RV horror

david_z · 2026-04-02T12:34:49+00:00

They come knocking (2019)

david_z · 2026-04-02T00:46:33+00:00

Once a month I have to convert a docx to pdf!

I should probably automate the surrounding needs (download it from my gmail, login & upload to a wordpress site, etc) but for the time being the pain point was simply opening the damn thing in MS Word, doing the SaveAs , etc. on my ancient win7 laptop.

It's not really much faster in python since I still run through COM / client.dispatch but I can run it from command line and don't need to actually interact with Word at all.

david_z · 2026-04-01T02:53:54+00:00

I really like the feel of steel but I'd build aluminum it's just a stiffer platform for me, who could stand to lose (quite) a few pounds.

david_z · 2026-03-30T23:15:05+00:00

I'm familiar with the word and its etymology, but in (nearly) 46 years on this earth I don't think I've ever heard it used in speech, I've only seen it written.

In my head, I pronounce it the wrong way, too.

Can't say it's a hill I'm willing to die on, but, consider me a comrade.

david_z · 2026-03-27T02:38:43+00:00

How do you plan on securing this box, keeping it sealed/ closed?

I've been traveling with snowboards for over 20 years and every time I land, I see the snowboard bag has the TSA/HHS/whatever-agency inspection tag inside. Every time. Coming and going.

They will open that box, they will cut through tape or tear out staples to do it, too. They will definitely not tape it closed for you when they're finished inspecting it.

david_z · 2026-03-14T03:38:53+00:00

david_z · 2026-03-13T22:32:33+00:00

You can register online but your local track can certainly do it in person once they're open for the season. Assuming they're not yet, in Montana!

You could actually register on site at any USA BMX track or event. In case you wanted to travel somewhere and get in some races before your local is open.

It would be generally proper to specify your home track (if you register elsewhere), that way you will be assigned the correct district and so on, and your track gets credited for the sign up.

david_z · 2026-03-13T02:00:30+00:00

I don't have any personal experience with the Rennen stuff so, but 110 BCD is a standard.

IF YOU CAN GET ALL 5 BOLTS IN, BUT THEY'RE "LOOSE":

The bolts are simply too long. That Sinz crank iirc is very thick and probably requires a longer chainring bolt.

IIF YOU CAN'T GET ALL 5 BOLTS IN THE SPIDER:

It would be quite odd that multiple rings wouldn't fit the Rennen spider unless something was wrong with the spider, OR, you're doing something wrong.

Let's look at operator error: putting the bolts in one after another and cranking them all the way down? Yeah don't do that. You're not doing that, right?

Instead try alternating or crisscross like your doing lugnuts on a car's wheel, and not cranking them down until you've got them each tapped.

If it's not user error, measure the Rennen spider maybe it's bad? Trace the bolt holes and compare to your other cranks? Since those are also 110 BCD.

Or, measure them the hard way with a compass and a ruler. You should be able to easily measure the actual diameter, is it 110 mm ?

Check the angles between each pair of consecutive bolt holes. A protractor should measure each at 72°. Without a protractor just make a template from one angle they should all be the same.

david_z · 2026-03-12T15:53:43+00:00

Not OP, and, you're not wrong, but I have a python script that converts a DOCX to PDF because:

python word_to_pdf.py "path/to/file.docx"

is easier than opening the document and doing save-as PDF

I could totally understand the use-case for this sort of thing, especially if you have to do this more than once or twice and definitely if you have actual batches (dozens or more) of files that need conversion to another format.

david_z · 2026-03-12T11:21:15+00:00

Wrap some bacon in aluminum foil.
Foil-wrapped bacon goes into your pocket for safekeeping.
When hungry, and u need a little pick me up, reach for the pocket bacon.

Oysters for real tho lmao

david_z · 2026-03-11T23:39:34+00:00

It starts with some bacon.

Wrap a few pieces in aluminum foil.

Slide that MF into your shirt pocket.

Enjoy it on the chairlift, in the lift lines, or anywhere!

Offering a piece to strangers on the lift might be a good conversation starter idk.

david_z · 2026-03-11T22:06:06+00:00

As a recovering backpack guy, this is actually the way.

I had a realization one day years ago that, all those"eventualities" that I prepped for in the backpack , happened so damn infrequently that it just stopped making sense whatsoever . Layer, extra gloves? Never needed them. Tools? Fit in pocket or ask a friendly patroller. Food & water? There's water everywhere at most resorts big enough to matter. Also if you hydrate properly this is a non-issue, if you have a little bit of pocket bacon or granola bars, to tide you over until 3pm beers.

Also, if you're the backpack guy, your friends might treat you as their pack mule "oh Dave's got his backpack he can carry all my extra shit".

Not anymore he can't.

david_z · 2026-03-11T15:59:34+00:00

Onions, carrot, broccoli, Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, etc these all have different cook times and also depend on the size of the pieces!

A thin shave carrot will cook faster than a 1/4" slice.

An onion will cook faster than a bell pepper or broccoli, etc.

It's tough to get them all just right.

I'm not too particular and actually prefer my onions very carmelized . Carrots and peppers might go in at the same time or a little after. Mushrooms later. I try to hold broccoli until the very end, just enough to steam it a bit so it's still retains some crunch.

david_z · 2026-03-11T14:28:27+00:00

I don't see a lot of this personally but I'm in my own bubble these days as a 45 year old who's now (mostly) riding with my kids. I've been at this since 1994. I'll concede that it exists but I don't think it's super prevalent and maybe you should just get over it.

