"Here's another shot of him...just before he ripped the pitch from the crux (still well above him in this photo) and nearly wiped out Lydia (aka the Pocket Russian) belaying at the base. Rick walked away."

"So here's the start of Rick's 40 foot tour, Lydia on belay. Note the Hammer of Justice t-shirt that seemed to be his trademark for some time...nice swami, too." Photo/Description by: Mini

The first lead attempt on Phd, 5.12a was made in 1988-89 by R. Piggot where he took a 40' ground fall after ripping some protection. He walked away from this screamer.

"From here is where he ripped the FIRST time, this time, setting up for drilling.

After taking a near 40' grounder and walking away R. Piggot, keeping to ground-up ethics, hung out on a hook to drill two bolts to protect the upper crux section. Photo/Title by: Mini

Most popularly top roped, a lead was attempted on this impressive flake/face in 1988/89. With L.Pankiher (aka "the pocket Russian") belaying below, R. Piggot blew off the crux high up on the route, ripping out his gear and grounding, nearly taking out his belayer! Rick miraculouly walked away from this fall and was soon back up on the route hanging off hooks to drill two bolts for the upper section. Story and Photo: BVB collection / L.Pankiher