BP MS 150 FAQs: Another ride portion cancelled
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have new details about the shortened BP MS 150 tomorrow, which was shortened to just Sunday by our recent rain. The latest update is the Bechtel Challenge Route will be closed.
You can catch complete coverage of the BP MS 150 bike ride tomorrow at 12:30pm on ABC-13. Then catch our wrap-up special at 11pm. Plus, we'll have live streaming video from the start in La Grange at 8am and the finish line in Austin on abc13.com.
Below are FAQs from race organizers. You can always check the BP MS 150 Facebook page for details.
Q: Can I still ride on Day 1?
A: NO! Do NOT ride the route on Day 1, Saturday, April 18. The route on Day 1 will be closed and all standard support services- rider support, transportation and breakpoints - along the route will be suspended on Saturday.
Q: Where is the NEW Day 2 Start Line on Sunday, April 19?
A: The new Start Line is the Fayette County Courthouse at 151 N. Washington Street, La Grange, TX 78945.
Q: What time is the NEW Start?
A: The BP MS 150 will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 19.
Q: Will there still be a Club 300 start at the NEW start line in La Grange at the Fayette County Courthouse?
A: Yes. Club 300 members and Riders with MS will be at the front of the start line together.
Q: Will there still be a Riders with MS start at the NEW start line in La Grange at the Fayette County Courthouse?
A: Yes. Riders with MS and Club 300 members will be at the front of the start line together.
Q: I'm a rider and haven't picked up my packet yet. What are my options?
A: Packet Pick-Up will take place from 6-7:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19 at the new Start Line at the Fayette County Courthouse in La Grange.
Q: Where do riders park in La Grange for the NEW Start?
A: Due to the minimal parking available we ask that cyclists either car pool or arrange to be dropped off in La Grange. We will be providing both rider and bike transportation back to La Grange from Austin on Sunday evening. We will also be providing transportation from Austin to Tully Stadium in Houston.
Parking Sites (open at 4am on Sunday.
La Grange High School
820 S. Vail Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
La Grange Intermediate School
192 S. Vail Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
Cyclists will be able to park and then ride their bikes to the Fayette County Courthouse.
Q: Will the routes on Day 2 be the same?
A: The Genzyme MS One to One Lunch Express Route will be the only route available. The Bechtel Challenge Route will not be used. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed that Bastrop and Buescher State Parks have received 4 inches of rain in the last 48 hours. Current conditions within the State Parks include significant standing water at breakpoint #3 and Park Road 1C is closed due to high, flowing water at Alum Creek. These roads are not conducive for a safe route. Additionally, breakpoint #1 has standing water and is inaccessible. MAPS COMING SOON!
Q: Will we still be able to do the Bechtel Challenge Route on Day 2?
A: No, the Bechtel Challenge Route will not be used. The Genzyme MS One to One Lunch Express Route will be the only route available. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed that Bastrop and Buescher State Parks have received 4 inches of rain in the last 48 hours. Current conditions within the State Parks include significant standing water at breakpoint #3 and Park Road 1C is closed due to high, flowing water at Alum Creek. These roads are not conducive for a safe route. Additionally, breakpoint 1 has standing water and is inaccessible. MAPS COMING SOON!
Q: I'm a Houston-area rider. Will there be transportation available from Houston to La Grange on Sunday, April 19 for the Day 2 start?
A: We are unable to provide transportation from Houston to La Grange on Sunday, April 19 for the Day 2 start. We ask that participants coming from the Houston area make their own transportation arrangements to the Start Line in La Grange on Sunday, April 19. Due to limited parking, we ask that participants try to carpool if able to limit the amount of vehicle traffic coming into La Grange on Sunday morning.
Q: How do riders get to the NEW Start Line from the La Grange area hotels on Sunday morning?
A: A free shuttle bus is available to the NEW Start Line from select hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in the La Grange area on Sunday morning. Please see hotel shuttle schedule for scheduled pick-up times. Riders are responsible for their own transportation to and from accommodations not covered by the shuttle service.
Q: Many riders are carpooling from Houston. Where can the riders park in Houston to carpool to La Grange?
A: Tully Stadium will be the only area open to park and carpool for the weekend. Tully Stadium will be open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 and again on Sunday, April 19 4 a.m. - 8 a.m. for parking. Buses and trucks will transport you and your bike back to Tully Stadium on Sunday from the Austin Finish Line.
Q: Will there be a bag-drop at the start line in La Grange?
A: Yes. Please attach your luggage tags to your bags and drop off at the luggage trucks. You'll be able to pick up your items in Austin at the luggage pick up location at the finish line.
Q: I purchased transportation from Austin to Houston for Sunday, April 19 after I finish. Will I be able to transfer this for transportation to La Grange instead of Houston?
A: Yes. Your pre-paid transportation will apply to drop off locations in La Grange.
Q: How can I get back to La Grange after I finish in Austin on Sunday, April 19?
A: You can purchase transportation for you and your bike with credit card ONLY at the finish line in Austin. Drop off locations in La Grange on Sunday TBD.
Q: I'm an Austin Rider who pre-paid for Friday bus transportation to Houston and did not use the transportation to Houston. Now how do I get to La Grange from Austin for Day 2 start?
A: Riders who pre-paid for transportation from Austin to Houston can take a bus from Austin to La Grange on Sunday, April 19 located at 18th and Trinity. Buses and bike trucks load at 4 a.m. and will leave promptly at 4:45 a.m. The last bus will depart at 5:30 a.m. Otherwise, riders are responsible for their own transportation to La Grange.
