BMX - TAJ MIHELICH - LIFE AFTER PRO

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  • Опубліковано 30 кві 2017
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    One of the most influential riders in the history of BMX, Taj Mihelich took a less is more, passionate approach to everything he did. After a chronic back injury forced Taj to put down the BMX bike, he's found a new direction...here's the story of the legendary Taj Mihelich and his Life After Pro.
    Filmed/edited by Chris Rye.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 346

  • @tallorderbmx
    @tallorderbmx 7 років тому +80

    this was so good! Taj is my hero and I'm so grateful I got to go on trips with him and ride in some crazy finals at the Backyard jams

    • @neurodamuzz4180
      @neurodamuzz4180 7 років тому +8

      Sebastian Keep your a legend too Seb good to be humble though mad props

  • @Aspire7
    @Aspire7 7 років тому +110

    This should be a series. Would love to see what happened to Chris Stauffer, Jason Enns, Bennett, Stricker, and of course Mr. Aitken. All those old school legends.

    • @stereos182
      @stereos182 7 років тому +7

      Aspire7 if only mirra was here... :( so sad but his legacy will live forever in BMX!

    • @jakebmw
      @jakebmw 7 років тому +1

      Shelby Jensen I totally agree

    • @richo2765
      @richo2765 7 років тому +9

      Aspire7 stauffer aint got nothin to offer!

    • @Aspire7
      @Aspire7 7 років тому +2

      richo2765
      Classic

    • @selophane43
      @selophane43 5 років тому +5

      And whatever happened to Jay Miron......

  • @13Clicks
    @13Clicks 7 років тому +31

    Taj rules on and off the bike. He's still bmx. Forever.

  • @ToLiveistoDie
    @ToLiveistoDie 7 років тому +2

    I think the first clip I ever saw of him was the downside whip on vert at the Stone Edge BS contest. I knew right away I was watching someone very special. Thanks for everything, Taj.

    • @MattHooverDotCom
      @MattHooverDotCom 6 років тому +1

      I was at that contest. I was 15 years old and I shook Mat Hoffman's hand on the deck of that vert ramp.That was my local skatepark, and watching all my heroes descend on my home turf like that was simply mind-blowing. That was the last Hoffman BS contest before ESPN took over as the biggest contest series around. I always hated them for that, because as cool as the courses they built were, they weren't real skateparks, where 15-year old kids hung out waiting for their heroes to come by and show them crazy lines they never knew existed.

  • @calebquanbeck
    @calebquanbeck 7 років тому +27

    Taj is such a cool and unique person. one of the best to ever do it

  • @kpripper
    @kpripper 7 років тому +59

    one of the best to touch a bmx.

  • @JasonVaughnMamba80
    @JasonVaughnMamba80 4 роки тому +1

    Growing up in the 90's riding BMX, Taj was definitely a HEAVY influence on me.

  • @SpencerForesman
    @SpencerForesman 7 років тому +78

    Taj is a beast! Watching this made me feel like a little bitch about my riding lol.

    • @brianfield9252
      @brianfield9252 7 років тому +6

      Love Taj.. You are a GREAT rider man. I love watching your videos for the riding and humor...

    • @dwaynekoblitz6032
      @dwaynekoblitz6032 7 років тому +2

      Spencer Foresman is one of my very favorite riders. The vlogs are always excellent! Including today's.

    • @thebipolarbear1
      @thebipolarbear1 4 роки тому

      Nah man your awesome. Those Woodward hours did you justice. When you going to be riding in Lewisburg again?

  • @twentytolife4401
    @twentytolife4401 7 років тому +2

    Not too many riders have a style all their own like Taj. Glad to see life after BMX is treating him well.

  • @gowchecor7643
    @gowchecor7643 7 років тому +4

    All i can say is "Thanks Taj🙏🏽"

  • @billfinch9159
    @billfinch9159 Місяць тому +1

    My favorite BMX RIDER of all time 💯

  • @YasuragiDojo
    @YasuragiDojo 7 років тому +2

    Taj was one of the nicest, solid guys I got to know from the Spooky days. Stoked to watch this Taj.

