PPP Results and Overview
It was the perfect day for this year's Raging Elk PPP at Fernie Alpine Resort - blue skies and sunshine highlighting the still white-capped mountains. With a good mix of the usual suspects and a slew of new faces competing, it was a fun and memorable way to finish off an amazing ski season... until the bonus weekend that is.
The course varies year to year, with this year including a few surprises. The ski leg included a longer run than usual, having racers start down on the Arrow and run to the top of the Bear Chair where they could either jump into their bindings and skate to the Gun Tower, or carry their skis and then click in. We hear racers that opted for the skate were happy! Cedar Trail was slower and a bit stickier than last year, so instead of a clean tuck they found themselves skating in sections - a heartbeater right to the bitter end! FAR also warned the bikers extensively of the gravel covered roads, which basically became clear of snow two days prior. And the river was low. Some paddlers wondered if maybe running with their canoes would be more effective...
The stage was set - Fast Cats and River Rats and The Gong Show came in neck and neck in the ski, but the Gong Show's biker created a gap putting their canoe into the river a good minute ahead of the other teams. Four Play's kayak made up time choosing a different line in one section of the Elk, passing Fast Cats and taking second.
The Gong Show was off on the run first, with Four Play close behind but the Gong's runner increased the gap finishing in first place a good minute ahead of Four Play. Fast Cats were four minutes behind but came second as unfortunately Four Play were disqualified as their biker had forgotten to put on his helmet in all the excitement!
The solo field was quite competitive this year - the top three male soloists (Bob, Brendan and Henry) and the top female soloist (Laura) placed in the top ten! (3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th).
The top female team (Amundsen Electric Sparkettes) came in 6th overall, just behind the top mixed team (Better Late Than Never) in 5th. THE family team this year were The Divas Helping Out Dad - Dave Richards, his kids and their friends were impressive and had a ball.
Here are the top ten placements. Check below for full results:
1. The Gong Show (Men's Team) - 1:05:51
2. Fast Cats & River Rats (Men's Team) - 1:10:34
3. Bob Maudie (Men's Solo) - 1:10:54
4. Brendan Morgan (Men's Solo) - 1:11:43
5. Better Late Than Never (Mixed Team) - 1:11:55
6. Amundsen Electric Sparkettes (Women's Team) - 1:11:55:28
7. Mow & Snow Henry (Men's Solo) - 1:13:04
8. Just Me (Women's Solo) - 1:14:43
9. Gear Hub G-Unit (Men's Team) - 1:15:01
10. No Ordinary Team (Mixed Team) - 1:15:20
Thanks FAR for another fun PPP event and celebration!
