Vermont is spelled with a capital “V”, surely no coincidence. With the loads of mountains and climbs available, it had to start with a “V”. I mean, if it was mountainous enough to draw a runaway “loose” nun who left the church for a sailor, it must be good, right? (Great nordic skiing there””Trapp Family Lodge, if you are there in the winter months as well).
Anyways, being a seventh generation “V”ermonter myself, who was raised on a family farm on Rogers’ Hill in West Newbury, VT (which was hand cleared and settled in 1763 by my G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and still owned by my father) I have a deep love and feel for VT, liberal politics notwithstanding. So when I heard about the 200 on 100 “Dumptruck of Awesome” that was available, I just knew that I had to do it. And not only that, I knew that I had to share this beautiful “Ode to the V in Vermont” with all of my best cyber-cycling-soul mates. Okay, soul mates might be going a bit far there, but you get my meaning.
So, enough with the intro.
Break out the rollers, get on the trainers, find your winter gear; lay off the seconds, nurse that one glass of booze, hold the toasting to one drink, dodge Cupid’s chocolates and shoot the Easter Bunny because training for this bastard started yesterday and you’ll be paying for it on the 28th of June, 2012 in spades!
See you in the pre-dawn hours on the Canadian border with our eyes firmly fixed on the prize of the Massachusetts border. Let’s drive this dump truck like Mel Gibson leaving the compound in a post-apocalyptic world, baby!
Route and location details on the Cogal Event Page.
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Planning a feed zone for a double-lake loop (225km) on June 16. All food to be consumed while in the saddle and all bottles handed off.
@roger
Contact Bob Mionske's office. http://www.bicyclelaw.com I don't know if he's able to practice in Massachusetts (I assume that's where you are), but he can certainly put you in touch with someone who can.
Get a copy of the police report.
Also, try to contact the driver and ask (nicely) for his/her insurance info so you can file a claim. Obviously, this is much easier said than done.
I'm sorry to hear about all this. I hope you are physically okay and can get back to riding soon.
@roger
Sorry I didn't give you the link. Here you go: http://www.bicyclelaw.com
@Jeff in PetroMetro
Not sure how I screwed that up, but the link takes me back to Velominati.com. Anyway, it's an easy web address to type.
@roger
This is such a drag but am glad you are alright? This happened to me in Mass 35 years ago and I am now in NY so I am not sure about details. I would stand up for yourself and be strong about the drivers liability do not let them put blame on you as that will mean they start dicking around ascribing %'s of liability to you and then when it comes time to write the check you only get that %.
If you are alright ask for the full value of the bike and any hospital costs ( if you went) and say you will sign waivers on the physical if you get the full value of the bike other wise threaten to sue. I honestly do not know if this is the right course for your situation but it worked for me without a lawyer because I had witnesses and a police report and I just was firm with them?
Jeff's right about Mionske he is a great place to start but if you have your ducks in a row you may be able to get it done yourself.... Good luck and I hope this works out.
@roger
roger, hope you are OK.
Contact your homeowner's insurance company or your local broker. If your bike is covered under your policy, and the insurance company can get someone else to pay for it (i.e. the driver), I'm sure they will assist you with the claim process against the driver that hit you. And if they have an auto insurance arm, they may be able to help you with the process.
And as others have said, if you can get the other driver's insurance company name and policy number, that would greatly speed up the process. Rookie mistake though: the first time I was rear ended, I too only got the driver's name, license # and plate. Second time, I knew what to ask for.
Given the additional close calls you've reported in the recent past, sounds to me like you need to find new roads. Take care of yourself man... we want you to be riding this cogal!
@roger
Echoing others' comments -- hope you are alright. A few other ideas in addition to the ones above -- (1) if you have renters/homeowners insurance and make a claim give the driver's identifying info. Your carrier will have an incentive to figure out who covers the driver, although see @Rob's comment. (2) Be persistent in dealing with insurers. Tell them you want to hear back by X date. When you don't hear back, call them the next day to follow up. This is no occassion for the principle of silence; the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
If you have a homeowners policy call your agent they will go after the driver for you if you are covered . The police report should have all the info you need to contact them. Give the info to your insurance agent and ask them the best way to Persue it. You may just need to show teeth through a layers letter to get your needs met. Under no circumstances air to any %of fault if you aren't at fault. Stay strong be persistent and relentless until you are fully reimbursed. Glad you are o.k. You are gonna rock this ride. And if you need a bike for the 200 and or training our local shop rents amazing bikes.
@roger
Hope everything is going allright post accident. Sorry to hear and hope you can still ride on the big day.
@all
After your encouragement and reminder of SAG support, I'm reconsidering my withdrawal. While my recent rides have been less than stellar, I'm giving myself a little over a week of hard training before I pull the plug on my participation for good. That gives me a few more rides to get some shape, then taper before the big day. I also have to deal with the fact that despite asking for the time off, I was not given both Thursday and Friday off, and I will need both. I have to do some begging and bartering around the office in order to participate even if the form is better.