The news that Ron Bonner sold UGP was hard to believe. Ron Bonner IS UGP and has been since he was 16 years old. Why sell now? Is he still going to be involved? Who are the new owners? What about the Roots jam? What's happening with the team? All questions that needed answers. Ron Bonner explains.
Was it a difficult decission to sell UGP and why?
The crazy thing is that I have been doing UGP since I was 16 years old everything that I have done for the past 18 years has been with UGP. I learned a ton about life with UGP. So yea it was the biggest decision I have ever made and not an easy one! But at some point in life change is good and I was ready for a change.
This decision opens up more time for me to explore other creative outlets that I might not of had time to try.
Are the new guys into BMX?
They love BMX. The new CEO (Ric Coven) used to ride and was a really good street rider back in the day.
Are you still involved with UGP?
No I am not. At first I was going to be but then I realized that I am unemployable, ha ha. I have been self employed since I was 16 so calling my own shots is the way I run things so I decided that it would be best if I moved on.
What about the UGP Roots jam, is that still happening?
Roots Jam has always been a separate deal from UGP. UGP has always just been the title Clothing sponsor of the event.
We are still running Roots Jam and the dates are going to be officially announced next week but for the Fat readers we’ll give you a little heads up on the dates first. Roots jam 2005 dates are going to be 11-11,12,13-2005. This years event will be held in doors and Nate Wessel and crew are going to build the course so expect some craziness!
How long ago did you start UGP and why is it time to stop now?
I was 16 years old in 1986. UGP and S&M were the first true rider owned brands.
Are you retiring now?
Hell no, creating is in my blood and I am not ready to stop that or leave BMX!
How about the UGP team?
As of the last I heard all was staying the same. UGP has an amazing Team there is no reason to change.
Future plans?
You know the old saying that when one door closes another one opens. So it will be interesting to see what we pull out of our sleeves, so stay on your toes!
But as of right now Shadow is blowing up so it has been taking up a shit load of my time and we are expanding Sparky's starting with Mutiny BMX, Twenty Bikes, and Sputnic bikes. Sparky's is going to be the exclusive distributor for these brands in the USA.
Also Roots Jam this year is another full time Job.
Thanks Ron!
Are you still involved with UGP?
No I am not. At first I was going to be but then I realized that I am unemployable, ha ha. I have been self employed since I was 16 so calling my own shots is the way I run things so I decided that it would be best if I moved on.
What about the UGP Roots jam, is that still happening?
Roots Jam has always been a separate deal from UGP. UGP has always just been the title Clothing sponsor of the event. We are still running Roots Jam and the dates are going to be officially announced next week but for the Fat readers we’ll give you a little heads up on the dates first. Roots jam 2005 dates are going to be 11-11,12,13-2005. This years event will be held in doors and Nate Wessel and crew are going to build the course so expect some craziness!
How long ago did you start UGP and why is it time to stop now?
I was 16 years old in 1986. UGP and S&M were the first true rider owned brands.
Are you retiring now?
Hell no, creating is in my blood and I am not ready to stop that or leave BMX!
How about the UGP team?
As of the last I heard all was staying the same. UGP has an amazing Team there is no reason to change.
Future plans?
You know the old saying that when one door closes another one opens. So it will be interesting to see what we pull out of our sleeves, so stay on your toes!
But as of right now Shadow is blowing up so it has been taking up a shit load of my time and we are expanding Sparky's starting with Mutiny BMX, Twenty Bikes, and Sputnic bikes. Sparky's is going to be the exclusive distributor for these brands in the USA.
Also Roots Jam this year is another full time Job.
Thanks Ron!
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.