pdf them and e-mail them.
As for the numbers, we did have a group of seven on Labor Day weekend at 8 am for the Paola ride, and it looked like you had a few at 7 am for the shorter ride. But just to let you know, even two years ago when we had 70 team members, we never had more than about 15 for a training ride, and even that was unusual - the norm was more like 5-7. I think it's a function of where people live, how they train, etc. To put it in perspective, look at the MS150 rides - they have 1,700 riders registered, but the MS training ride Sydney and I did only brought out about 20 people. Most of the other big teams - Lockton, Biogen, Copaxone - don't even do team training rides. I wouldn't worry too much about the numbers, but we do need to at least get back to regular training rides, even if it's only a handful of people.
I don't know if we could make the jersey idea work. By now, a number of the riders with jerseys are scattered to the four winds and don't even ride w/Team COR anymore, or ride the MS150 at all, or live in KC ... so I doubt I could get them all back. If we want new jerseys for new riders next year, we can certainly order them - that's not the issue. We still have the design on file w/Voler and can place an order anytime. The first issue is cost. My company initially paid for the jerseys in 2002, expecting we'd have about 20-25 riders like the year before. Instead we had 70, and we wound up paying a lot of money for the jerseys, more than I'd expected. We had a few extra, but still had to order more in '03 - and the problem is, in ordering a few extra each year, I have to anticipate the size mix. So I didn't always have sizes available to match what riders needed/wanted, and we'd have to place yet another order - in minimum lots of 25. The bottom line is that CNBS was spending a lot of money on the jerseys, and I don't think we're willing to do that in perpetuity. And I don't know how many riders would want them if they had to pay for them.
The other factor is the hassle factor. I have to arrange to get the jerseys to people, and sort out sizes, etc. Then I get the "my jersey doesn't fit, can I exchange it" issues, or people who pick up their jersey in April but lose so much weight over the training season that they want a smaller size before the ride, etc. It may not sound like much, but it's a lot of work for one person, especially with other team responsibilities and a day job. So I think we're done with the jerseys. I do have a number of extras left - men's 2XL, and women's S, M and L. If anyone would like an extra in those sizes, it can be yours for a $53 donation to the MS Society (cost). Beyond that, I may donate them to the COR auction, which is coming right up, so let me know quick.
Brian
----- Original Message -----
From: Ken Cobb
To: Team-@topica.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:40 PM
Subject: Re: 2004 MS150
I like your ideas for next year. I wonder if we shouldn't print some maps of our main training routes, so that there would be less complaint about people not staying with the slowest riders. Perhaps the biggest problem with the training rides this year was simply too few people to form a critical mass. You and I rode in one group to Loose Park in the Spring that consisted of seven riders, and I never saw more than five together again. This seems crazy for a team with 48 riders.
I also have another idea that might be a bit controversial, but it is for one of the team members to be the keeper of the jerseys. That is, everyone should turn in his jersey for the winter, and get it back in the Spring only if he registers for the MS 150. This is how many sports teams handle their uniforms. Otherwise, if we get new members next Spring, we will have no jerseys for them, and I presume we have no way at this late date to order more.
----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Hague
To: Team COR (topica)
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 11:03 PM
Subject: 2004 MS150
Team,
To all who completed this year's MS150, congratulations and great job!! I was glad to see many familiar faces and a few new ones, and I'm excited to see how we did in terms of fundraising (which you can still do, don't forget - keep those checks rolling in). And I missed those of you who weren't able to ride this year - you missed a good one. The weather was perfect, and I liked the route better than in years past. Sounds like they'll continue this route in the future.