  • @muffemod
    @muffemod 7 років тому +4

    I remember first watching Taj from the Hoffman BS (bicycle stunt) series in South Padre Island in 96ish? Bmx was and still is a culture to its own. Taj is one of those indelible bmx heroes from that culture.

  • @reallypeacedoff
    @reallypeacedoff 6 років тому +1

    The nostalgia, knew pretty much every magazine shot and video clip. One of my favorite riders of all time, thanks Taj!

  • @larrygray4792
    @larrygray4792 3 роки тому +1

    Taj you lived a life you will remember . It's still in your heart and soul & it is who you are. I never got probut I still like to take the united out every now and then and pedal around to keep my legs in motion. I'm 55 and had have alot of wrecks and got titanium in me so I hurt most of the time and arthritis in my hands so bad I can't grip the bars like I need to but I still pedal around. Some people love motorcycles I love bicycles. It's 2 wheels right? Lol. Taj just remember u wasn't a bad dude you still are a bad dude! Peace bro. Alabama Boy BMX 4LIFE

  • @millcovecaveman
    @millcovecaveman 2 роки тому +1

    Just found this... a few years late, perhaps, but it brought back some really positive memories. Taj, your style is legendary.

  • @___bluff___
    @___bluff___ 7 років тому +2

    4:34 I was there at the Derby backyard jam 2002, been looking for the clip of his whip since then... thanks for this. thanks Taj.

  • @harryclay_z06
    @harryclay_z06 7 років тому +1

    I thought I was the only one who tail-whips with the front foot. Props, what a legend. I remember seeing your pics in BMX Plus growing up in the 90s!

  • @mikehagen3785
    @mikehagen3785 7 років тому +6

    Style for miles.... Taj was a huge influence in 90s, along with Joe Rich, Jimmy Levan and any Road Fools regular. Props video was hugely responsible for bringing the underground to the surface and letting small town guys like me see what these guys could do. Going big was redefined.
    Thanks for the interview and it's cool that Taj is still involved in the industry. I'm 45 and still pedal, nothing impressive but my 4 year old thanks I'm awesome.

  • @nelsano3
    @nelsano3 4 роки тому +1

    One of my heroes. Taj was a genius rider and still is a brilliant man. I quit too and feel very lost sometimes. Thanks Taj

  • @TrailsOfDoom
    @TrailsOfDoom 7 років тому +6

    Crazy! I remember riding with Taj back at Woodward in 91 I think it was... I just remember I could never say his last name! He had a knee brace on that summer as he had blown his knee out and was worried he would never be able to turn pro in the sport we loved. But, then throughout the 90's I would see his name and it was cool knowing he made it! Great guy! Totally chill and the perfect guy to hang out and bs with! Great to see his accomplishments and the way BMX has molded so many of our lives who grew up riding every single day and hour we could for so many years.

  • @xrobfrankx
    @xrobfrankx 7 років тому +1

    the most influential rider of all time, at least in the top 3. taj and joe's parts in "Made In Taiwan" are what made me love bmx, he made me look at riding like art and took my attention off the xgames. my first nice frame was a t1 progression and i still have it. 18 years later i still make it to the trails and i still try to mimic his style I will always support what he is involved with and will always support his endeavors. I wish he could still ride.

  • @stealthdf2
    @stealthdf2 7 років тому +4

    I miss those old BMX days in the 90s

  • @matt_metcalf
    @matt_metcalf 7 років тому +3

    I wish there were more like buttons for this video. Taj was and continues to be one of my heroes.

