I have an earlier P29er.  One of the black with yellow decal models.  Flat bar and 100mm Fox fork
It is awesome.  I have a Santa Cruz Tallboy and until recently, a ti softail 29er.  The Ritchey is the bike I grab for those rides where I want to go fast, or 60km+ rides, or rides with leg sapping climbs, or a combination thereof.  The ride quality is beautiful.  
Not saying there aren't other sweet hardtails out there, just that the Ritchey is a damn fine ride.