I met Mike one time at a gas station in my small town. He was fueling up just passing thru. He was so nice and down to earth. He brought me into his Motorhome, signed a poster and chatted it up with me. I'll never forget how cool he was.
I genuinely believe that. I asked him via dm if I can get a signature mailed , then he said to come by his shop in big bear if I’m ever out there. He’d be willing to meet and sign
I camped next to he and Deegan in Glamis. (Pre-Monster days when they were sponsored by Hansen Energy Drink) The wind that weekend was crazy which sidelined much of the riding. They both were incredibly nice guys. I recall having a long discussion with Metzger about our relationships with our dads. He proved himself to be a sincere and very "real" guy. Stoked that Monster has always been by his side.
@@edwardstroko4665 first back flip , two actually back to back, in a comp, the progression of the sport, the jump in Vegas.....and that's just like three things
I’ll always remember Carey doing the first flip at Gravity games. Metzger was a better FMX rider but Carey’s flip was more monumental in my opinion. I don’t like how Metz discredits Carey’s flip in documentaries when the entire industry praised Hart for evolving the sport. Metzger is a legend and The Godfather of FMX, there’s no reason to him to have to debate FMX history
My buddy told me he did a double backflip I said no he didn't the single backflip hasn't been done yet then I got to watch it and it was back 2 back backflips
I remember watching that live with my buddy. I also remember watching pastrana nail the double backflip in 2006. We all jumped up yelling and high fiving! It was so amazing
@@garthinflorida5124 Hart gets the credit, but he definitely wasn't the first to land a backflip in competition. Land means land on your wheels and ride away. Hart didn't do that.
I used to help Mike and his mechanic Dana all the time getting part when I worked at Temecula Motorsports. He had a sponsorship with them for a short time.He's a really nice and humble person. I'm glad I could always help you out on your ventures.
I got a tattoo done by Mike a few years ago, that dude is seriously one of the coolest, nicest, most genuine dudes I’ve ever met. His whole house is filled with his art projects, dudes not only a legend in free riding and fmx but has some badass paintings as well
I think I hear Ralph announcing @9:01 . What a treat I grew up with. Thanks Metz! My second comment lol, but just remember these days so well. I was at MMI in phoenix when my girlfriend flew into sky harbor and I had to pick her up. Who was at the terminal with their riding bags? Metz, Clifford and Jememy. I watched these vids over and over with my friend Eli McEnny so she knew everybody by this point. She called me when I was driving and said , 'you're not going to believe who's here. She managed to get me ( which is framed now, ) an 8x10 paper with the drawing of the flying eyeball all signed, Mikes message, " ride hard Chris." 2001. Love you guys. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Great video here ME. #freznosmooth....
It's about time someone tells his story. Mike was so influential in my riding. I remember going to Ocotillo Wells as a kid every weekend hoping to catch the guys riding. I caught them there a bunch of times over the years. Don't let their hard-core persona fool you. These guys were so down to earth. Mike, Deegan, and Twitch always had time to chat when I was a kid. The only guy who was standoffish was Ryan. I can't remember his last name but he was a big dude that was mostly in Terrafirm Films. Mike is definitely a Legend.
I met Mike one time at Pole Position Raceway in Vegas years ago. We were sitting at a table inside the building just talking about his accomplishments, 1/5 scale rc cars, and how the sport had evolved. He was a great dude and very down to earth. It was a cool experience that I will never forget.
Mike's riding was so spontaneous and with such great style and flow to his riding. Stuff that gets appreciated in sports that largely evolved outside of competition, like surfing and skateboarding, but tends get overlooked in FMX.
Man I remember watching him as a kid when I had just started riding my 125. A hero to me at 14 years old and immortalized in my head at 38. Thanks for an incredible childhood Mad Mike
Iconic. Growing up in Australia during the FMX take off in the late 90's early 2000's - Mike was so distinguishable in movies and magazines - style & usually a helmet with no sun visor! I didn't realise he clicked second upside down on the back to back flips. FMX legend.
