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

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.

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.

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.