Improving rider safety is a key focus of the Team. In keeping with the Company Safety Motto "Nobody Gets Hurt" the ExxonMobil Cycling Team has developed many tools to assist you in becoming aware of the many issues that will improve your skills as a rider. If you are a novice rider, or have participated in numerous long-distance rides, please take the time to review all of the available information. You never know what you might learn!

Group Riding Skills Class

The ExxonMobil Cycling Team is a strong supporter of safe cycling. All of our members that participate in the BP MS150 should take a hands-on skill class once every three years.

We are very fortunate that the our Team's very own League of American Bicyclists League Certified Instructors (LCI) are once again organizing Group Riding Skills classes. We strongly encourage you to sign up early for one of these training sessions.

Registration is Required: The cost to attend these classes will be $10 for Team members.

Visit Traffic Cycling Group Riding Skills for the latest scheduled training dates.

MS 150 Safety Zone

Have you viewed the Safety Zone on the MS Society web site? This site is a great source of information to help you train, go over safety checks you need to do each time you get on your bike, nutrition and hydration information.

The MS 150 Safety Committee has designed a new Safety Quiz for all MS 150 riders to take. The completion of this quiz by 80% of our Team members is a qualifying factor in the MS 150 Safety Award. Thus, the expectation is all of our Team members will complete this quiz. At your earliest convenience, please review check out the Safety Zone and complete the Safety Quiz.

We encourage all riders to visit the MS 150 Safety Zone today to increase your knowledge -- and hopefully keep you on your bike!!!.

Cycling Equipment Safety

The National MS Society and the ExxonMobil Cycling Team want you to complete every ride safely. Please visit the official National MS Society's safety article about equipment safety which includes helpful information like the ABC Quick Check below. Cycling Equipment Safety

ABC Quick Check

• A is for air
• Check you wheels for worn tires, loose spokes, warped rims, and proper tire inflation.
• B is for brakes
• Check brakes for function, cable tightness, worn pads, frayed cables, and alignment of the pads with the rims.
• C is for cranks, chain, and cassette
• Check your pedals and cranks for tightness.
• Check for chain looseness and bad links; clean regularly. Lubricate with bicycle chain lube.
• Check the derailleur for worn cogs and adjustment. Check that your gears change smoothly.
• Quick is for quick releases
• Check to ensure that the wheels are clamped securely in the drop-outs before each ride.
• Check
• Check your helmet for cracks and make sure it fits properly.
• Check your shoes for tight cleats and straps/buckles.

Adjusting Your Helmet

Helmets are designed to prevent serious head injury. A serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time so ALWAYS WEAR A PROPERLY FITTED, DAMAGE-FREE HELMET. Adjust your helmet in six easy steps, or consult with your local bike shop if you need support:

1. Put on your helmet.
2. Slide the helmet forward until it rests about 1/2 inch above your eyebrows.
3. Shorten or lengthen the side straps so they form a "Y" around each ear.
4. Adjust the chinstrap so it is snug underneath your chin. You want to be able to breathe freely, but you don't want a space between your chin and the strap.
5. Fasten the chinstrap.
6. Push the helmet back and forth while it is on your head. The helmet is properly adjusted if the skin on your forehead moves with the helmet and if the helmet is comfortable.

Rider Training/Conditioning

You may not think about Training and Conditioning when you think about Safety. But, in order to complete a two-day tour like the MS 150, you have to bein pretty good shape. Even people who cycle regularly may not be able to complete a ride of this magnitude. It takes trainging and preparation to get ready.

If you are wondering how to get ready for the ride, the MS 150 group has a recommended Training Plan on its website.

If you want a more detailed plan, there are several on the web that will help you get ready for a Century, or 100 mile, ride. Since that is basically what the first day of the MS 150 is, add some longer Sunday rides, and you will be getting ready!

All experienced riders know that training and conditioning is more than just accruing miles on the bike saddle. You have to treat your body right to get to the finish line. Hydration is very important to successful riding. Most excercise experts recommend a minimum of 16 ounces of water per hour of riding. You also need to get nutrition regularly during a ride.

Please review the MS 150 information regarding Hydration, Cycling Nutrition and Heat Acclimatization