Roadside Assistance

[mtkitchn]

I ride solo a lot, and one of my concerns is what I'd do if something happened, i.e. I had a major mechanical issue that I couldn't fix and was far from home.
What do you ladies do when there is nobody on the other end of a telephone to come save you? Does AAA help you if you're on a bike? Do you call a cab? Walk to the nearest bus?
Myself, DH and friends are all in the travel industry and a lot of times when I ride there is nobody in town. Usually I don't stray far from home when that's the case, but I'd like to be able to do longer loops and am looking for options to soothe my worried mind!:confused:

[mimitabby]

a friend of mine ended up paying $100 bucks for a cab once when the weather turned and he was having mechanicals. He said it was worth every cent.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Different suggestions depending on what kind of surroundings you might be stuck in. Would you be in populated areas with stores, fast food restaurants and gas stations and such? Or would you be on remote country roads with no stores, public buildings, and no shelter at all to duck into? Would there be people around anywhere at all if you got sick or stuck on your longer rides?

[li10up]

Hitchhike? But only accept a ride from someone in a pickup truck. You and your bike safely in the back. Just tell them you have to prevent any damage to the bike or from your bike damaging their truck.

I've never done this but I think it's what I would do.

[KnottedYet]

I'd call AAA, tell 'em I'm a woman travelling alone and give them my member number and ask for a ride to a safe place (maybe home). I pay for all their travelling perks, so I would expect some help from them finding a ride when I need help while travelling!

They would likely arrange some form of transport (one call does it all!) and hopefully not charge me much.

[Trekhawk]

I ride solo a lot, and one of my concerns is what I'd do if something happened, i.e. I had a major mechanical issue that I couldn't fix and was far from home.
What do you ladies do when there is nobody on the other end of a telephone to come save you? Does AAA help you if you're on a bike? Do you call a cab? Walk to the nearest bus?
Myself, DH and friends are all in the travel industry and a lot of times when I ride there is nobody in town. Usually I don't stray far from home when that's the case, but I'd like to be able to do longer loops and am looking for options to soothe my worried mind!:confused:

LOL I do worry about this too but for other reasons. If Im riding out in the sticks on a week day Im always worried that if something happens I wont be back in time to pick my kids up from school. I do have a mobile phone that I could use to ring another mum but the coverage here is hit and miss. This is why I tend to stay a little closer to home on week days and venture further afield on the weekends.

[Pax]

I belong to the Better World Club, it covers me in my car and on the bike. http://www.betterworldclub.com/bicycles/bike_assistance.htm

I can't speak to their service as I haven't had to use it but I found some excellent testimonials online when I was shopping for a plan.

[Mr. Bloom]

Queen, that's a great program. My single biggest concern is Silver's safety when she rides alone...I will have her signed up before the weekend. She can take care of herself, but I'd sure get peace of mind.

[mtkitchn]

Queen, I think that's exactly what I was looking for! Interesting. I see it covers you for 30 miles....is that to take you somewhere within 30 miles? Or coverage within 30 miles of your home?
I need to give those people a call.

[KnottedYet]

Ooh, Queen, that one sounds good! And they do "domestic partners" as part of the family package!

I'm all over that! :D

(and folks, don't forget to register your bike! www.nationalbikeregistry.com )

[Pax]

Queen, I think that's exactly what I was looking for! Interesting. I see it covers you for 30 miles....is that to take you somewhere within 30 miles? Or coverage within 30 miles of your home?
I need to give those people a call.

They were very responsive to the zillion emails I sent them when I was shopping. ;)

[Pax]

...(and folks, don't forget to register your bike! www.nationalbikeregistry.com )

I emailed my local police department today about the registry, I wanted to see if they bother checking it when they recover a stolen bike. The first response I got was that they'd never heard of the registry, then the officer said he was forwarding my email to several people within the dept. to see if they could start using the registry.

[Triskeliongirl]

Queen, thanks for the tip. I will look into that service too! My understanding is that AAA will not help you, they are an AUTO club only. Normally I am riding in a place where my husband or son can pick me up. But, if I am traveling, I take extra supplies (more tubes than usual, a pump instead of C02, a patch kit, a tire boot, chain pins and a chain tool, etc.) so I can handle most situations. Once I had something different fail, my eyeglass frame broke and I am blind without them. At first I panicked, until I realized I could take the black electrical tape marking my seat position, and use it to hold my eyeglasses together until I was safely home.