4:38, Man Nate Adams first back-flip attempt is one of the most gnarly looking crashes of all time. Cant believe he walked away from that relatively fine
Mike is such a good dude. We hung out in his shop in big bear when he had it. He was just so chill. Didn’t rush us out of the shop. He talks to everyone. Got to follow him down a few DH runs. Always cool to meet legends who’s personalities much what they put out.
I haven't heard his name in many years. But seeing this and remembering when he did that X games run brought back some core memories. He's one hell of a rider and a true pioneer of FMX
He was the coolest in my eyes. A friggin samurai. I used to go to his web page back in the day and listen to his playlist of songs to motivate me for school. Kinda lame but even though ive never rode fmx, his individuality was most inspiring.
I remember in the late 90's and early 2000's seeing footage of him in a couple videos and even though i rode bmx, seeing the clips of him got me psyched to ride my local trails. His demeanor also left an impression, as I thought as a teen, "this guy rules"
My brother was the first to do a perfect 10 backdive into a full gainer in our swimming pool. It didn't matter that there was no water yet put into the pool. PERIOD. He lays today in his 27th year as a quadriplegic. Who cares! Thanks Billy, that was a beautiful dive. Our sister, Janet did it exactly like you did 3 days later when the pool was full of water, gorgeous. You would have loved the splash! But you were the first, kinda.
In a documentary about flipping ceasars palace Metzger said "you just gotta handle it" and ive tried to live my life by those words. When I face something difficult I say to myself "just handle it". Its helped me tremendously.
I was his neighbor back in the day and i would love standing against the fence watching him ride. On my MT rushmore without a doubt! Metz is truly a legend.
Mike thank you so much for all the great memories and I hope you’re doing great and I wish you the best always bud and just remember that you are a Legend and one of the greatest that helped pave the way of what it is now #MikeMetzger #MonsterEnergy
Eric is also such a legend aswell. but the godfather Metzger was badass, loved the Kawasaki monster deal with PC he had when he did that jump over Caesars Palace Fountains in Las Vegas
I met mike outside my work that made my day meeting my idol and getting a photo with him and a awesomenes conversation with him and keep in touch throughout the years
The man. The myth. The legend. Last truly extreme FMX rider that trained in the desert and took all the pain to progress the sport. Last man before age of rich kids and foam pits. Kudos.
THE MAN IS ONE OF THE BEST RIDERS OF ALL TIME , THE TRICKS WERE ONE THING , BUT TO SEE THAT DUDE TWIST IT ON A 125 WAS MIND BLOWING , THE DUDE WAS PINNED THE WHOLE TIME !
I met Mike one time at a gas station in my small town. He was fueling up just passing thru. He was so nice and down to earth. He brought me into his Motorhome, signed a poster and chatted it up with me. I'll never forget how cool he was.
That's what I've always herd in regards to mike.. deegan.. not so much
Unreal
I genuinely believe that. I asked him via dm if I can get a signature mailed , then he said to come by his shop in big bear if I’m ever out there. He’d be willing to meet and sign
That's so cool to hear, man. Definitely a down-to-earth and talented dude 🙌
I camped next to he and Deegan in Glamis. (Pre-Monster days when they were sponsored by Hansen Energy Drink) The wind that weekend was crazy which sidelined much of the riding. They both were incredibly nice guys. I recall having a long discussion with Metzger about our relationships with our dads. He proved himself to be a sincere and very "real" guy. Stoked that Monster has always been by his side.
This man does not get enough credit. The true OG
I agree!!!!!!!😎💪🇺🇸🙏
@@edwardstroko4665 first back flip , two actually back to back, in a comp, the progression of the sport, the jump in Vegas.....and that's just like three things
@@garthinflorida5124 it was Carey Hart that revolutionized the sport. Metzger did it a few years after Carey
@iceKOId I remember Carey attempting one at xgames...it's up on youtube
I’ll always remember Carey doing the first flip at Gravity games. Metzger was a better FMX rider but Carey’s flip was more monumental in my opinion. I don’t like how Metz discredits Carey’s flip in documentaries when the entire industry praised Hart for evolving the sport. Metzger is a legend and The Godfather of FMX, there’s no reason to him to have to debate FMX history
Such a legend!! He deserved this video! Metz, you are the man!!
this documentary needs to be 3hrs long and with interviews from fellow riders.
