OBRA: OBRA Chat: cross nats mens 30-34 crash

Geoff Huber

2009-12-16

I appreciate the info..my rendition may have been a bit clouded by the pain..but this guy turned into me no doubt about it. If it was a complete accident one would hope the other guy would at least show some sort of compassion for a fellow racer screaming in pain. We were mid-pack at best with three laps to go so neither he nor I were going to taste victory. The only other time I have collided with another racer was during a Semi-Pro short track race during the Sea Otter Classic. Another rider and myself were sprinting for 6th and 7th and we got tangled up...he went down..I did not...but I stopped...helped him up and let him cross the line in front of me because neither of us were going to stand on the podium that day. My point is...this guy did not give a shit and that is where I believe he is in the wrong. But...life goes on and crashes will happen. Thanks again for speaking up...Geoff.

Chipp

2009-12-16

Thanks Mike, I had my finger on the "buy" button and have been fooled before by not asking.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Murray
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:23 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

It is my understanding that Adventure Advocates through USAC is a group policy so preexisting condition exclusions do not apply. They limit their exposure by selecting a group (active bike racers) less likely to have preexisting conditions. In addition, since they are covering injury only, they care less about preexisting conditions.

Mike Murray

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Chipp
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 14:29 PM
To: Joel Morrissette; Brady Brady
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

Geoff, sucks that you are injured and I hope for a speedy recovery. Question for those with Adventure Advocates ins.: I read the policy and could'nt find anything about pre-exsisting conditions, like, doing damage to something that's already damaged?Can we get a rep from this group who knows the in's and out's and will be completely transparent with regards to coverage? Not someone from USAC who answers with" I'm not sure, I'll have to check and get back to you".Seems like a no brainer to be covered by AA but would like some more info first.And thanks Candi, I didn't know this was available.

----- Original Message -----

From: Joel Morrissette

To: Brady Brady

Cc: obra@list.obra.org e-mail

Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 2:08 PM

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

While gluing a tubular...

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Brady Brady wrote:

Yeah, but would insurance even cover something like riding rollers on a track bike while smoking, giving yourself a beer handup, removing your old OBRA sticker and strapped to the pedals-while in the bathroom of a motorhome descending an icy mountain pass?

(Note that although this sounds odd, it isn't too far removed from 'cross.)

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Joel Morrissette
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 1:09 PM
To: Dan H

Cc: obra@list.obra.org

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

If you were uninsured, smoking in the bathroom of a motorhome on the freeway you'd be a goner.

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 1:03 PM, Dan H wrote:

Rob,

You are safer outside your home. In fact, if you want to stay safe, stay out of the bathroom. That's where most people get sick, injured or die. The next most dangerous place is the freeway. I guess if you were in the bathroom of a motorhome going down the freeway, you would be lucky to get out alive!

----- Original Message -----

From: Robert Anderson

To: Helmut Roole

Cc: obra@list.obra.org

Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 12:40 PM

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

So this "Throwdown League" thing... Why do they believe bicycle racing should be free? I have worked several races and it's a lot of work. Either the Throwdown League events totally suck due to lack of planning and resources, or the people putting on these free events are getting screwed. Or perhaps it's a bunch of hipsters who can't handle the real competition in OBRA. You tell me.

On a side note, I wouldn't leave the house without health insurance. Too risky financially.

-Rob Anderson

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM, Helmut Roole wrote:

Geof,

I don't know what's more jacked up. The guy running you into the barriers or Candi reading you the Riot Act; especially when you consider the microscopic figure that cyclist-crashing-in-organized-events must represent in the overall cost of health care in America. In fact, I'd bet that it's more than offset by the overall good health of those participating in such activities. Additionally Geof, I'd bet you will be held responsible for all the costs of this accident. Probably be paying on it for quite some time.

I say kudos to Geof for not participating in an inherently flawed system that profits off the health and ill health of American citizens. Geof, you're always welcome to race at the Throwdown League, with or without health insurance.

Helmut Roole,

Founder of Throwdown League

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Candi Murray
To: geoff huber ; obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Tue, December 15, 2009 5:16:33 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

Geoff
I am sorry about your accident and I hope you heal quickly.
That said I have 2 points to add.

It is really irresponsible for you to race your bike without health
insurance. I have heard all the arguments about the cost. I have 3
children, all of which are underemployed and they all have insurance. I am
positive that the annual cost would have been much less then you spent on
bike equipment this year. You need to reassess.