[inatree]

i've never ridden with another person before. i think about what i would do if something were to happen, but its like the rest of my life. i go to school alone, go home alone, eat dinner alone, clean alone, go on trips alone, etc.

i carry bus fare and thats all i am prepared with. i dont ride on any "country roads" or anything like that.

it feels good sometimes to know that there is no one ever waiting for me or ever worrying about me when i am riding. if i get smooshed by a truck, the only people i need to call is 911.

i totally lied. it never feels good.

[Geonz]

the betterworld thing comes with LAB membership... which sounds like a good deal all around.

One less excuse :) .. or should that be one fewer excuse :)

[Trek420]

Queen,

I've had AAA since I first drove a car. Mom and Dad made sure I had a AAA card (right after Dad showed me how to check my oil and change a flat. He felt if I had a flat I should not have to be a damsel in distress.).

Last midterm election there were a couple measures that benefit mass transit and bus lines.

Bus lines, helps the poor, disabled and cyclists all. Who could object to that? :confused: Checked the voter pamphlet because that's one thing I go by, who sponsors a bill who objects.

AAA objects.

I'm torn, their service has been good and ... their call centers are union (sorry Snap I'll keep it above the line ___________________) but it's the same union I belong too.

and AA was astounding, awesome when I had the car-repair from he[[ from one of their aproved mechanics...they took care fo me.

But as a cyclist and tree-hugger I may have to say bye bye AAA.

[wannaduacentury]

I emailed my local police department today about the registry, I wanted to see if they bother checking it when they recover a stolen bike. The first response I got was that they'd never heard of the registry, then the officer said he was forwarding my email to several people within the dept. to see if they could start using the registry.

That's a good sign- Last month in the town I work in, a young girls bike was stolen from Wal-Mart. She used it everywhere she went and was heartbroken b/c the bike had sentimental value and practical value of course. The article stated that there weren't enough bike racks in commonplaces in which to secure your bike-downtown stores, WM, the library(bike stolen from there too-a hybrid) Maybe I need to make sure they know about the registry next time I see them. Her article received a warm response and I was glad to see it.

[uk elephant]

I've had similar worries out on the country lanes around here (as has BF). I always carry a phone (and try to remember to keep it charged). And I always carry $20 at least, pluss my credit card. Not sure who I would call though. I don't have AA and a taxi wouldn't be able to take my bike and BF doesn't have a car.....I do always carry spare tube, tools, patches and pump too and have needed them once when I had a puncture.

On long rides, I try to at least occasionally let my route intersect the train route. Which is what I did on Tuesday when the weather was much colder than I had anticipated and the headwinds stronger and I couldn't face another two hours of painfully cold toes. I made my way to the nearest train station and took the train home. Luckily, around here there are lots of train lines, and lots of stations. I rarely have more than 10mi to get to a station from anywhere, usually not more than 2 or 3 miles. And every village has at least 3 or 4 pubs, so I can always find somewhere to duck into to warm up and dry out if the weather is really horrible.

[Thorn]

Hey Trek...can you provide more info on the AAA stuff? I missed that and, well, you're right, it would be a reason to switch. Disappointing, but good reason.

My apologies to the list if this is a contentious issue, but...inquiring minds want to know!

[Offthegrid]

This is one of my big fears, especially because I'm not mechanically inclined. If I broke a spoke or something happened with the chain (more than just dropping it), I'd be totally stuck. Although this area is popular with cyclists.

Luckily, I have a lot of friends and relatives in the area. But there is no real public transportation I could catch. That Better World Club seems like a fabulous idea.

[Trek420]

i've never ridden with another person before. i think about what i would do if something were to happen, but its like the rest of my life. i go to school alone, go home alone, eat dinner alone, clean alone, go on trips alone, etc.

i carry bus fare and thats all i am prepared with. i dont ride on any "country roads" or anything like that.

it feels good sometimes to know that there is no one ever waiting for me or ever worrying about me when i am riding. if i get smooshed by a truck, the only people i need to call is 911.

i totally lied. it never feels good.

inatree, I know what you mean. I wear road id and it's with occaisional angst I notice that's for my dog. My roadid has the home and cell numbers for Spazzdog here and my dogwalker both of whom have the keys to my house and to my mutts heart :rolleyes: ;) :p :cool:

But there are some advantages to cycling single!! :D :) So enjoy them (while it lasts ;) )

See this thread:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2534&highlight=praise+single

And you're not too far away, we Bay Area gals may do a ride soon, and there's the Cindy. Are you going to do that?