This was my childhood, thank you Mike for the memories.
He deserves every accolade. He is definitely one of a handful of guys who pioneered freestyle mx we know today
F ing Legend
Mike n Travis always kept me on my toes..
seeing the famous back to back backflip still gives me goosebumps to this day!
Absolutely! Everyone thinks it was Hart or Travis that pulled the first one in a comp. I contend it was Metz and he pulled two back to back!
Now they do that in practice warming up 😅 bar is so high now
My buddy told me he did a double backflip I said no he didn't the single backflip hasn't been done yet then I got to watch it and it was back 2 back backflips
I remember watching that live with my buddy. I also remember watching pastrana nail the double backflip in 2006. We all jumped up yelling and high fiving! It was so amazing
@@garthinflorida5124 Hart gets the credit, but he definitely wasn't the first to land a backflip in competition. Land means land on your wheels and ride away. Hart didn't do that.
Metzger is a total OG and legend in fmx, i remember watching him do those first flips at x-games as if it was yesterday. What a dude, gg Monster!!
I used to help Mike and his mechanic Dana all the time getting part when I worked at Temecula Motorsports. He had a sponsorship with them for a short time.He's a really nice and humble person. I'm glad I could always help you out on your ventures.
Glad to see this piece was made about Mike. Well deserved. Mike is the definition of an artist, and a great human.
You earned every single bit of that Godfather name 👌👌👌🤘🤘
I got a tattoo done by Mike a few years ago, that dude is seriously one of the coolest, nicest, most genuine dudes I’ve ever met. His whole house is filled with his art projects, dudes not only a legend in free riding and fmx but has some badass paintings as well
Absolute Legend. Always my favorite along with Cinq.
Metal Mulisha forever!!!!
RIP Cinq
I think I hear Ralph announcing @9:01 . What a treat I grew up with. Thanks Metz! My second comment lol, but just remember these days so well. I was at MMI in phoenix when my girlfriend flew into sky harbor and I had to pick her up. Who was at the terminal with their riding bags? Metz, Clifford and Jememy. I watched these vids over and over with my friend Eli McEnny so she knew everybody by this point. She called me when I was driving and said , 'you're not going to believe who's here. She managed to get me ( which is framed now, ) an 8x10 paper with the drawing of the flying eyeball all signed, Mikes message, " ride hard Chris." 2001. Love you guys. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Great video here ME. #freznosmooth....
Mike was one of my favourites back in the day
Incredible storytelling, filmmaking and editing. Thanks for producing this one.
A legendary piece, for a legendary figure. Glad you liked it 🤘
Thanks for this. Found it 20min after posting. Loved watch Mike on Crusty Damon's while growing up.
Thanks for the memories Mike, will always be the GODFATHER of fmx
Being born in 1989, the timing of X-Games and the Back Flip and the 900° were all so perfectly timed for my childhood.
MIKE WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED TO BE GROWING UP. NOW THAT IM HERE I SEE IT WOULDNT HAVE BEEN A BAD CHOICE. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
It's about time someone tells his story. Mike was so influential in my riding. I remember going to Ocotillo Wells as a kid every weekend hoping to catch the guys riding. I caught them there a bunch of times over the years. Don't let their hard-core persona fool you. These guys were so down to earth. Mike, Deegan, and Twitch always had time to chat when I was a kid. The only guy who was standoffish was Ryan. I can't remember his last name but he was a big dude that was mostly in Terrafirm Films. Mike is definitely a Legend.
Thanks for the memories Much love man.
I met Mike one time at Pole Position Raceway in Vegas years ago. We were sitting at a table inside the building just talking about his accomplishments, 1/5 scale rc cars, and how the sport had evolved. He was a great dude and very down to earth. It was a cool experience that I will never forget.
Good on Monster to honor Mike Metzger. The Godfather will live forever!
