Something about this little 'race' series has been sort of magical. It
sounds corny but there doesn't seem to be any other way to describe the rosy
hue that has coloured each event regardless of the weather. I think
I just put it together moments ago; my mind focussed by the clarity insomnia
sometimes brings at five AM. Each of the five Rippers (three last year
and two thus far this year) have felt like a celebration. Everyone has
been friendly and social and seemingly happy to have stumbled upon the event.
I just realized that this shared bliss has everything to do with an awareness
of our good fortune; the realization that we live in this unique place where
our love of bicycles and trails is allowed to flower. We are blessed with
dedicated trail builders who put thousands of hours of love and creativity into
their narrow lines through the forest while working to lessen our impact on
the surrounding forest. Our timing is pretty good as well and bike technology
has finally begun to catch up with the madness of the trail builders. Perhaps
we should be most grateful for the nsmbA
- a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving our access to the trails, improving
their condition and durability while still keeping a keen eye on our impact
on the forest we love so much.
Maybe this is what had droves sign up on race day (not recommended - please
pre-register) despite the pounding rain of the last event on Fromme; the fact
that the Ripper is all about supporting the nsmbA and putting our race fees
back into the trails we love so much.
James loves to give pre-race pep talks and his favourite part
is explaining the last minute wrinkles he's put into the course. Photo ~
Cam McRae
To add a little excitement to the start James had the climbers
lay their bikes down and walk to a second line on the pavement 20 feet ahead.
The route change involved a Le Mans start and the racers had to do a lap of
the Old Buck parking lot before reclaiming their bikes and then heading straight
into some old fashioned single track.
The riders seemed pretty excited to hear about their pre-ride
foot race. Photo ~ Cam McRae
Bicycles awaiting thier pilots. Photo ~
Cam McRae
This part was great to watch. Photo ~
Cam McRae
|
The best pedal interface for getting up the Old Buck - a steep and
unforgiving pitch - clearly involves some sort of cleat and a narrow,
stiff sole. That same footwear, when asked to negotiate rain-slicked
asphalt becomes a liability. So while the finely tuned racers
were tiptoeing around the parking lot, Tim from the Huckwagon put the
hammer down and got the holeshot. Oddly enough Tim was actually
riding a Holeshot from brodie - a sturdy hardtail that probably weighed
in at north of 35 lbs. Tim knew he wasn't going be bidding for
first at the top of the climb - he just took the lead for the thrill
of it |

Tim from the Huckwagon got the holeshot on his Holeshot.
Photo ~ Cam McRae |
Riders followed the Empress re-route backwards until Bridal
Path and then followed the roots and rocks back to the gravel-groomed smoothness
of The Old Buck. At the power lines the climbers hung a left and chugged uphill.
Those who were going solo kept chugging while those in the team event slapped
five with thier partners and watched them do their own Le Mans start - first
running to their bikes up the steep incline and then grabbing their duallies
to push the rest of the way to the opening in the trees were Pingu begins.
This first section of trail is short and fun. It starts off steep and
then rolls along, occasionally interupted by small launches gaps and berms
before following an old stream bed to the Baden Powell. After a short
traverse riders dropped into Team Pangor where the fun really began.
Wade Simmon's partner Mike Hunter was first to the top and
nobody was going to catch Wade on home turf. Photo ~ David Ferguson
Pangor has been getting some love for a few years now.
PD from the nsmbA has been giving it quite a bit of energy but the other skilled
builders work anonymously in the background. The results though are
clear and a neglected line that had fallen into disrepair is slowly being
restored with an eye on creativity and challenge. It's tricky though,
particularly in the wet and when I did a pre-ride of the course the skinnies
and some of the steep lines were slick and unpredictable.
Peter Morin, the restorer of Upper Oilcan, did the
downhill on his barends. His unconventional cockpit seems to work for him.
Photo ~ David Ferguson
There was no observed portion of this Ripper so the stunts
were purely optional. The interesting thing is that some of the stunt
lines are faster than the easy outs leaving the riders to roll the dice.
Some of the stunts are mandatory as well and the absence of a single significant
injury is a testament to the skill of the average Shore rider.
Stop having fun - this is a race.Jim Meldrum couldn't conceal
his glee. Photo ~ David Ferguson
A great thing about riding here on the North Shore is diverse
group of riders who are so passionate about the trails. Name a social
and cultural boundary and I'll give you an example of individuals on either
side who love riding here. This range was evident in the Ripper roster
as well - a ragtag band of individuals united by a shared love of the bicycle
and the forest.
