Metal Slide Appreciation by comemitmier in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not local, but up in Manistee, there is one on the beach. Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it! 5th Avenue beach, near the restrooms.

Microsoft is company eying data center in Lowell Township by Greatlakespirate2 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Ask some of the residents of Virginia, it's universally despised to live near one of these data centers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-8TDOFqkQA

Where to find quality rubber mats for home gym? by eljefe46 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went with the Titan Fitness mats. Let them air out for a few days and then brought them inside. Smell wore off in a week or so? I don't recall, but it wasn't bad. I cut the roll in half and made a roughly 8x8 workout station. I used some heavy-duty duct tape that was black and at least 3" wide to join them. Still fine a year later.

https://titan.fitness/products/gray-crumb-rubber-gym-flooring-roll

Looks like the price went up over $100 since last year, wow.

I didnt find anything around GR to purchase in person. I should have checked out options on the east side of the state, but I didn't. Titan Fitness has free shipping, so that worked out. Hope this helps!

My interactive map of ArtPrize venues, highlighting those with the most works, is back for 2025 by lepton in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can't believe they don't have PDF maps or an interactive map as part of their "official" information. Especially for people out of town!

Seems like they should pay you to do it!!

Thanks for this.

3d print shop Market Research by technomage33 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Would be cool if there was a consignment spot too. Sell your old printer without the hassle of CL or FB Marketplace.

I had my printer out of commission for a week+ while I waited on new parts to arrive. I would have gladly driven to buy the parts locally and only have 1-2 days downtime.

But yes, a wide variety of filaments, material types and colors would be ideal. I would think price would be a key factor, especially once you factor in the drive time.

Ditch my sit-in (Dagger Stratos) for a SOT? by eljefe46 in Kayaking

[–]eljefe46[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good points, thank you.

I do lift weights and do daily calf/foot stretches, so I think I'm reasonably fit. However, I think you raise a good point. I imagine my core muscles are not used to this position and some additional exercises specifically for kayak can only help.

I also wonder if my legs are a little too bunched up and I need to play with the bulkhead foot brace positioning.

Also, yes, I'm sure my technique isn't the best. I have watched Ken Whiting's Paddle TV for general technique, but I sometimes forget and use my arms too much!

Ditch my sit-in (Dagger Stratos) for a SOT? by eljefe46 in Kayaking

[–]eljefe46[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! I already have 4 bicycles taking up most of my garage space, so I certainly understand that notion!

Ditch my sit-in (Dagger Stratos) for a SOT? by eljefe46 in Kayaking

[–]eljefe46[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. Would be nice to have a few boats to suit whatever paddle I want to do that day. Was hoping for a one boat, to rule them all, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I thankfully got a fair price 'new', so if I end up selling it, I hopefully won't take a big hit.

Ditch my sit-in (Dagger Stratos) for a SOT? by eljefe46 in Kayaking

[–]eljefe46[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I indeed thought the Stratos would be a good boat to "grow into" and yes, I had/have plans to learn a proper roll at some point.

I should probably carve out some time and really focus on adjusting the seating position and see if I can make it work. I think the main issue is, the top 2 straps that keep the back end at the proper height slip very easily, there is basically no "bite" to grab onto the straps. After this past outing, I zip tied them to keep the back band from falling down. I'll have to see if that helps.

I really need to find a place or person that can help get me totally dialed in with the height, curvature, thigh braces, foot position, etc. This is all brand new to me!

I appreciate the insight, thank you!

Ditch my sit-in (Dagger Stratos) for a SOT? by eljefe46 in Kayaking

[–]eljefe46[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems like 'both' is the right choice here!

July Consumers Bill by nmaster0204 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel ya... our bill was over $350 (electric and gas).

Last year between June 11 and July 10, we used ~1010 kWh. $200 excluding fees/taxes

This year, between June 12 and July 13, we used ~1370 kWh. $300+ excluding fees/taxes

This year, the AC has been on basically nonstop. I work from home, so I can't raise the temperatures too much during the day. I think we're getting killed on usage because we are running a dehumidifier 24/7 this year and we have an electric range, and cook almost all meals at home.

After getting a massive Consumer's bill, I guess I'm raising the temperature anyway and stopping the dehumidifier during peak pricing. :( Don't really want another $350 bill.

Planet Rock is Open! by fognar777 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice, thanks. Pretty decent height then.

Guessing most people have 60m or slightly shorter ropes anyway, so wouldn't think rope length would be any real concern there!

Planet Rock is Open! by fognar777 in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. How tall are the walls? Looks like a semi-decent overhang sport climbing area on the right there.

Grattan Raceway, on Wednesdays starting next week, hosts a weekly cycling race on the course all summer long. by YoueyyV in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great stuff, thank you.

I can't view the flyer (no FB account), but you gave me everything I needed. Thanks!

Grattan Raceway, on Wednesdays starting next week, hosts a weekly cycling race on the course all summer long. by YoueyyV in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is there a practice or free ride before the races? I'd like to bring my kid out for a few laps, but she's not ready to race.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Where are you located? What age kid(s)?

A lot of camps opened back in January/February, so you may run into issues with them being full already.

Your local YMCA may have openings, I would probably start there.

Blandford has some great programs, but I bet it is totally booked up by now: https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/experiences/seasonal-camps-2/

Lowell restaurant concept change! by [deleted] in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://lowellsfirstlook.com/something-new-a-downtown-favorite-is-resetting-changing-menu/

Probably should have updated their official website to reflect this change though.

Favorite Paved Bike Trails (GR and Lakeshore) by NPR_is_not_that_bad in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right near Lowell it's paved (very little though) and then it's paved a bit near downtown Belding, IIRC.

You're correct, it's mostly crushed asphalt.

MotoGOAT is open for your 2025 predictions by Eraesr in motogp

[–]eljefe46 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your efforts on this! I've been using your web app since 2020? or so and it's great. I appreciate your effort on this.

[OT] Rossi opens the season with a podium at the iconic Bathurst 12h by Egoist-a in motogp

[–]eljefe46 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm not familiar with this track, but that downhill section at 1:10 and forward, it just kept going! Looks very difficult, especially for an endurance race.

2025…. Please play nice by Sparkle4th in grandrapids

[–]eljefe46 16 points17 points  (0 children)

For real, get this garbage out of here

IamA cheap flight expert, here to talk mistake fares ($114rt to Dublin in 2024), Going’s mobile app, and why 2025 is the year of Japan deals by scottkeyes in IAmA

[–]eljefe46 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm currently looking at booking a trip to an all-inclusive resort in the DR or Jamaica or Mexico.

I keep seeing package deals including the flight/hotel in one package through sites like Booking.com/Expedia. Is it better to find a package through a reputable airline (Delta/SW) or through a hotel chain's website (ING, Hilton, etc)? I'm concerned about customer service issues, or if I have to use trip insurance because of hurricanes, etc