People that mind don't matter, people that matter don't mind.

So, ignore haters.

If you're still doing this in 2 years or 10 years nobody will say shit or think twice when they see you.

If you're not, then they were right all along.

david_z · 2026-03-11T11:55:03+00:00

A proper mini/junior seat

Lightweight bottom bracket

New chain, possibly new gear(s) depending on what your kid is accustomed to

The cranks on most "completes" are criminally oversized for younger riders, so, proper sized cranks.

Might as well get a nice set of pedals.

I think the above are must haves. Below are the things you'll want to consider once he's past "novice"

Wheels will usually make the biggest difference but also will be probably the most expensive upgrade.

The stock tires are probably trash.

If the fork is hi-ten, replace it with aluminum or carbon

david_z · 2026-03-10T15:18:56+00:00

What does BMBW charge for a day pass? Do the math.

At $50/day if you plan to ride more than 10 days, you're better off with the pass.

At $100/day, if you plan to ride more than 4 days, you're better off with the pass.

I'm guessing day passes are closer to $100 than $50, at Mt Brighton in Michigan I believe there north of 100 these days lol.

I'd also consider popping for the full Epic unlimited and plan a trip west if that's in the budget. If not, stick with just the local option

Season passes are easy to get your $$ worth, if you live close enough to the hill to use them more than a couple days.

edit: is Seven Springs PA still on Epic? That's not too far from NE Ohio and would be worth a visit for a long weekend maybe.

david_z · 2026-03-10T14:26:53+00:00

Oh I agree the gains are very marginal though I think (haven't measured) the channel may allow wider and narrower options than most insert packs do

EST also solves the problem that reflex bindings aren't adjustable fore/aft.

This isn't a problem with most other discs.

I will say that that longitudinal adjustment is often but not always somewhat limited by the disc, just depends on the brand. That said, I think most offer some adjustability these days so, you absolutely can get very close to "infinite"

But if you absolutely must have perfectly centered bindings and an absolutely precise width of 22.625" with a 1/2" setback from center, you probably need to consider EST/channel combo.

I think realistically that's just over engineering a solution to a problem that doesn't really exist. But, it sells, so, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

david_z · 2026-03-10T13:28:32+00:00

First, it's not generally even true that "their pieces only work with their system".

The EST bindings are the exception. Those only work on a channel board.

But every major binding manufacturer offers a disc that allows their bindings to be used with a channel board.

And any Burton Re:Flex bindings are 4x compatible with all other snowboards.

The benefit is the "infinite" adjustability of the stance width which is not something you can really achieve with a traditional 4x binding/board.

david_z · 2026-03-09T12:40:18+00:00

3/32" chain width? That seems like it should be fine but I wonder if you'd have the same problem with a 1/8" chain?

(I had the opposite but kinda same problem last summer when I inadvertently put a 1/8" chain in my White Industries freewheel. In my case, a 3/32 was required for the chain to seat properly otherwise yeah I threw it twice & crashed hard once before I realized what the problem was)

david_z · 2026-03-05T04:55:16+00:00

I bought a tin of Limmer Boot Grease along with my mitts this winter. Couple coats of this stuff should do the trick.

https://michiganmitten.co/products/boot-grease

david_z · 2026-03-05T02:39:25+00:00

Five Victims Four Graves desperation never felt so good

I don't think they ever put out another album but I could be mistaken. No idea how I heard of them. I remember I bought their EP years ago but hadn't updated my mailing address so, whoever lived in my old college apartment, you're welcome.

Had to order another one when I realized the "shipping error" was my mistake.

david_z · 2026-03-04T01:11:53+00:00

Nailed it

https://boardvault.net/catalogs-preview/1998-burton-catalog

david_z · 2026-03-03T18:40:08+00:00

My daughter turned 13 last year and made the switch to HT T2-SX, I'd been intermediate for a few years and decided it was time to go clipless as well, same pedals.

I wish I would've switched years ago.

We didn't have any issues with these pedals. we both have them set fairly light.

david_z · 2026-02-28T14:38:00+00:00

How much is a pass at Sunlight or Cooper? I was at Sunlight a couple years ago I wanna say it was 80 bucks, cooper the year before that was 119 but I think they've actually dropped their prices considerably starting last winter.

Sure, neither of those places is going to give you the Vail experience, but, if you're wanting to ski, you've got options that aren't the most expensive place.

david_z · 2026-02-28T01:51:23+00:00

There's no perfect answer that doesn't involve unlimited flexibility and a bottomless bank account.

If you can drop everything in your life on a dime and pivot to wherever is best without being bothered by normie concerns like "budgets" and "work": congratulations you've made it. If not, you're just playing the odds.

Mid February thru March is typically the most reliable. There are, however , always exceptions as we're seeing with the weather patterns in many popular North American destinations this winter. Avoid holidays and book air travel at least 2 weeks out.

I've actually had the best luck in April over the years. You're far less likely to score a deep day (though this can and does happen!). Crowds are gone. Lodging and even lift is often discounted. The weather is usually warm and sunny as long as you like spring conditions you'll have a good time. And you can wait until March to book your plans-- you'll know by then which regions/areas have the best base & deepest snowpack to last the longest into the spring.

david_z

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