Team nsmb rider Jerry Willows rode the climb and the downhill
solo - on a burly 50 lb Demo 9. He was 6th out of 13 riders who soloed
and he won the prize for heaviest bike. Photo ~ David Ferguson
With the addition of Ryan Hayes we now have 3 Ryans on team
nsmb. Two competed in Saturday's Ripper but none finished. Newman's
partner was J.F who broke his frame and Schnepf (above) who lives in Kelowna
got lost despite the marshalls yelling at him. He shall be known as
Wrong Way Ryan from this day forward.. Photo ~ David
Ferguson
Despite being a year older Daniel Crowe-Hutchon again managed
to be the youngest ripper. Photo ~ David Ferguson
| nsmb partner (and periodic marketing consultant)
Pete Roggeman isn't always known for pulling his weight. Some (not moi)
have even accused him of shirking responsibilities that fail to further
his interests. This Saturday his detractors were left speechless
as Pete came up big. On his way to meetings in San Francisco from
Lugano Switzerland, Pete found himself in Vancouver for 48 hours.
With a little encouragement he made the call and registered for the
Ripper - jet lag be damned.
Pete didn't know his partner David Kvick but it turns out Kvick is
- well - he's quick damnit - and he was 3rd man up the mountain.
This left Pete starting right behind Jonny Rockall and Wade Simmons
with speedy downhillers Wayne Parsons (winner of Ripper 1 on Fromme)
and Jeff Bryson breathing down on him. Pete gave up a few places
but still managed a very solid top 10 finish. Way to go Pete.
I don't care what anybody says - I think you're a stand up guy.
Most of the time. |

Pete Roggeman riding a Fox 36 Van RC2 - the 2006 coil-sprung
version of the 36. Photo ~ David Ferguson |
Who can get enough of schoolgirls in stinky bike gear?
Brian Brittain looked just as good coming as she did going. Photo ~ David
Ferguson
| Christine Platt used to race at the highest
level. Then she had a couple of kids (with Andrew Shandro) and
hung up her pro-elite bib shorts. She still rides whenever she
can though and on Saturday we found out she's still ridiculously fit.
The Shandros were the only husband and wife team entered and the came
a very close second to the one-two punch of Eron 'Chornstar' Chorney
(who climbed) and team nsmb's Eamonn Duignan. Team Shandro
was 10th overall (Andrew made up 7 places on the way down) out of 48
finishers.
The downhill course was pretty straightforward; it began at the top
of Pingu and then rolled into Team Pangor. Of course James wasn't
about to let things finish there - particularly because downhill finishes
are dangerous - so riders had to hump up a particularly schnarby section
of Bridal Path before crossing the line and then collapsing in a heap. |

Andrew Shandro chose casual attire for the Ripper. Notice
the Manitou Travis fork on his Trek. Photo ~ David Ferguson |
First across the line; Wade arrived so fast I wasn't ready
with my camera. Photo ~ Cam McRae
| James Shellard, riding for Dizzy Cycles,
was the first solo rider across the line. He was 8th up the hill
and then ended up 12th overall. James timed his own performance
and apparently did the entire loop in 36 minutes.
A word to the wise; with the exception of the CBC event which will
be timed, the Rippers aren't about the clock. If you want to know
your time wear a watch and keep track yourself. Timing equipment
is one of the elements that sucks the life out of races and we're keen
to keep this one as a Ripper.
|

James Shellard was the solo hero. I didn't know
they still made half-finger gloves. Photo ~ David Ferguson |
James Wilson wasn't happy with the way awards are done at
your average race so part of his vision involved changing that. No results
would be given out at the venue. In fact we encouraged riders to get
on with their day when they are finished Ripping - and then come and join
us later on at Raglans (on Lonsdale below Esplanade) for some food, refreshment
and prizes. The atmosphere and the food are fantastic at Raglan's and
a great crowd came out to celebrate their participation.
Raglan's turned out to be the perfect size this time around.
Everyone had a great time - some of us a little too great. Beware of
Paul Kim when there is tequila around. Photo ~
Cam McRae
Big thanks to everyone who came out to rip, to the volunteers who were
bloody great and to all the sponsors listed below - especially Bean Around
the World and Cowboy
Coffee for keeping everyone caffeinated. The trailbuilders of
course deserve the largest helping of thanks along with the great people
from North Shore Search and Rescue who kept our minds at ease. Big
props to David Ferguson as well for his fine lensmanship.
James Wilson is
the madman who came up with the Ripper concept and his energy, enthusiasm
and the purity of his vision keep it evolving and on track. Roll into Dizzy
Cycles at 1st and Lonsdale in North Van and say hi to him. James loves
to make new friends. James and I are pretty busy running businesses which
leaves Sharon Bader of the nsmba to take care of many of the details and
legwork. Things went off without a hitch so she obviously did a great
job.
This little race series is getting to be more fun every time. If
you haven't come out to one - especially if you have never raced a bike
in your life - do yourself a favour and register
online.
You'll be glad you did.