Then, this was a USAC event, they have insurance to cover your accident. You
should be able to find the necessary paperwork off of their website.
Candi

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of geoff huber
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:42 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

I hope everyone had a blast this weekend and made it home safe. I have been
racing in Oregon since 93' and I feel very fortunate to be an avid member of
OBRA. Just two weeks ago I was interviewed after a local cross race in
Eugene and was asked "why do you race cross?" One of my answers
was.."because of the comradeship between my fellow racers." I have never
had a negative experience with any other racer....until this weekend. The
Masters 30-34 class contained a lot if local (Oregon) guys and I was excited
to compete in my first National Champs. After flatting on the first lap I
knew I could not expect great things...but hey this was the National
Championships and I was going to race like hell no matter what. With three
laps to go I had worked my way up to mid pack. I eventually caught a group
of four riders and had picked off three of them by the time we hit the
infield side if the pit area. Now anyone at this race knows that there was
ample space to pass on either side of the pit. As the last rider from the
group and I came into the straight away we were in the middle if the lane
and I jumped out of the sadddle to pass on the right. As I came even with
the other rider he steered me into the metal barrier/fencing in an attempt
to prevent me from passing. I crashed into the pit fencing at speed and I
sustained the following injuries: Broken sternum, two broken fingers..one
if them was a compound fracture, severe knee contusion, and whiplash. I
just spent the last two days in the hospital racking up thousands of dollars
in uninsured medical bills...and missed my start in the Elite Class on
Sunday. I needed all the fancy tests and x-rays to make sure I didn't do
any permanent damage to my lungs or heart. I want to let this individual
know that not only am I totally f@$%ed for the next couple of months and now
have an insane pile of debt...but my injuries now prevent me from starting a
much needed new job. This all for a mid-pack f inish. There is not much I
can do now...I just hope that the person responsible for this now
understands that his actions on the race course will linger in my life for
months. There is no doubt this was an intentional act and I welcome input
from all that read this. One bright note out of all this is that Cross Nats
will be in Bend again next year and I will get another shot. As I sit here
and write this, all I think about is that moment when I will be able to get
back on my bike and start training for next season. I would not wish these
injuries on anyone...it really, really sucks. Geoff Huber
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--
__o "It never gets easier,
_ \<_ you just go faster."
(_)/(_) -- Greg LeMond

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Mike Murray

2009-12-16

It is my understanding that Adventure Advocates through USAC is a group
policy so preexisting condition exclusions do not apply. They limit their
exposure by selecting a group (active bike racers) less likely to have
preexisting conditions. In addition, since they are covering injury only,
they care less about preexisting conditions.

Mike Murray

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Chipp
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 14:29 PM
To: Joel Morrissette; Brady Brady
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

Geoff, sucks that you are injured and I hope for a speedy recovery. Question
for those with Adventure Advocates ins.: I read the policy and could'nt find
anything about pre-exsisting conditions, like, doing damage to something
that's already damaged?Can we get a rep from this group who knows the in's
and out's and will be completely transparent with regards to coverage? Not
someone from USAC who answers with" I'm not sure, I'll have to check and get
back to you".Seems like a no brainer to be covered by AA but would like
some more info first.And thanks Candi, I didn't know this was available.

----- Original Message -----

From: Joel Morrissette

To: Brady Brady

Cc: obra@list.obra.org e-mail

Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 2:08 PM

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

While gluing a tubular...

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Brady Brady wrote:

Yeah, but would insurance even cover something like riding rollers on a
track bike while smoking, giving yourself a beer handup, removing your old
OBRA sticker and strapped to the pedals-while in the bathroom of a motorhome
descending an icy mountain pass?

(Note that although this sounds odd, it isn't too far removed from 'cross.)

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Joel Morrissette
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 1:09 PM
To: Dan H

Cc: obra@list.obra.org

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

If you were uninsured, smoking in the bathroom of a motorhome on the freeway
you'd be a goner.

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 1:03 PM, Dan H wrote:

Rob,

You are safer outside your home. In fact, if you want to stay safe, stay out
of the bathroom. That's where most people get sick, injured or die. The next
most dangerous place is the freeway. I guess if you were in the bathroom of
a motorhome going down the freeway, you would be lucky to get out alive!

----- Original Message -----

From: Robert Anderson

To: Helmut Roole

Cc: obra@list.obra.org

Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 12:40 PM

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

So this "Throwdown League" thing... Why do they believe bicycle racing
should be free? I have worked several races and it's a lot of work. Either
the Throwdown League events totally suck due to lack of planning and
resources, or the people putting on these free events are getting screwed.
Or perhaps it's a bunch of hipsters who can't handle the real competition in
OBRA. You tell me.

On a side note, I wouldn't leave the house without health insurance. Too
risky financially.

