-
Amateur Radio/HAM Operators
Amateur radio operators form the primary Houston-to-Austin communications network for the BP MS 150. Operators are assigned to several different groups or stationed at different locations along the route.
Close Description -
Bike Loading Team
Pack, load and unload bikes to and from trucks. Moderate to heavy lifting is required for this work-intensive position.
Close Description -
Bike Police
A volunteer rider and certified law enforcement officer who serves the route with safety measurements and directs traffic when needed. These special volunteers must be a certified police officer or fire fighter, bike certified through an accredited agency and a participant on both Days 1 and 2. Each volunteer is issued a special bike jersey and distinctive rider number.
Close Description -
Breakpoints
Assist with set-up and take down of route breakpoints. Man breakpoints during the ride. Provide communications for supplies and medical problems. Normally, this is a one-day commitment, but this depends on your location. Breakpoint volunteers help set up, take down and operate breakpoints. Activities may include putting up and taking down tents, tables and chairs; cutting fruit; mixing sport drinks; providing information and directions; managing lines and crowd control; providing positive moral support and hospitality; and loading and unloading supply trucks.There are typically eight breakpoints each day on the BP MS 150 route. Breakpoints provide riders with food, drink, portable toilets, medical support and a place to rest.
Close Description -
Breakpoint Controllers
Provide cyclist traffic control just inside each breakpoint as cyclists enter and exit each breakpoint (physical position not located on highway). Responsibility is to keep the cyclists MOVING forward and NOT TO STOP or DISEMBARK from their bike upon entry. Upon exiting, encourage cyclists to prep for remainder of the ride well within the breakpoint and NOT to stop at the exit. Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years old, willing to work 4-5 hours at their assigned breakpoint, attend at least one training session and be a task-oriented volunteer ready for repetitive verbal instructions to cyclists in a firm, but courteous, spirited and encouraging tone.
Close Description -
Bus Departure
Load luggage on buses, announce bus departures and answer bus schedule questions from riders.
Close Description -
Finish Line Take Down
Dismantle Finish Line sites in La Grange and Austin, then load trucks with supplies. Heavy lifting is required.
Close Description -
Bike Medic
A bike medic is a volunteer rider who provides medical assistance along the route on Days 1 and 2. The level of care will usually be BLS, but can include BTLS and ALS. Other duties may include traffic control, minor bike repairs and rider information. EMS volunteers must have a minimum of ECA or greater. BTLS, ACLS and any other specialty certifications are welcomed. They are not required to be affiliated with a fire department or EMS service, but some pre-hospital experience is preferred. EMS will carry BLS as well as BSI items. Communication is via cell phone to the ride’s Command Center. A special rider jersey will be issued.
Close Description -
Finish Line Set-Up
Set up Finish Line sites in La Grange and Austin with supplies and equipment such as tables, tents, fencing, banners, scaffolding and signs. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
Close Description -
Food Service
Serve food during the ride at lunch stops in Bellville and Bastrop.
Close Description -
Houston Command Post
The command post oversees medical incidents and other issues. The command post monitors the ride on HF, VHF and UHF amateur bands. Medical vehicles are tracked with APRS units. The command post receives calls from event and services personnel to coordinate situation response. You can work from one hour to two days. The command post is open from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday.
Close Description -
Hydration Station
Stock and serve water, Pepsi and Gatorade.
Close Description -
Information Booth
Answer questions and distribute materials.
Close Description -
Luggage Team
Help load, store and retrieve luggage at Start Line, Overnight and Finish Line. Moderate to heavy lifting required.
Close Description -
Medical Team
Provide medical assistance at all official sites and on the route. Must be licensed or certified professionals for this position. This is a two-day commitment.
Close Description -
Motorcycle Marshal
Department of Motor Vehicles Check Required. All Motorcycle Marshal Positions for the 2011 BP MS 150 have been filled. To be placed on the 2011 Motorcycle Marshal Waiting List, register online and select Motorcycle Marshal in Question #7. Patrol route to help with rider control. When needed, respond to emergencies and traffic situations. Motorcycle Marshals provide motorcycle escort support along the route to troubleshoot problems and ensure rider safety. Responsibilities may include starting the Tour on Days 1 and 2, monitoring the flow of riders, assisting with traffic control, communicating with Tour officials via the command center or net control and handling minor incidents. Motorcycle Marshals must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license and proof of insurance covering the motorcycle to be ridden in the BP MS 150. Like the bicycle riders, all Motorcycle Marshals are required to wear helmets and may only ride solo. Current policy does not allow trikes, sidecars or motorcycle trailers. All new Motorcycle Marshals must be active amateur radio operators with VHF/UHF ham radio capability on the motorcycle and a cellular phone for backup communications. A one-day ham radio cram course for interested volunteers to earn a ham radio license will be available in early in the year. In addition, all new Motorcycle Marshals must have completed an MSF or equivalent Rider Education course in the last five years, and may be subject to a background and driving record check.CPR and first aid training is desirable, but not mandatory. CPR and/or first aid training will be provided in March by the National MS Society at no charge.To qualify as a Motorcycle Marshal, you must complete a two-hour classroom training session on the role and operational procedures of the Motorcycle Marshal. You must also participate as a Motorcycle Marshal in a designated BP MS 150 Recommended Ride where a Motorcycle Marshal Training Officer will monitor you.