It seemed like our team was a bit more fragmented this year than in past years. I know that several of our "core COR" riders weren't able to ride this year, but I believe that part of the cause was also that I wasn't as directly involved in training rides, social events, etc. I'm no longer coaching soccer, and our house is freshly painted inside and out, so I'll have more time next year to devote to Team COR, and we can once again use Chez Hague to host social gatherings. Here's a list of what I'm planning for next year to strengthen the team:
a.. More exposure within COR - I'll place several bulletin announcements, and we'll go back to doing both spring and fall narthex weekends (so plan to volunteer!) I don't know if we can still get away with pedaling trainers outside the narthex - and if we do, we can't accost people walking into the church to ask for their money - but we'll at least be in the narthex. And I'll also look into getting us in Around the CORner, or a mention from Adam, or something.
b.. Social events - we'll once again kick those off in the spring, and try to keep them going throughout the summer. Like I said, Chez Hague is open for business, but I don't want to volunteer it for every gathering (my wife reads my e-mail) so if others can also host the group, that would be great.
c.. Training and other rides - I'll resume leading the training rides on a weekly basis, with the caveat that they won't be of the "the leader stays with the slowest rider" variety, at least not every week. Everyone has limited training time and needs to train at their own intensity. We may have designated "newbie" rides, or we may look to different riders to ride with different groups. That's been an issue in the past, and it will likely remain one, so I'll just have to live with the consequences. I'd also like to see us do some other rides throughout the year, and I'll work on that (examples: a New Years' Day ride, a "frosty 50", maybe in February, and some other club-type rides - we may even do a first annual COR century).
d.. MS150 events - we'll try to do a tailgate at the fairgrounds in Sedalia, and we'll resume the Sunday morning worship service. The MS Society asked me if we'd do their worship service this year, but they didn't ask until the week before the ride. For next year, I'll be proactive and ask them about it well in advance, and I'll talk to pastoral staff about the opportunity for exposure for COR and see if we can't make it a bigger deal.
e.. Communication - I'll try to get something on COR's website, and/or break up the e-mail list. You can help with this (see below).
Any ideas anyone has on these or other topics are welcome - please send me an e-mail directly, rather than tying up the post.
To kick off some of these ideas, here are some specific things to plan for:
1.. There will be a post-MS150 ride leaving from the COR parking lot (east side, in front of the "old" narthex) this Sunday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 am. I only have a couple hours to ride that morning due to a soccer game, but anyone that wants to put in more than 35-40 miles can make it longer.
2.. I'd like to do a post-MS150 social event, whether it's a potluck dinner or a happy hour. I'll talk to Tonya and get something specific posted.
3.. To help me manage the e-mail list, please respond to this post when you've read it - just let me know you got it. I'll use those responses as the base for a new e-mail list, and I'll send a different e-mail to the other addresses I have to see if they're still interested. Maybe that way I can come up with a master e-mail list in addition to topica that will keep everyone informed and my ISP happy.
4.. Octoginta is approaching - Oct. 3. This is an 80-mile ride around the Lawrence area, sponsored by the Lawrence Bicycle Club (used to be Mt. Oread BC for us old-timers). It's now in its 35th year, making it darn near as old as me :D. I may have a soccer conflict that morning, but otherwise I'd like to do it. If anyone else is interested, the information is at http://www.lawrencebicycleclub.org/brochure/ - click on "Octoginta."
To the Team COR veterans, I'll be counting on you to help me keep the team active next year (and the rest of this year). And to new riders, I'm looking forward to spending more time on the road with you and helping you have the kind of team experience that we've had in years past. I think it's unique - in talking to the Lockton, Sprint, Biogen, Copaxone and other "big" team riders, they don't do much other than ride the event, so I think the things we've done in the past - and will do in the future - are pretty unique among the KC MS150 teams.
See you on the road,
Brian
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Those are some good thoughts. I've brought
maps to some of the rides in the past, and it still didn't prevent 100% of the
complaining, but it might help - plus, there'd be less need for faster riders
who don't know the route to keep stopping every couple of miles to wait for the
leader to catch up. I can make up a few maps of the more common routes and
have them ready to bring to rides, and/or pdf them and e-mail them.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As for the numbers, we did have a group of seven on
Labor Day weekend at 8 am for the Paola ride, and it looked like you had a few
at 7 am for the shorter ride. But just to let you know, even two years ago
when we had 70 team members, we never had more than about 15 for a training
ride, and even that was unusual - the norm was more like 5-7. I think it's
a function of where people live, how they train, etc. To put it in
perspective, look at the MS150 rides - they have 1,700 riders registered, but
the MS training ride Sydney and I did only brought out about 20 people.
