The 2008 H2B Ride is only THREE Days Away!

09 17th, 2008 by ericsantamaria     

Hey Team,

The 2008 Harbor to the Bay Ride is just a few days away, and we couldn’t be more excited, because…
1)  There’s no hurricane heading right for us    *Eric knocks on wood and does small “rain-be-gone” dance*
2)  Saturday’s weather is supposed to be spectacular
3)  This is our most successful year yet!!   LOOK at how much money you’ve raised!!

This email contains information about:
*   Ride Day Sign-In
*   Ride Day Agenda Posted
*   Prepare for the Big Day!
*   Opening and Closing Ceremonies with David Brown!

Ride Day Sign-In:
Before our Crew heads out to the route, and before our Riders hop on their bikes, we have one last required event for all of you.
All Riders and Crew are required to watch the safety video before departing, if you haven’t done so already.
All Riders and Crew are required to receive an RoadID bracelet, and Riders should pick up their numbers and ride jerseys
All Riders are required to ride with a helmet. If you do not have a helmet, you will not be allowed to ride with us.  I’m a safety freak, and we want you there in one piece, even if it’s with helmet hair!  

Ride Day Agenda Posted
Are you wondering what’s going on, and when, on Saturday, September 20th?   Well, check out the sweet web page that Computer Simple put together for us!   It’s got all the details, down to the minute.

Here are some good things to remember, in addition to the agenda:
1)   Fast Riders who get to the Cape Inn before 6:30PM can check in, and then head back to your lodging to shower and relax.   We’ll have tons of food there (thanks to AIDS Support Group Cape Cod!) and great Massage Therapists to tend to your needs.   Just be sure you’re awake, and back on your bike by 6:30PM at the Cape Inn.
2)  Riders who arrive close to 6:30PM, we’ll take care of you!   If you roll in at 6:29PM (to a huge cheering crowd!) we’ll be sure your gear is safe and secure, so you can enjoy the final ride into town.
3)  Crew, we need you at the Boatslip at 6:30PM, unless you’re assigned to the Cape Inn.  If you’ve closed your pit stop, cheered for all of our friends on the route, then join us at the Cape Inn to welcome people in.   Somewhere prior to 6:30PM, be sure to pick up your gear from the Cape Inn and dispatch it to your lodging for the night.
4)   We will have lots of food this year, and will have boxes for you to take and run, even at the Cape Inn.   If you’re heading for the Saturday night ferry, be sure to swing by the Cape Inn to grab a bit of food!   We’ll miss celebrating with you, but we know people have stuff going on.
5)   Crew - The food at the pit stops should cover both you and the Riders, so don’t starve yourselves!  Just remember we’ll have lots of slower Riders who will arrive close to the Close Time for your pit.   Share the love!

Prepare for the Big Day!
So, we’ve finally gotten some great weather for H2B Ride!  As many of our returning friends know, our ride has the unique ability to attract monsoons!    Well, sunshine and upper 60’s weather still requires preparation!

Everyone:
Be safe! Look out for each other, and actively keep each other aware of safety issues
Wear sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day!
Bring a light jacket for the cool morning and evening, to keep warm
Remember you are responsible for picking up your gear by 6:40PM at the Cape Inn.
Enjoy the fabulous day, amazing camaraderie, and THANK YOU!!!

Riders:
If you have lights for your bike, be sure to bring them - the sun is going down before our final ride in!
Be sure to stretch lots throughout the day
Drink before you’re thirsty, and eat before you’re hungry!     Remember - this is a huge physical challenge!
Ask questions and don’t be shy.   We have lots of beginners and this is a huge challenge!

Crew:
You make the H2B Ride a success.  Stay focused, stay energized, and cheer cheer cheer!
Keep a close eye on the Riders, especially towards the pit stop closing times.  Watch out for signs of “bonking” and be sure everyone is eating and drinking tons.
Watch out for the safety of everyone! If you see someone riding irresponsibly, or a dangerous situation, tell your pit stop leader!

Tell the Moving Violations ladies.

Tell me, or call the H2B number and report it!   We need you to be sure we’re all celebrating on Saturday night!

Opening and Closing Ceremonies with David Brown!
Team, we are thrilled for this year’s Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony!

We have heard your feedback and we promise this will be the most efficient year yet for Opening and Closing.   We will need your undivided attention, but we’ll be sure it’s focused and concise.

And, it’ll be great because we’re honored to have David Brown from WCVB Channel 5 riding with us for 2008!    He’s been talking up the ride over the last few weeks, and is really psyched to support us.

And, I must admit I was a bit star-struck when he came to the H2B Committee Meeting last week!   *I got all shy and kept saying “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, it’s really him.  Act cool and don’t be a dork!!*  

So!  Is that enough info?  If not, check out the H2B site for more!

Despite the tough economy, you have made this our best year yet, and 100% of the money you’ve raised is going to our beneficiaries! They couldn’t be more excited because their clients - our family and friends living with HIV and AIDS - need your love and support more than ever.

You have stepped up and knocked it out of the park!    We’re going to have a spectacular ride.    So, get ready, contact your Rider Reps and Crew Reps with your questions, and I always am glad to help too!

See you Friday and/or Saturday!

Regards,
Eric Santamaria
EricSantamaria@harbortothebay.org