Brian Blyther: The Vert Legend Who Defined BMX Style

If you were anywhere near a halfpipe in the 1980s, chances are you heard the name Brian Blyther echoing through the BMX scene. Known for his effortless style, towering airs, and smooth landings, Blyther wasn’t just a rider—he was a movement. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of one of freestyle BMX’s most iconic figures.

🌟 Early Life & Origins

Brian Blyther was born and raised in Ontario, California, a region that offered a perfect blend of skateparks, empty pools, and sun-drenched terrain for a young BMX enthusiast to thrive. He began racing BMX at the age of 14, cutting his teeth at the legendary Pipeline BMX track. Sundays were golden—if you raced, you got free access to the skatepark. That’s where Brian’s love for freestyle took root. He soon ditched racing and dove headfirst into the world of vert and pool riding.

🚴 Rise to Fame

By the mid-1980s, Blyther had become a household name in BMX circles. He joined the Haro Freestyle Team in 1985, touring alongside legends like Ron Wilkerson and Dave Nourie. His performances were electric—he wasn’t just doing tricks, he was painting in the air. Blyther’s signature wasn’t about complexity; it was about style, speed, and height. He could boost higher than anyone else and land with a grace that made it look easy.

He later transitioned to GT Bicycles in 1990, adapting his vert skills to street riding and placing high in early street competitions. His versatility and charisma made him a fan favorite across disciplines.

🛠️ Signature Tricks & Style

While Brian Blyther is credited with inventing the flatground tailwhip, his real claim to fame was his vert riding. He was known for:

• 12-foot airs off 8-foot ramps

• 540 aerials

• Boned-out chicken-butt variations

• X-up can cans

• Smooth nosed-in landings

In an era where tricks were becoming increasingly technical, Blyther stood out by making everything look clean, stylish, and controlled. He was the embodiment of “style over substance”—except he had both.

🧢 Sponsors & Gear

Throughout his career, Blyther rode for some of the biggest names in BMX:

• Huffy – His early sponsor before joining the big leagues.

• Haro – Where he made his mark during the golden era of freestyle.

• GT Bicycles – His home during the early street riding explosion.

• Etnies – He later collaborated with them for a “Legends Session” video.

In 2016, Haro released a tribute bike—the Haro FST Brian Blyther edition—honoring his contributions to the sport.

🎥 Video Sections & Appearances

Brian Blyther’s riding was immortalized in several classic BMX videos and contests:

• AFA Masters Series (1985) – Dominated the Huntington Beach contest with massive airs and smooth style.

• Team Haro Freestyle (1988/89) – Featured alongside other legends in one of the most iconic BMX tapes of the era.

• GT Demo Tapes – Showcased his transition to street riding.

• Etnies Legends Session – A modern-day reunion with Ruben Alcantara, blending two generations of BMX style.

His footage remains a masterclass in how to ride with flair and finesse.

🕶️ Fun Facts & Stories

• In 1988, Blyther toured with Swatch Watches and even got to ride in the Guns N’ Roses tour bus while the band was overseas.

• He’s a USA BMX Hall of Fame inductee.

• He broke his neck in a desert accident in 2004 but made a full recovery.

• He’s known for his laid-back personality and love for motorcycles and off-roading.

👮 What’s He Up to Now?

Today, Brian Blyther lives in Montclair, California, where he’s spent the last two decades working as a police detective. But don’t think he’s hung up his bike—he still rides, attends BMX reunions, and connects with fans and fellow riders. Whether it’s cruising on his Harley or tearing through the desert in his 4x4 Toyota, Blyther continues to live life with the same spirit that made him a BMX icon.

Brian Blyther // Socko/AFA Finals // 1987 (BMX)

BMX's First High Air Contest! // Eddie Fiola, Mike Dominguez, & Brian Blyther // 1984

1985 Kelloggs BMX Brian Blyther vs Neil Ruffell