The North Shore Ripper is fast becoming a legendary race series. When
we say it's a Ripper and not a race we mean it. The Rippers are about
shits and giggles and getting out on your bike for a good cause. That
doesn't mean you can't go hard - but if you put your head down too much you'll
miss the point. Rippers are not elitist. If you have ridden a mountain
bike on a trail you are welcome to come and join us. Wear a costume and
you'll win a prize for sure - in fact almost everyone seems to leave the party
with some swag. Did I mention party? After every Ripper we meet
again in the evening at an all ages restaurant to watch some video, hear some
stories and enjoy good company. No standing around in the rain to find out the
results for these cowboys.
One thing I can tell you for sure - if you come out to one Ripper it won't
be your last. They are about the most fun you can have on a bike.
Below I'll tell you a little about each event.
Event 1 ~ 7th Ripper
Date: April 14th 2007
Fromme (up the fire road and some surprise single track and then down 7th
Secret, Leppard, Kirkford, Krinkum, Roadside Attraction to the water tower).
Two person and solo categories.
The 7th Ripper is in its fourth year and it has a straightforward formula;
go up and then go down. Most riders do this event as a team but if you
are a glutton you can solo as well. James Wilson from Obsession:
Bikes (formerly Dizzy in North Van) always tosses in some surprises for
the climbers and the descenders. The trail builders always make sure
7th is as buff as Britney under her skirt for this one so you'll be sure to
be giggling on the way down.
Check
out last year's 7th Rip here.
The climbers getting ready for the Lemans start at the Seventh
Rip in 2006. Shortly after taking this shot they bowled me over. Photo
~ Cam McRae
Event 2 ~. Super DH
Date: May 12th
Mount Seymour - start on CBC and then who knows! Expect a ride of 30
to 60 minutes with some short climbs.
Categories: 2 or 4 person teams. NO SOLOS.
This will be year two for the Super D and it was a huge hit last year.
Seymour has some fantastic lines and James has a masochistic way of linking
them together for maximum pain and generous vertical. Team members must
finish within 30 seconds of each other.
Check out last year's Super D
Rip here
The Brokeback Mountain bikers got into the swing of the Super
D. Photos ~ David Ferguson
Event 3 ~ CBC Ripper
Date: June 2nd 2007
CBC Trail on Mt. Seymour. Plus possibly a longer course option for 2007
(we'll keep you posted).
Solo
The CBC Rip is unique in format. It's an observed downhill with optional
lines. Ride the stunts and get time bonuses. Wink at the marshalls
and maybe double it up. Wear a costume and win a prize. It's a
lot of fun.
Check out last year's CBC Rip here.
Jason Winter was not in costume at the 2005 CBC Ripper. He was just on his
way to a Motley Cruë gig.
Event 4 ~ The Triple Crown
The Whole North Shore
Date: July 7th 2007 VEGAS THEME.
”What goes on the trail stays on the trail”
Teams – Must have a 2 or more person Team.
The only way for me to tell you about the Triple Crown is to tell you the
whole story. If that's too long know that the Triple Crown starts
at the bottom of Seymour, goes up and down and then does the same thing on
Fromme and Cypress. You can get from place to place any way you like
(you can even shuttle if you are so inclined) but you need to hit every station.
Actually you don't even need to do that - you're still invited to the party.
At each station you'll get a card and the goal is to make the best poker hand.
That's right - this is a poker rip. People go all out for the Triple
Crown and it's off the charts fun.
Check out last year'sTriple Crown
Rip here.
A ten second track got you a bonus card at the 6th switchback
on Fromme. Here the Whores get creative. Photo ~ Cam McRae
Colin Miller followed by Trevor Hansen in the 2006 Super D.
Photo ~ David Ferguson
Once again Ryan Walters (left) and Kevin Tafts blew away the
competition in the costume category. The rode all day on big bikes dressed
like this (plus helmets) and even took a rip down Air Supply. Photo ~ Dave
Tomczyk
Come on out for a Rip or four. You'll be glad you did - and all the
money raised goes to the nsmbA
- and then straight into the trails.
Got anything to say about the Ripper series? Preach
it here.
