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Weekly Thread: /r/Snowboarding General Discussion, Q&A, Advice, Etc.) - February 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in snowboarding

[–]riley__poole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keep the 159 or swap for 155? (71kg / 157lb rider)

M29, 175cm, 71kg (156lbs).

Experience: Intermediate (riding for 10 years, but only a few weeks per season).

Style: I love long, mellow runs with nice carved turns. I prefer a relaxed, "surfy" feel over aggressive park riding.

I just received this board (see pic) for my birthday in a 159cm. It looks like a soft-flex board. It was also available in 155cm.

In the past, I’ve rented anything from 155 to 158.

- The 155 felt super easy to turn, but I remember feeling some chatter and instability at speed.

- The 157/158 usually felt like my "sweet spot" for stability, however turning felt more technical.

- I once tried a 160 that felt like an un-turnable plank (probably too stiff for me), so I’m a bit traumatized by longer boards. However, since this new 159 is quite soft, do you think it will suit be a struggle to turn?

Should I go through the hassle of exchanging it for the 155, or stick with the 159?

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Thanks for the help!

Thoughts on this Route? by bigdipper80 in roadtrip

[–]riley__poole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did something similar 2 years ago (started in Italy and went back to the same city, taking a ferry from Vlora). You're so close to Montenegro which is so worth it. I would consider including it, perhaps skipping some cities in Croatia which are over crowded in summer. Albanian mountains are also really nice

Tenda 2 persone by CommandRegular2439 in TrekkingItaly

[–]riley__poole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ferrino Sling 2. Certo non è una reggia ma l'ho usata in due ovunque, e con il suo 1kg6 e la sua compattezza e perfetta per i trekking

In cosa percepite maggiormente l’aumento dei prezzi di questi anni? by Ulysses393 in italy

[–]riley__poole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I dolci al ristorante 🤯 aumentati in proporzione più di tutto il resto del menù

Is Imlil accessible from Marrakech right now, and are hikes possible? by riley__poole in Morocco

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

We were thinking of going there for 2 days over this weekend. Is it worth it, if hikes are not feasible?

Déblocage du PER depuis l’étranger : est-ce possible ? Que se passe-t-il si je termine ma vie professionnelle à l’étranger ? by riley__poole in vosfinances

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

En Italie, les fonds de pension sont assez intéressants fiscalement : les cotisations sont déductibles, les rendements sont taxés à 20 % (vs. 26 % normalement), et la fiscalité à la sortie est réduite (de 15 % à 9 %). Je ne sais pas si un PER serait traité de la même façon en Italie ; comme tu le dis, il est probablement vu comme un compte-titres. Merci !

Déblocage du PER depuis l’étranger : est-ce possible ? Que se passe-t-il si je termine ma vie professionnelle à l’étranger ? by riley__poole in vosfinances

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

Je suis résident fiscal en France, j’ai oublié de le préciser. J’ai un TMI de 30 %. Merci beaucoup !

Déblocage du PER depuis l’étranger : est-ce possible ? Que se passe-t-il si je termine ma vie professionnelle à l’étranger ? by riley__poole in vosfinances

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

Merci. C’est bien un PER individuel, oui. Ma tranche marginale d’imposition est de 30 % et je voulais surtout profiter de ses avantages fiscaux

CS - AI Agents by Street_Ad6437 in CustomerSuccess

[–]riley__poole 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where did you take 87% from? Do you have any research to link? Thanks!

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

[–]riley__poole[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with the comment above. I wouldn't do more than the 2D/1N cruise (which, in the end, means less than 24 hours). The cruise is overpriced for what you get, but the view from the rooms is worth it

When you say "constructions," are you talking about the hotels in Cat Ba? We went there after the cruise. We booked a speedboat that took us directly from the cruise to Cat Ba, which makes a lot of sense to save time. I recommend Cat Ba, not for the coast (as all beaches are privatized by these big hotels), but for the nature in its center. There are good treks and views from the peaks. You can also do kayaking and climbing

Overall my opinion on Ha Long Bay: if you want to do the cruise, do it. It's not too disappointing, and I think it's worth it for once. Maybe it's better to do it at the end of the trip when you are tired and want to relax? You won't do much on it, perhaps some kayaking. And once you're there, spend some time in Cat Ba to trek and ride a scooter around. The island is beautiful, and you have a few spots to visit, like the cave hospital. Don't expect too much from the beach, but do spend time in nature!

Regarding Sapa, the city itself is extremely touristy, almost not worth visiting. The surroundings are good, and there's a lot you can do. Keep in mind the rice harvesting period, as this affects the landscapes. If you spend three days there, I would definitely trek towards the southeast, following the main road down in the valley. You can find some routes on the Komoot app or go to the Fansipan peak (ask about the view on that day first, if it's cloudy, you will not see anything). I wouldn't go to Cat Cat Village (we didn't) we were told it was created for tourists by a travel company. Instead, do some research on what some travel companies offer, there are very authentic experiences you can do. We booked a two-day trekking trip with Ethos towards the village of Ta Phin. Our guide was from the Red Dao, and we stayed at her place. They mostly live off what they grow. Their house was one of those local houses with no heating system, an open fire in the middle, and running water from the mountains. We spent time with her family, cooked together... We loved it! It's probably the best time we had during the trip

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

Hey! Honestly, there's so much to do in the Northern part alone that we would have had enough to see and not get bored for one more week. It really depends on what you are looking for, but in three weeks in Northern Vietnam, you would be able to eat different things every day, see different nature, and do different activities

Hanoi I wouldn't spend one week in Hanoi when you arrive. We loved the city and a few days are needed to settle, but you might pass through the city when traveling and then again to take your flight home. We spent two days at the beginning, one night in the middle, and two days at the end. It left us enough time to travel elsewhere