Most of the other big teams - Lockton, Biogen, Copaxone - don't even do team
training rides. I wouldn't worry too much about the numbers, but we do
need to at least get back to regular training rides, even if it's only a handful
of people.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I don't know if we could make the jersey idea
work. By now, a number of the riders with jerseys are scattered to the
four winds and don't even ride w/Team COR anymore, or ride the MS150 at all, or
live in KC ... so I doubt I could get them all back. If we want new
jerseys for new riders next year, we can certainly order them - that's not the
issue. We still have the design on file w/Voler and can place an order
anytime. The first issue is cost. My company initially paid for the
jerseys in 2002, expecting we'd have about 20-25 riders like the year
before. Instead we had 70, and we wound up paying a lot of money for the
jerseys, more than I'd expected. We had a few extra, but still had to
order more in '03 - and the problem is, in ordering a few extra each year, I
have to anticipate the size mix. So I didn't always have sizes available
to match what riders needed/wanted, and we'd have to place yet another order -
in minimum lots of 25. The bottom line is that CNBS was spending a
lot of money on the jerseys, and I don't think we're willing to do that in
perpetuity. And I don't know how many riders would want them if they had
to pay for them.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The other factor is the hassle factor. I have
to arrange to get the jerseys to people, and sort out sizes, etc. Then I
get the "my jersey doesn't fit, can I exchange it" issues, or people who pick up
their jersey in April but lose so much weight over the training season that they
want a smaller size before the ride, etc. It may not sound like much, but
it's a lot of work for one person, especially with other team responsibilities
and a day job. So I think we're done with the jerseys. I do have a
number of extras left - men's 2XL, and women's S, M and L. If anyone would
like an extra in those sizes, it can be yours for a $53 donation to the MS
Society (cost). Beyond that, I may donate them to the COR auction, which
is coming right up, so let me know quick.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Brian</FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=k-@everestkc.net href="mailto:kena-@everestkc.net">Ken
Cobb</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=T-@topica.com
href="mailto:Team-@topica.com">Team-@topica.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:40
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: 2004 MS150</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I like your ideas for next year. I wonder
if we shouldn't print some maps of our main training routes, so that there
would be less complaint about people not staying with the slowest
riders. Perhaps the biggest problem with the training rides this year
was simply too few people to form a critical mass. You and I rode in one
group to Loose Park in the Spring that consisted of seven riders, and I never
saw more than five together again. This seems crazy for a team with 48
riders.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I also have another idea that might be a bit
controversial, but it is for one of the team members to be the keeper of the
jerseys. That is, everyone should turn in his jersey for the winter, and get
it back in the Spring only if he registers for the MS 150. This is how
many sports teams handle their uniforms. Otherwise, if we get new
members next Spring, we will have no jerseys for them, and I presume we have
no way at this late date to order more. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=-@kc.rr.com href="mailto:bha-@kc.rr.com">Brian Hague</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=T-@topica.com
href="mailto:Team-@topica.com">Team COR (topica)</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, September 13, 2004 11:03
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> 2004 MS150</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Team,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To all who completed this year's MS150,
congratulations and great job!! I was glad to see many familiar faces
and a few new ones, and I'm excited to see how we did in terms of
fundraising (which you can still do, don't forget - keep those checks
rolling in). And I missed those of you who weren't able to ride this
year - you missed a good one. The weather was perfect, and I liked the
route better than in years past. Sounds like they'll continue this
route in the future.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>It seemed like our team was a bit more
fragmented this year than in past years. I know that several of our
"core COR" riders weren't able to ride this year, but I believe that part of
the cause was also that I wasn't as directly involved in training rides,
social events, etc. I'm no longer coaching soccer, and our house is
freshly painted inside and out, so I'll have more time next year to devote
to Team COR, and we can once again use Chez Hague to host social
gatherings. Here's a list of what I'm planning for next year to
