BMX - TAJ MIHELICH - LIFE AFTER PRO

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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.

[@Aspire7]

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]

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

[@jakebmw]

Shelby Jensen I totally agree

[@richo2765]

Aspire7 stauffer aint got nothin to offer!

[@Aspire7]

richo2765 Classic

[@selophane43]

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

[@tallorderbmx]

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]

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

[@JasonVaughnMamba80]

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

[@13Clicks]

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

[@DeHart_outdoors]

one of the best to touch a bmx.

[@ridebmx]

Facts

[@SpencerForesman]

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

[@brianfield9252]

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

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

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

[@thebipolarbear1]

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

[@larrygray4792]

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

[@billfinch9159]

My favorite BMX RIDER of all time 💯

[@calebquanbeck]

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

[@millcovecaveman]

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

[@gowchecor7643]

All i can say is "Thanks Taj🙏🏽"

[@Groovegandalf]

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.

[@user-bu9sn8ms1n]

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.

[@YasuragiDojo]

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

[@xrobfrankx]

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.

[@twentytolife4401]

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

[@muffemod]

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.

[@nelsano3]

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

[@reallypeacedoff]

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

[@IndigoTraveller]

Legend Taj. Great film Chris.

[@mikehagen3785]

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.

[@whitetrashblackops4998]

My favorite rider since '94

[@TrailsOfDoom]

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.

[@___bluff___]

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.

[@CM-xr9oq]

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

[@cdanielbecam2714]

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🇲🇽

[@harryclay_z06]

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!

[@stephenhughes1305]

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

[@chadrides914]

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.

[@yo2stix]

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

[@Wingedoverphotos]

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!!!!!!!

[@railhopmike_fk]

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

[@SubSailor688]

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

[@Turbotan1]

this is one of the best KZbin 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

[@matt_metcalf]

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

[@Tpbmods]

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!

[@BMXNEWSCHANNEL]

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

[@flofelixjassochor2834]

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

[@stealthdf2]

I miss those old BMX days in the 90s

[@pablomarquez4431]

Love you Taj! Bmx God and legend!!!

[@hotshothogger]

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.

[@hugogastro]

Thanks Taj!!!

[@C_on_my_C]

I wish I could like this more than once

[@georgefrank5711]

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

[@chrisfyb]

One of the best to ever do it.

[@Automobiliana]

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

[@graham6162]

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 💯

[@nugenki]

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

[@guycarrwuzright7189]

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

[@Gorillasquad718]

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....

[@josephgargiuloiii5484]

Thank you Taj!!

[@roblund8613]

a legend in more ways than 1

[@shad4130]

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

[@lowery02]

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.

[@HELLAARTSYDUDE]

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

[@Condor4343]

infinity thumbs up emoji!

[@ridebmx]

:) :)

[@richo2765]

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

[@ryanhorizon]

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.

[@brettstenson]

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

[@abysss91]

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!

[@stefdd6287]

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.

[@daywalker4130]

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.

[@graham6162]

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

[@MrRedx83]

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.

[@valanidi]

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

[@tfs94gt]

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.

[@AndyS52]

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

[@rossc7006]

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.

[@dowroa]

Thank you for all the memories and inspiration, Taj.

[@tonykickles7887]

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!

[@ThisIsNot22]

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

[@TerribleWone]

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

[@daverecon7694]

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

[@ryandouglas6620]

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

[@Jamie-ql6em]

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

[@mmihelich1856]

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]

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

[@trevorgonzalez5124]

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

[@andydreadsbmx]

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]

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.

[@nathaniel4756]

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

[@nestormozqueda6355]

Hands down my all time favorite rider!

[@thebipolarbear1]

Taj is the man. This was awesome!!!

[@toddsmith4689]

One of the true Icons of BMX. Looked up to you for years !!

[@bigsteve5372]

The One-Handed Tailwhip was always my Favorite

[@zenofthemoment]

🤘thank you Taj, for all of it🤘

[@NWJonathan]

You ARE BMX to me Taj. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this sport & the culture. Live free. Ride hard. 🤘🏿

[@MikitaChristian777]

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

[@ryanvetter7141]

I remember in 04' I was checking out 9nth street trails wearing a t1 shirt and Taj comes up and compliment the shirt. Was star strucked as he was one of the dudes I admired when I was younger. Afterwards, he rode through one of the main sections so fluid only thing I could hear is the coaster of the bike. Thanks Taj for the memories.

[@viejochase]

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

[@smiley37greg]

Life is better on a bike, well said sir. You are definitely an inspiration to me.

[@DanHerz]

Thanks for sharing again Ryan/OurBMX. Really enjoyed this and it was quite moving tbh. I’ve had a lower back injury similar to Taj’s and also grew up watching him ride. He’s the man and I hope he always continues to do his thing and keeps drawing and inspiring others like myself.

[@MrBrettrx7]

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

[@jeffemory6615]

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

[@infantrywagon]

I was born on 85’, grew up a mile from Albes In warren Michigan, still live close. T-1 was a huge company, still is. T-1 barcode will forever remain my favorite frame. Might even buy a brand new one if I get that chance. I used to break everything, every frame. The barcode and the STA-500, only frames I’ve never snapped.

[@davidkons994]

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

[@butterlegs]

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!

[@omarpantoja430]

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

[@HarrisonSealey]

This is the best BMX video which has been made for quite a while. Very inspirational

[@alanhotchkiss1359]

Thanks for doing this, Taj was a huge inspiration to me growing up

[@seanedwards6193]

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!

[@spek1174]

I love this. Taj was my all time favorite rider. Growing up watching him influenced me so much. I even got dreads in high school cuz I thought he looked so bad ass. Lol. Always a great inspiration. Thanks Taj for being you. Great memories. Great friends to share them with. - Pete - Ontario

[@the_Jaakkonen]

One of My favorite riders👍