Thorn, information about Betterworlds lobbying vs AAA's position is on their website. Admittedly that's from BW viewpoint. On the other hand I'm sure AAA would say "but we...." and they seem to be a pretty good place to work, which is important to me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

it feels good sometimes to know that there is no one ever waiting for me or ever worrying about me when i am riding.

Well that's not entirely true- WE worry about you when you ride, and WE want to hear about your rides and how you are doing. :) Do keep us posted about your biking and what you're up to.


P.S. I am very proud of myself because I just FINALLY got myself a little cell phone so I can feel a bit safer when I am miles from home biking alone on the back wooded roads, which I often do. It's a pay-as-you-go inexpensive one, just right for people like me who don't gab alot but want it just for a handful of short calls per week. My aging brain is managing to slowly figure out how to work the damn thing and interpret the manual- all by myself! ;)

[SouthernBelle]

I've been looking at the site and it's very cool. Contemplating getting it for both car and bike. My only concern is that to be useful for the car, you almost have to get premium membership. The tow limit on basic is 5 miles. That won't get me home from most places that I would be worried about.

[Pax]

I've been looking at the site and it's very cool. Contemplating getting it for both car and bike. My only concern is that to be useful for the car, you almost have to get premium membership. The tow limit on basic is 5 miles. That won't get me home from most places that I would be worried about.

I got the premium one for the same reason. It was pretty cheap piece of mind as I was moving cross-country last year.

[roguedog]

hmm.. since many of us are interested, i wonder if they would give us a group discount? or how many it takes to get a group discount...


sent an inquiry. hey. you can ask...

[Pax]

hmm.. since many of us are interested, i wonder if they would give us a group discount? or how many it takes to get a group discount...

Good question! It's seems like they have a huge untapped market with cyclists (since no one seems to have heard of them?), anyone feel like emailing them??

[SouthernBelle]

Drat, if you guys get a discount I've already signed up. the logical way to do it would be to see if Susan from TE would contact them. That gives them an organization to go through.

If we all join, I'll be eager to hear about experiences as we have to use them.

[Geonz]

I thnk it would be 'way cool if people started defecting from AAA to them. It would tell AAA that not everybody is focused on cruising in their automobiles at the expense of everything, and it would tell LAB that not everybody is a Lance wannabee :) [There has been some strife and turmoil in the past about the focus of LAB and what some folks felt was overemphasis on teh 'recreation industry' aspect of it.]

[indysteel]

I belong to the Better World Club, it covers me in my car and on the bike. http://www.betterworldclub.com/bicycles/bike_assistance.htm

I can't speak to their service as I haven't had to use it but I found some excellent testimonials online when I was shopping for a plan.

Queen, thanks for posting this. I ride alone in the country and could really use the added peace of mind/protection of something like that. And I love the idea of a group discount (maybe we can chip in for a "finder's fee" for you).

To add to the discussion, I carry a cell phone and money with me at all times, along with a spare tube, Co2 cannisters, etc. I also have a laminated card with my name, address, phone, emergency contact, insurance information, etc. I have several bike shop numbers programmed into my cell phone as well. I tend to ride near one in particular where they know me pretty well. While I have no concrete reason for this, I tend to think that if I was in trouble, they would come out and get me if at all possible. My fear, of course, is that I'll be involved in a hit-and-run accident and be unable to call for help. I'm torn, for that reason, between keeping my cell phone in a jersey pocket (where it could get smashed if I fell) or in my seat bag (where I might have trouble accessing it if I'm in an accident and thrown from my bike).

[SouthernBelle]

I'm torn, for that reason, between keeping my cell phone in a jersey pocket (where it could get smashed if I fell) or in my seat bag (where I might have trouble accessing it if I'm in an accident and thrown from my bike).


I've been in an accident where the phone would have been smashed when I fell, by me, which would have hurt me more than I was more than likely. That's why I go with putting it in my bag.

[roguedog]

here's their answer:

Hi,
>
> I think we can work something out. I'd be happy to waive the sign up fee
> for your club. Would you like the bike only plan or out auto and bike
> option.
>
> How many people do you think would be interested?
>
> Kelly Ward
> Better World Club
> Toll Free 1.866.239.1130 (8:30-5:30 PST)


So.. what's the count of who's interested? Maybe I should start a new thread for this??

Susan (from TE) do want to do this or should this remain a rogue thing that members of this forum did. (She may want to do the latter due to biz risk reasons and the "non endorsement" type of stuff)

[Trek420]

I thnk it would be 'way cool if people started defecting from AAA to them. It would tell AAA that not everybody is focused on cruising in their automobiles at the expense of everything

it only tells AAA if they know why you left. If you do join a Better World write AAA and let them know. Otherwise someone in accounting just goes "huh? what's with our numbers?" :D :cool: :rolleyes: ;)

R'dog, I'm in.

