ASHLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Professional bicycle mechanic school United Bicycle Institute has been acquired by the father and son team of Ryan Bedford and Phil Bedford.
UBI was founded in 1981 and has been owned since 1986 by Ron and Denise Sutphin. The school has trained thousands of students from across the U.S. and around the world in bicycle repair and custom frame building.
Ryan Bedford competed as a speedskater in the 2010 Olympics; he also won a gold medal at the 2009 World Championships. He is now Chairman and CEO of Kendal Group / Bedford Development, a real estate development and management firm.
His father Phil has a background in education and organizational leadership along with a lifelong passion for cycling. He has worked in public education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, school principal, curriculum coordinator, and chief human resources officer. He attended UBI in 1985 and returned to the UBI classroom in 2025. He recently worked as a mechanic at Bicycle Outfitters in Montrose, Colorado and also opened and operated two bike shops in the 1980’s.
“We are honored to carry forward Ron and Denise Sutphin’s extraordinary legacy,” said Ryan Bedford. “UBI has shaped the bicycle industry for over four decades. My dad and I are committed to preserving its hands-on excellence while expanding opportunities for the next generation of bike mechanics and shop professionals.”
Phil Bedford added, “Bicycles have been a passion throughout my life; in education, in business, and now in this exciting new venture. We look forward to working with UBI’s talented instructors and staff to continue delivering the highest-quality training that the industry relies on.”
In a statement, the Sutphins said the Bedfords are "the ideal team to continue the UBI legacy. With their business acumen and educational knowledge, along with their passion for cycling they possess the necessary skills to provide top-notch workforce training for the bicycle industry."
The Bedfords said they plan to build on UBI’s foundation in Ashland, maintaining its programs, faculty, and student-focused approach while exploring opportunities to grow enrollment and industry partnerships.