I’ve been stoked for this to hit the screen a long time! Big Highfive to The Godfather and Monsterenergy for making this piece of Gold 🤜🏻🤛🏻💚🖤💯
So good to see this video 🤙 was thinking recently that he isn't spoken about much these days. Metz is a legend.
Will never forget those back to back backflips!
Mike's riding was so spontaneous and with such great style and flow to his riding. Stuff that gets appreciated in sports that largely evolved outside of competition, like surfing and skateboarding, but tends get overlooked in FMX.
Mike Metzger and FMX always come to mind
When I was in sixth grade I wrote Mike for a school project and he wrote back and sent warped stickers what a great guy
This is so sick.. As a kid Metz was always my favourite, and I wanted to be like him so much. This video was awesome!!
The Godfather no doubt, Great job Monster.
So underrated. This dude was and still is one of my hero's. Much love legend
Definitely not underrated. He is a legend
@@skydaddy2426Seriously, not underrated by any measure
lmao underrated Definitely not underrated
Childhood hero. Great vid
Crusty Demons of Dirt Legend! Still have the VHS tapes. Badass!!
Just a complete badass!!!!!! I think that pretty much says it all!!!!
Great work monster, Metz is a LEGEND!
What a Legend. Amazing video. Even better that he is a nice guy. Definitely the Godfather of FMX no one would say otherwise.
All time favorite fmx rider, it’s not just accomplishments but his unique style and personality.
Man I remember watching him as a kid when I had just started riding my 125.
A hero to me at 14 years old and immortalized in my head at 38.
Thanks for an incredible childhood Mad Mike
Man I love this video, no cap one of my favorites on yt
OG, for sure. So much style. He laid the foundation of everything that followed. Such a great rider. Absolute legend. NCY.
Loved this, Metz rules. Once raced with him at an ENDUROCROSS event in Idaho. He was super cool there, took a photo with him and chatted for a minute.
Iconic. Growing up in Australia during the FMX take off in the late 90's early 2000's - Mike was so distinguishable in movies and magazines - style & usually a helmet with no sun visor! I didn't realise he clicked second upside down on the back to back flips. FMX legend.
4:38, Man Nate Adams first back-flip attempt is one of the most gnarly looking crashes of all time. Cant believe he walked away from that relatively fine
Mike is such a good dude. We hung out in his shop in big bear when he had it. He was just so chill. Didn’t rush us out of the shop. He talks to everyone. Got to follow him down a few DH runs. Always cool to meet legends who’s personalities much what they put out.
That’s what got me into riding. Ended up riding hare scrambles but man! What an era 🔥👋
Fresno smooth "I'm mike metzger, I invented the heel clicker"
Man Mikes a beauty.
Not only of the greatest riders of our time but one of the coolest dudes in the world. 🤙🏻😏 Straight legend my man.
I haven't heard his name in many years. But seeing this and remembering when he did that X games run brought back some core memories. He's one hell of a rider and a true pioneer of FMX
Definitely most iconic, absolutely great
Man what a Legend and a amazing person and thank you so much for sharing this video he is a True Legend #MonsterEnergy #MikeMetzger
Mike rules! Oh man what an era..
Deserves a hall of fame!
He was the coolest in my eyes. A friggin samurai. I used to go to his web page back in the day and listen to his playlist of songs to motivate me for school. Kinda lame but even though ive never rode fmx, his individuality was most inspiring.
He had our respect for being the GodFather. But the fact Mike progressed as the best with BackFlips could NEVER be understated!!! 🤘😎💪
So many good stories about this guy!
#Legend
Metz is the man! I’ll never forget him and the OGs from when I was a kid.
Mike was the man I was always seeing all the videos he was in . Seems like a super cool guy too . He is inspirational to me
this video could have been 2 hours I would have sat through the whole thing. So much history with Mike Metzger, what a legend.
mike metzger is a bad ass and this video of him is sick
Hell yes!! Love this
My son And I were in Philly. It was amazing. My son was 6, we’ve seen a lot of sporting events and the back to back ranks at the top for sure.
