Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of BP, it is our pleasure to invite you to become part of Team BP for the 2010 BP MS150 ride.  This year will mark our 10th year anniversary as the title sponsor for this “Texas cycling tradition,” an exciting and important milestone that we should celebrate by participating in some way!  Furthermore, as you may already know, BP recently extended its partnership with the Lone Star Chapter of MS, serving as title sponsor of the BP MS150 through 2012!

The 180-mile ride from Houston to Austin is the largest fundraising bike tour in North America.  Despite major weather obstacles in the 2009 BP MS150 ride, several records were set. First, the event set a national fundraising record of $ 17.1 million.  At the team level, Team BP set a fundraising record in the 2009 BP MS150 by surpassing its own goal of raising $1.1 million. Also, we’re proud to confirm that in 2009 Team BP was also the largest team, with 750 riders and 200 volunteers. The effort is quite an accomplishment and a tribute to the spirit of our employees.

Better yet, the 2009 BP MS150 was one of the safest rides to date. Team BP leads the safety initiative, educating cyclists on all aspects of safe cycling.

Words cannot describe the pride we felt riding with Team BP in the 2009 BP MS150. From our start in LaGrange due to the torrential downpour and canceling of Day 1, to our volunteers supporting us at lunch and rest stops along the way, and cheering at the finish in Austin.  Team BP is an important part of this ride.

As a 2010 rider and fundraiser, you will be supporting the Lone Star Chapter of the MS Society as it works to provide research and services for more than 20,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 141 Texas counties. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. The disease usually strikes adults in the prime of life – between the ages of 20 and 50. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour.

On behalf of BP and the Lone Star Chapter of the National MS Society, we invite you to become a part of this exciting event.  Look for a future announcement on the details of the sign-up for Team BP.  Even if you choose not to ride, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or support a rider by donating to the cause.

Brian Frank, Richard Morrison
Executive Sponsors