Car only so far.

Gotta say, AAA has been very good to me doing things like one time I called from the road, car broke down and I did not realise my membership lapsed. The gal sent for the truck and took my payment. They could have said "too bad" but probably saw how long I've had them.

There's a lot that's good about them. It's so hard being politcally correct.

[sbctwin]

I would to be in for the bike. We have AAA. I have been with them 25 years. I use them mostly for maps and tour books and really like that aspect. But I worry so much when I am riding. I usually ride by myself, not out of choice, but because I just end up riding by myself.

[mtkitchn]

I'd be in, bike only. When will the sign up be?

[roguedog]

Mt-

I sent her an email back last night to confirm that she's ok that we're not an official "club," though I will be sending her contact info off to other clubs.

If they're cool with just a bunch of us forum members wanting to join, then I assume we have to figure out the process for our "club." Not sure if there's a code we'd have to input or what.

Right now since their question is more related how many I can give them some ball park number...

[roguedog]

I just sent Susan Octenas an email to give her a heads up on this thread and hope she's ok with it as well.

If Susan and Better World are ok, then I'll start a new thread so that it's not buried here and other forum members can be more aware of the offer as well. For now, I'll just keep it on the "down low" until I get more official go ahead.

Dang.. I feel like I'm at work!

[roguedog]

Ok..

Susan's ok with this if we do this as member initiated thing. If bwc wants more then she'd have to look into it further.

Is anyone else interested in bike/ auto insurance?

I've sent them another email to see where they are. Haven't heard back from them since I sent them a floow on email.

[IFjane]

I hope I'm not too late getting in on this - I have a question about the 30 mile thing. Does that mean they will transport us a maximum of 30 miles/year? Or their travel total (coming to get us & transporting us) is 30 miles? I'm way out in the boonies. At home I ride only on rural back roads because that's all we have. No towns - nothing. :confused:

[Blueberry]

I can't figure out what exactly they do for bikes.... is it limited to road pickups (their website shows a pic of a mountain biker)? Will they *repair* the bike, or are they only transporting you and your bike home? Who are they calling for bikes? Cabs? Wreckers? 30 miles really isn't very far.....And 2 calls a year isn't very much (I've had years where I maxed out AAA with my car, and years where I didn't use it...)

Anyone actually have experience with them?

[Blueberry]

And what's up with the fact that you get 4 calls per member on a car, and 2 in a bike???? Inquiring minds want to know:)

[SouthernBelle]

You need to ask them, not us.

[Blueberry]

You need to ask them, not us.

Apologies - thought someone might have gotten the answers from them (or better yet, had actual experience with them).

/lurk mode back on

[Trek420]

Dang.. I feel like I'm at work!

Thanks for doing this! I'm interested if it pans out.

[SouthernBelle]

Sorry. Didn't mean to sound snarky.

[mtkitchn]

Put me down as interested please.

[roguedog]

Hmm.. sent them another email last night and nothing in my email box today...

hmmm.. I'll try again and then after that I assume we don't get any group discount thing...

[roguedog]

Ok folks. It's been 2 days since I last sent them an email and I've heard nothing.

I'm getting the feeling they really aren't interested in the group thing. So I think we're on our own.

Just wanted to give you folks an update.

[mtkitchn]

Thanks for the update!

[Trek420]

OK, I just signed up.

If you're switching form AAA they wave the 10.00 sign up fee. There is something about rebates for a gas card that I'll get too since they know we shouldn't but we're going to drive anyway....

[LadyinWhite]

In this part of NJ I couldn't find a "remote" location if I tried. There are LBS 15 miles in every direction and a house,store,gas station, school, hospital, mall, police station and every other possible source of help a stone's throw in any direction.

When I first got my bike last spring I knew I should load up an emergency kit under my seat but I just didn't bother. One of those things I'd get to eventually.

Yep, you guessed it, one day I had to push my bike about a mile to a LBS because of a flat, had no money on me at all, called DH who left work and came just to pay for the darn thing after which I thanked him sheepishly and road the bike back to my car about 10miles away.

Next day - I outfitted my bike with a pretty well equipped emergency kit.

I think if anything serious happened.. ie. major crash or major mechanical break down, I'd walk for help or just yell really loud - no doubt someone will be close enough to tell me to "Shut up Already!"

Don't ya just love Jersey?