walkerr

John - thanks. It's been a real struggle getting someone to actually come back to me on this. I appreciate your efforts. A simple "we can't cover that" would suffice. It would mean I take the cycle part of my cover to Cyclesure, who have confirmed in writing they will provide that level of cover for around the same premium - but at least the matter will be clear all around. Cheers -- Rob

Darn - that sucks. Sorry to hear they stiffed you so badly. Hope it comes right.

Just to clarify - by "them" do you mean OUTsurance? (just want to be sure, as we've also discussed couple of other firms in this thread).

Thanks Warren, will take a look. My case is a little atypical (need for overseas 3rd party liability cover). Cyclesure have given me written confirmation of this, and also agreed to waive the 3 month deferrment period on overseas trips being covered for new policies. So they've come back with everything I need - which is lilkely to get my business unless OUT can sort their act out.

Good to know - they are my next option. Take the bikes off my OUT cover and move it to them

Thanks I will check that. If that is the case, will almost certainly see my bike cover going to Hollard/Cyclesure - their cover is worldwide including liability (have just had that confirmed)

It's required that all entrants to the event hold 3rd party cover

And we do this stuff to stay healthy ....

No - the bit i need is 3rd part cover for an overseas ride - both of which the web site wording suggests are covered, and both of which their call center guys and underwriters seem to be disputing. I'm sure local loss/damage/bike jacking are all ok.

Thing is - as others have said above - OUT can be pretty good when it comes to claims. In fact, I had a lot worse before I switched to them. That's really why this is so annoying - I don't really want to switch to someone else, because for the most part they are good. But it also grates massively that they claim one thing on their website, but then I can't get it confirmed from them in writing so I can show I am covered for the event I'm riding in.

Yeah - I am very bad about stretching. I know that hasn't helped me at all. Also picked up a foam roller at the weekend, and used it after Sunday's ride for the first time. Marginal relief, but def helped a bit.

Yep - agree. I've stuck with OUT because they've done me well over the years. But they are frustrating the absoluate cr@p out of me on this one!

With such a unique bike is a Gery Visser - why would you want to change it!

Yep - not so much worried about the bikes themselves, that part seems clearly covered.

Tell me about it! I need a proper written clarification, because part of the entry criteria for an overseas events requires it. Despite their website claim, so far their call center staff & underwriters are denying the policy covers what the website claims. Actually, OUT have been ok for me on most things in the past - but they suck at this. Just logged a complaint on Hellopeter - can't be a$$ed wasting more time on their call center. If they p1ss me off enough, I may try and find some formal insurance ombudsman I can log a formal complaint with over their false advertising.

I'm on about my fifth call to try and get absolute clarification on what they cover. But if you read their sales talk on their website everything looks great: http://www.outsurance.co.za/personal/other-insurance-products/bicycle/ Especially these bits: Receive complete protection from OUTsurance when you are racing, training or riding socially. You'll also receive worldwide cover! There is literally no place on earth you can go where you won't be covered. So why wait? Next time you visit Mozambique, don't hesitate to take your bicycle with you. And later on: If you already have household insurance with OUTsurance, we'll throw in personal legal liability for up to R5 million. I have had such a policy with them for a while, but am having enormous difficulty getting them to confirm that the policy covers what they claim above - specificlly the personal liability aspect. Despite advertising it, they don't seem to want to actually confirm it is covered. I'm pretty close to switching to Hollard Cyclesure, who actually do seem willing to confirm they cover all of the above.

Cool, hope it does. My back pain is down from around an 8 / 9 to maybe a 2 or 3 - more of a minor niggle I just need to take care around. I do think that the gym flexibility and short running sessions have helped in addition to the massage, so if you have time, maybe try and work soem of them into your weekly regime. I know what you mean about overkill - but when you look at what we spend on bikes and kit, the massages actually make a lot of sense cost/benefit wise in terms of keeping you fit and riding

I've been training much harder than the norm for the last few months - and lately also suffered lower back pain. Luckily I knew another rider who'd also had this, and so didn't panic - it's not uncommon for cyclists. Also luckily, I was just starting to have a regular sports massage. The masseuse confirmed what my friend had also mentioned, doing only cycling and too much leg strength strengthens your "front" leg muscles, at the expense of weakening your back ones (hammies, and I think Psoas - but I'm no doctor). That pulls your hips forward and strains lower back muscles - at firest the pain will just be muscular, no lasting damage, but if left unchecked you could suffer lower disc problems. (the above is my understanding from how it was explained to me - I'm no doctor though, and may have mixed some bits up) Anyhow, the recommendation was working on flexibility and hamstring stretching in the gym sessions, and backing off too much pure leg strength work. I also started doing 15 minutes on the jogging machines, and making sure I stretch well (especially hammies) and roll out my back and leg muscles (especially ITB, hammies and lower back) after rides. It hasn't totally cured the back pain - but it is way way better. I noticed it most now after rides with big climbs, or climbing sessions on the IDT. Would echo what others say above - get yourself on with a good phyiso and or sports masseuse for some regular sessions, and make sure your training programme has stuff to balance the cycling which is over strengthening the front leg muscles. PM me if the number of an excellent sports maseuse in Strand would be any use. And good luck - I was devastated it would kill my big ride plans, but I'm feeling now with the altered regime I can manage it

That is truly crap. I'm guessing most of us on here have insurance, and it's the personal injury aspect that's the bigger concern. To a gardener or handyman though, it's his transport to and from work which he depends on. That makes me heart sore

Nasty - another stretch to avoid riding solo it seems

Ok - so I'll ask the question. Who makes a decent/reasonably priced set of rollers to start off with? (PS - I have a turbo already, but am still lured by the benefits of mixing it up with some roller training now and then)

Thanks - will pass on those contact details

Yep - the club has a long-ish FB thread where a few of us suggested that also. Like you say, it only takes a couple of lazy/bad cops to spoil the efforts of the good guys.

Folks - just a warning that one of our club riders was attacked by two guys on the R102 near the section where it goes under the Baden Powell Drive bridge. He took some knocks, but luckily got away without any really serious injuries. He reported these as viscous thugs though - so everyone please be careful around that stretch, and preferably don't ride it solo. Worse still was the attitude of Somerset West police who refused to take a statement because nothing had been taken, despite the fact that this was clearly a crime of assault even without the attempted theft too. Whoever was on charge that day was a disgrace to the SAPS I'm sad to say.

Good luck. I had ambitions to be a photographer a while back - wasn't good (or brave) enough, but I have an appreciation what a tough profession it is to earn a living from. Hope you make it work.