-Rob Anderson

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM, Helmut Roole
wrote:

Geof,

I don't know what's more jacked up. The guy running you into the barriers or
Candi reading you the Riot Act; especially when you consider the microscopic
figure that cyclist-crashing-in-organized-events must represent in the
overall cost of health care in America. In fact, I'd bet that it's more than
offset by the overall good health of those participating in such
activities. Additionally Geof, I'd bet you will be held responsible for all
the costs of this accident. Probably be paying on it for quite some time.

I say kudos to Geof for not participating in an inherently flawed system
that profits off the health and ill health of American citizens. Geof,
you're always welcome to race at the Throwdown League
, with or
without health insurance.

Helmut Roole,

Founder of Throwdown League

_____

From: Candi Murray
To: geoff huber ; obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Tue, December 15, 2009 5:16:33 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

Geoff
I am sorry about your accident and I hope you heal quickly.
That said I have 2 points to add.

It is really irresponsible for you to race your bike without health
insurance. I have heard all the arguments about the cost. I have 3
children, all of which are underemployed and they all have insurance. I am
positive that the annual cost would have been much less then you spent on
bike equipment this year. You need to reassess.

Then, this was a USAC event, they have insurance to cover your accident. You
should be able to find the necessary paperwork off of their website.
Candi

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of geoff huber
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:42 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

I hope everyone had a blast this weekend and made it home safe. I have been
racing in Oregon since 93' and I feel very fortunate to be an avid member of
OBRA. Just two weeks ago I was interviewed after a local cross race in
Eugene and was asked "why do you race cross?" One of my answers
was.."because of the comradeship between my fellow racers." I have never
had a negative experience with any other racer....until this weekend. The
Masters 30-34 class contained a lot if local (Oregon) guys and I was excited
to compete in my first National Champs. After flatting on the first lap I
knew I could not expect great things...but hey this was the National
Championships and I was going to race like hell no matter what. With three
laps to go I had worked my way up to mid pack. I eventually caught a group
of four riders and had picked off three of them by the time we hit the
infield side if the pit area. Now anyone at this race knows that there was
ample space to pass on either side of the pit. As the last rider from the
group and I came into the straight away we were in the middle if the lane
and I jumped out of the sadddle to pass on the right. As I came even with
the other rider he steered me into the metal barrier/fencing in an attempt
to prevent me from passing. I crashed into the pit fencing at speed and I
sustained the following injuries: Broken sternum, two broken fingers..one
if them was a compound fracture, severe knee contusion, and whiplash. I
just spent the last two days in the hospital racking up thousands of dollars
in uninsured medical bills...and missed my start in the Elite Class on
Sunday. I needed all the fancy tests and x-rays to make sure I didn't do
any permanent damage to my lungs or heart. I want to let this individual
know that not only am I totally f@$%ed for the next couple of months and now
have an insane pile of debt...but my injuries now prevent me from starting a
much needed new job. This all for a mid-pack f inish. There is not much I
can do now...I just hope that the person responsible for this now
understands that his actions on the race course will linger in my life for
months. There is no doubt this was an intentional act and I welcome input
from all that read this. One bright note out of all this is that Cross Nats
will be in Bend again next year and I will get another shot. As I sit here
and write this, all I think about is that moment when I will be able to get
back on my bike and start training for next season. I would not wish these
injuries on anyone...it really, really sucks. Geoff Huber
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

_____

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

--
__o "It never gets easier,
_ \<_ you just go faster."
(_)/(_) -- Greg LeMond

_____

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

_____

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.427 / Virus Database: 270.14.110/2568 - Release Date: 12/16/09
08:02:00

Chipp

2009-12-16

Geoff, sucks that you are injured and I hope for a speedy recovery. Question for those with Adventure Advocates ins.: I read the policy and could'nt find anything about pre-exsisting conditions, like, doing damage to something that's already damaged?Can we get a rep from this group who knows the in's and out's and will be completely transparent with regards to coverage? Not someone from USAC who answers with" I'm not sure, I'll have to check and get back to you".Seems like a no brainer to be covered by AA but would like some more info first.And thanks Candi, I didn't know this was available.
----- Original Message -----
From: Joel Morrissette
To: Brady Brady
Cc: obra@list.obra.org e-mail
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 2:08 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] cross nats mens 30-34 crash

While gluing a tubular...

On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Brady Brady wrote:

Yeah, but would insurance even cover something like riding rollers on a track bike while smoking, giving yourself a beer handup, removing your old OBRA sticker and strapped to the pedals—while in the bathroom of a motorhome descending an icy mountain pass?

(Note that although this sounds odd, it isn’t too far removed from ‘cross.)