Got to meet Metz in Philadelphia Xgame wen he back flipped back to back . He was so nice to us . Him and my friend were talking about Tattoos
I remember in the late 90's and early 2000's seeing footage of him in a couple videos and even though i rode bmx, seeing the clips of him got me psyched to ride my local trails. His demeanor also left an impression, as I thought as a teen, "this guy rules"
I remember watching this on tv live. Love his personality.
So many memories as a child loved that era so much going to start posting more Moto stuff on my channel
Those yellow tires are nostalgic as hell! I remember wanting some on my RM85 🤟
He's so high in the air .. hey it is me classic crusty 4 line. ..always a fan of the no visor look
*Carey Hart was the first backflip on a dirt bike* it doesn’t matter he didn’t ride it away, he was the first to flip a motorcycle. PERIOD
My brother was the first to do a perfect 10 backdive into a full gainer in our swimming pool. It didn't matter that there was no water yet put into the pool. PERIOD.
He lays today in his 27th year as a quadriplegic. Who cares!
Thanks Billy, that was a beautiful dive. Our sister, Janet did it exactly like you did 3 days later when the pool was full of water, gorgeous. You would have loved the splash!
But you were the first, kinda.
In a documentary about flipping ceasars palace Metzger said "you just gotta handle it" and ive tried to live my life by those words. When I face something difficult I say to myself "just handle it". Its helped me tremendously.
I was his neighbor back in the day and i would love standing against the fence watching him ride. On my MT rushmore without a doubt! Metz is truly a legend.
Mike thank you so much for all the great memories and I hope you’re doing great and I wish you the best always bud and just remember that you are a Legend and one of the greatest that helped pave the way of what it is now #MikeMetzger #MonsterEnergy
Brrrraaah! Mahalo Braddah Mike🤙🏾 great time man!🤙🏾
Mike deserves all the credit He is the.
Original Godfather.
He's an O. G
I remember being a kid watching him fly off of jumps. Was really impressive to watch. All of us young kids wanted to be like him.
Glad I got to meet him once. Legend!
Mike is one of the most real people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with in the motorcycle industry.
METZGER IS THE MAN!!! 🔥🔥
Eric is also such a legend aswell. but the godfather Metzger was badass, loved the Kawasaki monster deal with PC he had when he did that jump over Caesars Palace Fountains in Las Vegas
Dude was always good to his fans 👌
" MAKE IT HAPPEN DON'T GIVE UP - MIKE METZGER | A True pioneer and legend of FMX!
Metz paved the way for all FMX. They all owe it to him.
When I watched the footage of the two back flips with the gear change in between. Massive.
A true King 👑 of the sport!
Historic rider😍 thank's
Legit legend! Shout out to the entire Metal Mulisha crew. 🤙🏻🤙🏻
Was so cool to meet him by accident at his mtb shop. Didn't know it was his. Had a good convo such a rad dude
I met mike outside my work that made my day meeting my idol and getting a photo with him and a awesomenes conversation with him and keep in touch throughout the years
Metzger is the mannnn! Definitely, he made the fmx a sport!!!
Met him at Swan MX n Tyler Tx. 15 yrs ago..down to earth dude💪🏼🇺🇸!
Metz is my hero, love FreekStyle for the ps2 as a kid, i was fortunate enough to met him, i still got my copy sign
Braaaahhh broooaaaahhh !! MIKE METZGER IN DA HOUSE!
Great to see Mike.
The man. The myth. The legend.
Last truly extreme FMX rider that trained in the desert and took all the pain to progress the sport. Last man before age of rich kids and foam pits. Kudos.
Awesome video.. much love.. :)
THE MAN IS ONE OF THE BEST RIDERS OF ALL TIME , THE TRICKS WERE ONE THING , BUT TO SEE THAT DUDE TWIST IT ON A 125 WAS MIND BLOWING , THE DUDE WAS PINNED THE WHOLE TIME !
These guys made the 90s the best decade of my life. Thanks Mike.
Loved mikes part in crusty’s, good to see he’s doing good. 🤘🤘🤘
Couldn’t wait to get home from school and pop in crustys on VHS Mike is a legend!