ok to delete tmp_pack file(s)? also, backing up a git repository

I backup my remote git repositories on sf.net using "rsync -a REMOTE LOCAL". I chose rsync instead of clone --mirror/fetch because I wanted hook scripts, "description", and "config" backed up.

I got the following error from my backup cron job:

        rsync: send_files failed to open
        "/mifos/head/objects/pack/tmp_pack_IcK2CZ" (in gitroot):
        Permission denied (13)

So, fine, I can't reach that file. Looks like a temp file--I think I did a CTRL-C during a push, so maybe that's what caused it to be left around. A few questions:

     1. Should I just ignore "objects/pack/tmp_pack_*" file in my rsync
        backup?
     2. Should I shell into sf.net and run "git gc" on the repository?
        or "git repack"? or something else?
     3. Is rsync a bad idea? For instance, is the backup useful even if
        rsync was running while someone was doing a "git push" into the
        repository being backed up?
     4. Anyone have different rsync options to recommend for optimal
        backup of a git repository?

Thank you! -Adam

PS - git rocks... our benefits since migrating from svn are numerous:
* remote folks (UK, India, Africa, etc.) are quite happy with the speed
increase
* branching and merging just works
* examining logs/forensics is much easier and faster
* lots more, but I gotta grab me some lunch