Q: Can riders and/or volunteers enter and stay at the Fayette County Fairgrounds and/or Camp St. Mark's on Saturday, April 18 and prepare for Day 2 of the BP MS 150 on Sunday, April 19?
A: No. Per the City of La Grange Office of Emergency Management, the Fayette County Fairgrounds and Camp St. Mark's venues are closed. Cyclists and volunteers will not be allowed to enter either of the overnight sites this weekend.
Q: I am a volunteer who was scheduled for a shift on Saturday, April 18. Since Day 1 of the BP MS 150 has been canceled, are there volunteer opportunities still available for the weekend?
A: Yes! Please email volunteerbpms150@nmss.org with your availability. There are new needs for volunteers on both Saturday and Sunday.
Q: Where do I get the latest information?
A: Continue to check the BP MS 150 website and BP MS 150 Facebook page for updates and information. You can also visit the BP MS 150 Customer Service at the Omni Westside Hotel in Houston on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Q: Instead of riding in the BP MS 150 this year, can I transfer my registration to Bike MS: Sam's Club Round-Up Ride in North Texas on May 2-3, 2015?
A: Yes, we are happy that you'd like to continue to support our mission and fundraise. You'll need to turn in your BP MS 150 rider number to the National MS Society Houston office. Please contact us at bpms150@nmss.org by April 24.
Q: Where do I park in Austin on Sunday morning if I'm taking bus transportation to La Grange for the Day Two start?
A: Park in the garage located at 18th & San Jacinto. Riders who pre-paid for transportation from Austin to Houston can take a bus from Austin to La Grange on Sunday, April 19 located at 18th and Trinity. Buses and bike trucks load at 4 a.m. and will leave promptly at 4:45 a.m. The last bus will depart at 5:30 a.m. Otherwise, riders are responsible for their own transportation to La Grange.
Q: Can alcohol be consumed on La Grange I.S.D. property?
A: No, alcohol consumption is not permitted on La Grange I.S.D. property, including La Grange High School and La Grange Intermediate School.
Q: When and where can I pick up my bike in La Grange on Sunday?
A: The bike compound will be open from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at the intersection of Crockett St. and Washington St. (Fayette County Record parking lot). All bikes not picked up before 9 p.m. will be transported to the National MS Society Houston office.
Q: Is individual camping still available?
A: Yes, White Rock Park is available for individual camping at 940 Mode Lane, La Grange, TX 78495. Please adhere to posted park rules.
Q: How much is the bus back to my start location?
A: Transportation to La Grange and Tully Stadium from the Finish Line on Sunday is available for riders and their bikes for a $35 fee. Transportation can be purchased with credit card at the bus location at 18th & Trinity.
Q: What time do the buses depart from Austin to return to La Grange and Tully Stadium on Sunday?
A: Passenger Buses travel to Austin and La Grange on Sunday. Loading begins at 10 a.m. Buses will depart when full. The last bus will leave Austin at 7 p.m. There is no set schedule or specific departure times. Each bus will leave as soon as it is full.
Q: Will the bus drop me off where my car and bike are in La Grange?
A: Buses will unload passengers at the bike compound located at the intersection of Crockett St. and Washington St. (Fayette County Record parking lot).
Q: Are food and beverages provided for cyclists and official volunteers during the BP MS 150?
A: Yes, food and beverages will be provided throughout the route. At every breakpoint, there will be water, sports drinks and light snacks. Lunch is served Sunday in Bastrop. Dinner will also be served Sunday at the Austin finish line. Friends and family can purchase dinner for $5 per person.
Q: Will there be vegetarian options at the rest stops, lunch stops, and dinner?
A: There will be plenty of options for all palates. A vegetarian option will be offered at lunch and dinner. However, if you have very specific dietary requirements, we suggest that you bring supplemental food items with you to ensure you are properly fueled for the entire weekend.
Q: What support will be on the route?
A: This ride is fully supported. There will be rest stops every 8 to 15 miles and vehicles equipped with first aid and mechanical support will be on the route at all times. If you need assistance, let a volunteer know and they will find someone to help you.
Q: What if I can't finish riding?
A: The BP MS 150 is fully supported event. If you can't seem to finish the ride, there are Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles on the route and at all rest stops to pick up cyclists and their bikes to transport them to the Finish Line.
Q: Are the roads closed to cyclists only?
A: No, but safety is our number one concern and we do work with the local authorities in every community we ride through. Please visit our Safety Information this spring for information and resources on how to ride in a group ride.
Q: My spouse/co-worker/family member doesn't ride but wants to come support me at the event; what can they do?
A: If your spouse/co-worker/family member would like to volunteer for the event, please have them email their availability to volunteerbpms150@nmss.org.
Q: What is the date for the 2016 ride?
A: The date for 2016 is April 16 - 17, 2016.
Q: Where do I retrieve my completion pin and certificate?
A: Completion Pins and certificates can be retrieved at any of the Information Booths at the Finish Line.
Q: Where do I retrieve my lost item at the Finish line?
A: Lost and Found items can be retrieved at the Information Tent on 18th Street; or, after the event, send an email to bpms150@nmss.org.
Q: Is there a place to store my bike at the Austin finish line?
A: For security reasons, we encourage all cyclists to check their bikes in at the Bike Compound located at the corner of 18th and Brazos.
More details on the National MS Society website.
