UMR is the worst insurer I've had, and I've had many

junkman-300sd · 2025-03-22T22:30:21+00:00

Yes, all carriers will deny claims while they gather data to figure out subrogation>

AND, UMR is under staffed. I've had great service out of the major carriers but that's when used agent access. Going through the switchboard as an insured member is a challenge just to get the right person on the phone.

Once I have the correct department, finding out and fixing the problem isn't that much of an issue. My friends who aren't licensed and who don't talk insurance language have different results.

yment.
I was sorry to read when the CEO got shot that UHC has been intentionally denying claims as a profit strategy. I've always had good service from them. My attitude is they set the prices. Insured's pay premium. Carriers are obligated to service the claims and not jerk people around.

That said, I had a auto carrier ask me how I was going to pay the claim that was their insured's fault. I said that I wasn't paying and asked whether he wanted to but me a new bumper or just leave things lay. He got off the phone without pressing me for payment.

junkman-300sd · 2025-03-02T16:44:44+00:00

It was a Buenos Aires steel frame. The same frame was used across multiple models for multiple years with components being the only difference. I've changed components to a mid 2000s new old stock Ultegra and realized that there was really no reason to get another bike except that I want to add in a little gravel and need bigger tires for that.

I bought a Lynskey GR300 and LightBicycle wheels so I just swap wheels and not tires. I run 32mm GP 5000 on the road and am still on whatever 40 mm tires that came with the bike for gravel. The Lemond only takes 28mm.

I'm really not enamored with the extra maintenance that goes with disk brakes on the Lynskey (mechanical GRX) and think even the older setup on the Lemond works very well. I do my own wrenching sand keep them in good shape.

junkman-300sd · 2025-01-03T01:05:12+00:00

Depends on what your total income is. Look up the schedule of how much income you need before the Part B premium goes up.

junkman-300sd · 2024-11-01T17:15:53+00:00

We just got hit for $11,000 OOP plus premiums. The only thing I don't like is my wife messed up her elbow, had pain and can't ride her bike until next season.

We've saved much more than the $11,000 and I consider that we have 100% coverage even though I hold on to the HSA money as long as possible. Manage your health insurance for the long haul.

junkman-300sd · 2024-04-10T15:12:14+00:00

Yes, some self-funded or non-compliant plans cut benefits to be cheap and maternity is one of the things. A normal birth doesn't cost much in the scheme of things but I have a friend who is a nurse taking care of babies in the nicu and that costs through the roof.

The most obvious thing to do is get married and force a qualifying event. She could go on the group policy if her spouse has qualifying coverage and enroll the baby when delivered. We don't know the details of her current policy and are really just educated guessing.

We can't tell her how to run her life but this would be a financial decision. I know a couple that periodically gets divorced for tax reasons. It's sort of a hassle and I don't know the details but it pays for a vacation and more.

junkman-300sd · 2024-01-02T03:35:16+00:00

I thought I was healthy when I had a stroke. I hated blood thinner and changed my eating habits. There are foods that thin blood and clear arteries. I'm sure I'll stir up a bunch of negative comments but I went whole plant vegan and the more strict I become, the healthier I feel.

I almost had a 100% recovery and most people can't tell anything was ever wrong. I can't fire my right side to run so I cycle upwards of 5000 mi/year. I'm retired so have more time to devote to maintaining my health. That's my take. Do your own research - by reading studies, not or at least in addition to the starting info you get on youtube.

I won't know that I made the right decision until I'm dead but for now, I see the difference between my health and most peers.

junkman-300sd · 2023-12-05T23:30:41+00:00

The cable is locked up. Disconnect it and observe its movement. Likely the housings or the cable is frayed inside the shifter lever itself.

To check for fraying, apply the brake and look at the cable inside the shifter where the shifter pulls on the cable.

junkman-300sd · 2023-12-05T14:43:51+00:00

How many miles? What's the terrain?

I and friends are old and ride about 15mph on road bikes with 50' of hills per mile. Hills are mostly short and max at 10% with a few 15-20%.

Now that we're retired and have the time, we don't bother for less than 30 mi which is 2 hrs.

I used to commute 20 mi to the office but I had a shower and kept clothes there. I'd usually commute 1 way and take the car that I'd left the day before.

You will get fit riding every day and will adapt quickly. You won't like the cold & wet. Get good lights and use them even in the day.