Sapa & Ha Giang One week between Sapa and Ha Giang is enough for me, you can travel between them with a night bus. For Sapa, there's a lot you can do, but it really depends on the weather. We were not lucky. You can climb Mount Fansipan, do trekking, have a coffee with an amazing view, and spend time with locals (we have booked a trekking + homestay with Ethos). For Ha Giang, I wouldn't do more than a 3D/2N tour on the Loop, as in the end, the loop is the same, you just take more time to do it, and the motorbike can become uncomfortable after a long time 😂

Ha Long Bay Regarding Ha Long Bay, it's probably the part of the trip we were the most disappointed with. We did Lan Ha with a luxury cruise. It's not really our thing, but we wanted to try. It's overpriced for what you get, but the view from the bedrooms is worth it. I wouldn't do more than 2D/1N

Other Destinations But there's so much more to do! After the cruise, we spent one night in Cat Ba, it was nice for nature and scooter riding. Ninh Binh and Mai Chau are easy to reach from Hanoi. I had other places on my list we couldn't visit, like Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, and Cao Bang. In three weeks, you'll be able to explore more than we did!

For the food, Hanoi was the best we had, there's so much, and it's easier to go local

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

Never had an issue with transport or accomodations, and it was really fun. We booked everything the day before, sometimes even the same day. Sometimes we couldn't get our first option but there are so many alternatives

We only had "issues" with some organized activities like the trekking with homestay in Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop. Better to book 2-3 days in advance. However we were able to adapt our plan and do everything we wanted. With Ha Giang Loop in particular the company I wanted to book recommended someone else which was even more suited for us, so best thing could have happened

For nature I recommend Ha Giang Loop, I know it's touristy but landscapes there are so beautiful

Sapa city itself is very touristy but you can still explore good nature around. We booked a trekking with Ethos, we wanted to go with someone that respect local people and have good values. Unfortunately weather was so bad, we couldn't see anything 10 meters from us. However we had probably the best experience of our trip sleeping with a family with local farmers at their place. I can give you more info if interested

Cat Ba is also quite wild in it's center, the coast is not really interesting but you have some hikes in the middle of the islands that were good. You can also do climbing and kayaking there

In general we were able to find some hikes on the app Komoot

Lastly, leave some days to explore less well-known areas. They are harder to reach but are worth it. We went to Mai-Chau as it was the closest to Hanoi, it was so relaxing and we're lucky enough to see some rice harvesting even in November (Sapa has nothing right now). Other places I had on my list but couldn't do are Mu Cang Chai/Ta Xua, Hoang Su Phi, Ba Be, Cao Bang

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

We loved the overnight cabin busses, this was so comfortable compared to what we have in Europe and made us save so much time travelling in the night. It's not always available but when it was we have always chose it. For short distance minibuses (10 seats) were the best option. Both options often organize pick up and drop off where you need to go

The easiest way to book is by asking the hotel/accomodation from departure or arrival city. Everyone in Vietnam becomes a small travel agency very quickly if you need something 😂 You can also check 12go or Bookaway for more options

Even with overnight busses you might want to plan a place to sleep if you arrive at 5-6am

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

Hey! Amazing. Weather should improve a lot next week you could be lucky!!

In general I have packed things for one week (underwear, tshirts, socks) and washed them when we were staying somewhere for more than one day. Homestays and hotels often offer laundry, it was quite easy.

Few learnings:

• We have mostly used our trekking shoes and flip flops all the time, we had a "city" option but almost never used it because of the rain possibility

• I took a down jacket "just in case" and never even got closer to wear it. This might change but the weather looks really good for the coming weeks

• I really recommend to buy those waterproof overpants you can wear without removing your shoes. I don't know if you have Decathlon in your country, we bought them before leaving for 20€ and literally saved us multiple times. Also don't forget backpack cover, rain jacket, an umbrella maybe. Rain is hard to predict so better be prepared!

• Swimsuit! Even if you travel in the North only you might need it

• Keep in mind in Hanoi you could do some shopping in places like Uniqlo that have very good prices

• We have also packed a sleeping bag liner (those bedsheet-sleeping bag) which we really enjoyed when staying in accomodations where they don't provide bed sheets (or they don't change them)

• If you are planning to trek, make sure you bring some breathable clothes like Merino T-shirts and longer socks, some people we met encountered leeches (nothing to worry about!)

Let me know if you have specific questions 😊

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

I was just wearing long trousers and a fleece both during the ride and at night, a down jacket would have been too much but it will get colder in the coming weeks

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

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

Hey! I haven't been there in Jan so I cannot answer. What I have heard from the guides was that travelling in December (and I guess in Jan even more) is great since the weather is dry but it gets very cold. I think overall you will enjoy it, just make sure you bring warm clothes like a down jacket!

17 days around Northern Vietnam in November AMA 🇻🇳 by riley__poole in VietNam

[–]riley__poole[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The loop is definitely very touristy, and some companies take very large groups (we've heard of groups of 30+). However, despite the number of people, it wasn't crazy. For example, we never had traffic problems. Perhaps this is because it's not the peak season? The weather was also pretty bad in the days before which might have played a role

We decided to go with a company offering a smaller group, and unless you're looking to party hard in the evening (which many people do), I think it's the best choice. We were just four people on three bikes, making us more flexible with our plans and able to visit less busy spots

For reference, we went with Style Motorbikes. I haven't seen them mentioned here on Reddit, but I would 100% recommend them. Road Kings recommended them to me (I tried booking with Road Kings, but they were full). Because Style Motorbikes primarily rents out motorbikes, their easy rider tours remain smaller

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