Close Description -
NET Control
NET Control operations are set up in Houston, Bellville, La Grange and Austin. There are two NETS running at all times and many operators are needed to cover this important position. This is a one- or two-day commitment, depending on your location. Set up Overnight site with tables, tents, fencing, banners and signs. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
Close Description -
Ride Marshal
Sign Up - Ride Marshals are registered cyclists who act as both Good Will and Safety Ambassadors for the BP MS 150 Recommended Rides and BP MS 150. Must be 18 years of age. Be passionate and knowledgeable about safe cycling and be willing to work with fellow cyclists to promote safe cycling. Have completed at least two (2) BP MS 150 rides from Houston to Austin within the last 5 years. Provide proof of current CPR/First Aid Training. The National MS Society provides training, if you don't already have certification, but it must be completed BEFORE you can perform any Ride Marshal functions such as supporting any BP MS 150 Recommended Rides. Be able to support at least two (2) BP MS 150 Recommended Rides during the training season (Jan - April). Complete a hands-on (8 hr minimum) cycling safety class provided through various resources (including the National MS Society). (Ride Marshal Manual; Ride Marshal Code of Conduct)
Close Description -
Rovers
Assist staff as needed.
Close Description -
SAG Drivers
Drive Support and Gear (SAG) drive vans and transport cyclists who are unable to ride to the next breakpoint. This is a two-day commitment. SAG drivers must have a valid Texas Drivers License, proof of insurance, average visual acuity, ability to drive a large cargo van through tight rider and pedestrian areas, and ability to lift up to 40 pounds. It is important that SAG drivers practice patience and are able to handle high-pressure situations. SAG drivers are encouraged to have a second person to help load the van and navigate; there is a maximum of two volunteers per van. SAG drivers must be able to work the entire weekend from 4:30 a.m to 4 p.m. or later such as 7 p.m. on both Days 1 and 2.
Close Description -
Sick Puppies
Certified medical professionals (EMTs, paramedics and nurses) who administer first aid and who are trained in CPR. They help on the route as rovers, at Breakpoints and in first aid stations. Primary duties of rovers include traveling between route breakpoints and watching for riders who may need medical care. The rovers are equipped with a minimum of two medical personnel and medical supplies to handle emergencies. The rovers also have HAM radios operators assigned to them. During the ride, at any time, the first five rovers could be assigned the duties of MED 1, which handles all medical issues and/or routing of personnel where needed.Breakpoints have a minimum of four medical personnel. Breakpoint personnel hand out basic medical supplies and log any medicine and/or medical assistance given. Breakpoint personnel also apply muscle-relaxing balm. These personnel move along the route when their assigned breakpoints close. Larger breakpoints are manned with six or seven personnel. The main First Aid Station in La Grange is set up to handle any and all emergencies that happen at the Overnight, along with emergencies sent in from the route. It is manned by a minimum of three medical personnel and a doctor who handles protocols. This position is crucial for riders who require further evaluation or transport to a medical center. This unit is open from 2 p.m. Saturday until all riders have left the Overnight on Sunday.For additional information, please email hou.medical@ms150.org.
Close Description -
"Spirit"
Cheer cyclists on as they cross the Finish Line in La Grange and Austin. Bring any items you wish, such as noisemakers, signs and pom-poms.
Close Description -
Start Line/Take Down
Set up tables, tents, fencing, banners and scaffolding; dismantle and pack supplies. Moderate to heavy lifting required.
Close Description -
Supply Truck and Van Drivers
Drive, load and unload trucks and vans carrying supplies, ice and refrigerated items. Moderate to heavy lifting may be required. Drivers with commercial licenses preferred. This is a two-day commitment.
Close Description -
Volunteer Check-In
Check in volunteers at booth.
Close Description
Job Descriptions
User Options:
Please create an account or sign in to save pages to My Content.
- Amateur Radio/HAM Operators
- Bike Loading Team
- Bike Police
- Breakpoints
- Breakpoint Controllers
- Bus Departure
- Finish Line Take Down
- Bike Medic
- Finish Line Set-Up
- Food Service
- Houston Command Post
- Hydration Station
- Information Booth
- Luggage Team
- Medical Team
- Motorcycle Marshal
- NET Control
-
Ride Marshal
- Rovers
- SAG Drivers
- Sick Puppies
- "Spirit"
- Start Line/Take Down
- Supply Truck and Van Drivers
- Volunteer Check-In