  • @Turbotan1
    @Turbotan1 7 років тому +16

    this is one of the best UA-cam videos I have ever watched. I love it. not just because it about BMX or because it's about Taj, but because it's a great story with great edits and ALOT of inspiration! great job!!
    it does help that it's about Taj.... just sayin

  • @Gorillasquad718
    @Gorillasquad718 7 років тому +3

    THATS CRAZY THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME IN MY EARLY RIDING DAYS .I STOPPED FOR 10 YRS IM 32 NOW...I JUST STARTED RIDING AGAIN ....LEGS DONT FAIL ME NOW....

  • @BMXNEWSCHANNEL
    @BMXNEWSCHANNEL 7 років тому +3

    This had me in tears. This is the BMX we know and love. Well the majority of us atleast.

  • @cdanielbecam2714
    @cdanielbecam2714 6 років тому +2

    thank you very much TAJ you are one of my heroes of which I will always remember your great riding style and inspire me to be like you as a child, you will always be a legend 😭🙏 a big hug and blessings from Mexico🇲🇽

  • @railhopmike_fk
    @railhopmike_fk 7 років тому +7

    this video almost brought a tear to my eye. Mad respect goes out to Taj and Ride.

  • @IndigoTraveller
    @IndigoTraveller 7 років тому +6

    Legend Taj. Great film Chris.

  • @flofelixjassochor2834
    @flofelixjassochor2834 6 років тому +2

    My Hero, thank you for one of the best time in my live! Thanks Taj💪

  • @Condor4343
    @Condor4343 7 років тому +46

    infinity thumbs up emoji!

    • @ridebmx
      @ridebmx  7 років тому +4

      :) :)

    • @richo2765
      @richo2765 7 років тому +1

      i watched madd matt a million times. taj trails section was my favorite part. inspired me for years

  • @SubSailor688
    @SubSailor688 7 років тому +7

    Taj, thank you for all you've given to the sport! You're a legend who continues to inspire all of us.

  • @CM-xr9oq
    @CM-xr9oq 7 років тому +1

    Taj, loved you as a rider, and love you as an artist.

  • @stephenhughes1305
    @stephenhughes1305 3 роки тому

    Taj is great. He was one of my favorite riders in the 90s. His parts in videos always pushed me

  • @whitetrashblackops4998
    @whitetrashblackops4998 7 років тому +2

    My favorite rider since '94

  • @Wingedoverphotos
    @Wingedoverphotos 3 роки тому

    Yes!!! I already love Taj for everything he has done for the bmx world. And to know we both have a corgi, I love it!!!!!!!

  • @nugenki
    @nugenki 7 років тому +2

    That felt very nostalgic. So well put together, gotta respect the legends.

  • @yo2stix
    @yo2stix 7 років тому

    Beautiful. I grew up on the 95-2005 years of riding. He was a top 5 favorite of mine. Thankful for this.

  • @C_on_my_C
    @C_on_my_C 7 років тому +2

    I wish I could like this more than once

  • @hotshothogger
    @hotshothogger 7 років тому +1

    Wow, that was powerful stuff. You can see how much it hurts him when he says at the start it's been since his surgery in 2009, I'm glad you found another way to enjoy it Taj. This year as I ride into my 40's hoping my back will stay together just a little longer I'll find inspiration in my old vids of guys like you and all the other timeless riders of the 90's to 2000's.

  • @Tpbmods
    @Tpbmods 3 роки тому

    Im a 32 yea old, grown ass man... And I still hope one day to live out my childhood dreams of meeting Taj, having a coffee together and just going for a pedal!
    I started doing grizz airs and X-ups(atleast they were to me at the time) as a young boy, just because of Taj!

  • @pablomarquez4431
    @pablomarquez4431 Рік тому +1

    Love you Taj! Bmx God and legend!!!

  • @rossc7006
    @rossc7006 4 роки тому +1

    I was lucky enough to be able to go down to Austin in 2005 before it started to get too big for it's own good. A friend and I went down to ride on a last minute decision. We just happened to run into Isaac Hoefling at empire (know him from our hometown just south of Chicago). Got to ride T1, Eastside trails, 9th, couple private backyard ramps, etc.
    I've gone down a few times after that and it's never been the same. These days I stick to road bikes, but feel privileged to meet these guys and ride the spots that are legendary.

