RIDE BMX MAGAZINE: FROM RAGS TO RICHES

By: Cloyd Uyson

Sheer desire breeds marvelous, unexpected and even herculean endeavors. This was exactly what happened 18 years ago to Brad Mcdonald founder and publisher of the world renowned Ride BMX Magazine. In 1991, just a year prior to the birth of Ride BMX Magazine, Brad Mcdonald found himself doing his dream job at Wizard publication as the staff photographer. His passion for reading Freestylin’ and BMX Action, coupled with his intense craving to capture the best tricks and styles of BMX bike performances, hooked him into the world of BMX biking. But, it was only for a year since the economy and the dwindling BMX business cut short his stay with Wizard Publication. He was a college student then when the said publication closed. Armed with courage and determination, he braved in opening his own publication: the famous Ride BMX Magazine. 

Rolling up his sleeves, Mcdonald did all the dirty jobs from typing in subscriptions to convincing advertisers to the point of begging from them. He also took charge in taking those magnificent photos that became a notable trademark of Ride BMX Magazine. It was once shared by the founder that during those difficult, early years of the magazine, he never really thought of it as a real business which holds an office and with employees. In fact, everything was done in his apartment bedroom! Due to lack of funds, and at the same time being pre-occupied with his studies, he took advantage to scan his photos at their school’s computer lab before he goes home to work in his publication. 

According to Mcdonald, the first issue of BMX magazine was a disaster from the point of view of professional production. The output was basically black and white with low quality paper and a blurred, dark printing. As a photographer himself who pays much attention with the color and quality of the printed pictures, the said first issue was indeed discouraging. His income from the magazine was obviously meager but it progressed continuously due to his unwavering faith and tireless efforts. He tried his best to improve the quality of the magazine which was the reason why for the first few years of its operation it did not really make money. He spent most of the income of his publication in the aspect of marketing and product development. The selfless help from his loved ones especially his parents motivated him to make Ride BMX Magazine at par with the standards of the world of publication. In the deepest recesses of Mcdonald’s heart there is this intense goal and longing to make his magazine famous and number 1in the field of sports biking. For, less than two decades of existence, this dream of Mcdonald is now a shining reality where everyone can draw inspiration.

At present, Ride BMX Magazine enjoys the high status and title of being considered the famous biking sports magazine worlwide. Published and edited for die hard, fanatic BMX trick riders, Transworld Ride BMX magazine has become the largest BMX provider of everything about the sports. It is a private company under the category of Publishers-Periodical and is presently located in Tustin, CA. Estimates show that this company has an annual income of $5 to 10 million and employs a staff of approximately 20 to 49. 

On the trivial side, Ride BMX magazine possesses all that a person needs to enjoy and excel in this interesting sport called biking. Transworld Ride BMX magazine also informs riders about important reviews on bikes and other bike gear and accessories.

Contrary to some claims in the net, the esteemed magazine is not merely an exclusive issue full of bike information and bikers’ adventures. Instead, it has in it inspiring features such as the twenty two best riders of UK who were interviewed about their role models and advices to the young generation of bikers. This was featured in the 125th issue of the said magazine.

Finally, it is interesting to note that the contents of the July 2010 issue 164 is jam packed with very interesting topics such as a Vans road trip, an adventure from South Africa, a feature about a famous spot, Morgan Wade’s private riding spot, and a lot more. In the meantime, as Ride BMX Magazine followers and fanatics around the world cannot help but be excited for the release of its newest issue, few of them may not know yet about the inspiring beautiful rags to riches story behind it.