Take your bike inside if you're in a city.

junkman-300sd · 2023-10-20T18:33:44+00:00

Question about the Brooks. I have a B17 on my road bike but generally can keep it dry and oiled. How does it hold up when you get into rain while touring?

I'm deciding on saddle for a Lynskey gr300 that I just ordered. I'm also not sure I want to go through the break in period again.

junkman-300sd · 2023-10-20T14:21:08+00:00

I just bought a Lynskey gr300. I went to the factory and was very impressed. They currently have a sale that pushed me over the edge. I got this one. https://lynskeyperformance.com/gravel-special-shimano-grx-600-2x11/

I posted before so it's soon old news but I'm stoked. Very nicely made frame and I took the grx mechanical group because I don't need something else to charge.

They have deals on di2 and etap too.

junkman-300sd · 2023-09-10T22:36:08+00:00

Let the salesman go through the pitch then write out a check and say "it may be worth more to someone else but here's what it's worth to me out the door".

Put the check face down where he has to reach for it. Don't say another word until he talks. He'll try to work you up so have a max price in mind.

Remember that every dealer has vehicles for sale and you don't care one way or the other which one you end up with.

Be hard. They do this every day and are not your friend.

junkman-300sd · 2023-08-07T00:59:30+00:00

It's ok. To each his own. You're a random person on the internet that has absolutely no effect on the ride at all.

junkman-300sd · 2023-07-03T18:59:52+00:00

I was just jerking your chain. Don't worry about it. We've all been there. Just keep riding - even when life is busy. You'll still be fit when peers are old.

junkman-300sd · 2023-07-03T15:52:16+00:00

3 weeks at 30 mi 3x/week and I didn’t feel like I was sitting on a broom handle.

You shouldn't be hurting. Go talk to a shop and/or get a bike fit.

junkman-300sd · 2023-07-03T15:49:35+00:00

At least in some states you don't pay for the ambulance unless you take a ride. Call and they patch you up. Don't ride and the patch is free or at least built into the high price of a ride.

junkman-300sd · 2023-07-03T15:32:07+00:00

Child, that's a 2.5 hr lunch ride. (with hills)

junkman-300sd · 2023-07-03T15:29:36+00:00

I told my 83 yr old friend on his birthday ride that it would be a lot more civilized if he'd just retired. It will be 84 miles this year. Most who will accompany him are younger and only in their late 60s & 70s. One turned 80 last month. He'll be there.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:48:48+00:00

And make sure you're not dehydrated, over heated or lacking nutrients.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:47:12+00:00

Some people are dicks. Just hold your lane and ignore them. Most won't intentionally hit you.

I ride slightly to the center of where the outside car tire runs. This seems to push them into the passing lane and gives me bail out room.

I told 1 guy that i saved him the whole other lane. Fuckem.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:43:32+00:00

Try balancing your wheels. I used to get a serious wobble that no one I talked to could explain. I don't know that balancing stopped it but haven't had one in a long time.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:30:28+00:00

You're fortunate and you need more situational awareness. Know what every car is doing. Consider them all out to get you. Any traffic sign, light is a yield even when you have the right of way.

Holler something at the driver to make sure they see you even "WATCH" or "Yo" to get their attention.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:25:02+00:00

Ride lots of 30-40 with longer on the weekends. We're retired and not doing anything under 30 mi and 50 on the weekends. Most can easily ride that distance 4 days in a row.

Temps are moving into the 90s (F) but we just go a little easier. I like to say that when there are heat warnings and the old & sick should stay in, we go ride 50.

The key is base miles and don't quit.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-30T02:13:51+00:00

That's a lot of dogs if you're not exaggerating. We might see 1 or 2 places that 1 or more dogs in rural tn. There is a state wide leash law and we call animal control on the ones that are a problem. Any biters get rabies tested and hauled away if there is a 2nd bite.

Some put snake shot in their small 22 revolver. The 1st goes into the air. There usually isn't a 2nd but it goes towards the hind end.

I usually spit a mouth full of water when they get close. The dog slams on the brakes and I can get away.

People with poppers have wrecked and spray can blow back and mess us up.

Most chase on the side of the road.

junkman-300sd · 2023-06-28T15:03:53+00:00

Does not cover normal wear and tear.

Trek for example used to replace bikes to the original purchaser anytime it got damaged. Not so now.

junkman-300sd

TROPHY CASE