strengthen the team:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<UL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><U>More exposure within COR</U> - I'll place
several bulletin announcements, and we'll go back to doing both spring and
fall narthex weekends (so plan to <STRONG>volunteer!</STRONG>) I
don't know if we can still get away with pedaling trainers outside the
narthex - and if we do, we can't accost people walking into the church to
ask for their money - but we'll at least be in the narthex. And I'll
also look into getting us in Around the CORner, or a mention from Adam, or
something.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><U>Social events</U> - we'll once again kick
those off in the spring, and try to keep them going throughout the
summer. Like I said, Chez Hague is open for business, but I don't
want to volunteer it for every gathering (my wife reads my e-mail) so if
others can also host the group, that would be great.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><U>Training and other rides</U> - I'll resume
leading the training rides on a weekly basis, with the caveat that they
won't be of the "the leader stays with the slowest rider" variety, at
least not every week. Everyone has limited training time and
needs to train at their own intensity. We may have designated
"newbie" rides, or we may look to different riders to ride with different
groups. That's been an issue in the past, and it will likely remain
one, so I'll just have to live with the consequences. I'd also like
to see us do some other rides throughout the year, and I'll work on that
(examples: a New Years' Day ride, a "frosty 50", maybe in February, and
some other club-type rides - we may even do a first annual COR
century).</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><U>MS150 events</U> - we'll try to do a
tailgate at the fairgrounds in Sedalia, and we'll resume the Sunday
morning worship service. The MS Society asked me if we'd do their
worship service this year, but they didn't ask until the week before the
ride. For next year, I'll be proactive and ask them about it well in
advance, and I'll talk to pastoral staff about the opportunity for
exposure for COR and see if we can't make it a bigger deal.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><U>Communication</U> - I'll try to get
something on COR's website, and/or break up the e-mail list. You can
help with this (see below).</FONT></LI></UL>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Any ideas anyone has on these or other topics
are welcome - please send me an e-mail directly, rather than tying up the
post.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To kick off some of these ideas, here are some
specific things to plan for:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<OL>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>There will be a post-MS150 ride leaving from
the COR parking lot (east side, in front of the "old" narthex) this
Sunday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 am. I only have a couple hours to ride
that morning due to a soccer game, but anyone that wants to put in more
than 35-40 miles can make it longer.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'd like to do a post-MS150 social event,
whether it's a potluck dinner or a happy hour. I'll talk to Tonya
and get something specific posted.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2><STRONG><U><EM>To help me manage the e-mail
list, please respond to this post when you've read it - just let me know
you got it.</EM></U></STRONG> I'll use those responses as the base
for a new e-mail list, and I'll send a different e-mail to the other
addresses I have to see if they're still interested. Maybe that way
I can come up with a master e-mail list in addition to topica that will
keep everyone informed and my ISP happy.</FONT>
<LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Octoginta is approaching - Oct. 3. This
is an 80-mile ride around the Lawrence area, sponsored by the Lawrence
Bicycle Club (used to be Mt. Oread BC for us old-timers).
It's now in its 35th year, making it darn near as old as me :D. I
may have a soccer conflict that morning, but otherwise I'd like to do
it. If anyone else is interested, the information is at <A
href="http://www.lawrencebicycleclub.org/brochure/">http://www.lawrencebicycleclub.org/brochure/</A> -
click on "Octoginta."</FONT></LI></OL>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To the Team COR veterans, I'll be counting on
you to help me keep the team active next year (and the rest of this
year). And to new riders, I'm looking forward to spending more time on
the road with you and helping you have the kind of team experience that
we've had in years past. I think it's unique - in talking to the
Lockton, Sprint, Biogen, Copaxone and other "big" team riders, they don't do
much other than ride the event, so I think the things we've done in the past
- and will do in the future - are pretty unique among the KC MS150
teams.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>See you on the road,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Brian</FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>
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