The Athlete: RONNIE RENNER
Episode: Step-Up World Record | Premiere: April 2, 2007

Perry's Thoughts:
Ronnie Renner had to be one of the most entertaining athletes we've had in a while, given his and his kids dancing skills! Seriously, though, the whole concept of step-up impressed me. To take a motorcycle from a standing start to a practically vertical takeoff ramp, launch the bike straight up, and have to gracefully muscle the bike up and over the bar was a sight to behold. The fact that this event started off as a sideshow and has now turned into a specialized event is a great example of the progression of action sports. Can't wait to see how Ronnie does at the X Games this summer ... Good luck, Ronnie! Hope you break your own record.

Eli's Thoughts:
Ronnie is a freestyle motocross (FMX) rider who has spent a lot of time wowing crowds around the world. We met him at his ranch and got the lowdown on what he was planning to do, i.e., to set a new world record for step-up at 35 feet. FMX is like the high jum,p but with motorcycles ... During his practice, Ronnie hit a jump and showed us all firsthand how exciting FMX really is, pulling a handful of maneuvers that he made look easy as can be. He had Dane Herron shape his takeoff ramp, and when it was done, it was hard to believe anyone would want to ride their motorcycle up this thing. It was nearly 90 degrees and 13 feet tall. He brought out his friend Miles to hit the jump with him for some input, and when these guys hit this thing, it was crazy to see how high they would fly. Ronnie put on a special sprocket in order to get the torque he needed, along with the top end, to get him over the bar. This was especially important because he only had 30 feet for a run-up before hitting the jump. On Stunt Day, he started out at 24 feet and cleared it nicely. He soon got to the record height of 35 feet, and before long, 35 feet 6 inches was the new world record. Ronnie did his victory dance he's known so well for and the victory was all his. Hopefully, this will help in his quest for an invite and victory at step-up in the X-Games in 2007.