Red Bull Rampage 2014: Parenting With Ronnie Renner

RED BULL

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RONNIE RENNER

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RAMPAGE



Words like ‘veteran’ and ‘superstar’ are often thrown around when describing Ronnie Renner, and they should be; he set the world record for a step-up on a moto in 2007 when he hit the 35 feet 6 inch mark. And the following year he set another world record when he sent it 59 feet 2 inches off a quarterpipe. So when I sat down to interview him at Rampage this year I wasn’t expecting the topic of conversation to focus on parenting rather than his motocross career. But as Ronnie explained, “I’m at that point where I’m realizing my kids are my legacy.”



Nate, at 14, is Ronnie’s oldest of four kids. He took up mountain biking four years ago and his freeride goals are what brought the family to Red Bull Rampage this year. “He likes moto too and says that it is his number two, but it messes him up on his mountain bike so he just parks it.” As a proud father, Ronnie isn’t too bothered that Nate isn’t following exactly in his footstep, “it all comes back to being a dad; I just want to help him reach his goals.”




When you have access to a lot of extras, like passes to Red Bull Rampage, that someone like Ronnie does, parenting can really become a balancing act when it comes to doling out the ‘extra love’. Ronnie keeps things even by focusing on building a strong work ethic with his kids, and teaching them that “you’ve got to fight for your right to party.” In other words you have to work hard for success. “Nate has the skills, heart, and passion for [mountain biking],” and nothing has come to him for free. Nate has worked hard to lined up his own sponsors, including a spot riding for Fox Head. He also earned his attendance at Red Bull Rampage last year by working on Tyler McCaul’s line. Ronnie feels that the value of the experience was two-fold; it is important for Nate to understand that “jumps don’t build themselves” and also the importance of being on a team and getting along with your peers. You won’t get anywhere in an industry without making friends and contacts.




As the father of a freerider, he says, “the risk versus reward is so far out of balance for all these sports, but it’s understandable.” Mountain biking, like moto, is a passion sport and riders need to carefully pick their battles when it comes to preserving the longevity of their careers. “Sometimes it’s better to be in them all than win them all.” His advice to Nate when it comes to risk is that “[freeriding] may never be worth it financially, but it is definitely not going to be worth if you are injured and can’t ride.” This is strong advice from a man who has only broken one bone throughout his career.



While Nate has his eyes set on Freeriding, Ronnie believes that the best riders are well rounded, the ones who can do it all. “Moto has been around long enough now that you can start with freeride, but as soon as you get to a big course or a big stage it is the racers who shine.” He encourages Nate to “just do it all, the cream rises to the top, and you’ll figure out what you are the best at.” And within that you need to find your own identity. “Freeriding is my main love because you are being creative and finding your own line. I don’t like the cookie cutter ‘do the same things as everyone else, I like to be original.”


While the priorities in Ronnie’s life may have shifted to focus more on fatherhood, he is still utilizing years’ worth of knowledge that has come from a competitive and illustrious moto career. As his legacy, his kids will benefit from the example that he continues to set.

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