RENNER RULES AT RED BULL RIDE TO THE HILLS 2006

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 31, 2006) ? Say it three times fast- Ronnie Renner wins the Red Bull Ride to the Hills at both locations- plus best whip, best line and the overall competition which finished up at Glamis, California on Thursday, October 26.

Doing it in the Dirt

This unique competition which was designed to bring freeride motocross back to where it all began, on the hills that Mother Nature created and riders made their own with creative lines that resulted in big airs and huge gaps. The winner is determined by the riders themselves who watch film at the end of the day and award points to each rider.

Ten for the Road

On Sunday, October 22, ten of the top freestyle riders gathered at Red Bull headquarters to load up and head out four hours into the desert to the two stops for this year’s event; Ocotillo Wells and Glamis in Southern California. Two huge Red Bull haulers and a number of the rider’s motor coaches provided the backdrop to the camp which featured full catering and a good sound system.

Ocotillo Wells

The next day was scouting and riders found the lines they’d ride on competition day. Robbie Maddison caught the sun in his eyes on a 25-foot step-up that Matt Buyten found, and landed hard. He was up and roaming around soon after, but his event was over.

The first day of the contest had Tommy Clowers demonstrating his technical abilities on a 50-foot wide gap with a 20-foot tall lip which he transferred in the air. Renner, not to be outdone threw a huge whip, while Todd Potter hit a 90-foot step-up and pulled off a double seat grab.

With the sun already set on the compound, the Ronnie Renner walked (danced) off with the victory, and Matt Buyten followed in second, with Todd Potter taking third. While Renner had the best whip and best line, Clowers and Mike Mason tied for best gap.

Glamis

Wednesday the crew had the first camp down and the next one up with just a few hours amidst the dunes of Glamis. The riders took off right away since the format for this stop was scout ?em, ride ?em, and film ?em. There was no time to waste and the only thing hotter than the sun on this day was the huge bowl the riders hit to the delight of the onlookers who gathered.

On Thursday, the final day of competition, Josh Grant joined the group and threw some double-heel clicks off a ridge making him one of the standouts along with Potter, Mason, Buyten and Renner. Ronnie had the group collectively holding their breath when he saved a wobble that would have taken down the average dog. Renner walked away with the win on the dunes, with Buyten and Nate Adams earning second and third respectively.

Due to high-winds which compromised the riders’ safety, the best line, whip and gap were not completed.

The awards ceremony was completed with the suns last rays sinking against a desert. Renner took the overall at the event as Buyten was firm in second and Adams found third best. Then as everyone packed up, the bikes were strapped in and the last of the smack-talk was thrown down. In spite of the long hours, the competition was amazing and the camaraderie even better, because there’s nothing more fun than a road trip with friends.

Official results:

Rider Ocotillo Wells Glamis TOTAL

Ronnie Renner 840 420 1260

Matt Buyten 770 480 1250

Nate Adams 590 240 830

Tommy Clowers 565 230 795

Mike Mason 105 680 785

Todd Potter 630 80 710

Dustin Miller 260 290 550

Drake McElroy 250 90 340

Doug Parsons 20 0 20

Robbie Maddison DNF DNF DNF

For photos free and clear for media use visit: http://www.redbull-photofiles.com

For more information and to view the Roadcast videos visit: http://www.redbullridetothehills.com