MS150 Cape Cod Getaway 2009

[mayanorange]

So DH and I have decided to ride the MS150 this year for fun and because his mom has MS, so it's a cause near to us. We haven't registered yet because I'm not sure if we should join a team or start our own specific one for the 2 of us. Maybe our own would make it easier for people to donate to both of us if they donate to the team? This is our first charity ride (and well, organized ride), so we don't know the logistics of these things yet.

PS- anyone else riding this?

[Crankin]

When is this? I generally don't like big organized rides, because 1) I hate asking for $, 2) they are quite competitive, even though they say they are not, and 3) I have found that the riding etiquette in really large groups is horrendous and I had a really bad experience last spring with this (it wasn't a charity ride, but an organized metric).
I *might* be interested.

[SheFly]

I have, in the past, done this ride a number of times. For various reasons, including a VERY BUSY racing schedule, I will not be doing it again this year...

However, here are some tips/answers to your questions (Crankin - typically last weekend in June).

1. People donate to individuals, NOT to teams, so a team is not necessary. Fundraising totals by team will eventually determine starting position, but this is not important. I believe the new fundraising minimum for this event is $500, which is significantly lower than some of the other charity rides in our area.

2. This ride is not competitive unless you start up near the front, or ride it with my DH . Keep in mind that you WILL need to be very aware of the people around you - we have seen some scary maneuvers by some riders, which you can expect in a group of 1500 people.

3. The route for this ride is EXCELLENT! I have typically done the 100 miles on Sat and 75 on Sun. You do need to know that the ride on Sat is FLATTER than the ride on Sun, so be prepared for that.

4. Packing is KEY! Everything gets packed into ziploc bags, and then into your other bag. Why, you ask? I have done this ride in a monsoon, and it is NO FUN to get all the way to P-Town, only to have no dry clothes. Also, trust me when I tell you to pack NEW SHORTS, GLOVES, JERSEY, SPORTS BRA for the second day. Washing overnight will NOT let them dry in time.

5. I have used all of the accomodation options - stayed off site (logistically more challenging), camped and stayed in the dorms. I don't have a preference except to stay onsite.

6. There will be A LOT of food, but also be prepared for lines when you arrive in Bourne. Also know that they are feeding 1500 people.

7. HAVE FUN! I have always enjoyed this ride in the past. Oh - and my teammate is the top fundraiser for the 2nd year running - over $40K!

Let me know if you have other questions.

SheFly

[mayanorange]

Thanks SheFly! Great info. I have heard that the end is hillier than I'd expect out of a sealevel area.

Cranklin- It's June 27-28 event site

[SheFly]

Thanks SheFly! Great info. I have heard that the end is hillier than I'd expect out of a sealevel area.

Cranklin- It's June 27-28 event site

The hills won't get you at the end - it will be the wind! Coming into P-Town you ride into a headwind (every year I've done it, it's been the same). If you're prepared, it isn't quite as bad

Have a great time!

SheFly

[Crankin]

We got the flyer in the mail today, right after I wrote my post. We are thinking about it. I'd probably feel a firmer commitment to the one day ride in Portsmouth, but that is just a day's ride.
I am somewhat leery about the fundraising, though. I will make my decision on the 28th, after I find out about the summer school schedule, which unfortunately involves taking classes in the weekend format.

[katluvr]

The hills won't get you at the end - it will be the wind! Coming into P-Town you ride into a headwind (every year I've done it, it's been the same). If you're prepared, it isn't quite as bad

Have a great time!

SheFly

Ditto! I now remember that wind...and it got really hot in P-town! If they still do the Ferry ride back...be prepared. It was a BIG party boat. You know how crazy people who don't go out much get really wild at a wedding reception---it was that crazy.

I found a quiet place on the boat and tried to chill!