  • @hugogastro
    @hugogastro 7 років тому +11

    Thanks Taj!!!

  • @chadrides914
    @chadrides914 5 років тому +1

    Taj, you were a big positive influence on me during my early teens growing up. You motivated me a lot! Thanks for all your great video parts. They literally made my quality of life better. The stoke you created in my body was real. I wish you the best. Be happy. I am and my bmx bike has a lot to do with it even though I suck at riding.

  • @abysss91
    @abysss91 7 років тому +4

    Hey Taj. Can't say that you were my favorite rider, but I will always remember the old videos of you. Even if you were not one of my favorites, you were inspiring and I always wanted to go out and shred after seeing you ride. And that is all that matters when it comes to bmx.
    Also, you never stopped riding bmx. Since we have you all over youtube, you will be riding bmx forever!
    It is sad to see that you had an accident but I am happy to see you are still in the industry. All the best wishes man! Cheers for the memories!

  • @Automobiliana
    @Automobiliana Рік тому

    This was way more emotional than I thought it would be. Excellent work.

  • @brettstenson
    @brettstenson 3 роки тому

    Taj in Etnies Forward was peak level BMX feels for me in high school - one of the unsung greatest of all time.

  • @lowery02
    @lowery02 7 років тому +3

    What a great production featuring such a great rider. Talk about a trip down memory lane! So stoked to see that clip through the rafter at Ray's MTB. Thanks Ride.... Thanks, Taj.

  • @ryanhorizon
    @ryanhorizon 7 років тому +8

    Such a great video! I returned to BMX after being away from it for a good 10 years and Taj was always a hero to me.

  • @daywalker4130
    @daywalker4130 7 років тому +4

    I think ride should do this type of videos to all the pro rides. thanks for doing this to one of my all time favorite riders.

  • @roblund8613
    @roblund8613 7 років тому +2

    a legend in more ways than 1

  • @chrisfyb
    @chrisfyb 7 років тому +10

    One of the best to ever do it.

  • @graham6162
    @graham6162 3 роки тому

    Taj instantly got my attention with when I first properly got into bmx and T-1 still remain a massive part of what amazing about bmx, I'm literally in the middle of breaking down my barcode to rebuild and revisit the best years of my life. Taj u are for sure one of the greatest parts of bmx history u and T-1 team 💯

  • @tfs94gt
    @tfs94gt 5 років тому +1

    Wow. Time flies. Made me smile that he’s still working in the bicycle industry. Dude is without a doubt a pioneer. I remember on one of the old props video magazine vhs tape he did a manual across some flower planters for what seemed like 2 minutes. We were all trying to emulate it.

  • @stefdd6287
    @stefdd6287 5 років тому

    im from Greece and i remember trying to find money as a teen to buy RideBMX magazine all the way from the US. I remember that wallride like it was yesterday 0:37 whoa... i remember riding for 20km brakeless in Athens to find spots to ride, the best years of my life. I remember all the cool kids riding Terrible 1s. The Taj vibe was very popular in Athens were the ramps are diy and sponsors rare.

  • @josephgargiuloiii5484
    @josephgargiuloiii5484 7 років тому +2

    Thank you Taj!!

  • @georgefrank5711
    @georgefrank5711 2 роки тому

    Thank you Taj, you are one of my favorite riders!

  • @shad4130
    @shad4130 7 років тому +5

    One of my all time favs! Thank you for always bringing power and originality to BMX!

  • @HELLAARTSYDUDE
    @HELLAARTSYDUDE 3 роки тому

    Before today, I had never heard of Taj nor of Fairdale. I went in to help build some bikes a friends Bike Shop and the first bike that I built today was a Taj Fairdale. What an incredible experience that was, as I kept taking off all of the packing/shipping protection layers and slowly exposing the paint job and logo and chrome. I was really stoked on how the bike looked and so now that I am home for the evening and have a little time, I decided to research about Taj and Fairdale Bikes. Now after watching this video, I am typing this message and even More STOKED Than Earlier !!!👍👍 WOW

  • @guycarrwuzright7189
    @guycarrwuzright7189 5 років тому

    Taj! My childhood B.M.X. hero! WE LOVE YA BRUV!!!!!

