The Wild Ride of Jimmy LeVan: BMX’s Free-Spirited Icon

If BMX had a patron saint of rebellion, creativity, and raw energy, it would be Jimmy LeVan. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in the early 1970s, Jimmy’s journey from a Midwest BMX racer to one of the most influential street riders of his generation is the stuff of legend. His story isn’t just about tricks and trophies—it’s about attitude, vision, and a fearless approach to life on two wheels.

🏁 From Racing Tracks to Street Gaps

Jimmy’s BMX roots began in the racing scene, where he and his sister Susie tore through the Midwest circuit, supported by their mom’s grassroots trackside business. But the rigid structure of racing couldn’t contain Jimmy’s wild spirit for long. He transitioned into dirt jumping and eventually street riding, where his creativity and daring truly flourished.

What set Jimmy apart wasn’t just his ability to ride—it was how he rode. He didn’t just follow trends; he created them. His style was raw, fast, and unpredictable, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible.

🚴 Signature Tricks & Legendary Moments

Jimmy LeVan’s riding was defined by boldness and innovation. He was known for:

• Perfectly flat Bar Hops that looked impossibly smooth

• Toothpick hangers, which he helped pioneer

• The Austin Church Gap, a jaw-dropping leap that became an iconic moment in BMX history

That church gap wasn’t just a stunt—it was a metaphor for Jimmy’s entire career: leaping from one era of BMX into another, dragging the culture forward with him.

🤘 Sponsors & Metal Bikes

Throughout his career, Jimmy was backed by some of the most respected names in BMX, including UGP and Odyssey. But his most defining sponsorship came from himself—when he founded Metal Bikes in the early 2000s.

Metal Bikes wasn’t just a brand; it was a movement. With its gritty aesthetic, rock-and-roll attitude, and parody logos, Metal Bikes embodied Jimmy’s ethos. If the brand had a scent, it would’ve been stale whiskey, burnt brake pads, and fresh blood. Riders didn’t just buy Metal—they bought into Jimmy’s worldview.

🎥 Video Sections That Shaped BMX

Jimmy’s influence spread far and wide through his unforgettable video parts. Some of the most notable include:

• Road Fools 1 & 2 – where his personality and riding style helped define the tone of the series

• Metal Bikes: Faded Glory and Dead Bang – raw, unfiltered showcases of the Metal crew’s adventures

• Props Video Magazine – which chronicled some of Jimmy’s most daring moments

• Transit Issue 3 – featuring a standout interview and riding section

These videos weren’t just entertainment—they were cultural touchstones for BMX riders around the world.

🧠 The Price of Pushing Limits

Jimmy’s later years were marked by a series of serious head injuries, including a devastating skateboarding accident. These incidents had long-term effects on his health and brought attention to the risks riders face, especially regarding head trauma and the need for better aftercare in action sports.

His story, captured in the documentary Go Fast Pull Up, is both inspiring and sobering. It celebrates his contributions while also highlighting the challenges faced by BMX legends once the cameras stop rolling.

Jimmy Levan // Metal Bikes // Faded Glory // 2003

Jimmy Levan on Riding BMX & Metal Bikes | Inside Alli Sports

Props Issue 42 -- Metal Bikes Roadtrip