Hollywood on Two Wheels: The BMX Legacy of Mike Miranda

If you were anywhere near a BMX track in the 1980s, chances are you heard the name Mike Miranda echoing through the crowd. Known affectionately—and flamboyantly—as “Hollywood,” Miranda wasn’t just a racer; he was a showman, a trailblazer, and a personality that helped shape the golden era of BMX. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this iconic rider.

🌟 Born to Ride

Mike Miranda was born on November 15, 1963, in Jacksonville, Florida, under the name Fredrick Michael Felty. He later adopted the surname Miranda from his stepfather, and it stuck—especially in the BMX world, where “Mike Miranda” became synonymous with style and flair.

His journey into BMX began in the late 1970s when, at age 13, he entered a school-organized race at Corona Raceway in California. His parents weren’t keen on him riding motorcycles, so BMX became the perfect outlet for his need for speed and adrenaline. That first race sparked a passion that would carry him through a decade of competition and fame.

🎭 Enter “Hollywood”

The nickname “Hollywood” wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a persona. Whether it was a sticker on his helmet reading “My name is Hollywood” or his natural tendency to show off, Miranda embraced the spotlight. He was known for his charisma on and off the track, often turning heads with his dramatic style and fearless attitude.

🚴 Sponsors and Teams

Mike Miranda’s career was backed by some of the most iconic BMX brands of the era. His amateur years saw him ride for Steady Pedaler Bike Shop, RRS, and CW Racing. As a professional, he represented a string of top-tier sponsors including:

• CW Racing (both amateur and pro stints)

• Torker BMX

• Hutch Hi-Performance BMX

• Jamis Cycles

• Revcore/Shadow

• Free Agent/Vision Street Wear

Each team benefited from Miranda’s magnetic presence and competitive edge, and he helped elevate their visibility in the BMX community.

🛠️ Tricks, Tracks, and Style

While Miranda was primarily a racer, he was known for his flair and style rather than technical trick innovation. His signature wasn’t a specific stunt—it was the way he rode. Aggressive, theatrical, and always entertaining, he turned even routine jumps into crowd-pleasers.

One legendary feature named in his honor was “Miranda Mountain,” a 180-degree tabletop jump/turn at the Corona-Norco YMCA BMX track. Young riders would gather just to watch him tear through it with unmatched flair.

🎥 Lights, Camera, BMX

Mike Miranda appeared in several BMX video sections and TV broadcasts, most notably in the 1985 Kellogg’s BMX Track Wars series in the UK. These televised races featured top riders from around the world and gave Miranda a platform to showcase his racing chops and larger-than-life personality to an international audience.

He also worked with Vision Street Wear, contributing to BMX’s crossover into pop culture—including involvement in the Tom Petty “Free Fallin’” music video.

🙌 Faith and Philosophy

Miranda wasn’t just about flash—he was also grounded in faith. Like fellow riders Eric Rupe and Shawn Texas, he was a born-again Christian and often credited his success to divine guidance. This spiritual foundation added depth to his public persona and endeared him to fans beyond the BMX circuit.

🔄 What’s He Up to Now?

Though retired from professional racing, Mike Miranda hasn’t left the BMX world behind. He’s currently involved in reviving CW Racing with a retro twist, producing classic-style 4130 chromoly frames and forks that pay homage to the old-school BMX aesthetic.

He’s also a regular presence at BMX events like DirtyFest and the Buckeye Bike Show, where he connects with fans, shares stories, and keeps the spirit of vintage BMX alive. On top of that, he co-hosts the Dirty Knobs Podcast, a nostalgic and entertaining dive into BMX history alongside fellow legends.

MIKE 'Hollywood' MIRANDA "I Don't Like The RAD BMX Movie"

MIKE 'Hollywood' MIRANDA | 1985 Kellogg's BMX |

MIKE MIRANDA Wins A Pro | 1982 ABA Texas Nationals | ESPN |