  • @seth227
    @seth227 5 років тому

    TAJ WAS AND STILL IS AND IDOL THE MANNN!! I was watchin back in the day.. I still have my T1..

  • @mmihelich1856
    @mmihelich1856 3 роки тому

    I ordered both of your books tonight Taj..so excited to see your art skills.. They remind me so much of your moms from the previews..especially the rabbit!

  • @lawofoneacim9467
    @lawofoneacim9467 6 років тому +2

    2:27
    That brings back memories. I remembered the whole thing.

  • @graham6162
    @graham6162 7 років тому

    Certain ppl in life inspire u in a way u can't explain and taj was my first inspiration and idol, I still love watchin his sections and I don't think t-1 isn't the same without taj. Thanks for the video

  • @TerribleWone
    @TerribleWone 7 років тому +1

    As someone who grew up watching Taj ride, thank you so very much for producing this video. I hope many more are to come!

  • @ryandouglas6620
    @ryandouglas6620 4 роки тому

    He gave my best friend a new T1 frame when we were at woodward in 2006. Awesome guy

  • @tonykickles7887
    @tonykickles7887 7 років тому

    I live in southwest Michigan and I never would have thought about leaving till I started riding I see where he is coming from...also have mad respect for this dude!

  • @AndyS52
    @AndyS52 7 років тому +11

    What a legend! great video hope to see more of these

  • @thepatriotlenny2182
    @thepatriotlenny2182 7 років тому +9

    make "LIFE AFTER PRO" an on going series plz

  • @MrRedx83
    @MrRedx83 4 роки тому

    Great piece. Brought back memories from my days on a bike. 20 plus years back. I was mostly a racer but lived for dirt jumping. Taj was a legend. I had a bad crash that left me with an acute subdural hematoma. Damn near killed me at 15 years old. So, I know that empty feeling of having to give it up. I still have my old bike though. Thanks for the video.

  • @bigsteve5372
    @bigsteve5372 7 років тому +3

    The One-Handed Tailwhip was always my Favorite

  • @iranmisaelguerreronunez808
    @iranmisaelguerreronunez808 7 років тому +1

    Casi lloro :,(. Grande Taj una inspiración para los que hicimos BMX a principios del 2000

    • @cdanielbecam2714
      @cdanielbecam2714 6 років тому

      Iran Misael Guerrero Nuñez estoy apunto de llorar siempre fue un idolo y motivación para mi tambien

  • @MrBrettrx7
    @MrBrettrx7 Рік тому

    wow, I started riding dirt jumps in the early 90's in Austin at the 9th street jumps and Taj was the king down there. First time I ever witnessed a tail whip was Taj at 9th street and it was frikin awesome! Great memories and great to see him doing well. Some of these video clips are from 9th street

  • @19digupherbones
    @19digupherbones 6 років тому +1

    i tailwhip the same way. Left foot forward for life Taj! Awesome

  • @valanidi
    @valanidi 7 років тому

    one of the most influential riders ever! glad i lived that era! best looking whips ever! cheers man

  • @davidkons994
    @davidkons994 5 років тому

    Going over that I beam in the Subaru room at Rays! Every time I look at that beam I smile .. amazing

  • @viejochase
    @viejochase 3 роки тому

    Taj's section on Mad Matt was amazing. First time I'd ever heard G Love. What a perfect combination. Hello Taj!

  • @seanedwards6193
    @seanedwards6193 7 років тому +3

    SO AWESOME TAJ IVE LOVE YOUR RIDING SINCE I WAS A KID AND IM 32 NOW MUCH LOVE MUCH RESPECT! AND THE DRAWINGS ARE SICK!

