05.31.02
by: Alex
EXPN.com

Ten Questions Featuring "Who's Your Daddy?" Ronnie Renner

Ronnie is the current WFA Champion in Step Up, and will be competing in the Summer X Games.

Alex is the roving reporter for the ESPN Moto-X Series, and you can send her e mail to alex@freestylemtx.com

Ronnie whips out a superman air.

When did you decide that you were going to professionally compete in Freestyle Motocross?

Ronnie Renner: I competed in a local freestyle event and didn't get scored well, and I figured that you can't get scored bad in step up. I went to an X Games qualifier and placed 2nd behind Twitch my first time out. After that I was determined to do well in all the disciplines.

Would you say in general it is hard to make a living as a Moto-X Athlete?

RR: It definitely takes work. On days that I am not riding or practicing, I am on the phone all day talking to sponsors and trying to line up shows overseas. It takes a lot of work, but people love it so much now it is easy to get out what you put in.

You have some pretty traditional MX sponsors, how do they feel about freestyle when racing has been their primary market?

RR: I have been really lucky. With Oakley and Troy Lee I established myself with more corporate racing type of teams. I don't blame some sponsors for being leery of some of the athlete's attitudes, but I made them some promises if they supported me and so far I am living up to those promises.

Ronnie and Alex goofing off.

When you travel to do a show, you only get about half an hour of riding time in for being on the road 3-4 days a week. How do you practice?

RR: It is really hard. I have to set aside time to work on my bike and try and learn new tricks. Some days it is too windy and you don't get a good session in. Travel takes a toll, but I make sure I get my practice time in too.

You are one of six guys that has made it to all three events in Summer X- is that a lot of pressure?

RR: Sure. I want to take home a medal, and although that gives me three chances, the events are all very different. It is going to take a lot of focus to go and do well in all three, but this is such an important opportunity- I'm ready to take a medal.

Unlike many other sports, the guys you compete against are also your good friends. What is it like to have a great practice session with your friends, and then have to try and beat them that night in competition?

RR: It is strange. Having made so many good friends among the riders, you want them to do well, but not better than you! The competition is tough; we all want to win for sure. Luckily we all get along and have a great time.

Do you ever see a new trick and think that it is out of reach for you?

RR: If I see someone do a trick, I know I can do it. When I started in the sport, I didn't plan on being one of the best. Now I know I can be one of the best and I won't let any one trick hamper my game. I want to be able to do it all. If a guy pulls a rock solid in the run before you and becomes the top seat, you have to pull one out too, or better.

How much do you need to invest in your bike to prep it for freestyle?

RR: I have great sponsors now, but when I got into this I was putting about $1500 dollars into my stock bike to compete.

You travel from event to event and the ramps are all different. Is it easy to adapt?

RR: Well, Freeride Technology has done a great job in getting ramps to market so a lot of promoters use them. There have been trends, from mellow transitions to super kickers. Sometimes you hit a ramp and it pops you great, but you can't always favor one ramp so you see what the best trick is that you can pull on each ramp and focus on those when you hit it.

You have spent a lot of time overseas, how do international comps differ from the U. S. scene?

RR: The European and Australian crowds are insane for freestyle. In the U.S. the shows I do are typically competitive series, so it is nice to go to another country where they pack the fans in up to the ceiling, and just go ride and have fun. There is a lot less pressure riding abroad, but there are some new guys out there that are looking to come to the U.S. to compete, so the sport is definitely growing and getting more competitive no matter where you go.

Learn more about Ronnie at ronnierenner.com

I was going to do ten questions with the 1st rider to complete a back flip and ride away, Caleb Wyatt. Our interview was so good, we are turning it into a feature story. Look for it in the next few weeks with an exciting announcement about Caleb's back flip. Next week, 10 questions with Nate "The Destroyer" Adams.

Alex out!

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