RIP Blair Shepherd
"Blair will be remembered as a true legend and someone who lived their life to the fullest. Australian BMX will always be better because of him."
Perhaps one of the most significant figures in Australian BMX, Blair Shepherds rich history and contribution to BMX (and everything 2 wheels) stands tall and proud.
Most LUXBMXers may be familiar with bike products from the likes of Odyssey, Wethepeople, Sunday, BSD, Fitbikeco or S&M - being some of the most respected and established brands around. Well, each of these companies (amongst many other brands) are associated with the BMX wholesale distributor known as BMX International (located in Brisbane). In fact, they're Australia's longest running BMX distributor (birthed in 1978) and continue to perform a pivotal role in the growth of the BMX community.
Blair Shepherd was the original creator and long time owner of BMX International.
That most people in the BMX community do not know his name is not unintentional. While a senior figure at the age of 91, he is more than a couple generations beyond most bikers, however he also lived and breathed the admirable philosophy of 'reach for the sky, but keep your feet on the ground'. A doctrine consistent with core BMX values and one that continues to live on in 2025.
The crew at LUXBMX want to take this moment to pay our respects to an absolute giant, perhaps the most crucial individual in paving the way for BMX to evolve in South East Queensland and beyond. Continuing to play a part in driving the momentum first sparked by Blair is an honour and one that we are intensely passionate about.
The following gives further weight to the passing of Blair, as derived from the BMX International instagram:
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Director Blair Shepherd passed away on Wednesday.
Blair was the owner of our company for all of its 47 years, and is credited with being one of the pioneers of BMX at its inception in the late 70's.
Blair was a businessman, showman, promoter and entrepreneur and got BMX off to a flying start with a world class standard BMX track in Brisbane. This became known as the Windsor BMX track and the home of BMX, allowing weekly night time racing under lights.
Blair promoted the first international BMX race in 1980 with a bunch of the top USA Pro riders attending, including Stu Thompsen, John Crews, Scott Breithaupt and others.
In addition to BMX, Blair went on to introduce international Supercross racing from 1979. Blair was also a twice National Speedcar Champion and Drag Rail champion, Tourist resort operator, Superyacht importer, and more, just to add to his long list of achievements .
Through the BMX wholesale business journey Blair set the standard and ethos that our company has believed in and still follows. Always pay your dues and "Reach for the sky, but keep your feet on the ground".
Blair will be remembered as a true legend and someone who lived their life to the fullest. Australian BMX will always be better because of him.
Blair was 91yo."
For more historical detail as to Blair's contribution to BMX, Australian BMX Museum offers a great timeline.