  • @devinradke9492
    @devinradke9492 4 роки тому

    Awesome. He would sometimes drop in to this random dirt track in Livingston County, Michigan when we were kids. Seems like he'd pretty much leave once we showed up but would occasionally do a tailwhip or something if we asked beforehand. Great memory.

  • @dwaynekoblitz6032
    @dwaynekoblitz6032 7 років тому +1

    A true legend. I still have and ride my original Hoffman TAJ from 94.

  • @jeffemory6615
    @jeffemory6615 3 роки тому

    Born and raised in Michigan any timr Taj would go into our local bike shop which was Albie's it was like we were being visited by a rockstar Taj and later on Joe Ridge pave the way four different style type of Rider and it influenced all of us in a positive way thank you glad to see things are going good

  • @nathaniel4756
    @nathaniel4756 4 роки тому

    My favorite rider when I was a kid..he's an absolute legend to our sport. So humble and chill.

  • @daverecon7694
    @daverecon7694 7 років тому

    One of the most humble bmx riders I ever met. True legend and inspiration. 🙏🙏🙏

  • @JanoyCresva
    @JanoyCresva 7 років тому

    IF there was a RUshmore of BMX you gotta have Taj up there. Legend and awesome role model for me as a kid.

  • @MikitaChristian777
    @MikitaChristian777 6 років тому

    Always loved Taj's Art tbh ... saw it on Etnies grounded .. Such a RAD dude

  • @butterlegs
    @butterlegs 7 років тому

    Most of Taj's career is well before my time, but I feel innately connected to him and his cohort through our outlook on riding. It's rad to see fairdale do as well as it has, and I hope to see more life after pros, especially if they're being done by Rye!

  • @vt2704
    @vt2704 7 років тому +1

    Still one of my bmx hero's coming and now at 33 yrs old.

  • @foxfit4904
    @foxfit4904 7 років тому

    Taj was the first pro I had on a poster on my wall. Downside whips on vert back when no one was doing that trick. So good.

  • @trevorgonzalez5124
    @trevorgonzalez5124 7 років тому +3

    So good, everything about this was spot on. Taj is an talent and such a humble guy.

  • @nestormozqueda6355
    @nestormozqueda6355 5 років тому

    Hands down my all time favorite rider!

  • @saucepham7644
    @saucepham7644 7 років тому +2

    that backwards un luc-e grind with the handplant bar thing was fiiiiirrrrrreeeeeeeeeee

  • @ericheenie
    @ericheenie 7 років тому +2

    I was at the NBL nationals in South park when he tail whipped those doubles...so many riders had trouble just clearing them without a trick,that was so epic! I

  • @Tony_3xl
    @Tony_3xl 4 роки тому

    I had your posters on my wall growing up and I even got a long sleeve fox t shirt and built trails in my back field and rode them and dug every day. Loved those times, even more fun than racing. I too have just had a double fusion in my lower back and will not bmx again. But looking forward to jumping on a mountain bike to chill ride and do some fitness stuff.

  • @dowroa
    @dowroa 6 років тому +1

    Thank you for all the memories and inspiration, Taj.

  • @andydreadsbmx
    @andydreadsbmx 7 років тому +2

    Super awesome to be able to hear the Taj story from Taj himself! Always was a boss and still is! He was one of my influences to get dreads myself when I was younger.

    • @Fausto_4841
      @Fausto_4841 2 роки тому

      two of my riding buddies were like that. one was a joe rich clone and the other was a taj clone. dreads, barcode frames, turn downs and wall rides.

  • @omarpantoja430
    @omarpantoja430 3 роки тому

    Met him in Texas Toast 2013. Such a humble guy!!! 🙌

  • @Jamie-ql6em
    @Jamie-ql6em 7 років тому +2

    Thank you Taj & Ride BMX ....Legends!

  • @the_Jaakkonen
    @the_Jaakkonen 7 років тому +1

    One of My favorite riders👍