Final Results.
| Team Results DH rider/Climber |
Uphill Placings only. |
| 1 |
Wade Simmons/Mike Hunter |
Men |
1 |
Mike Hunter |
| 2 |
Johnny Rockall/Kevin Calhoon |
Men |
2 |
Kevin Calhoon |
| 3 |
Jason Winters/Michael Judge |
Men |
3 |
David Kvick |
| 4 |
Wayne Parsons/Matt Klymson |
Men |
4 |
Michael Judge |
| 5 |
Kevin LandryMatt Juhasz |
Men |
5 |
Matt Juhasz |
| 6 |
Jay Bond/Ben Schmidt |
Men |
6 |
Ben Schmidt |
| 7 |
Jeff Bryson/Shawn Vondiebitsch |
Men |
7 |
Matt Klymson |
| 8 |
Pete Roggeman/David Kvick |
Men |
8 |
James Shellard |
| 9 |
Eamonn Duignan/Eron Chorney |
Mixed |
9 |
Shawn Vondiebitsch |
| 10 |
Andrew Shandro/Christine Platty-Shandro |
Mixed |
10 |
Patrick Thrift |
| 11 |
Brett Gossman/Jay Thompson |
Men |
11 |
Brian Berg |
| 12 |
James Shellard |
Men |
12 |
Jay Thompson |
| 13 |
Steven Bauer/Brad Marchant |
Men |
13 |
Eron Chorney |
| 14 |
Bryon Enns |
Men |
14 |
Jonathan Gormick |
| 15 |
Richard Jarman/Adrian Mccardle |
Men |
15 |
Rod Dagneau |
| 16 |
Brian Brittain/Ian Parker |
Youth/men |
16 |
Bryon Enns |
| 17 |
Rod Dagneau |
Men |
17 |
Christine Shandro |
| 18 |
Chris Gravel/Gary Tosh |
Men |
18 |
Brad Marchant |
| 19 |
Adam Jillings/Glenn Thompson |
Men |
19 |
Ray Lachance |
| 20 |
Peter Morin/Brian Berg |
Men |
20 |
Mark Husken |
| 21 |
Phil Howard/Mark Husken |
Men |
21 |
Christy Love |
| 22 |
Terry Evans/Christy Love |
Mixed |
22 |
Ian Parker |
| D23 |
Gordon Longden/Ray Lachance |
Men |
23 |
Dave Bishop |
| D24 |
Terry Walker/Dave Bishop |
Men |
24 |
Adrian Mccardle |
| 25 |
Megan Hoodspith/Kelly Jones |
Women |
25 |
Kelly Jones |
| 26 |
Jonathan Gormick |
Men |
26 |
Gary Tosh |
| 27 |
Patrick Thrift |
Men |
27 |
Glenn Thompson |
| 28 |
Daniel Crowe Hutchon/Matt Diemer |
Under 18 |
28 |
Alexandria Watson |
| 29 |
Dean Payne/Alexandria Watson |
Mixed |
29 |
Sylvain Turcotte |
| 30 |
Kevin Tafts/Robert Trent |
Men |
30 |
Matt Diemer |
| 31 |
Vincent Beasse/Jonathan Wong |
Men |
31 |
Thomas Omoore |
| 32 |
Stuart Loewen/Michelle Newton |
Mixed |
32 |
Michelle Newton |
| 33 |
Galen Omoore/Thomas Omoore |
Youth/men |
33 |
Jim Meldrum |
| DNF |
Ryan Newman/Jean-francois Petit |
Men |
34 |
Robert Trent |
| 34 |
Steve Reitenbach/Darren McClelland |
Men |
35 |
Jerry Willows |
| 35 |
Jerry Willows |
Men |
36 |
Peter Reid |
| 36 |
Colin Campbell/Peter Reid |
Men |
37 |
Jonathan Wong |
| 38 |
Colin Miller |
Men |
38 |
Darren McClelland |
| 39 |
Jonathan Maras/Paul Maras-hilling |
Men |
39 |
Isaac Melles |
| 40 |
Paul H.S.Kim/Isaac Melles |
Men |
40 |
Paul Maras-hilling |
| 41 |
Jim Meldrum |
Men |
41 |
Colin Miller |
| 42 |
Darrion Campbell/Natascha Reid |
Mixed |
42 |
Nelson Mouellic |
| 43 |
Paul Hales |
Men |
43 |
Paul Hales |
| 44 |
Nelson Mouellic |
Men |
44 |
Natascha Reid |
| 45 |
Tim Petrescue |
Men |
45 |
Tim Petrescue |
| 46 |
Dean Wilkes |
Men |
46 |
Lance Carroll |
| 47 |
Lance Carroll |
Men |
47 |
Dean Wilkes |
| dnf |
Ryan Schnepf/Sylvain Turcotte |
Men |
dnf |
Jean-francois Petit |
Colours denote categories.
| Aqua = solo Men |
Yellow = Mixed |
Green =Under 18 |
Fuschia = Women |
Grey = Youth/Men |
Next time I think we'll hand out a nice prize for the rider who travels the
farthest just to rip CBC on May 28th. Be sure to let us know where you
came from at the after party so you can claim your booty. We'll make it worth
the trip - even without any prizes.